2017 Subaru Forester Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage Guide

Quick answer:

The 2017 Subaru Forester has three fuse box locations:

• Engine Compartment Fuse Box: Located under the hood, near the battery.
• Passenger Compartment Fuse Box: Located behind a kick panel on the driver's side, near the footrest.
• Cargo Area Fuse Box: Located in the cargo area, typically behind a trim panel on the driver's side.

Engine Compartment Fuse Box

This fuse box contains fuses for critical engine components, lighting, and other high-current circuits. It's typically found on the driver's side of the engine bay, close to the battery. Always refer to the fuse legend on the underside of the fuse box cover for the exact layout, as variations can occur between trim levels.

Relays: This box also houses several important relays, including those for the ignition, starter, fuel pump, cooling fan, and horn. Their exact positions are usually indicated on the fuse box lid.

Passenger Compartment Fuse Box

Located on the driver's side of the dash, typically behind a removable kick panel near the driver's left foot. This fuse box handles most of the interior electrical components and accessories.

Relays: In some configurations, you might find relays for accessories like the power windows or sunroof located here.

Cargo Area Fuse Box

This fuse box is typically found in the cargo area, often behind a removable trim panel on the driver's side. It usually contains fuses for rear accessories, trailer connections (if equipped), and other cargo-specific electrical components.

Relays: Some models might have relays for the rear defroster or accessory power outlets in this location.

How to Test a Fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process that can help you diagnose electrical issues. You'll need a fuse puller (usually found in one of the fuse boxes) and a multimeter or a fuse test light.

1. Locate the suspected fuse: Refer to the fuse box diagrams above and your vehicle's fuse box legend to identify the fuse for the malfunctioning component.
2. Turn off the ignition: Ensure the vehicle's ignition is off to prevent any electrical shocks or damage.
3. Remove the fuse: Use the fuse puller to carefully remove the fuse from its slot. Do not use pliers or other metal tools, as you could damage the fuse box or the fuse itself.
4. Visually inspect: Hold the fuse up to the light. If the metal wire or strip inside is broken or melted, the fuse is blown and needs replacement.
5. Test with a multimeter (recommended):
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity or ohm setting.
   • Touch one probe to each metal terminal on the fuse.
   • If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading close to zero ohms, the fuse is good. If it shows no continuity or a very high resistance, the fuse is blown.
6. Test with a fuse test light:
   • Attach the alligator clip of the test light to a good ground point on the vehicle's chassis.
   • Touch the probe of the test light to each of the two small metal test points on the top of the fuse (without removing it from the socket). You should get power on both sides. If you only get power on one side, the fuse is blown.
7. Replace the fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage rating and type. Using a fuse with a higher amperage can cause severe electrical damage or even a fire.

Common Blown Fuses on This Vehicle

While fuses can blow for various reasons, some circuits are more prone to issues due to the components they protect or common user habits.

• Cigar Lighter / 12V Outlets: These fuses often blow due to overloads from charging multiple devices, using high-power accessories, or inserting faulty chargers. If your phone charger or accessory isn't working, check the cigar lighter fuse first.
• Headlights / Tail Lights: While less common with modern LED lighting, a short in a bulb or wiring can still cause these fuses to blow. If one of your headlights or taillights goes out, inspect the bulb first, then the corresponding fuse.
• Radio / Infotainment: aftermarket installations or shorts within the unit itself can sometimes lead to blown fuses. If your radio suddenly stops working, this is a good place to start your diagnosis.
• Blower Motor: A failing blower motor or an obstruction in the blower motor housing (like leaves or debris) can cause the motor to draw too much current, blowing its fuse. If your HVAC fan isn't working, check this fuse.
• Brake Lights: A short in a brake light bulb or wiring, or even a faulty brake light switch, can cause this fuse to blow. If your brake lights aren't illuminating, checking this fuse is a key first step.

What to check first: Before automatically replacing a fuse, take a moment to consider what led to the fuse blowing. Was a new accessory plugged in? Did an electrical component recently stop working? Address the root cause if possible to prevent the new fuse from blowing immediately.

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