The service and repair manual for the 1988 Subaru GL — 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 | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, SOHC 1.8L H4 — 109 cu in, SOHC, turbocharged |
| Trims | Base Coupe 3-Door · Turbo Wagon 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Wagon 4-Door · Base Hatchback 2-Door |
| Federal record | 2 recalls · 22 complaints · 8 technical service bulletins (refreshed 2026-08-21) |
02 / InsideSample pages from the 1988 GL manual
03 / ContentsSections in the manual
- Quick Lookups 65
- Engine Performance 471
- Accessories & Equipment 84
- General Information 1,356
- Body & Frame 23
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 85
- Brakes 50
- Maintenance 45
- Drivelines & Axles 27
- Steering 66
- Electrical 113
- Suspension 70
- Engine Mechanical 192
- Transmission 33
04 / Known issuesRecalls on federal record for the 1988 GL
- Fuel System, Gasoline · 05E065000In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
- Seat Belts · 88V052000Fails to meet requirements of fmvss 210 regarding childrestraint systems.
Owners have filed 22 complaints and Subaru has issued 8 technical service bulletins for the 1988 GL. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind these systems.
FAQQuestions about the 1988 GL manual
Is this manual specific to the 1988 GL?
Yes. It is the OEM manual matched to the 1988 model year, covering the 1.8L H4 and 1.8L H4 across the Base Coupe 3-Door, Turbo Wagon 4-Door, Base Sedan 4-Door, Base Wagon 4-Door, Base Hatchback 2-Door trims. Specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Subaru published for this year.
What 1988 GL problems does it help with?
2 recalls are on federal record for the 1988 GL, covering fuel system, gasoline, seat belts. 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 1988 GL wiring diagrams?
Yes — the complete wiring diagrams for the 1988 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 1988 Subaru models
1989 GL · 1987 GL · 1986 GL · 1985 GL · 1984 GL · 1983 GL · 1982 GL · all 8 years
1988 Subaru DL · 1988 Subaru GL-10 · 1988 Subaru Justy · 1988 Subaru RX · 1988 Subaru XT · every 1988 model