🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Legacy Year: 2012 Product Type: Factory Service Repair Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size sedan Positioning: Known for its standard All-Wheel Drive and strong safety reputation Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu Key Features AWD: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trims Engine Options: Choice of efficient 4-cylinder or powerful 6-cylinder engines Safety: Excellent safety ratings, often a strong selling point 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Complete vehicle service and repair Engine Coverage: 2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ253, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ255 (GT), 3.6L EZ36D Transmission Coverage: CVT (Lineartronic), 6-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Automatic Chassis Coverage: Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires Electrical Coverage: Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Sensors, Actuators, Audio, Lighting, HVAC Body Coverage: Body panels, Interior trim, Safety systems (Airbags) Diagnostic Coverage: Troubleshooting procedures, DTC explanations, Diagnostic flowcharts Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds of pages (printable in entirety or select sections) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Purpose: Professional repair and maintenance Language Language: English Format Digital Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, axles, driveshafts Brake System: Hydraulic components, ABS, EBD, parking brake Steering System: Power steering, steering column, linkages Suspension System: Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications HVAC System: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control Safety Systems: Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners Body And Interior: Door mechanisms, glass, seats, dashboards, sound deadening Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement Repair Procedures: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement Troubleshooting Procedures: Diagnostic trees for various drivability and system faults Diagnostic Procedures: OBD-II diagnosis, sensor testing, actuator testing Electrical Diagnostics: Fault finding using wiring diagrams and test procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls Detail Level: Includes torque specifications, clearances, special tool requirements 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Searchable text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, suitable for professional printing Print Options: Print entire manual or specific sections Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: EJ253 Displacement 1: 2.5 Liters Configuration 1: Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 Horsepower 1: 170 hp @ 5,600 rpm Torque 1: 170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Engine Code 2: EJ255 Displacement 2: 2.5 Liters Configuration 2: Turbocharged Boxer-4 Horsepower 2: 265 hp @ 5,200 rpm (GT Trim) Torque 2: 277 lb-ft @ 2,000–5,600 rpm (GT Trim) Engine Code 3: EZ36D Displacement 3: 3.6 Liters Configuration 3: Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6 Horsepower 3: 256 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque 3: 247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type 1: CVT (Lineartronic) Transmission Type 2: 6-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type 3: 5-Speed Automatic (primarily for 3.6R) Features AWD Integration: Electronically controlled AWD integrated with transmission Fluid Specifications Cvt Fluid: Subaru CVT Fluid (NS-2 or equivalent) Manual Transmission Fluid: Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 188.8 inches (4795 mm) Width: 70.4 inches (1788 mm) Height: 59.4 inches (1508 mm) Wheelbase: 109.4 inches (2779 mm) Weights Curb Weight Min: 3,395 lbs (1539 kg) (2.5i manual) Curb Weight Max: 3,737 lbs (1695 kg) (3.6R automatic) Cargo Trunk Volume: 14.7 cubic feet (416 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Rating: 4 out of 5 stars IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (for 2012 model year) Active Features AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard ABS: Anti-lock Braking System standard Ebd: Electronic Brake-force Distribution standard Vsc: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) standard Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) standard Passive Features Airbags: Front, front side, curtain airbags standard Seatbelts: Pre-tensioner seatbelts with force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Standard AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability, auxiliary input. Optional navigation system. Display: Color LCD display for climate control and audio information. Navigation system features a larger touchscreen. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Adaptive Cruise Control not available on this model year. Connectivity Bluetooth: Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming on higher trims. Usb Port: Available USB port for audio playback and device charging on select trims. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), consult manual for specifics. Engine Oil Filter Interval: Replace with oil change Air Filter Replacement: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles if driven in dusty conditions. Spark Plug Replacement: 105,000 miles (Iridium) Transmission Fluid Change Cvt: Recommended every 30,000 miles (severe) or 60,000 miles (normal), consult manual for specific conditions. Transmission Fluid Change Manual: Recommended every 30,000 miles (severe)...
Standard AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability, auxiliary input. Optional navigation system.
Display:
Color LCD display for climate control and audio information. Navigation system features a larger touchscreen.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control. Adaptive Cruise Control not available on this model year.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming on higher trims.
Usb Port:
Available USB port for audio playback and device charging on select trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), consult manual for specifics.
Engine Oil Filter Interval:
Replace with oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles if driven in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
105,000 miles (Iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (severe) or 60,000 miles (normal), consult manual for specific conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (severe) or 60,000 miles (normal).
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 138,000 miles or 11 years, then every 75,000 miles or 5 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L:
5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue)
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent on later EJ engines compared to earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual covers inspection and replacement procedures.
Cvt Issues:
Some reports of CVT issues, particularly with older fluid or lack of maintenance. The manual details proper CVT fluid changes and troubleshooting.
Oil Consumption:
Certain EJ engine variants can experience oil consumption. The manual provides diagnostics for this.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Subaru is known for its Boxer engines and All-Wheel Drive technology, originating from Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries).
Model Evolution
Fifth Generation:
The 2012 model year represents the fifth generation of the Subaru Legacy, introduced for the 2010 model year. It shifted to a larger platform and adopted a more upscale image.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. - SIA)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick
NHTSA Rating:
Good overall safety performance as rated by NHTSA.
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