1997 Subaru Outback - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Question edited for clarity. Question moved to model category. That is pretty crazy. It would be cheaper to get an auto electrician for an hour than to keep buying alternators. If a fuse melts, you have to find the reason why before replacing it. Jimmy rigging electrics just passes the problem along to another component. A Professional Grade Scan tool computer can diagnose in 20 minutes. They cost $3.5k to $5k! https://www.google.com/search?q=mobile+auto+electrician+near+me ..

I see this is an old question, but I'll answer it because I ran into it myself - after hooking the battery up again, hold down the lock button on your little lock/unlock remote. If that doesn't work, hold down the unlock button. I always forget and end up doing one and then the other. In any case, it resets and the hazards should stop flashing!

This is usually due to the illumination control knob.

This is moisture in the lock or associated hardware. Heat the key or use a de-icer in the lock.

Haynes manual's are worthless . Free wiring diagrams here http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html Enter vehicle info. year , make , model an engine size . Under system click on lighting then under subsystem click headlamps . Click the search button then the blue link .Also look at fuse box diagrams . Click on electrical distribution then fuse panel . Engine compartment fuse panel . Fuse #'s 26 & 24 are headlamp fuse's . Plus two relay's ,headlight right an left also in the engine compartment fuse panel

not sure how that could be the cause, but check to see if vent valve is stuck closed. Otherwise, see my notes at link below. Do It Yourself Diagnosis and Repair

The fuel pump relay is located under the dash on the drivers side. If I remember correctly there are 3 relays next to each other and the fuel pump relay is the middle one.

Yea i would check the fusible link. Check all the wires at the alternator and to the starter. Take them loose and clean all connections. Check all body to chassis and engine to chassis/ body grounds. If they look weathered make some and replace or just add some. With the age of it you could have highly corroded wires.

You may have the ORDER correct, but the STARTING POINT off by one plug! If you can find the timing mark on the crankshaft, place it in line with the timing indicator, and that should make the rotor (under the distributor cap) point to plug #1. If it looks way off, like 180 degrees away from plug wire #1, rotate the crankshaft one full turn, and recheck where the rotor is pointing! If the knocking problem persists, there may be a problem with the timing belt or chain which drives the distributor at 1/2 the speed of the crankshaft. That would explain the smells because the valves would be open at the wrong times. Caution! Pistons can hit valves that are open at the wrong time! Things can BREAK under those conditions!

WE know the motor is working fine, so it must be the switch or in the electrical circuit. Good Luck

it your starter motor or battery flat

Engine light comes on when service is needed usually, oabout service time ish. I would consult a dealers mechanic...just in case

i would recommend you remove the unit. Two of the control knobs are removable the rest must be accessed by removing the unit then the front panel of the unit SubaruWRX image

Battery can be not strong enough to start the engine . than the relay give that sound .

Look in the owners manual it will tell you what fuses are what, if not you have to test each fuse with a test light

what fan the one under the hood , normal

You can get MAF sensor at dealership but expensive or can buy used, cheap on subaruoutback.org forum. Same for steering rack. However,,Rockauto also has good prices on new parts.

Make sure the lever is in park all the way to the left and the battery is ok

Not a job you do at home in the driveway Dangerous job Leave it to a trans shop with a lift & experience That is a major job & when someone asks for steps & instructions ---WELL--- not a job you get involved in Then what--install a used junk unit in the hope it will be better than your failed one,doesn't work well doing that. Not on an automatic anyway,maybe a standard if it wasn't beat on,good luck there on a 17 year old vehicle

check engine grounds !