🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Liberty Year: 1990 Chassis Code: E-series (e.g., E10, E12, E15, E16, E18, E20, EJ22 depending on specific model variant) Codes Engine Code Common: EJ22 (most prevalent, but others exist) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, known for its All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system as a standard or widely available option. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1990: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 626, Nissan Maxima, Mitsubishi Galant Key Features Distinguishing Features: Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally opposed ('Boxer') engines, robust build quality, excellent handling characteristics. Target Audience Audience: Professional automotive technicians, DIY mechanics, and Subaru enthusiasts seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive repair and service for the 1990 Subaru Liberty Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 1000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD Systems) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front & Rear Discs/Drums, ABS if applicable) Electrical: Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Body Electrical, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System Body And Interior: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Safety Restraints (Airbags if equipped, Seatbelts) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Tire Rotation Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuilds, Brake Caliper/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Charts, Symptom-based Diagnosis, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation (if applicable to onboard diagnostics) Specifications: Torque Specifications, Clearances, Measurements, Component Dimensions Technical Depth Depth: Expert-level, including detailed diagrams, schematics, and step-by-step instructions for all major repair and maintenance tasks. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution scans, text-searchable, printable pages Print Quality Printability: Designed for clear printing of all diagrams, tables, and text. Binding Type Digital Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Paper Type Digital Storage: Electronic file suitable for digital storage and access. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ22 Engine Type: Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Displacement: 2.2 Liters (2200 cc) Performance Horsepower Approx: 110 - 130 HP (varies slightly by market and specific variant) Torque Approx: 130 - 145 lb-ft Fuel System Induction: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Cooling System Coolant Type Spec: Ethylene Glycol based (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water) Lubrication System Oil Type Spec: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for specific temperature ranges) Engine Components Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 6-8 years. Critical to follow manual for exact interval and associated component replacement (tensioner, idlers, water pump). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-up Torque Converter Features AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (mechanical center differential with viscous coupling, or electronically controlled for some automatic transmissions). Fluid Specifications Manual Gear Oil Type: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil Fluid Specifications Automatic Atf Type: Subaru ATF (or Dexron II/III equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Wagon Length Approx Sedan: 4580 mm (180.3 in) Length Approx Wagon: 4600 mm (181.1 in) Width Approx: 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height Approx Sedan: 1400 mm (55.1 in) Height Approx Wagon: 1470 mm (57.9 in) Weights Curb Weight Approx Sedan: 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) Curb Weight Approx Wagon: 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) Wheel Specifications Wheelbase: 2620 mm (103.1 in) Bolt Pattern: 5x100mm Wheel Size Standard: 15x6.0J (often alloy wheels on higher trims) Tire Size Standard: 195/60R15 (check specific trim level) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating 1990: Data not readily available for this specific year/model from public databases, but generally considered safe for its era. Active Features Braking System: Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Drums (or discs on higher trims). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available. AWD Traction Advantage: Standard Symmetrical AWD provides enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag became optional or standard on some higher trims in this generation. Seatbelts: Front 3-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts, Rear Lap and Shoulder Seatbelts. Body Structure: Reinforced impact zones, energy-absorbing crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player. Optional CD player available on higher trims or as an aftermarket addition. Climate Control: Manual HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system. Automatic climate control was rare for this model year. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional or standard on higher trim levels. ABS: Anti-lock Braking System available as an option, particularly on higher-spec models or wagons. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for precise recommendation). Engine Air Filter Replacement:...
110 - 130 HP (varies slightly by market and specific variant)
Torque Approx:
130 - 145 lb-ft
Fuel System
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cooling System
Coolant Type Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Lubrication System
Oil Type Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for specific temperature ranges)
Engine Components
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 6-8 years. Critical to follow manual for exact interval and associated component replacement (tensioner, idlers, water pump).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-up Torque Converter
Features
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (mechanical center differential with viscous coupling, or electronically controlled for some automatic transmissions).
Fluid Specifications Manual
Gear Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Atf Type:
Subaru ATF (or Dexron II/III equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Wagon
Length Approx Sedan:
4580 mm (180.3 in)
Length Approx Wagon:
4600 mm (181.1 in)
Width Approx:
1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height Approx Sedan:
1400 mm (55.1 in)
Height Approx Wagon:
1470 mm (57.9 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx Sedan:
1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs)
Curb Weight Approx Wagon:
1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs)
Wheel Specifications
Wheelbase:
2620 mm (103.1 in)
Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
Wheel Size Standard:
15x6.0J (often alloy wheels on higher trims)
Tire Size Standard:
195/60R15 (check specific trim level)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating 1990:
Data not readily available for this specific year/model from public databases, but generally considered safe for its era.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Drums (or discs on higher trims). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available.
AWD Traction Advantage:
Standard Symmetrical AWD provides enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became optional or standard on some higher trims in this generation.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts, Rear Lap and Shoulder Seatbelts.
Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player. Optional CD player available on higher trims or as an aftermarket addition.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system. Automatic climate control was rare for this model year.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional or standard on higher trim levels.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available as an option, particularly on higher-spec models or wagons.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for precise recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not standard on all models of this generation; if equipped, typically 15,000-20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped plugs often last 60,000-100,000 miles. Consult manual for type and interval.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Capacity Approx:
6.5 - 7.0 Liters (6.9 - 7.4 Quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF
Known Issues
Head Gasket Leaks:
While less common on the EJ22 compared to later EJ engines, head gasket sealing can be a concern with age and mileage. Proper torque and coolant maintenance are key.
Timing Belt Maintenance:
Critical component. Failure can cause severe engine damage. Regular replacement is paramount.
Rust Corrosion:
Common in areas with road salt; check wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes for corrosion.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Older transmissions may exhibit delayed shifting or slipping; regular fluid changes are important.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Origins:
Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) has a long history in aviation and automotive manufacturing, known for its boxer engines and AWD technology.
Model Evolution
Liberty Generations:
This 1990 model belongs to the second generation (BF/BG chassis, 1989-1994) of the Subaru Legacy (known as Liberty in some markets like Australia).
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Prefecture) and also assembled in other locations globally.
Model Significance
Legacy Introduction:
The Subaru Legacy (Liberty) was introduced in 1989 as a larger, more refined successor to the Subaru Leone, aiming to compete in the mid-size segment.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Awards:
The Subaru Legacy (Liberty) often appeared on Car and Driver's 'Ten Best' list in its early years for its driving dynamics and AWD capability.