How to Troubleshoot the Air Conditioning in a Subaru Outback

by Editorial Team

Air conditioning problems can be costly to diagnose and repair. Save time and money by trying to troubleshoot the problems yourself. Take a few steps to determine why exactly the air conditioning is not working in your Subaru Outback.

Step 1

Check the controls first. Make sure the air-recirculation button is not selected instead of the air conditioning. It may seem simple, but could prevent a trip to the dealership or a mechanic.

Step 2

Start the engine and turn on the air conditioning, adjusting from low to high. Listen for the accompanying sound to increase when turned on high. This is the blower fan. If it does not sound right, the blower motor may need replacing.

Step 3

Find the blower motor under the glove box lower cover in a Subaru Outback. Remove it from its harness after disconnecting the negative battery cable, and removing the screws.

Step 4

Make sure the pilot lights inside the vehicle are working and the graphics display is lit. If these are not working correctly it might be the control panel or control cables.

Step 5

Find the control panel in a Subaru Outback by first disconnecting the negative battery cable, removing the console box, setting the temperature to "full hot," disconnecting the temperature control cable, removing the gear selector trim panel, unscrewing the panel cover, and removing the radio bracket.

Step 6

Test the air conditioning controls to make sure they work properly, such as moving them with right amount of resistance and stopping on the right places. If they are not working properly, this indicates a fuse problem.

Step 7

Find the fuse box in a Subaru Outback by opening the driver's door and sliding the panel near the floor to the right. A fuse box resembles a computer motherboard with multiple colors of plastic fuses plugged in. Carefully remove the fuse with a pair of pliers and replace with a new fuse.

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