Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, transmission fluid, shift solenoids, electronic control unit (TCU) diagnostics.
Drivetrain AWD:
Center differential, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, viscous coupling unit (VCU), AWD system operation and diagnostics.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs/rotors, ABS system (sensors, modulator, control module), parking brake.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (multi-link, struts, trailing arms), wheel bearings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), steering column, linkage, alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, trim, rust prevention and repair.
Body Interior:
Dashboard removal, seating, upholstery, door panels, headliner, HVAC system components (dash removal, blower motor, evaporator), trim panels.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant, charging procedures), heating system, climate control unit, blower motor, ducting.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS components, deployment, sensors, control module), seatbelt mechanisms, ABS diagnostics.
High-resolution printable pages for clear visualization of diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Product)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Product)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
EJ25D (2.5L SOHC)
Engine Code 2:
EJ251 (2.5L SOHC - Facelift 2000+)
Engine Code 3:
EJ22E (2.2L SOHC - Early Models/Base Trims)
Engine Code 4:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC - Later Facelift Models)
Engine Displacement 1:
2457 cc
Engine Displacement 2:
2212 cc
Performance
Horsepower Ej25D:
165 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque Ej25D:
175 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Horsepower Ej251:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (slight variations)
Torque Ej251:
170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (slight variations)
Horsepower Ej22E:
135 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque Ej22E:
140 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
60 Liters (15.9 US Gallons)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Primary:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-Up Torque Converter
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Features
AWD Coupling Auto:
Viscous Coupling AWD system (standard on automatics)
AWD Coupling Manual:
Viscous Coupling AWD system with driver-controlled center differential (standard on manuals)
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (check specific year/model)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90) or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4,755 mm (187.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,765 mm (69.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,570 mm (61.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,630 mm (103.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190 mm (7.5 in)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
5 Passengers
Cargo
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 0.9 m³ (32 cu ft)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,450 - 1,550 kg (3,200 - 3,420 lbs) depending on trim and transmission.
Towing Capacity:
Typically around 1,000 lbs (450 kg) for unbraked, 2,000 lbs (900 kg) for braked (check local regulations and specific model).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
Likely rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for the era (specific ratings may vary by test year and region).
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
Likely rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for the era (specific ratings may vary by test year and region).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (SRS), potentially side airbags on later/higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system potentially introduced on later models.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player with optional premium sound system. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
N/A (Not standard; aftermarket solutions exist).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specifics).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 105,000 miles (96,000 - 168,000 km) or 5-7 years for EJ engines. Critical replacement item.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles (38,000 - 48,000 km) or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher, synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III equivalent.
Known Issues
Head Gasket Failure:
Common issue on EJ25D engines (internal coolant leaks, oil contamination). EJ251 engines are generally more robust but can still be affected.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal leaks can occur with age.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some units may experience delayed shifts or solenoid issues, particularly with neglected fluid maintenance.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links are common due to age and driving conditions.
Exhaust System Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion on the exhaust system, particularly in areas with road salt.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, the automotive division of Subaru Corporation, has a history rooted in aviation engineering, emphasizing four-wheel drive technology and boxer engines.
Model Evolution
Legacy Outback Origin:
The Outback was introduced in 1995 as an 'all-road' wagon variant of the Subaru Legacy, with increased ground clearance and rugged styling cues.
Second Gen Debut:
The BD/BG/BK generation debuted for the 1995 model year, with the Outback variant quickly gaining popularity.
Facelift Timing:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2000 model year, introducing revised styling, updated interior, and improved engines (e.g., EJ251).
Production
Production Period:
1995-2004 for this generation (with the manual covering the latter half of its production run).
Production Locations
Manufacturing Sites:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Prefecture) and also in Taiwan and other locations for specific markets.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Outback Reviews:
Car and Driver often praised the Outback for its all-weather capability and practicality during its production years.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings varied for this generation, with some praise for AWD and reliability of certain components, but notable concerns about head gaskets on specific engines.