Mid-size sedan/wagon, known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engine configuration.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Ford Fusion.
Key Features
Vehicle Strengths:
Standard AWD, spacious interior, comfortable ride, good visibility, available turbocharged engines (GT models).
Manual Purpose
Utility:
Essential tool for owners and technicians to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics on the 2009 Subaru Legacy, ensuring proper function and longevity.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Main Coverage:
Repair and overhaul of Subaru Legacy 2009 vehicles
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255/EJ257 - specific to GT models), 3.0L H6 (EZ30D - specific to 3.0R models)
Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, coolant flush
Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Overhaul:
Detailed steps for complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and major component refurbishment
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Subaru-specific tools required for certain procedures
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and component-level repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick lookup of specific terms and components.
Printability:
Printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual for workshop use.
Print Quality
Resolution:
High resolution, ensuring clear diagrams, illustrations, and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Na:
EJ253
Engine Description Na:
2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4
Displacement Na:
2457 cc (149.9 cu in)
Bore Na:
99.5 mm (3.92 in)
Stroke Na:
79.0 mm (3.11 in)
Compression Ratio Na:
9.7:1
Horsepower Na:
170 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque Na:
170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Turbo Engine
Engine Code Turbo:
EJ255/EJ257 (GT models)
Engine Description Turbo:
2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer-4
Horsepower Turbo:
265 hp @ 6,000 rpm (EJ255), 305 hp @ 6,000 rpm (EJ257 - Legacy GT spec.B)
4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Automatic (5EAT - common on GT and 3.0R)
Features
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (automatic).
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S GL-5 75W-90 or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid 4Eat:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent (refer to manual for specific color coding)
Automatic Transmission Fluid 5Eat:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent (refer to manual for specific color coding)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Sedan: 4,730 mm (186.2 in) / Wagon: 4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Width:
1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Height:
Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) / Wagon: 1,535 mm (60.4 in)
Wheelbase:
2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 135 mm (5.3 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 1,490 kg (3,285 lb) for base sedan
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 1,650 kg (3,638 lb) for Legacy GT wagon
Cargo
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 14.7 cu ft (0.416 m³)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 32.1 cu ft (0.909 m³), expandable with rear seats folded
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars (Front and Rear Passengers)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
ABS:
Standard, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Ebdc:
Standard, Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front, front side-impact, side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with available navigation system. Some models feature upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio.
Display:
Center console display for climate control, audio, and available navigation. Multi-information display in the instrument cluster.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Rear View Camera:
Available on higher trims or with navigation package.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack.
Bluetooth:
Available on select trims/packages for hands-free calling.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
2.5L SOHC: Iridium plugs, 105,000 miles (168,000 km). 2.5L Turbo/3.0L H6: Iridium plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Inspect at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change as needed (Subaru often considers this 'lifetime' but periodic changes are recommended).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Inspect at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, especially under severe conditions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil recommended for all engines. Consult manual for specific viscosity for colder climates.
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.5L: 4.8 US qt (4.5 L); 3.0L H6: 5.8 US qt (5.5 L). With filter change.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less common on EJ253 compared to earlier EJ25s, head gasket issues can still occur. The EJ255/EJ257 are generally more robust. The EZ30D H6 is typically very reliable in this regard.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines may exhibit increased oil consumption over time, especially when driven hard. Regular checks are advisable.
Cv Joints:
Front CV boots can wear and tear, leading to joint damage if not addressed promptly, particularly under harsh conditions.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, particularly if there have been engine misfires or oil burning issues.
Automatic Transmission Shifting:
Some owners report occasional rough shifting in the 4EAT or 5EAT transmissions. Fluid changes and potential valve body issues can be addressed with this manual.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Philosophy:
Subaru is known for its horizontally-opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, emphasizing safety, reliability, and capability.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Fifth Generation (2004-2009), with a significant facelift for the 2008 model year, which the 2009 model belongs to.
Design Changes 2008:
Revised exterior styling (grille, headlights, taillights), updated interior with improved materials and features, introduction of 5-speed automatic transmission on more models.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Ota, Gunma Pref.) and United States (Lafayette, Indiana)
Production Years Gj:
2004-2009
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award:
Recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for multiple years in this generation.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average in reliability by consumer organizations, though specific issues like head gaskets (on earlier EJ25s) and oil consumption should be noted.