Power Distribution - Fuse 4 Keeps Blowing

SOURCE: Subaru Tech Tips

TITLE: Fuse 4 Blow Out

APPLIES TO: 00-02 Legacy

SERVICE TIP:
















If you encounter a situation on a 2000MY-2002MY Legacy where the heated seats, lighted visor mirrors, or power mirrors are inoperative, check to see if fuse 4 is blown. H-6 vehicles equipped with Automatic Climate Control will also experience a failure of this system should fuse 4 blow.

Investigation of this has shown that the power mirror wiring harness may be the cause. The wiring harness for the power mirrors may have been routed incorrectly within the mirror housing. This routing may cause the harness to rub, and eventually pinch against the door gusset mounting screw. Once the harness is pinched the insulation is cut and eventually blows the fuse.

Currently only the RH mirror is causing the problem but, it can be assumed that the LH mirror may cause the same concern. Replacing the fuse may or may not lead to a second immediate failure of the fuse. In some cases, the wire may move away from the gusset screw and the condition would then become an intermittent concern.

A secondary area to check is where the harness for the lighted visors travels through the roof panel. The harness has no protection in this area and could become pinched.