2020 Subaru Forester Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage

Having issues with your 2020 Subaru Forester's electrical system? A blown fuse is often the culprit. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the fuse box locations, diagrams, amperage ratings, and the circuits protected for your vehicle. Always remember to verify the fuse layout with the diagram printed on your fuse box cover, as variations can occur based on trim level and specific options.

Quick Answer

The 2020 Subaru Forester typically has three main fuse box locations:

• Under the Hood: Located in the engine compartment, usually on the driver's side, near the battery.
• Under the Dashboard (Driver's Side): Tucked away on the driver's side, often behind a panel near the kick panel or steering column.
• Cargo Area (Rear/Trunk): Situated in the cargo area, often on a side panel.

Under-Hood Fuse Box

This fuse box primarily handles high-current circuits for major components like the engine control module (ECM), cooling fans, ABS, and headlights. You'll also find several relays here.

Relay Locations (Under-Hood):

• Main Relay: Powers various engine components.
• Fuel Pump Relay: Controls power to the fuel pump.
• Cooling Fan Relays (x2): Control the engine cooling fans.
• A/C Clutch Relay: Activates the air conditioning compressor.
• Starter Relay: Engages the starter motor.
• Headlight Relays (x2): Control high and low beams.

Under-Dashboard Fuse Box (Driver's Side)

This fuse box, often referred to as the interior fuse box, protects electrical components within the cabin, such as the radio, power windows, wipers, airbags, and interior lights.

Cargo Area Fuse Box (Rear/Trunk)

Some 2020 Subaru Forester models may have an additional fuse box in the cargo area to manage power for rear-specific components, such as the rear power outlet, power liftgate (if equipped), and trailer wiring.

How to Test a Fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process:

1. Locate the fuse box: Refer to the Quick Answer section for typical locations.
2. Turn off the ignition: Ensure the vehicle is off to prevent electrical shock or damage.
3. Identify the suspected fuse: Consult the fuse diagram (usually found on the fuse box lid or in your owner's manual) to find the fuse associated with the malfunctioning component.
4. Carefully remove the fuse: Use the fuse puller (often located in a fuse box cover) or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
5. Visually inspect the fuse: A good fuse will have an unbroken metal wire or strip inside. A blown fuse will have a broken or burned wire. For blade-type fuses, you can often see through the clear plastic to check the filament.
6. Use a multimeter (optional but recommended): Set your multimeter to the continuity setting. Touch the probes to the test points on top of the fuse. If the multimeter beeps or shows a zero/near-zero reading, the fuse is good. If there's no beep or an "OL" reading (open line), the fuse is blown.
7. Replace the fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the exact same amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage can lead to serious electrical damage or fire.

Common Blown Fuses on This Vehicle

While any fuse can blow, some are more common than others due to the components they protect or typical usage patterns. If you're experiencing an electrical issue, check these fuses first:

• Cigar Lighter / 12V Power Outlets: Often blow due to overcurrent from charging multiple devices or using high-power accessories. Check the 20A Yellow fuse in the under-dashboard fuse box.
• Radio/Infotainment System: Issues with the radio can sometimes be traced to its dedicated 10A Red fuse in the under-dashboard fuse box.
• Brake Lights: If your brake lights aren't working, verify the 10A Red fuse in the under-dashboard fuse box.
• Headlights: If one or both headlights are out, check the respective 20A Yellow (low beam) or 15A Blue (high beam) fuses in the under-hood fuse box.
• Blower Motor: If your climate control fan isn't working, inspect the 20A Yellow fuse in the under-hood fuse box.

Always investigate why a fuse blew. A consistently blowing fuse indicates an underlying electrical problem that needs to be addressed, such as a short circuit or an overloaded circuit. Simply replacing the fuse without fixing the root cause will likely lead to repeated blowouts.

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