My subaru would not go out of park a few weeks ago and I learned that the brake light fuse had blown. after replacing the fuse, brakes worked and could shift out of park. 2 weeks later again. 3 weeks later and now I am replacing the fuse nearly every time I need to go anywhere. Anyone have a similar problem and can narrow down where the short is and how to troubleshoot most cost effectively?

Edited January 28, 201214 yr by Daly13
misspelling

Start with the easy stuff, check the bulbs and sockets for corrosion.

 

If it looks good, you may want to try putting in LED bulbs as they draw less current.

 

If you have a good meter and you can check the amp draw at the fuse or tail lights that will tell you what's going on.

Check the bulb sockets for the brake lights and look for signs of burned insulation at the socket connection. We had this same kind trouble on one of our 2000 Outbacks. The wire insulation melted right at the socket and caused a short on the brake light circuit. Of course the fuse would be fine until you hit the brakes.

Also check inside the bulb sockets. There was a TSB or maybe it was on Endwrench about that year they had found a few where there was a stray piece of wire inside the socket that would short out sometimes.

bulb sockets.

The same thing happened to my son's '00 Outback. The trouble turned out to be with the wires connected at the rear of bulb socket on the driver's side. Excessive heat caused the wire insulation to melt and shorted the brake light circuit. There is a short connection to a wire connector so the sockets can be removed easily and replaced.

Edited February 4, 201214 yr by Cougar