l left my 2001 Subaru Outback’s parking lights turned on in the morning so when l came back to use the car again in the late afternoon it would not start. l tried to jump-start the car by first connecting the jumper cable to the Subaru and then proceeded to connect it to my Dodge Caravan. While doing that l accidentally connected the jumper cable to the opposite sides (i.e. negative to positive and positive to negative). There was a big spark on the Caravan battery and one of the crocodile clamp springs melted. l instantly pulled off the jumper cable from the Caravan. Now the Subaru’s lights, dashboard indicators and power windows etc are all working fine. I’ve checked all the fuses in the Subaru and they seem fine as well. However the Subaru still does not start. Could anyone help with what the problem may be?

Did you pull the battery out to get it tested? Since you stated you had shorted it out to your jumper car is battery, it could have damaged that somehow.

Also, how old is that battery in the Subaru? If up to 5 years old, it is more an likely due to be changed anyways.

Next time you jump a car, clamp the opposing alligator onto itself to keep it out of the way. The battery might be damaged, or might not. Remove the battery and take it to Sears or Auto zone and get it tested for free.
Depending on the climate you live in and how well you maintain your car depicts the lifespan of your battery. Replacing every two years will save you from battery headaches.