1997 Subaru Legacy Outback, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

System Testing

  1. Check Fuse & Power Supply

    Check fuse No. 15 in in-car fuse panel. If fuse is okay, install fuse and go to next step. If fuse is blown, repair short to ground in Red/Black wire between fuse box and power window relay.

  2. Check Power Window Relay

    Remove power window relay, located under drives seat. Check power window relay. See POWER WINDOW RELAY  under COMPONENT TESTS. If power window relay is okay, go to next step. If power window relay is defective, replace relay.

  3. Check Relay Ground

    Measure resistance between ground and terminal No. 3 (Black wire) at power window relay harness connector. If resistance is 10 ohms or less, go to next step. If resistance is greater than 10 ohms, repair open in Black wire.

  4. Check Relay Power

    Measure voltage between ground and terminal No. 1 (Red/Black wire) at power window relay harness connector. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in Red/Black wire.

  5. Check Black/Yellow Wire For Open

    Disconnect power window main switch harness connector. Measure resistance in Black/Yellow wire between power window main switch and power window relay harness connectors. If resistance is 10 ohms or less, go to next step. If resistance is greater than 10 ohms, repair open in Black/Yellow wire.

  6. Check Power Window Main Switch

    Remove power window main switch and disconnect harness connector. Check power window main switch. See POWER WINDOW MAIN SWITCH  under COMPONENT TESTS. If power window main switch is okay, go to next step. If power window main switch is defective, replace power window main switch.

  7. Check Power Window Main Switch Ground

    Measure resistance between ground and terminal No. 12 (Black Wire) at power window main switch harness connector. If resistance is 10 ohms or less, go to next step. If resistance is 10 ohms or greater, repair open in Black wire.

  8. Check Suspected Door Motor

    Disconnect suspected power window motor harness connector. Briefly apply battery voltage across motor terminals. Ensure motor operates smoothly. Reverse polarity and ensure that motor operates smoothly in opposite direction. If motor operates as described, go to next step. If motor does not operate as described, replace defective motor.

  9. Check Harness

    Measure resistance in wires between power window main switch harness connector and inoperative window motor harness connector. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  for terminal numbers and wire colors. If resistance is greater than 10 ohms in either wire, go to next step. If resistance is 10 ohms or less in both wires, go to step 11).

  10. Check Sub-Switch

    Remove sub-switch of inoperative window. Check sub-switch. See SUB-SWITCH  under COMPONENT TESTS. If sub-switch is okay, repair open in appropriate wire between power window main switch and inoperative window motor. If sub-switch is defective, replace sub-switch.

  11. Check Sub-Switch Power Supply

    Measure voltage between ground and terminal No. 5 at sub-switch harness connector of inoperative window. If battery voltage exists, system okay at this time. Check for loose connections. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in appropriate wire between sub-switch and power window relay.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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