2017 Subaru Outback Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage Guide

Quick Answer

The 2017 Subaru Outback has three main fuse box locations:

• Under-hood Fuse Box: Located in the engine compartment, typically on the driver's side near the battery.
• Passenger Compartment Fuse Box: Located behind the kick panel on the driver's side, below the dashboard.
• Cargo Area Fuse Box: Located in the left-side trim panel of the cargo area.

Under-hood Fuse Box

The under-hood fuse box contains fuses and relays for critical engine functions, lights, and other high-current circuits. Always refer to the diagram on the fuse box lid for the most accurate information for your specific vehicle trim.

Relay Locations (Under-hood):

• Fuel Pump Relay: Controls power to the fuel pump.
• Main Relay: Supplies power to the ECM and other engine components.
• Starter Relay: Engages the starter motor.
• Cooling Fan Relays (x2): Control the engine cooling fans.
• A/C Clutch Relay: Engages the air conditioning compressor clutch.
• Headlight Relays (High Beam L/R): Control the high beam headlights.
• Horn Relay: Activates the horn.

Passenger Compartment Fuse Box

This fuse box protects various interior electrical components and accessories. It's located on the driver's side, behind the kick panel, and may require removing a cover for access.

Cargo Area Fuse Box

This fuse box, located in the cargo area's left-side trim panel, typically contains fuses for rear-specific components and additional power outlets.

How to Test a Fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process and can save you a trip to the mechanic. Here's how:

1. Safety First: Ensure the vehicle is off and the key is removed from the ignition before working with fuses.
2. Locate the Fuse Box: Identify the correct fuse box (under-hood, passenger compartment, or cargo area) for the circuit you suspect is faulty.
3. Identify the Suspect Fuse: Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or the fuse box lid diagram to find the specific fuse protecting the problematic component.
4. Visually Inspect: Many fuses are transparent, allowing for a quick visual inspection. A blown fuse will have a broken wire or a dark, burnt appearance inside. If it's not transparent, you'll need to remove it.
5. Remove the Fuse: Use the plastic fuse puller typically found in one of your fuse boxes or a pair of small needle-nose pliers to gently pull the fuse straight out.
6. Test with a Multimeter (Recommended):
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a speaker icon). If your multimeter doesn't have continuity, set it to measure ohms (Ω).
   • Touch the probes to the two metal prongs on the top of the fuse. A good fuse will show a reading of "0" or close to "0" ohms, or the multimeter will beep on the continuity setting.
   • If the multimeter displays "OL" (Open Circuit) or a very high resistance, the fuse is blown.
7. Replace (if necessary): 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 serious electrical damage or even a fire.

Common Blown Fuses on This Vehicle

While any fuse can blow, some circuits are more prone to issues due to frequent use or potential overloads. If you're experiencing an electrical problem, consider checking these commonly blown fuses first:

• Cigar Lighter / 12V Power Outlets (Passenger Compartment F1, Cargo F1): These frequently blow due to incompatible chargers, shorted accessories, or excessive power draw from devices. If your phone charger or air compressor isn't working, check these first.
• Radio / Infotainment (Passenger Compartment F2): Issues with aftermarket installations, static electricity, or internal shorts in the unit can cause this fuse to blow. If your radio is dead, start here.
• Headlights (Under-hood F5, F6): A headlight bulb shorting out or a wiring issue can cause these fuses to blow, though less common with modern LED/Halogen systems. If one headlight is out and the bulb is confirmed good, check the fuse.
• Blower Motor (Under-hood F13): A failing blower motor or a constricted cabin air filter can cause the motor to overwork, drawing too much current and blowing the fuse. If your fan isn't working on any speed, check this 30A fuse.
• Trailer Brake (Cargo Area F2, if equipped): If you use a trailer frequently and experience issues with the trailer's brakes, this fuse is a common culprit on vehicles with a factory or aftermarket trailer braking system.

Always check the fuse first before assuming a more complex electrical problem. If a new fuse blows immediately after replacement, there is likely a short circuit or an underlying electrical issue that needs professional diagnosis.

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