🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: XT Year: 1988 Generation Generation Designation: First Generation (AWD Coupe) Codes Chassis Code: A8 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Market Segment: Subaru's foray into the sporty personal luxury coupe segment, targeting buyers seeking a stylish and technologically advanced vehicle with AWD capabilities. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Probe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX, Honda Prelude. Key Features Unique Selling Points: Unique wedge-shaped, aerodynamic styling, advanced optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, innovative interior design, and a reputation for Subaru's robust engineering. Manual Value Proposition Benefit For Owner: An indispensable resource for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting the 1988 Subaru XT, enabling owners to save on labor costs and ensure the longevity of their classic vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Coverage Scope: Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic information for the 1988 Subaru XT. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 500+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Classification: Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language Of Manual: English Format Digital Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Mechanical Systems: Engine (1800cc, 2700cc), Cooling System, Fuel Injection System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Engine & Transmission Mounting, Manual Transmission & Differential, Suspension, Wheels & Axles, Steering System, Brakes, Pedal System & Control Cables, Heater & Ventilator, Body & Exterior, Doors & Windows, Seats, Belts & Interior, Instrument Panel. Electrical Systems: Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting Procedures Included Repair And Maintenance: General Information, Pre-Delivery Inspection, Periodic Maintenance, On-Car-Services, Complete Disassembly and Reassembly Procedures, Component Overhaul. Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Emission Control & Vacuum Systems, Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Procedures for various systems. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Detailed, step-by-step instructions with exploded diagrams and high-quality illustrations, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complex repairs and diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital File Type: PDF Print Quality Printable Pages: All pages are printable. Binding Type Binding Description: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality Description: N/A (Digital Download) Compatibility Operating System Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements Required Software: Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Option 1 Displacement Code: EA82 (for 1800cc models) Engine Option 2 Displacement Code: ER27 (for 2700cc models) Performance Engine Option 1 Horsepower Approx: Approximately 97 hp (for 1.8L) Engine Option 2 Horsepower Approx: Approximately 145 hp (for 2.7L 'Six Star' models) Fuel System Fuel Delivery Type: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Engine Layout Cylinder Configuration: Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) - 4-cylinder for 1.8L, 6-cylinder for 2.7L 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transaxle Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle Features AWD System Description: Selectable (Part-time) or Full-time All-Wheel Drive (depending on model/transmission) with viscous coupling center differential in some configurations. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Style: 2-door Coupe Weights Curb Weight Approx: Around 2,600 - 2,800 lbs (1180 - 1270 kg), varying by engine and drivetrain. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Info: NHTSA ratings from the era would likely be minimal by modern standards. Specific data for this model year is scarce. Active Features Braking System: Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard). Passive Features Restraint Systems: Seat belts (3-point front, 2-point rear on some models). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Aftermarket or original radio with cassette player and speakers. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option. Connectivity Early Electroncis: Features like a digital dashboard display were advanced for their time on certain trims. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Approx: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Timing Belt Replacement Interval Approx: Refer to manual for specific mileage, typically around 60,000-90,000 miles for the 1.8L and 2.7L engines. Critical due to interference engine design. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: Refer to manual; typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol based, typically green color, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific Subaru coolant recommendation. Known Issues Common Problem Area 1: Electronic fuel injection system issues (sensors, fuel pump). Common Problem Area 2: Suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints). Common Problem Area 3: Interior electronics (power windows, dashboard lights). Common Problem Area 4: Rust and corrosion, especially in wheel wells and rocker panels. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Subaru Brand Focus: Subaru is renowned for its horizontally opposed engines and its pioneering adoption and refinement of All-Wheel Drive technology in passenger vehicles. Model Evolution Xt Lineage: The Subaru XT (also known as the XT6 in later iterations with the 6-cylinder engine) was a distinct departure from Subaru's traditional compact car lineup, aiming for a more premium and performance-oriented image. Production Production Period: 1985-1991 Manufacturing Location: Japan 🏆 Awards & Recognition Recognitions Automotive Awards: While specific awards for the 1988 XT are not widely documented, it was...
Subaru's foray into the sporty personal luxury coupe segment, targeting buyers seeking a stylish and technologically advanced vehicle with AWD capabilities.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford Probe, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX, Honda Prelude.
Key Features
Unique Selling Points:
Unique wedge-shaped, aerodynamic styling, advanced optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, innovative interior design, and a reputation for Subaru's robust engineering.
Manual Value Proposition
Benefit For Owner:
An indispensable resource for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting the 1988 Subaru XT, enabling owners to save on labor costs and ensure the longevity of their classic vehicle.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic information for the 1988 Subaru XT.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 500+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
General Information, Pre-Delivery Inspection, Periodic Maintenance, On-Car-Services, Complete Disassembly and Reassembly Procedures, Component Overhaul.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Emission Control & Vacuum Systems, Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Procedures for various systems.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions with exploded diagrams and high-quality illustrations, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complex repairs and diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printable Pages:
All pages are printable.
Binding Type
Binding Description:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality Description:
N/A (Digital Download)
Compatibility
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Requirements
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Option 1 Displacement Code:
EA82 (for 1800cc models)
Engine Option 2 Displacement Code:
ER27 (for 2700cc models)
Performance
Engine Option 1 Horsepower Approx:
Approximately 97 hp (for 1.8L)
Engine Option 2 Horsepower Approx:
Approximately 145 hp (for 2.7L 'Six Star' models)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Layout
Cylinder Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) - 4-cylinder for 1.8L, 6-cylinder for 2.7L
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Features
AWD System Description:
Selectable (Part-time) or Full-time All-Wheel Drive (depending on model/transmission) with viscous coupling center differential in some configurations.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Style:
2-door Coupe
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
Around 2,600 - 2,800 lbs (1180 - 1270 kg), varying by engine and drivetrain.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Info:
NHTSA ratings from the era would likely be minimal by modern standards. Specific data for this model year is scarce.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard).
Passive Features
Restraint Systems:
Seat belts (3-point front, 2-point rear on some models).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Aftermarket or original radio with cassette player and speakers.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option.
Connectivity
Early Electroncis:
Features like a digital dashboard display were advanced for their time on certain trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Approx:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Approx:
Refer to manual for specific mileage, typically around 60,000-90,000 miles for the 1.8L and 2.7L engines. Critical due to interference engine design.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual; typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, typically green color, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific Subaru coolant recommendation.
Known Issues
Common Problem Area 1:
Electronic fuel injection system issues (sensors, fuel pump).
Rust and corrosion, especially in wheel wells and rocker panels.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Brand Focus:
Subaru is renowned for its horizontally opposed engines and its pioneering adoption and refinement of All-Wheel Drive technology in passenger vehicles.
Model Evolution
Xt Lineage:
The Subaru XT (also known as the XT6 in later iterations with the 6-cylinder engine) was a distinct departure from Subaru's traditional compact car lineup, aiming for a more premium and performance-oriented image.
Production
Production Period:
1985-1991
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Awards:
While specific awards for the 1988 XT are not widely documented, it was recognized for its unique styling and engineering innovation by automotive publications of the era.