Troubleshooting Subaru Radio No Sound: Model Years 2013 to 2023

Everyone loves to listen to audio tracks while driving. If you have SUVs or cars by Subaru (a global transportation manufacturer), you will enjoy its radio system while driving. But sometimes, you may experience Subaru radio with no sound. Do you know why it happens and how you can fix this problem? 

Blown fuse, failed amplifier, loose wires, problems with antenna or tuner, and outdated software are the major causes when you experience a Subaru Outback radio with no sound. You can quickly fix the problem after identifying the cause of the problem.

To successfully troubleshoot and fix the audio sound system of your Subaru cars by yourself, it is important to be familiar with the troubleshooting process and possess some technical knowledge before starting.

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How to Fix Subaru Radio Volume Not Working?

Subaru radio users experience no sound problems too often. Here I will point out the four most occurring problems and their solutions. 

Problem 1: Blown Fuse

The major causes of the Subaru Impreza radio no sound are electrical problems. So before any other item is checked, you should check the fuse box. If the fuse is bad, it will disconnect the power, making your Subaru sound system not work.

Solution:

First, locate the fuse for the radio; in different cars, its location is different. The Subaru fuse is located inside the engine bay or below the steering wheel from the passenger side. 

You will need an open-end wrench to open the engine bay to find the fuse. You can use the DEWALT Combination Wrench Set for this job. 

Once you locate the fuse, disconnect it from the electrical connectors and switch on the vehicle. Thoroughly check the fuse wires. If the wire is broken, the fuse will be unable to supply power to the radio. Replace the fuse with a similar amp rating if it is faulty.

Problem 2: Faulty Amplifier

Amplifiers are responsible for amplifying sound signals. They take input signals and boost them to produce output signals. If you have a faulty amplifier, it will fail to amplify the sound, leading to issues with your radio sound system.

Solution:

If you have a faulty amplifier, you will need to replace it. But test it with a multimeter to ensure whether the amplifier is bad.

• First, locate the amplifier; in Subaru, it is located under the dashboard or in the car boot. You can also use the user manual to know the amplifier’s location.
• Switch on the ignition and connect the multimeter with the amplifier wires. AstroAI Digital Multimeter can be a great help in that process. Check the voltage on the multimeter. The amplifier has no problem if you see the reading between 11 to 14 volts. No voltage or lower voltage than 11 means the amplifier is bad and needs replacement.
•  Replace the faulty amplifier with the same amp rating amplifier

You will need the essential toolkit, such as the DEWALT Tool Box, which includes different-sized screwdrivers to replace the amplifiers.

Problem 3: Loose Wires/Damaged wires

Perfect wiring is essential for the smooth performance of Subaru radio. If you have a problem like loose or damaged wires, you may experience a faulty sound system. You will need to check the head unit, amplifier, and speaker wiring.

Solution:

Start by checking the head unit wiring. To do this, you will need access to the backside of the head unit. Detaching the dashboard can be challenging, so first, read the user manual or consult with an expert mechanic; otherwise, you may damage the dashboard.

Unscrew the screws with a radio screwdriver and slowly pull the head unit back enough to access the wires. For this job, I suggest you choose NEIKO 01378A Magnetic Screwdriver Set. 

Check the wires thoroughly; if wires are damaged, pull them a little back and repair or replace the wires. If wires are loose, tighten them.

You have checked, but the head unit wires are okay; next, check the amplifier wires. The amplifier is located behind the stereo in Subaru. Access the amplifier wires and ensure the wires are tight and okay.

Finally, check the speaker wires; you will need to inspect the wires for each speaker separately. To access them, you will need a flathead screwdriver from the radio screwdriver kit.

If the wires are disconnected or loose, repair them with a soldering gun. My favorite is Weller D550PK Professional Soldering Gun Kit. Make sure it is hot enough to fix the issue quickly.

Problem 4: Outdated Software

Your Subaru radio also needs software support like your phones or other devices. It also needs to update with every change in features. 

If you do not care about the update notifications, you will experience Subaru radio turns on but no sound. An outdated software start is showing problems until you update it.

Solution:

Go to settings and check for the Subaru radio software update if you see the software is outdated. Click on update to update the software. 

Hopefully, you will get rid of the problem. But it is a must to restart the radio to access the updated functions.

Problem 5: Antenna /Tuner issue

You will need an antenna to connect with the local news, music stations, and sports. If you have a problem with the Antenna or tuning issue, it is definitely a faulty sound system. You need immediate fixation to get rid of the problem.

Solution:

A damaged Antenna can quickly be identified by physical check. If you see the Subaru antenna is damaged, replace it with a new Subaru car radio antenna. 

MAOERYAN Car Short Antenna is highly compatible with Subaru, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan. But if you have checked for all the above problems and the issue is still not resolved, you fault the tuner. Check the built-in tuner in the head unit.

You can confirm it by connecting your Subaru radio with other input devices such as MP3, CD, or your phone. You should reset the tuning to hear the sound if the sound is coming from other input devices.

Perform a Hard Reset:

Some Subaru models may have a radio that can be reset by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds.

Visit a Subaru Service Center:

If the issue persists, it may be a hardware problem. Take your Subaru to an authorized service center for professional diagnosis and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my 2019 Subaru radio no sound?

If you experience no sound in the Subaru Outback, the maximum chances are that you have a problem with wires or speakers.

Why does the 2018 Subaru Outback radio have no sound?

You should check for the head unit; the maximum chances are that you have a problem with settings. Mostly, you can solve the problem by resetting when you have a sound issue in the 2018 Subaru Outback.

Why is my car radio on but no sound?

Have your car radio turned on but no sound? The possible problems can be damaged speaker wires, faulty fuses, or input device issues.

What are the causes for 2019 Subaru Outback Speakers not working?

You have to check for the head unit or wiring when Subaru Outback speakers are not working correctly. Wire issues of any of the speakers between the head unit and speakers may make all of your speakers not work.

Can a system reset solve the issue for the 2013 Subaru Outback radio with no sound?

You may not solve the problem with a system reset every time. But mostly, it resolves the issue for the 2013 Subaru radio with no sound. So, trying the system reset before diagnosing the other causes is good.

Final verdict:

Subaru radio is an excellent performer and lasts for years. But some common issues can make it faulty. No worry about such issues because you can solve them with little guidelines. 

System settings, outdated software, blown fuse, and wires are the major things to check when you experience a faulty Subaru sound system. 

If you think that you can’t fix the problem by yourself, it is better to get professional help. This will save you time but cost you a bit.