Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 Subaru Outback VDC Sedan AWD F6-3.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Rear Window Defogger
INSPECTION
CAUTION: When wiping stain on glass off with cloth, use a dry and soft cloth and move it in the direction of the heat wire extension to avoid damage to the heat wire.
1. Turn ignition switch to ON.
2. Turn defogger switch to ON.
3. Wrap tips of tester pins with aluminum foil to avoid damage to heat wire.
4. Measure voltage at wire center with DC voltmeter.
NOTE:
- If the measured value is 12 volts, heat wire is open between wire center and positive (+) end.
- If zero volt, heat wire is open between wire center and ground.
5. Apply positive lead of voltmeter to positive terminal of voltmeter, and then move negative lead along the wire up to the negative terminal end. If voltage changes from zero to several volts during movement of lead, heat wire is open at the voltage change point.
INSPECTION
CAUTION: When wiping stain on glass off with cloth, use a dry and soft cloth and move it in the direction of the heat wire extension to avoid damage to the heat wire.
1. Turn ignition switch to ON.
2. Turn defogger switch to ON.
3. Wrap tips of tester pins with aluminum foil to avoid damage to heat wire.
4. Measure voltage at wire center with DC voltmeter.
NOTE:
- If the measured value is 12 volts, heat wire is open between wire center and positive (+) end.
- If zero volt, heat wire is open between wire center and ground.
5. Apply positive lead of voltmeter to positive terminal of voltmeter, and then move negative lead along the wire up to the negative terminal end. If voltage changes from zero to several volts during movement of lead, heat wire is open at the voltage change point.
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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