2001 Subaru Outback tail lights don't work

This is odd.. I take it your front parking lights are working? The reason why I ask is that they are on the same circuit as the rear tail lamps usually. If both front and rears aren't working, check the fuse. If the fuse is good, replace the relay. If only the rears aren't working, check the ground wire for the rear wiring harness to the rear lights. This is still odd as your other lamps usually use the same ground point. Finally, if you aren't the first owner or you recently replaced the bulbs.. did you use the proper bulbs? Some bulbs have two filaments called 21/5 Watters. Some vehicles use special connectors for the bulbs that be inserted in either orientation, but will only work both filaments when inserted properly. Try reversing the lamps inside the connectors, one at a time please between tests.

On this website you find fuse box diagram and description for Subaru Outback (2001 - 2002)

SubaruOutback 2001 2002 fuse box diagram Auto Genius

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There are several components of your 1997 Subaru Outback that can cause your tail lights to stop functioning correctly. To help pinpoint the cause of the problem, it would be very helpful to also check your front marker lights. If the marker lights are working, then we know that the problem is not the headlamp switch or the tail and illumination relay (located in the fuse and relay box).

The components to check are:

> Fuse #23 (20 Amp) in the Main Fuse Box.
> Fuse #5 (10 Amp) in the Fuse and Relay Box
> Tail And Illumination Relay
> Headlamp Switch

There are a few items to check: Fuses [ should be listed as stop, or brake light ] there's a reason if blown, Bulbs [ they have an average life span, you may have 2 that happened to burn out at the same time ], Wireing [ may have a cut or broken wire in a harness in the rear or a trailer light harness problem if equiped.]

First check brake light fuse. If that's good. replace brake light switch. It's mounted just above brake pedal under dash.

How To Install Replace Change Taillight and Bulb 2000-04 Subaru Outback

Owners manuel chapter 11 & 12 should show you the fuse box placement and layout..there are two fuse boxes, inside behind the coin holder to the left of the steering wheel, slide out the holder..I believe #5 on the fuse box is the fuse for tail/brake lights. Also under the hood in the engine compartment on drivers side there is the main fuse box.

most likely the bulb filiment got broken, replace bulb first if not working then test socket. i believe to replace bulb u access from inside, ask guy at parts store to help you they will usually give advice help

wiring to the bulbs likely suspect adn likely due to grounding out somewhere..test in snall lengths til you find area with no continuity