Fuse for rear utility outlet: WHERE IS IT????

[Bob]

I have looked at the diagram in the owner's manual until my eyes
cross, fumbled under the cover below the steering wheel for half an
hour, and I CANNOT find the box where the fuse for this outlet is
located.

So I'm thinking, are these enabled by default, or is it part of some
"options" package and the outlet is there but the wiring is not?

I have a small 12V compressor, and using it in the cigar lighter
outlet pops the fuse for it every time. THAT one I can find (but I now
run the compressor from my '85 Saab's lighter output) but not the
other. I'm hoping the utility outlet is "sturdier".

'99 Outback Legacy wagon.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

I have looked at the diagram in the owner's manual until my eyes
cross, fumbled under the cover below the steering wheel for half an
hour, and I CANNOT find the box where the fuse for this outlet is
located.

So I'm thinking, are these enabled by default, or is it part of some
"options" package and the outlet is there but the wiring is not?

I have a small 12V compressor, and using it in the cigar lighter
outlet pops the fuse for it every time. THAT one I can find (but I now
run the compressor from my '85 Saab's lighter output) but not the
other. I'm hoping the utility outlet is "sturdier".

'99 Outback Legacy wagon.

Those outlets seem to have a fuse built on right behind the socket.
Dunno if that is the only one - but that is the one folks complain
about most because it requires interior trim panel disassembly. Also,
some are only 'hot' when the key is 'on' or in 'acc' position, so,
check that.

I doubt this is very helpful, but maybe it's something to be careful
of.

 

[Uncle Ben]

I have looked at the diagram in the owner's manual until my eyes
cross, fumbled under the cover below the steering wheel for half an
hour, and I CANNOT find the box where the fuse for this outlet is
located.

So I'm thinking, are these enabled by default, or is it part of some
"options" package and the outlet is there but the wiring is not?

I have a small 12V compressor, and using it in the cigar lighter
outlet pops the fuse for it every time. THAT one I can find (but I now
run the compressor from my '85 Saab's lighter output) but not the
other. I'm hoping the utility outlet is "sturdier".

'99 Outback Legacy wagon.

I also have a '99 Outback Legacy wagon.

The power outlet in the luggage area is llisted in the manual as
"optional", but if you see it, you know you have it. There is a fuse
link built into the outlet itself, but there is another in a fuse
panel. You should pull out the socket to examine the link.

There is more than one fuse panel: one on the left wall near the
drivers left calf and another in the engine compartment.

The manual has conflicting diagrams on p. 11-8 and 11-9 showing fuse
number 22 in two places.There is a third diagram just to confuse
you! I found number 22, but that was two years ago and I don't
remember exactly where it was.Good luck!

Uncle Ben

 

[Bob]

I also have a '99 Outback Legacy wagon.

The power outlet in the luggage area is llisted in the manual as
"optional", but if you see it, you know you have it. There is a fuse
link built into the outlet itself, but there is another in a fuse
panel. You should pull out the socket to examine the link.

There is more than one fuse panel: one on the left wall near the
drivers left calf and another in the engine compartment.

The manual has conflicting diagrams on p. 11-8 and 11-9 showing fuse
number 22 in two places.There is a third diagram just to confuse
you! I found number 22, but that was two years ago and I don't
remember exactly where it was.Good luck!

Uncle Ben

Thanks Ben and Tex! I would never have thought to look behind the
socket itself. And knowing that fuse is NOT under the dash panel is
worth a lot. Now to hunt it down.