🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Baja Model Years Covered: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Codes Platform Code: BH 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Ute Crossover Unique Selling Proposition: Dual-cab utility pickup truck based on Subaru's AWD platform, offering car-like handling with utility capabilities. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Chevrolet Avalanche (though more truck-like), Dodge Dakota Key Features Manual Benefit 1: Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance and complex repairs, saving significant costs. Manual Benefit 2: Provides detailed, step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations for clarity. Manual Benefit 3: Covers all aspects of vehicle service and repair, making it a single-source solution. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Coverage: Complete Workshop Service and Repair Model Trim Coverage: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmission Types Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive Subaru service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital Format (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management Transmission: Manual and Automatic Transmission service, repair, maintenance, hydraulics, clutches, torque converters Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints Suspension: Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings Steering: Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion Brakes: Brake system components, hydraulics, ABS, disc and drum brake service Electrical: Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, audio system, ECU diagnostics Bodywork: Body and chassis repairs, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, bumpers, tailgate, bed liner HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair Safety Systems: Airbag system, seat belts Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, belt replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault diagnosis Repair: Component removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, adjustments Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, alignments, electrical schematics Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Accessibility: Searchable text, hyperlinked table of contents Print Quality Printability: High-resolution for clear printing of text and diagrams Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ253 (2.5L SOHC) Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2498 cc) Configuration: Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder Horsepower: Approximately 165 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: Approximately 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Induction: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approx. 7.2 US quarts (6.8 liters) Lubrication Oil Capacity W Filter: Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) Recommended Oil Viscosity: 5W-30 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT) Optional Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Features AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent) Manual Transmission Fluid Type: Subaru EXTRA-S 75W-90 Gear Oil (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 192.1 inches (4880 mm) Width: Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm) Height: Approximately 66.1 inches (1679 mm) Wheelbase: Approximately 104.3 inches (2649 mm) Cargo Bed Length: Approximately 43 inches (1092 mm) (with tailgate closed) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3400-3600 lbs (1542-1633 kg) Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kg) (with proper trailer brakes) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Good (refer to specific year and testing for exact ratings) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Good (refer to specific year and testing for exact ratings) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags Seatbelts: 3-point seat belts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system with optional premium audio and subwoofer. Climate Control: Manual or Automatic Climate Control (depending on trim) Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control Connectivity Auxiliary Input: May be present on later models or aftermarket additions, original models typically lacked standard aux input. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions; 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months under severe driving. Air Filter Replacement: Approximately every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) (Irridium Spark Plugs). Coolant Replacement: Initial replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months thereafter. Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid Type: Subaru PS Fluid (or equivalent DEXRON III/Mercon) Known Issues Head Gaskets: While less prone than earlier Subaru models, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures. Wheel Bearings: Front wheel bearings can...
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Accessibility:
Searchable text, hyperlinked table of contents
Print Quality
Printability:
High-resolution for clear printing of text and diagrams
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 US quarts (6.8 liters)
Lubrication
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
5W-30
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Optional
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Features
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru EXTRA-S 75W-90 Gear Oil (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 192.1 inches (4880 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approximately 66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Cargo
Bed Length:
Approximately 43 inches (1092 mm) (with tailgate closed)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3400-3600 lbs (1542-1633 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2000 lbs (907 kg) (with proper trailer brakes)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (refer to specific year and testing for exact ratings)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (refer to specific year and testing for exact ratings)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system with optional premium audio and subwoofer.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (depending on trim)
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
May be present on later models or aftermarket additions, original models typically lacked standard aux input.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions; 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months under severe driving.
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) (Irridium Spark Plugs).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru PS Fluid (or equivalent DEXRON III/Mercon)
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prone than earlier Subaru models, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can be a wear item, especially in areas with road salt. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Cv Axles:
Torn CV boots can lead to joint failure. The manual provides replacement instructions.
Rear Differential Oil Leak:
Potential leaks from the rear differential pinion seal. The manual will cover seal replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Subaru is known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engines.
Model Evolution
Platform Basis:
Based on the Subaru Outback/Legacy platform, it bridged the gap between a car and a traditional SUV/pickup.
Design Concept:
Unique 'Sport Utility Sedan' concept with a composite utility bed integrated into a sedan chassis.
Production
Production Years:
2003-2006
Manufacturing Plant:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Initial Reception:
While not winning major awards, the Baja was recognized for its unique concept and Subaru's signature AWD capability in the niche crossover/utility segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Ratings varied, with praise for AWD and handling, but some concerns regarding engine power and utility bed practicality for some users.
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