Segment:
Mid-size crossover/wagon, known for its All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and outdoors-oriented capabilities.
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra.
Signature Feature:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
Body Style:
Elevated station wagon/crossover, offering higher ground clearance than a standard Legacy.
General Coverage:
Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive)
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic and manual), clutch, driveline (AWD system), differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, body control module (BCM) diagnostics, climate control system diagnostics.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system operation, climate control.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine component overhauls (e.g., head gasket replacement, piston rings), transmission rebuilds, brake component replacement (rotors, pads, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering rack replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides and wiring diagram interpretation.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional technicians.
Engine Code And Type:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated Boxer-4), EJ251 (2.5L DOHC naturally aspirated Boxer-4), EJ25D (2.5L DOHC naturally aspirated Boxer-4 with Phase II upgrade).
Engine Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 165-175 hp (depending on specific engine variant and year).
Torque Range:
Approximately 162-166 lb-ft (depending on specific engine variant and year).
Induction Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.7 US quarts (7.3 Liters).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ELC - Extended Life Coolant) - typically blue.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or SH certified.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT), 5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT).
Transmission Type:
N/A (these were the primary offerings).
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (front-engine, full-time AWD with viscous coupling center differential on manual, and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential on automatic).
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Atf Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (or Dexron III compatible).
Atf Capacity:
Approximately 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) for torque converter drain and fill.
Fluid Specifications Manual
Mtf Type:
Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90.
Mtf Capacity:
Approximately 2.0 US quarts (1.9 Liters).
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 8.0 inches (203 mm) - a key differentiator for the Outback.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 104.3 inches (2649 mm).
Overall Length:
Approximately 187.4 inches (4760 mm).
Overall Width:
Approximately 69.1 inches (1755 mm).
Overall Height:
Approximately 61.4 inches (1560 mm).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4500-4600 lbs.
Cargo Volume:
Approximately 34.3 cubic feet (behind rear seats), expandable to 73.7 cubic feet (with rear seats folded).
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for earlier models, later models often improved).
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags available on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions), depending on oil type and driving habits. Refer to manual for exact details.
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (if equipped).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium plugs recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months. Crucial for EJ series engines to prevent catastrophic damage if it breaks.
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent Dexron III ATF).
Head Gaskets:
Leaking head gaskets (especially on DOHC models) are a known, though not universal, issue. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Leaks:
Can develop leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets due to age and heat cycles.
Front Suspension Wear:
Brake component wear, ball joint and tie rod end wear can occur with mileage.
Subaru Philosophy:
Known for its engineering focus on AWD, boxer engines, and safety.
Outback Origin:
Evolved from the Subaru Legacy station wagon, introduced as a distinct model with raised suspension and ruggedized styling.
Second Generation:
This generation (BD/BG/BK) saw the Outback gain significant popularity and establish its identity as a capable, all-weather crossover alternative.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan.
Production Years For This Gen:
1994-1999 (for the BD/BG platform overall), with the 1998-2004 designation referring to the specific models covered by this manual, likely encompassing the second generation's facelift and variations.
Car And Driver SUV Of The Year:
The Outback was frequently recognized by automotive publications like Car and Driver for its class-leading AWD system and utility.
Four Wheel Drive Vehicle Of The Year:
Often cited as a strong contender or winner in AWD/4WD vehicle comparisons.
