Subaru Impreza 2001 Repair Service Manual - Service Manual Repair PDF Download. Prepared primarily for professional technicians but with adequate data for enthusiasts.
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
The Subaru Impreza of this era (2nd generation, GD/GG chassis) was positioned as a compact, sporty, and capable all-wheel-drive vehicle, with the WRX variant being a performance icon in the rally-inspired sedan market.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen Golf GTI, and Ford Focus.
Key Features
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system, a hallmark of Subaru, providing excellent traction and stability in various conditions.
Performance Variants:
Availability of high-performance WRX models with turbocharged engines and sport-tuned suspensions.
Practicality:
Offered in both sedan and wagon (outback sport/sport wagon) body styles, providing versatility for different needs.
Manual Purpose
Purpose:
To provide comprehensive technical information for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the 2001 Subaru Impreza, empowering both professional technicians and dedicated enthusiasts.
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup and interpretation, starting system, charging system, fuel system, ignition system diagnostics, ABS system diagnostics.
Systematic approaches to diagnose issues like poor starting, rough idle, overheating, braking problems, electrical malfunctions.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum for NA, 91 octane recommended for WRX)
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-Near-Plug (CNP) depending on specific sub-model/engine.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Na:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (MY5F)
Type Auto:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with center differential and viscous coupling for manual transmissions, Active All-Wheel Drive for automatic transmissions.
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate, hydraulically actuated clutch (manual)
Fluid Specs
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4410 mm (173.6 inches)
Width Sedan:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2515 mm (99.0 inches)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 inches)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 inches)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 4465 mm (175.8 inches)
Height Wagon:
Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Sedan Na:
Approx. 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs)
Curb Weight Sedan Wrx:
Approx. 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and trim
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified or recommended for this model
Wheelbase Wagon:
Approx. 2515 mm (99.0 inches)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 12.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 37.1 cu ft (with rear seats up)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
Standard Tire Size Na:
205/55R16
Standard Tire Size Wrx:
205/55R16 (WRX), 205/50R17 optional on later 2001 models or WRX STi
Standard Wheel Size:
16 x 6.5 inches
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
4/5 stars
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
4/5 stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) for enhanced traction and stability
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front seat pretensioner seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD or cassette player. Optional premium audio systems were available. Aftermarket head unit installation information is usually not in FSMs, but wiring diagrams are essential for integration.
Driver Assistance
Traction Control:
Traction control systems were not standard on all trims for this model year, but ABS was common.
Cruise Control:
Cruise control was an available feature on most models.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth connectivity was not available on factory systems for this model year.
Electronics
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) models vary by engine and market. Manual provides specific part numbers and diagnostic procedures.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (10,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Na:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for conventional coolant, longer for Subaru Super Coolant.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 90,000-105,000 miles (144,000-168,000 km) or 7-10 years due to SOHC engine interference design. (WRX models also require timing belt replacement).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or ILSAC GF-2 or GF-3)
Engine Oil Capacity Na:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity Wrx:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter (EJ205)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Anti-freeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru's specific additive package
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent Dexron III compatible)
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than on earlier EJ22/EJ25 engines, the EJ251 SOHC engine can still experience head gasket failures, particularly under high heat or stress. The manual will detail diagnostic and replacement procedures.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can be prone to wear, leading to humming or grinding noises. Manual covers replacement procedures.
Cv Axles:
Front CV axle boots can tear, leading to grease loss and potential joint failure. Manual provides replacement steps.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is normal, but early failure can sometimes be linked to improper use or hydraulic system issues. Manual covers replacement and bleeding.
Turbo Failure Wrx:
EJ205 turbochargers can experience wear or failure if not properly maintained or if oil supply is compromised. Manual covers diagnostics and replacement.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade and leak over time. Manual details replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Legacy Connection:
The Impreza platform shared many components and design philosophies with its larger sibling, the Subaru Legacy.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
First introduced globally in 1992, replacing the Subaru Leone.
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation (GD/GG chassis) was launched in 2000 for the 2001 model year, featuring a significant redesign.
Design Influence:
This generation saw the introduction of the controversial 'bug eye' headlights for the early models, later updated in subsequent facelifts.
Wrx Significance:
The WRX model gained significant popularity due to its rally racing heritage and accessible performance.
Production
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best 10:
The Impreza WRX often appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in subsequent years due to its performance credentials.
Rally Heritage:
The Impreza lineage is deeply tied to Subaru's success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), enhancing its reputation for durability and performance.