Instruments and controls
3-20
Wiper and washer
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Do not operate the washer continuously for
more than ten seconds, or when the washer
fluid tank is empty. This may cause overheat-
ing of the washer motor. Check the washer
fluid level frequently, such as at fuel stops. Do not operate the wipers when the wind-
shield or rear window is dry. This may scratchthe glass, damage the wiper blades and causethe 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 dam-aged but also the wiper motor to burn out. Ifthe wiper blade is 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 win-
dow, 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, turnthe ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and
clean the window glass to allow proper wiperoperation. Use clean water if windshield washer fluid is
unavailable. In areas where water freezes in
winter, use SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluidor the equivalent. (See the “Windshield wash-
er fluid ” section in chapter 11.)
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 benzene.
Instruments and controls
3-21
– CONTINUED –
This will cause deterioration of the wiper blades.
NOTE The wiper operates only when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.
Clean your wiper blades and window glass
periodically with a washer solution to prevent
streaking, and to remove accumulations of roadsalt or road film. Keep the washer button
depressed at least for 1 second so that washersolution 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. Ifyou 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-abra-
sive 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. Refer to the
“Wiper blade
replacement” section (chapter 11) for replace-
ment instructions. Windshield wiper and washer switches
Windshield wipers
To turn the wipers on, push the wiper control lever down.
HG3010BB
1) OFF
2) : Intermittent
3) LO : Low speed
4) HI : High speed
