The Subaru Forester was debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 as the “Streega” concept vehicle. Sales began in Japan in 1997, followed by the U.S. market in 1998. Built on the Impreza platform, this guide details the fuse box diagrams and power distribution layouts for the first-generation Subaru Forester (chassis code SF) across the 1997–2002 model years.
Below are the component locations, photos, and assignments for the power distribution boxes. The cigarette lighter fuse is highlighted in bold.
Engine Compartment Fuse Box
Located in the engine bay adjacent to the battery, as shown in the illustration above.
General assembly overview.
| Diagram | ||
|---|---|---|
|
||
| No. | Circuit Description | Rating (A) |
| 20 | Radiator cooling fan (main) | 20 |
| 21 | Radiator cooling fan (sub) | 20 |
| 22 | Rear window defogger | 20 |
| 23 | Hazard warning lights, Horn | 15 |
| 24 | Instrument cluster indicators, SRS airbag warning light | 15 |
| 25 | Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM) | 10 |
| 26 | Alternator | 10 |
| 27 | Headlight (RH) | 15 |
| 28 | Headlight (LH) | 15 |
| 29 | Lighting switch | 20 |
| 30 | Clock, Interior dome lights | 15 |
Passenger Compartment Fuse Box
Located in the driver-side footwell, positioned on the lower left of the instrument panel.
Subaru Forester (SF) cabin fuse panel overview.
| Diagram | ||
|---|---|---|
|
||
| No. | Circuit Protected | Rating (A) |
| 1 | Blower motor / Heater fan | 15 |
| 2 | 15 | |
| 3 | Power door locks | 15 |
| 4 | Cigarette lighter (Subaru Forester), Power side mirrors | 20 |
| 5 | Taillights, Parking lights | 10 |
| 6 | SRS airbag system | 15 |
| 7 | Front fog lights | 15 |
| 8 | ABS solenoid valve | 20 |
| 9 | Audio unit, Clock display | 15 |
| 10 | Unassigned / Spare | - |
| 11 | Ignition system, SRS airbag module | 15 |
| 12 | Instrument panel illumination dimmer | 10 |
| 13 | Windshield wiper de-icer | 15 |
| 14 | Unassigned / Spare | - |
| 15 | Front windshield wiper and washer, Rear wiper and washer | 20 |
| 16 | Brake lights (Stop lights) | 20 |
| 17 | Air conditioning compressor clutch | 15 |
| 18 | Reversing lights, Cruise control module, ABS control module | 15 |
| 19 | Rear accessory power socket, Heated seats | 20 |