🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: XT Model Variant: XT6 Year: 1988 Codes Chassis Code: A8 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact/Mid-size Sports Coupe / Personal Luxury Coupe Target Audience: Enthusiasts seeking a unique, technologically advanced, and capable AWD vehicle for its era. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Considered against vehicles like the Toyota Celica, Nissan 300ZX, Mitsubishi Starion, Honda Prelude. Key Features Design Philosophy: Aerodynamic 'space-age' styling, driver-focused cockpit, advanced all-wheel-drive system. Unique Selling Points: Retractable headlights, digital dashboard (on some models), optional advanced AWD system (XT6). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language: English Format: Likely Print, Digital (PDF) often available from specialized sellers Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1000 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Full disassembly, assembly, and overhaul procedures for the EA82 (XT) and ER27 (XT6) engines, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belts, lubrication system, cooling system. Engine Management: Fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition systems, emissions control systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor locations and specifications, ECU function. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, repair, and adjustment procedures. Includes transfer case and AWD system specifics. Drivetrain: Front and rear differential repair, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings. Suspension: Front and rear suspension component replacement and adjustment (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications. Brakes: Front and rear brake system repair (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, lines, parking brake), ABS system diagnosis and repair (if equipped). Steering: Power steering system repair (pump, rack, hoses), steering column and wheel service. Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse box information, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems, horn, wipers, power accessories. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system component diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling. Body And Chassis: Exterior panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis lubrication points, structural information. Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble code interpretation. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all vehicle components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake system repairs, electrical component replacement. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnosis and resolution of common and uncommon vehicle problems. Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic values, alignment settings. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component identification and pinouts. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, as well as advanced electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: If digital, typically PDF, often searchable text. Print Quality Print Quality: Original factory manuals are typically high-quality prints with clear diagrams and text. Digital versions aim to replicate this clarity. Binding Type Print Binding: Originals are often bound for durability (e.g., spiral-bound, hardback). Paper Type Print Paper: Typically on sturdy, glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand shop use and clearly display diagrams. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Xt Engine: 1.8L SOHC 4-cylinder (EA82) Xt Engine Code: EA82 Xt6 Engine: 2.7L SOHC 6-cylinder Boxer (ER27) Xt6 Engine Code: ER27 Performance Xt Horsepower: Approx. 100-115 hp (depending on variant and fuel injection) Xt Torque: Approx. 110-125 lb-ft Xt6 Horsepower: Approx. 155 hp Xt6 Torque: Approx. 160-165 lb-ft Fuel System Xt Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Carbureted (less common for 1988 in major markets) Xt6 Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: Unleaded Regular Octane (87 AKI recommended, consult manual for specifics) 🔧 Transmission Standard Xt Transmission Std: 5-speed Manual Optional Xt Transmission Opt: 4-speed Automatic (with lock-up torque converter) Xt6 Transmission Std: 4-speed Automatic (with lock-up torque converter) Xt6 Transmission Opt: 5-speed Manual Features Drivetrain Type: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most models. Selectable 2WD/AWD on some early manual transmissions. XT6 typically features permanent AWD. AWD System Details: Viscous coupling center differential (on many models), selectable low-range gear (on some manual transmissions). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 174.8 inches (4440 mm) Width: Approx. 66.5 inches (1690 mm) Height: Approx. 50.6 inches (1285 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 97.2 inches (2470 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2,500 - 2,800 lbs (1134 - 1270 kg) depending on engine and transmission 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not readily available or rated under modern NHTSA standards for this era. Active Features AWD Stability: All-wheel drive system enhances stability and traction in various conditions. Passive Features Seat Belts: 3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear lap belts. Structural Reinforcement: Designed with safety cage construction principles of the era. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Dashboard Design: Advanced for its time, featuring an optional digital dashboard with gauges and readouts. Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with multiple speakers. Upgrades may have been available. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional...
Retractable headlights, digital dashboard (on some models), optional advanced AWD system (XT6).
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Likely Print, Digital (PDF) often available from specialized sellers
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, assembly, and overhaul procedures for the EA82 (XT) and ER27 (XT6) engines, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belts, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition systems, emissions control systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor locations and specifications, ECU function.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, repair, and adjustment procedures. Includes transfer case and AWD system specifics.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differential repair, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component replacement and adjustment (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system repair (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, lines, parking brake), ABS system diagnosis and repair (if equipped).
