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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Compact/Sport Compact segment.
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Reputation:
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Known for its symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, sporty handling, and rally heritage (particularly WRX and STI models).
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf.
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Key Features
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AWD Standard:
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Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a signature feature, standard on most Impreza models.
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Engine Layout:
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Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine layout providing a lower center of gravity.
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Performance Variants:
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Includes performance-oriented WRX and STI models with turbocharged engines and enhanced suspension/braking systems.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for Boxer engines (2.5L naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants).
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Transmission:
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Service and repair for manual (5-speed and 6-speed for STI) and automatic transmissions, including clutch, drivetrain, and AWD system components.
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Brakes:
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ABS, hydraulic system, caliper, rotor, and parking brake service and repair.
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Suspension:
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Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, and strut/shock absorber replacement.
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Steering:
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Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack and linkage service.
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Electrical:
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Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, ECU diagnosis, lighting, and accessories.
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HVAC:
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Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, and climate control unit diagnosis.
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Body:
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Body panel repair, interior trim removal, door and window mechanisms, glass replacement.
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Exhaust:
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Catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust manifold service.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service.
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, and solutions.
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Repair:
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Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
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Diagnostics:
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On-board diagnostic (OBD-II) codes, sensor testing, and electronic system analysis.
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Rebuilds:
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Engine and transmission component overhaul procedures.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
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Parts List Inclusion:
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Includes a comprehensive parts list for identification and ordering.
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Diagrams Inclusion:
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Extensive use of detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Code:
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EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (WRX Turbo), EJ257 (STI Turbo)
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Displacement:
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2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
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Performance
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Horsepower Na:
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Approx. 173 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ253)
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Torque Na:
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Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ253)
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Horsepower Wrx:
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Approx. 224 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ255)
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Torque Wrx:
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Approx. 226 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (EJ255)
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Horsepower Sti:
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Approx. 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (EJ257)
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Torque Sti:
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Approx. 350 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ257)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for turbo models).
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Cooling System
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Coolant Type:
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Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (typically Subaru Blue).
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Lubrication
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Oil Type:
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SAE 5W-30 Synthetic recommended (check owner's manual for specific variations).
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Transmission
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Standard
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Manual:
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5-speed manual (standard on NA models), 6-speed manual (standard on STI).
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Optional
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Automatic:
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4-speed automatic (available on NA models).
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Features
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AWD System:
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Symmetrical AWD with viscous coupling center differential (manual transmission) or electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (automatic transmission). STI features a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
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Fluid Specifications
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 recommended (Subaru Genuine or equivalent).
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent.
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Front Differential Fluid:
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API GL-5, SAE 75W-90.
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Rear Differential Fluid:
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API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (for most variants); Limited Slip Differential (LSD) fluid required for some performance models.
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Front Impact:
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5-Star (for models tested).
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IIHS Side Impact:
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Good (for models tested).
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
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Traction Control:
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Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
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Stability Control:
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Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control).
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Front and side airbags, available curtain airbags on some trims.
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Seatbelts:
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3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.
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Child Seat Anchors:
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LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change:
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Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), using synthetic oil.
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Engine Air Filter:
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Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles).
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Cabin Air Filter:
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Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles).
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Spark Plugs:
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Replace at 60,000 miles (NGK Iridium recommended for best performance).
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Timing Belt:
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Not applicable to these EJ engines; they use a timing chain. (Correction: EJ engines use a timing belt. Replacement interval typically 105,000 miles or 7 years).
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Coolant Flush:
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Replace every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
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Brake Fluid:
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Replace every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Capacity:
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Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter) for 2.5L engines.
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Coolant Capacity:
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Approx. 7.0 quarts (with heater).
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Known Issues
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Head Gaskets:
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While less common in the 2.5L than earlier 2.2L engines, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will detail inspection and replacement.
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Turbo Failure Wrx Sti:
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Turbocharger issues can arise from lack of proper warm-up/cool-down or oil starvation. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
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Clutch Wear:
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Wear items like clutch can fail prematurely with aggressive driving. Manual covers clutch replacement.
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Rear Wheel Bearings:
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Some models may experience premature rear wheel bearing wear. Manual provides replacement procedure.
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