🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2008

Chassis Codes:

BL5 (sedan), BP5 (wagon)

Engine Codes Covered:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo), EZ30D (3.0L DOHC)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact crossover SUV / Wagon, known for its All-Wheel Drive system and wagon practicality.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, wagon versatility, and horizontally opposed engines offered a unique blend of capability and practicality.

Key Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue), Mazda CX-5.

Vehicle Key Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on all models, boxer engine design, spacious interior, improved safety features over previous generations, available turbocharged engine.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive service and repair information for all systems of the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback, including engine, transmission, chassis, body, and electrical systems.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2500-3000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control system, engine diagnostics, timing belt/chain service.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (5-speed, 6-speed for turbo), Automatic transmission (4-speed, 5-speed), clutch system, drive shafts, differentials, AWD system maintenance and repair.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering), braking system (ABS, EBD, brake fluid), wheel alignment, chassis lubrication.

Body Systems:

Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, locks, body panel repair, corrosion protection, climate control system.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument panel, audio system, HVAC controls, power accessories, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), CAN communication.

Body Control Modules:

Coverage of body control modules (BCM) and associated functions, such as power windows, locks, mirrors, interior lighting, and keyless entry systems.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, brake pad/rotor replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostics, wiring harness testing, component testing.

Wiring System Procedures:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, including lighting, engine management, chassis electronics, audio, and safety systems. Troubleshooting procedures for electrical faults, diagnostic connector locations, and fuse box layouts.

Bodywork Procedures:

Repair procedures for body panels, collision damage, frame straightening, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, and glass replacement.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using Subaru-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., Consult-II/III equivalents) and standard OBD-II scanners for engine, transmission, and ABS/SRS systems.

Technical Depth:

In-depth coverage suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers, including disassembly, reassembly, specifications, and torque values for all major components.

Engine Rebuild Depth:

Includes complete engine disassembly, inspection, measurement specifications, machining recommendations, and reassembly procedures for all engine variants.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for overhauling both manual and automatic transmissions, including torque specifications for internal components and clutch pack/band procedures for automatics.

Suspension And Steering Calibration:

Precise alignment specifications, suspension component replacement procedures, and steering gear adjustment and repair.

Emission Control Systems Diagnostics:

Detailed troubleshooting for EVAP systems, O2 sensors, catalytic converters, and secondary air injection systems, including relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Air Conditioning System Repair:

Comprehensive procedures for AC system service, including refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), leak detection, and charging.

Safety Restraint System Diagnostics:

Information on airbag system components, SRS module diagnostics, seatbelt pretensioner replacement, and troubleshooting electrical issues within the SRS system.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

High-resolution PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Text is searchable for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality Consideration:

Designed for clear reproduction of diagrams, schematics, and text when printed.

Binding Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.5L Sohc (Ej253):

Displacement: 2457cc; Bore x Stroke: 99.5mm x 79.0mm; Compression Ratio: 9.7:1; Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5800 rpm; Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm.

2.5L DOHc Turbo (Ej255):

Displacement: 2457cc; Bore x Stroke: 99.5mm x 79.0mm; Compression Ratio: 8.4:1; Horsepower: 243 hp @ 5200 rpm (GT model); Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (GT model).

3.0L DOHc (Ez30D):

Displacement: 2999cc; Bore x Stroke: 89.0mm x 80.0mm; Compression Ratio: 10.7:1; Horsepower: 245 hp @ 6600 rpm; Torque: 219 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm.

Engine Control System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) on some variants.

Firing Order:

1-3-2-4 (for 2.5L EJ series), 1-6-3-2-5-4 (for 3.0L EZ series)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline. Premium unleaded recommended for turbocharged and 3.0L engines for optimal performance.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

16.9 gallons (64 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (on some 2.5L models). Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard.

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (on 2.5L models), 5-speed automatic transmission (on 3.0L and 2.5GT models). Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard.

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled transfer clutch (automatic).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2575 mm)

Length:

189.4 inches (4810 mm) for wagon

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

61.4 inches (1560 mm) for wagon

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 8.4 inches (213 mm)

Cargo Volume:

Approximately 32.1 cubic feet behind rear seats (wagon)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3200 - 3600 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 100.3 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Generally performed well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving 4 or 5 stars in frontal and side impact categories for its era.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), standard Traction Control System (TCS), standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

TPMS was available on some trims, with sensors in the wheels to monitor tire pressure.

Passive Safety Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, LATCH child seat anchors, front seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available touchscreen navigation system, single-disc CD player with MP3 capability, auxiliary audio input jack, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Key features included standard AWD, ABS, traction control, and stability control. Cruise control standard on most trims.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input for external music devices. Bluetooth hands-free calling was not widely standard on this model year, often requiring an aftermarket solution or higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,750 miles for severe conditions or 7,500 miles for normal conditions (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for EJ253 and EJ255 engines. Recommended every 105,000 miles or 105 months, whichever comes first. EZ30D uses a timing chain.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Automatic: Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions (refer to manual). Manual: Typically every 60,000 miles.

Differential Fluid Interval:

Front and rear differentials: Recommended at 30,000-60,000 miles, especially for AWD components.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SN/SM/SL synthetic or semi-synthetic oil (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API rating based on temperature).

Coolant Spec:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life OAT coolant. Capacity approx. 7.7 quarts for 2.5L, 8.7 quarts for 3.0L.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Manual: Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90. Automatic: Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Common Issues:

Head gasket failures (especially on earlier EJ series engines, though less prevalent on 2008+ models compared to older generations), rear wheel bearing noise, potential for AC compressor failure, catalytic converter issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engines and All-Wheel Drive systems, known for reliability and capability.

Legacy Outback Evolution:

The Outback originated as a trim level of the Subaru Legacy station wagon, gaining popularity for its increased ground clearance and rugged styling, eventually becoming a distinct model. The 2008 model is part of the third generation (BP/BL) which introduced revised styling and improved performance.

Production Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan