1988 Subaru DL Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1988 Subaru DL covers a Base-trim car built as a 3-door coupe, a 4-door sedan or a 4-door wagon. Its engine is the 1.8L flat-four with a single overhead cam, naturally aspirated and fueled by gasoline. Procedures, specifications and diagnostics address that engine and its fuel, ignition and cooling systems, the transmission and drivetrain, and the brakes, suspension and steering, with wiring diagrams for the electrical system and body.

Engines covered

• 1.8L flat-four — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 3-door coupe
• 4-door sedan
• 4-door wagon

Trims covered

• Base

Known issues on the 1988 DL. Two recall campaigns name the 1988 DL. Certain cars with front belts made by Takata had red release buttons that could crack and shed pieces into the buckle, so it might not latch or release correctly; owners were told to check both buckles and see a dealer about any fault. On certain cars the owner's manual left out child restraint information a federal safety standard requires, and corrected inserts were supplied. Owners filed 5 complaints, with the gasoline fuel system and seat belts at 2 each; 2 complaints reported a crash and 2 an injury. Fuel system procedures and specifications are included.