2003 SUBARU OUTBACK wipers

3
Instruments and controls3-25
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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 fro-
zen to the windshield or rear window before switching on thewipers. Attempting to operate the wiper with the blades frozen tothe window glass could cause not only the wiper blades to be
damaged but also the wiper motor to burn out. If the wiper blade
is frozen to the window glass, be sure to operate the defroster,wiper deicer (if equipped) or rear window defogger before turning
on the wiper. If the wipers stop during operation because of ice or some oth-
er obstruction on the window, the wiper motor could burn outeven if the wiper switch is turned off. If this occurs, promptly stopthe vehicle in a safe place, turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position and clean the window glass to allow proper wiper opera-tion. Use clean water if windshield washer fluid is unavailable. In
areas where water freezes in winter, use SUBARU Windshield
Washer Fluid or the equivalent. (See “Windshield washer fluid ”
section in chapter 11.)Also, when driving the vehicle when there are freezing tempera-tures, use non-freezing type wiper blades. Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or a solvent, such
as paint thinner or benzene. This will cause deterioration of thewiper 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 road salt or road film. Keep the washer button depressed at leastfor 1 second so that washer solution will be sprinkled all over the

3-26windshield or rear window.
Grease, wax, insects or other material on the windshield or the
wiper blades 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 ofthe 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 pro-
cedure, replace the wiper blades with new ones. Refer to the “Wiper
blade replacement ” section (chapter 11) for replacement instruc-
tions. Windshield wiper and washer switches Windshield wipers
HB2019BB
To turn the wipers on, push the wiper control lever down.
: Intermittent
LO : Low speed
HI : High speed
To turn the wipers off, return the lever to the “OFF” position.

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Instruments and controls3-27
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Wiper intermittent time control (if equipped)
HB2023BA
When the wiper switch is in the “” position, turn the dial to adjust
the operating interval of the wiper.
The operating interval can be adjusted continuously from the shortestinterval to the longest.
Two click stop positions of the dial may help you to aim at your de-
sired interval. 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
HB2020BA
To wash the windshield, push the washer button at the end of the wip-

3-28er 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 (if equipped)
HB2021BC
Rear wiper
The rear wiper offers intermittent operation only.
To turn the rear wiper on, turn the knob on the end of the wiper control
lever upward.
To turn the wiper off, return the knob on the end of the lever to the
“OFF” position.
Washer
To wash the rear window while the rear wiper is operating, turn the
knob on the end of the wiper control lever upward to the “
” posi-
tion. 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 on the end of the wiper control lever downward to the “
”
position. The washer fluid sprays and the wiper operates until you re- lease the knob.