Subaru Forester: Wiper and washer

Subaru Forester / Subaru Forester 3rd Gen Owner's Manual / Keys and doors / Wiper and washer

In freezing weather, do not use the windshield washer until the windshield is sufficiently warmed by the defroster.

Otherwise the washer fluid can freeze on the windshield, blocking your view.

- Do not operate the washer continuously

- Do not operate the washer continuously for more than 10 seconds, or when the washer fluid tank is empty. This may cause overheating of the washer motor.

Check the washer fluid level frequently, such as at fuel stops.

- Do not operate the wipers when the windshield or rear window is dry. This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield or rear window, always use the windshield washer.

- In freezing weather, be sure that the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window before switching on the wipers.

Attempting to operate the wiper with the blades frozen to the window glass could cause not only the wiper blades to be damaged but also the wiper motor to burn out. If the wiper blades are frozen to the window glass, be sure to operate the defroster, windshield wiper deicer (if equipped) or rear window defogger before turning on the wiper.

- If the wipers stop during operation because of ice or some other obstruction on the window, the wiper motor could burn out even if the wiper switch is turned off. If this occurs, promptly stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and clean the window glass to allow proper wiper operation.

- Use clean water if windshield washer fluid is unavailable. In areas where water freezes in winter, use SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid or the equivalent.

Refer to “Windshield washer fluid”.

Also, when driving the vehicle when there are freezing temperatures, use non-freezing type wiper blades.

- Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzine. This will cause deterioration of the wiper blades.

NOTE
- The wiper operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “Acc” position.

- The front wiper motor is protected against overloads by a circuit breaker.

If the motor operates continuously under an unusually heavy load, the circuit breaker may trip to stop the motor temporarily. If this happens, park your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the wiper switch, and wait for approximately 10 minutes. The circuit breaker will reset itself, and the wipers will again operate normally.

- Clean your wiper blades and window glass periodically with a washer solution to prevent streaking, and to remove accumulations of road salt or road film. Keep the washer button depressed at least for 1 second so that washer solution will be sprinkled all over the windshield or rear window.

- Grease, wax, insects or other material on the windshield or the wiper blade results in jerky wiper operation and streaking on the glass. If you cannot remove those streaks after operating the washer or if the wiper operation is jerky, clean the outer surface of the windshield or rear window and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaner. After cleaning, rinse the window glass and wiper blades with clean water. The glass is clean if no beads form on the glass when you rinse with water.

- If you cannot eliminate the streaking even after following this procedure, replace the wiper blades with new ones. For replacement instructions, refer to “Replacement of wiper blades”.

Windshield wiper and washer switches

The wiper operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “Acc” position.

Windshield wipers

Windshield wipers
Windshield wipers

OFF: Off
LO: Low speed: Intermittent
LO: Low speed
HI: High speed

To turn the wipers on, push the wiper control lever down.

To turn the wipers off, return the lever to the “OFF” position.

Wiper intermittent time control

Wiper intermittent time control
Wiper intermittent time control

When the wiper switch is in the “position, turn the dial to adjust the operating” position, turn the dial to adjust the operating interval of the wiper.

The operating interval can be adjusted continuously from the shortest interval to the longest.

The operating interval can be adjusted in nine steps.

Mist (for a single wipe)

Mist (for a single wipe)
Mist (for a single wipe)

For a single wipe of the wipers, pull the lever toward you. The wipers operate until you release the lever.

Washer

Washer
Washer

To wash the windshield, push the washer button at the end of the wiper control lever.

The washer fluid sprays until you release the washer button. The wipers operate while you push the button.

Rear window wiper and washer switch

Rear window wiper and washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch

operation) Washer (accompanied by wiper operation)
ON: Continuous
INT: Intermittent
OFF: Off
Rear wiper Washer

Rear wiper

To turn the rear wiper on, turn the knob on the end of the wiper control lever upward to the “INT” or “ON” position.

To turn the wiper off, return the knob on the end of the lever to the “OFF” position.

With the switch turned to the “INT” position, the rear wiper will operate intermittently at intervals corresponding to the vehicle speed (longer when the vehicle speed is low; shorter when the vehicle speed is high).

When the transmission is shifted into reverse, the rear wiper will switch to continuous operation. When the transmission is shifted to a position other than reverse, the rear wiper will return to intermittent operation.

Washer

To wash the rear window while the rear wiper is operating, turn the knob clockwise to the “sprays until you release the knob.” position. The washer fluid sprays until you release the knob.

To wash the rear window when the rear wiper is not in use, turn the knob counterclockwise to the “fluid sprays, and 2 seconds later the rear” position. The washer fluid sprays, and 2 seconds later the rear wiper operates. Releasing the knob stops the washer fluid spray, and 3 seconds later the rear wiper stops.

Light control switch
Mirrors

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