Replaced clutch on 2011 Subaru outback and started the car went around the block and the overheating light flashed so got back and it died when pulling up so I checked coolant and it was empty so I filled it up and started the car again took a few cranks and some felt like they would cut power and stop cranking but did end up starting then died again then I found a random hit hotwire from battery with a fuse that runs underneath the car to the back and the fuse was blown so I replaced it and started the car just fine drove around the block again and halfway back it bucked like power cut then parking brake light started flashing and fuel light started flashing and died fired back up then parked it cranked a few times and checked the fuse again it was blown but the car would still crank then it stopped cranking after like 3 more trys and then the OBD2 port lost communication put a new fuse in again then it caught on fire(the fuse) and smoked from the rear of the car under passenger rear
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Hello, Dave here, contributing to RepairPal and providing expert advice since 2010.
Why was the cooling system empty? Replacing the clutch shouldn't affect that.
But oh my - the circuit catching fire is a big deal! If the fuse was blown, you'll need to figure out why before continuing to drive the vehicle. If it's continuing to a point where there is a fire in the circuit, there is an obvious electrical concern occurring that needs troubleshooting performed right way. Do not put a larger fuse in to allow more current, sounds like that may have occurred? A fire in a circuit is not common if proper circuit protection is in place.
If you had smoldering wiring and a fire, you have much bigger concerns that will require more troubleshooting.
Reach out to a shop near you for guidance - good luck!
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