2001 Subaru Outback fuse problems

[MYsubaru1986 via CarKB.com]

Okay, so just the other day, I noticed my power mirrors and cigarette lighter
don't work. When I check the fuse diagram, they're both on the same fuse,
and when I went to replace that fuse, I noticed it was blown. So I replaced
it, and sure enough neither of them worked. So I checked the NEW fuse and it
was blown too. I'm not exactly sure what the problem is, but it keeps
blowing my fuses.

Also, my instrument cluster won't light up for some reason with the lights on.
I'm not sure which fuse it's under, but they're all still functional. I DID,
however, see another fuse and two black box type things? below the fuse panel.
So again, maybe there's something odd in there. Anyways, I'd appreciate some
advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[Edward Stiglitz]

Check and make sure you do not have a coin or anything else in you cigarette
lighter, Check all 12 volt adapter sockets. ( I am not sure how many you
have.)
Eds

 

[Todd H.]

Okay, so just the other day, I noticed my power mirrors and cigarette lighter
don't work. When I check the fuse diagram, they're both on the same fuse,
and when I went to replace that fuse, I noticed it was blown. So I replaced
it, and sure enough neither of them worked. So I checked the NEW fuse and it
was blown too. I'm not exactly sure what the problem is, but it keeps
blowing my fuses.

Also, my instrument cluster won't light up for some reason with the lights on.
I'm not sure which fuse it's under, but they're all still functional. I DID,
however, see another fuse and two black box type things? below the fuse panel.
So again, maybe there's something odd in there. Anyways, I'd appreciate some
advice. Thanks in advance!

Sounds like you have a short somewhere and that the fuse is keeping
your car from burning up.

Chasing down these shorts can be quite a pain.

 

[kurt]

Sounds like you have a short somewhere and that the fuse is keeping
your car from burning up.

Chasing down these shorts can be quite a pain.

A very common ooint for problems is wire bundle that goes to the door.

 

[kernowtilz]

i have a very similar problem on my 2000 forester. A while ago th
heated seats mirrors and cigar lighter wouldnt work. Contrary to th
diagram on the fuse cover all these are protected by the same fuse Ane
fuse blew straight away. I then found some wires were badly damage
under the drivers seat. I rebound these carefully and all worked wel
for 6 months Now the same thing has come back. I have checked unde
both front seats-no frayed wires and ihave tried disconnecting the
from the seats. The fuses keep blowing. Iagree that the wiring where i
passes into the door might be the most likely cause, but is going to b
very hard to check? Or any other ideas? Help

 

[Zeppo]

i have a very similar problem on my 2000 forester. A while ago the
heated seats mirrors and cigar lighter wouldnt work. Contrary to the
diagram on the fuse cover all these are protected by the same fuse Anew
fuse blew straight away. I then found some wires were badly damaged
under the drivers seat. I rebound these carefully and all worked well
for 6 months Now the same thing has come back. I have checked under
both front seats-no frayed wires and ihave tried disconnecting them
from the seats. The fuses keep blowing. Iagree that the wiring where it
passes into the door might be the most likely cause, but is going to be
very hard to check? Or any other ideas? Help!

Hi,
If this is a reference to the post I made a few weeks ago, then let me
update it by saying my replacing the fuse did do the trick.

Also, I would look to maybe replace the lengths of damaged wire under the
seat with new wire, soldered in place. I remember having problems in an old
Chrysler with damaged wires under the seat that plagued me for years until I
finally pulled the seat and replaced 3 wires. I finally got my power seat
working.

Jon

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hi,
If this is a reference to the post I made a few weeks ago, then let me
update it by saying my replacing the fuse did do the trick.

Also, I would look to maybe replace the lengths of damaged wire under the
seat with new wire, soldered in place. I remember having problems in an old
Chrysler with damaged wires under the seat that plagued me for years until I
finally pulled the seat and replaced 3 wires. I finally got my power seat
working.

Jon

Although it is directed to the 06 models, there is a recall for pinched
wiring under the pass. seat. perhaps some-odd few earlier models had
this problem as well. Just not enough to trigger a recall program?
http://www.cars101.com/recalls.html

Carl