🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Legacy Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: BD/BG/BK Engine Codes: EJ22, EJ25D, EJ251, EJ253 (North America), EJ20 (Japan) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1998: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Contour, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626. Key Features AWD Standard: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on most models, differentiating it from many competitors offering FWD as standard. Engine Options: Reliable Boxer (flat) engines, known for their low center of gravity. Body Styles: Offered in Sedan and Wagon body styles. Durability: Generally considered a durable and long-lasting vehicle with proper maintenance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: North America (Likely based on engine codes EJ22, EJ25D) Secondary Coverage: May include some European/Asian market variations depending on specific edition, but primary focus is likely USDM/CADM Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Full Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely digitally reproduced factory manual (PDF) or a professionally printed copy. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: All aspects of engine repair, overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, emissions control. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid changes, clutch replacement, driveline components. Brakes: Front and Rear brake system diagnosis and repair, including disc and drum systems, ABS operation and service. Suspension Steering: Front and Rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system service, wheel alignment procedures. Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for lighting, ignition, charging system, starting system, body electronics, instrument cluster. HVAC: Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core service, blower motor, climate control panel. Body Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal, glass replacement, chassis component torque specifications. Diagnostic Troubleshooting: Extensive troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I/OBD-II error code interpretation (where applicable). Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid level checks, belt inspections. Component Replacement: Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing all major components (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, CV axles). Overhaul Rebuild: Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly. Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (searchable text is a significant advantage if available) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory documentation for clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: N/A (for digital format); Spiral or perfect bound for printed versions. Paper Type Paper: N/A (for digital format); High-quality, durable paper for printed versions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Boxer (Flat) 4-cylinder Displacement Ej22: 2.2 Liters (2212 cc) Displacement Ej25D: 2.5 Liters (2457 cc) - DOHC Non-Interference Performance Horsepower Ej22: 135 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque Ej22: 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Horsepower Ej25D: 165 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque Ej25D: 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Maintenance Timing Belt Replacement Interval: 105,000 miles or 105 months (whichever comes first) Spark Plug Type: NGK BKR6E-11 or equivalent (check manual for specifics) Known Issues Ej25D Headgaskets: Early EJ25D engines were prone to head gasket failure due to design issues. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures. 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Automatic Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with AWD) Features AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for AT, viscous center coupling for MT) Fluid Specs Automatic Transmission Fluid: Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron II/III compatible (confirm with manual for specific fill) Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 or 80W-90, check manual for exact specification) Maintenance Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Every 30,000 miles under normal conditions, or more frequently under severe conditions (refer to manual). Manual Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Typically every 60,000 miles (refer to manual). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Sedan: Approx. 184.5 inches Length Wagon: Approx. 187.0 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 104.3 inches Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x100mm Lug Nut Torque: 80-95 lb-ft (confirm with manual) Weights Curb Weight Range: 3000-3300 lbs (Varies by body style and drivetrain) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: 4/5 Stars (Likely for 1998 model, may vary slightly by test parameters) NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: 4/5 Stars (Likely for 1998 model) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models or optional. AWD Traction: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger front airbags. Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, often with optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 4 or...
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing all major components (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, CV axles).
Overhaul Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (searchable text is a significant advantage if available)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation for clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (for digital format); Spiral or perfect bound for printed versions.
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (for digital format); High-quality, durable paper for printed versions.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer (Flat) 4-cylinder
Displacement Ej22:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Displacement Ej25D:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc) - DOHC Non-Interference
Performance
Horsepower Ej22:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej22:
140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower Ej25D:
165 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Ej25D:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Maintenance
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
105,000 miles or 105 months (whichever comes first)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BKR6E-11 or equivalent (check manual for specifics)
Known Issues
Ej25D Headgaskets:
Early EJ25D engines were prone to head gasket failure due to design issues. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with AWD)
Features
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for AT, viscous center coupling for MT)
Fluid Specs
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron II/III compatible (confirm with manual for specific fill)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 or 80W-90, check manual for exact specification)
Maintenance
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles under normal conditions, or more frequently under severe conditions (refer to manual).
Manual Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Typically every 60,000 miles (refer to manual).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Sedan:
Approx. 184.5 inches
Length Wagon:
Approx. 187.0 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
Lug Nut Torque:
80-95 lb-ft (confirm with manual)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
3000-3300 lbs (Varies by body style and drivetrain)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (Likely for 1998 model, may vary slightly by test parameters)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (Likely for 1998 model)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models or optional.
AWD Traction:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, often with optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 4 or 6 speakers.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C, heater, and fan speed controls. Some higher trims may have automatic climate control.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Connectivity
OBD Port:
OBD-II diagnostic port located under the dashboard, enabling basic emission code scanning.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions) - refer to manual for detailed breakdown.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
N/A (typically not equipped with cabin air filter in 1998)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 API SG or SH (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (with filter) for 2.2L; 4.8 US quarts (with filter) for 2.5L (check manual)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks.
Radiator Corrosion:
Radiators can develop leaks due to corrosion, especially if incorrect coolant is used.
Cv Axle Boots:
Front CV axle boots are a common wear item and can tear, leading to joint damage if not replaced promptly.
E Brake Cable Adjustment:
Rear parking brake cables can stretch and require adjustment or replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Legacy Introduction:
The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989 as Subaru's flagship model, replacing the Subaru Leone.
Model Evolution
Second Generation Start:
The 1998 model year represents the second generation of the Subaru Legacy (chassis code BD/BG/BK), introduced in 1993.
Styling Updates:
The 1998 model year received a facelift, including revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and optional larger alloy wheels.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Japan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
AWD Recognition:
Subaru's AWD system has consistently received positive reviews for its all-weather capability and performance.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Ratings Historical:
Historically, Subaru models have shown mixed reliability ratings, with some praised for durability and others flagged for specific issues (e.g., head gaskets). The manual is essential for addressing potential wear items.