Service and repair manuals for 8 model years of the Subaru DL, 1982 to 1989. Each manual is matched to one exact year — the specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Subaru published for that year's engine and trim, not values carried across the whole production run.
Engines across the range: 1.6L H4 — 97 cu in, OHV · 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, OHV · 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, SOHC.
Federal safety record, all years: 9 recalls, 17 owner complaints and 64 technical service bulletins are logged for the DL. Refreshed 2026-08-21.
01 / Model yearsChoose your DL year
| Year | Price | Recalls | Engines | Trims | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door | details → |
| 1988 | $29.99 | 2 | 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door | details → |
| 1987 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door | details → |
| 1986 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4 | Base Coupe 3-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door | details → |
| 1985 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.8L H4 | Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door | details → |
| 1984 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.6L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Hardtop 2-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door · Base Hatchback 2-Door | details → |
| 1983 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.6L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Hardtop 2-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door · Base Hatchback 2-Door | details → |
| 1982 | $29.99 | 1 | 1.6L H4; 1.8L H4 | Base Hardtop 2-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door · Base Hatchback 2-Door | details → |
02 / InsideSample pages
From the 1989 DL manual.
03 / ContentsWhat the manual covers
- Quick Lookups 65
- Engine Performance 479
- Accessories & Equipment 86
- General Information 1,380
- Body & Frame 23
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 74
- Brakes 46
- Maintenance 45
- Drivelines & Axles 14
- Steering 59
- Electrical 118
- Suspension 67
- Engine Mechanical 101
- Transmission 46
04 / OwnershipOwn it — don't rent it
| Option | What you pay | After a year |
|---|---|---|
| eManualStore DL manual | $29.99 once | Still yours |
| Per-vehicle online subscription | from $29 / year, renewing | Pay again or lose access |
| Library membership services | $33 / month, capped | $396 spent, nothing kept |
| Professional shop databases | $499–$2,388 / year | Renew or lose access |
Competitor figures as published on their sites, August 2026.
FAQQuestions about the DL manual
Which DL years does this manual cover?
Every year from 1982 to 1989 — 8 separate manuals, one per model year. Pick your year in the selector; the manual you receive is matched to that exact year, engine and trim.
Is this the OEM Subaru DL manual or an aftermarket guide?
The OEM version. It carries the procedures, specifications, torque values and wiring diagrams Subaru published for the DL, organized by system — not a condensed aftermarket summary.
Does it include DL wiring diagrams?
Yes. Full wiring diagrams are part of every DL manual, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostic information.
Does the manual cover DL recalls?
9 recalls are on federal record across the 1982–1989 DL, listed by year below. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind the systems involved; the recall repairs themselves are performed free by Subaru dealers.
Why do some DL years cost more?
Every DL year is $29.99.
Is this a subscription?
No. One payment, and the manual is yours to keep — unlike per-vehicle subscriptions that renew every year.
How do I get the manual after purchase?
It is a digital manual — nothing ships. Access details arrive by email right after checkout, and you can use it on any device.
RelatedSame-era Subaru manuals
- Subaru Brat 1982–1987
- Subaru GL 1982–1989
- Subaru GL-10 1985–1989
- Subaru GLF 1982
- Subaru Justy 1987–1995
- Subaru RX 1985–1989
- Subaru Standard 1982–1987
- Subaru XT 1985–1991
- Subaru Ascent 2019–2024
- Subaru B9 Tribeca 2006–2007
- Subaru BRZ 2013–2024
- Subaru Baja 2003–2006
- Subaru Crosstrek 2016–2024
- Subaru Forester 1998–2025
- Subaru Impreza 1993–2024
- Subaru Legacy 1990–2024
- Subaru Loyale 1990–1994
- Subaru Outback 2000–2024
- Subaru SVX 1992–1997
- Subaru Solterra 2023–2024
- Subaru Tribeca 2008–2014
- Subaru WRX 2012–2024
- Subaru WRX STI 2013–2021
- Subaru XV 2013–2022
By year: 1989 · 1988 · 1987 · 1986 · 1985 · 1984 · 1983 · 1982