🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Impreza Year: 1997 Market: Global (North American focus implied by typical distribution) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Small Family Car (C-Segment) Key Selling Points: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), Boxer engine, rally heritage, practicality, durability. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra. Key Features Vehicle Philosophy: Subaru's reputation for all-weather capability and robust engineering. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Comprehensive repair and service procedures for the 1997 Subaru Impreza. Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain (AWD system), Exhaust, Cooling, Fuel System. Chassis: Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS & non-ABS), Wheels & Tires. Electrical: Full electrical system diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, ignition system, ECU/ECM, body electronics, instrumentation. Body: Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, climate control, safety systems (airbags). Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), inspections, lubrication points. Repair: Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, diagnostic and repair of common faults. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution (where applicable for the era). Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic parameters. Technical Depth Depth: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and system component testing. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and diagrams. Printability: Printable for workshop use. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ22 Configuration: Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder Displacement: 2.2 Liters (2212 cc) Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves (4 per cylinder) Performance Horsepower Peak: 110 hp @ 5000 rpm Torque Peak: 137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Injection: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Features Cooling System: Liquid-cooled Emission Control: Catalytic converter, EGR system. Engine Variants Optional Engine: EJ25D (2.5L SOHC Boxer, 165 hp, found in RS and Outback Sport models) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) Features Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) may be available on base models in some markets. AWD System: Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential (manual transmission), Active All-Wheel Drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch (automatic transmission). Fluid Specs Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 2.1 L Automatic Transmission Fluid: Subaru ATF (Dexron II/III compatible). Capacity: Approx. 3.8 L (drain and fill) Differential Fluid: API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Front Diff 0.8L, Rear Diff 0.9L. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2505 mm (98.6 in) Length: 4340 mm (170.9 in) Width: 1690 mm (66.5 in) Height: 1400 mm (55.1 in) (Sedan) / 1445 mm (56.9 in) (Wagon) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs), varies by model and trim. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model, typically around 1800 kg (3968 lbs). Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 370 L (13.1 cu ft) (Sedan) Wheels Tires Standard Wheel Size: 15-inch alloy or steel wheels Standard Tire Size: 195/60R15 Bolt Pattern: 5x100mm Center Bore: 56.1mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: 4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for comparable models of the era, specific 1997 Impreza ratings may vary) Active Features ABS: Available on higher trims, standard on some AWD models. AWD System: Contributes to enhanced traction and stability. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH/ISOFIX not standard in this era; uses seatbelt anchorage. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configuration. Climate Control: Manual climate control with A/C. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most models. Connectivity Phone Integration: No factory integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard spark plugs. Timing Belt Replacement: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. CRITICAL for EJ engines to prevent catastrophic failure. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Capacity: 4.4 L (with filter). Coolant Type: Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based). Capacity: Approx. 7.0 L. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Known Issues Head Gaskets: While less common on the EJ22 compared to the EJ25D, head gasket leaks are a known potential issue in Subaru Boxer engines due to design and material evolution over time. The manual will detail inspection...
Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and system component testing.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and diagrams.
Printability:
Printable for workshop use.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
EJ22
Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves (4 per cylinder)
Performance
Horsepower Peak:
110 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Peak:
137 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Features
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system.
Engine Variants
Optional Engine:
EJ25D (2.5L SOHC Boxer, 165 hp, found in RS and Outback Sport models)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Features
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) may be available on base models in some markets.
AWD System:
Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential (manual transmission), Active All-Wheel Drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch (automatic transmission).
Fluid Specs
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 2.1 L
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF (Dexron II/III compatible). Capacity: Approx. 3.8 L (drain and fill)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Front Diff 0.8L, Rear Diff 0.9L.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2505 mm (98.6 in)
Length:
4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
1400 mm (55.1 in) (Sedan) / 1445 mm (56.9 in) (Wagon)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs), varies by model and trim.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1800 kg (3968 lbs).
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 370 L (13.1 cu ft) (Sedan)
Wheels Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
15-inch alloy or steel wheels
Standard Tire Size:
195/60R15
Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
Center Bore:
56.1mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for comparable models of the era, specific 1997 Impreza ratings may vary)
Active Features
ABS:
Available on higher trims, standard on some AWD models.
AWD System:
Contributes to enhanced traction and stability.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH/ISOFIX not standard in this era; uses seatbelt anchorage.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configuration.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
No factory integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard spark plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. CRITICAL for EJ engines to prevent catastrophic failure.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Capacity: 4.4 L (with filter).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based). Capacity: Approx. 7.0 L.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ22 compared to the EJ25D, head gasket leaks are a known potential issue in Subaru Boxer engines due to design and material evolution over time. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
O2 Sensors:
Premature failure of oxygen sensors can affect fuel economy and emissions. The manual covers testing and replacement.
Cv Joints:
Wear in CV joint boots can lead to failure, particularly with the AWD system. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Clutch Wear:
Normal wear item, especially for vehicles driven spiritedly. Manual provides replacement procedures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Identity:
Known for its unique Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, pioneered in rally racing.
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation Subaru Impreza (GC/GF chassis)
Introduction Year:
1992 (Japan), 1995 (North America)
Facelifts:
The 1997 model year represents a minor refresh for the first generation, with updated styling cues.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Ota, Gunma Prefecture)
Production Years For Generation:
1992-2000
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Rally Heritage:
The Impreza platform is renowned for its success in World Rally Championship (WRC) with iconic models like the WRX STI, establishing Subaru's performance credentials.
Ratings
Reliability Perception:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, particularly the durable EJ22 engine.