Empowers owners to perform detailed maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and enhancing vehicle longevity. Crucial for diagnosing and fixing performance-related issues.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Repair and Service
Regional Applicability:
North America (implicitly, common for service manuals of this era)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components, including short block, long block, cylinder heads, camshafts, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valves, timing belt/chain, oil pump, oil pan, etc.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP), engine control module (ECM) diagnosis, sensor testing, actuator operation.
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of manual transmissions, clutch system, flywheel, shift linkages, and related components.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis and repair of automatic transmissions, torque converter, valve body, transmission control module (TCM), fluid cooler, and shift solenoids.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, propeller shaft (AWD models), wheel bearings, and hubs.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, stabilizer bars, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, and brake fluid specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, and wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, and component testing.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), refrigerant handling, and climate control modules.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim components, and interior materials.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms, and related safety components.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, and tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and guidance.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, differential repair, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, and electrical system repairs.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing individual parts like alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, sensors, injectors, radiators, and more.
Diagnostics:
Detailed guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting scan tool data, and performing electrical circuit tests.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including waveform analysis for critical sensors and actuators.
Vehicle Dynamics Control (Traction and Stability Control) available on select higher trims and WRX/STI models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard; often requires aftermarket modification.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory; requires aftermarket installation.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving conditions) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving conditions - check manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Oil Type Na:
5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Type Turbo:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SJ or higher - synthetic recommended for performance)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (typically silicate-free, ethylene glycol based).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
75W-90 (API GL-5) Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru Genuine ATF HP or Dexron III / Mercon (check manual for exact spec)
Differential Fluid:
75W-90 (API GL-5) Gear Oil (front and rear)
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for EJ251/EJ253 Naturally Aspirated engines)
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than earlier EJ engines, some later EJ251/EJ253 models could experience coolant leaks due to head gasket failure. Turbo models generally more robust but require proper maintenance.
Clutch Wear:
Can be a wear item, especially with spirited driving or heavy use of AWD in low-traction environments.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings in control arms and sway bars can degrade over time, leading to clunks or poor handling.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail with age/mileage, affecting engine performance and emissions.
Turbocharger Failures:
On WRX/STI models, proper warm-up/cool-down procedures and regular oil changes are crucial to prevent turbo bearing failure. Wastegate actuator issues can also occur.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF (check manual)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Legacy:
Subaru's motorsport heritage, particularly in WRC (World Rally Championship) with the Impreza WRX STI, significantly boosted the model's profile.
Model Evolution
Second Generation:
Introduced for the 2002 model year, replacing the first generation (GC/GF). Characterized by a more rounded, 'bug-eye' style front end for 2002-2003, evolving to a revised 'grille-eye' or 'hawk-eye' front end for 2004-2005, and a further facelift for 2006-2007.
Wrx Sti Development:
The WRX and WRX STI models were key performance variants, featuring turbocharged engines, intercoolers, revised suspension, and advanced AWD systems, often with driver-adjustable differentials.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Gunma Plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Wrc Heritage:
Multiple World Rally Championship titles (Manufacturers' and Drivers') solidify the Impreza's performance credentials and desirability.
Car And Driver 10Best:
WRX models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists, recognizing their performance value.
Ratings
Reliability Ratings:
Generally considered reliable, especially the naturally aspirated models. Turbo models require diligent maintenance for optimal reliability.