How to fix Subaru radio no sound? With Expert Tips!

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 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Blown fuse, failed amplifier, loose wires, problems with antenna or tuner, and outdated software are the major causes when you experience a Subaru Outback radio with no sound.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.

If you know the troubleshooting process, then you can easily fix it by yourself. Ensure you have some technical knowledge before starting to fix the radio sound system of your Subaru cars. 

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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 top 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 to 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 DEWALT Combination Wrench Set for this job. 

Once 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 of a similar amp rating if it is faulty.

Problem 2: Faulty Amplifier

Amplifiers are responsible for amplifying sound signals. They amplify input signals into output signals. If you have a faulty amplifier, it will fail to perform amplifying sound, and ultimately you will experience a radio sound system issue. 

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 with checking the head unit wiring. To check the head unit wiring, you will need access to the backside. It can be difficult to detach the dashboard. 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 check the wires separately for each speaker. You will need a flathead screwdriver in the radio screwdriver kit to access the speaker wires. 

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 identify 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.

Best Radio system for Subaru SUVS and Cars: 

If you are a busy man who found your Subaru Radio system damaged, then installing a new one is worth the decision. Following are two Radio systems for Subaru SUVS and Cars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.