The service and repair manual for the 1986 Subaru GL — 1.8L H4 and 1.6L H4 and 1.8L H4 and 1.8L H4 engines, 5 trims. Matched to this exact model year, so the specifications and sequences are the ones Subaru published for your car, not figures carried over from a neighbouring year.
01 / FitmentWhat this manual covers
| Model year | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, SOHC 1.6L H4 — 97 cu in, OHV 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, OHV 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, SOHC, turbocharged |
| Trims | Base Coupe 3-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Turbo Coupe 3-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door · Base Hatchback 2-Door |
| Federal record | 1 recall · 17 complaints · 8 technical service bulletins (refreshed 2026-08-21) |
02 / InsideSample pages from the 1986 GL manual
03 / ContentsSections in the manual
- Quick Lookups 29
- General Information 1,370
- Accessories & Equipment 60
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 95
- Brakes 44
- Maintenance 59
- Drivelines & Axles 28
- Steering 70
- Electrical 80
- Suspension 67
- Engine Mechanical 135
- Transmission 12
- Engine Performance 644
04 / Known issuesRecalls on federal record for the 1986 GL
- Fuel System, Gasoline · 05E065000In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
Owners have filed 17 complaints and Subaru has issued 8 technical service bulletins for the 1986 GL. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind these systems.
FAQQuestions about the 1986 GL manual
Is this manual specific to the 1986 GL?
Yes. It is the OEM manual matched to the 1986 model year, covering the 1.8L H4 and 1.6L H4 and 1.8L H4 and 1.8L H4 across the Base Coupe 3-Door, Base Sedan 4-Door, Turbo Coupe 3-Door, Base Wagon 4-Door, Base Hatchback 2-Door trims. Specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Subaru published for this year.
What 1986 GL problems does it help with?
1 recall is on federal record for the 1986 GL, covering fuel system, gasoline. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures for those systems; the recall repairs themselves are done free by Subaru dealers.
Does it include 1986 GL wiring diagrams?
Yes — the complete wiring diagrams for the 1986 build, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostics.
Is it a subscription?
No. $29.99 once and the manual is yours. It is a digital manual — nothing ships; access details arrive by email after checkout and it works on any device.
RelatedOther GL years and 1986 Subaru models
1989 GL · 1988 GL · 1987 GL · 1985 GL · 1984 GL · 1983 GL · 1982 GL · all 8 years
1986 Subaru Brat · 1986 Subaru DL · 1986 Subaru GL-10 · 1986 Subaru RX · 1986 Subaru Standard · 1986 Subaru XT · every 1986 model