Steering:
Power steering system repair (pump, rack, hoses), steering column and wheel service.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse box information, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems, horn, wipers, power accessories.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system component diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling.
Step-by-step repair instructions for all vehicle components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake system repairs, electrical component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis and resolution of common and uncommon vehicle problems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic values, alignment settings.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component identification and pinouts.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, as well as advanced electrical diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
If digital, typically PDF, often searchable text.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Original factory manuals are typically high-quality prints with clear diagrams and text. Digital versions aim to replicate this clarity.
Binding Type
Print Binding:
Originals are often bound for durability (e.g., spiral-bound, hardback).
Paper Type
Print Paper:
Typically on sturdy, glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand shop use and clearly display diagrams.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Xt Engine:
1.8L SOHC 4-cylinder (EA82)
Xt Engine Code:
EA82
Xt6 Engine:
2.7L SOHC 6-cylinder Boxer (ER27)
Xt6 Engine Code:
ER27
Performance
Xt Horsepower:
Approx. 100-115 hp (depending on variant and fuel injection)
Xt Torque:
Approx. 110-125 lb-ft
Xt6 Horsepower:
Approx. 155 hp
Xt6 Torque:
Approx. 160-165 lb-ft
Fuel System
Xt Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Carbureted (less common for 1988 in major markets)
Xt6 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Regular Octane (87 AKI recommended, consult manual for specifics)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Xt Transmission Std:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Xt Transmission Opt:
4-speed Automatic (with lock-up torque converter)
Xt6 Transmission Std:
4-speed Automatic (with lock-up torque converter)
Xt6 Transmission Opt:
5-speed Manual
Features
Drivetrain Type:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most models. Selectable 2WD/AWD on some early manual transmissions. XT6 typically features permanent AWD.
AWD System Details:
Viscous coupling center differential (on many models), selectable low-range gear (on some manual transmissions).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 174.8 inches (4440 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.5 inches (1690 mm)
Height:
Approx. 50.6 inches (1285 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.2 inches (2470 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,500 - 2,800 lbs (1134 - 1270 kg) depending on engine and transmission
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not readily available or rated under modern NHTSA standards for this era.
Active Features
AWD Stability:
All-wheel drive system enhances stability and traction in various conditions.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear lap belts.
Structural Reinforcement:
Designed with safety cage construction principles of the era.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Dashboard Design:
Advanced for its time, featuring an optional digital dashboard with gauges and readouts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with multiple speakers. Upgrades may have been available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on many XT models and standard on some XT6 variants.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle operation and driver comfort.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (consult manual for specific recommendation and oil type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. **CRITICAL for boxer engines, failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.**
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common. **Consult manual for exact viscosity and specification.**
Engine Oil Capacity:
XT (EA82): Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter. XT6 (ER27): Approx. 5.3 US quarts (5.0 L) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. **Use Japanese-spec coolant or equivalent.**
Transmission Fluid Type Mt:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Type At:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Timing Belt Wear:
Critical component; timely replacement is paramount to avoid catastrophic engine failure.
Head Gasket Leaks:
Can occur, especially on older engines, requiring significant labor to repair.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas exposed to salt. Check wheel arches, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses and connections can degrade, leading to intermittent issues with various systems.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn rubber bushings in suspension and steering components are common, affecting handling and ride quality.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Focus:
Subaru is renowned for its horizontally-opposed boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, prioritizing engineering and capability.
Model Evolution
Subaru Xt Debut:
The Subaru XT (Leone II Coupe/A-Series) debuted in 1985 as a radical departure in styling from previous Subaru models, aiming for a more premium and performance-oriented image.
Subaru Xt6 Introduction:
The XT6 was introduced for the 1988 model year, featuring the new and more powerful 2.7L ER27 boxer-six engine and revised AWD system, positioning it as the flagship performance coupe.
Production
Production Years:
Subaru XT: 1985-1991 (though sales in some markets may have ended earlier). XT6: 1988-1991.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motor Trend Recognition:
The XT6 was often praised for its unique styling, comfortable ride, and capable AWD system, though its performance was generally considered adequate rather than exhilarating compared to some direct competitors.