[ashcalif]

Hi All - any help for this problem would be much appreciated.

I did a search and didn't find anyone treating this specific problem I've run into.
I have a 2003 WRX wagon and the front windshield washer has quit working. The rear one still works fine though.
I did some troubleshooting based on the suggestions I did find, and I've determined that the problem lies somewhere with getting power to the washer motor.

When I pull the wiper stalk to activate the washers, the wipers move but the motor doesn't run. If I hook the motor up directly to 12vDC then it runs and washer fluid sprays out the nozzles, so everything seems good from that point.
I checked the fuses and none of them appear to be blown. I specifically removed the one labelled "wiper" and when that one's removed, the front wipers don't even work, so I would think if it was a fuse issue, more than just my washers wouldn't work.

I measured the voltage across the terminals of the connector that hook up to the washer motor, and when I activate the washer the voltage fluctuates but never reaches even 1vDC - I'm guessing it should be 12v or thereabouts?

One interesting thing to add, I measured the voltage between each terminal on the washer motor electrical connector and battery ground while the washer wasn't activated, and I saw 13+v for each, I expected to see 0v. I repeated the same measurement on the rear washer terminals and saw the same thing, 13+v when it wasn't activated - so that appears to be correct. I never measured the voltage across the rear terminals when it was activated though - something I should have done.

Are there any relays that I can check or any other ideas? I hate going to the dealer for something I can do myself, and there's not many things I can do myself

Thanks!

 

[ODJ]

Well, I have only one silly suggestion...

The WRX is different from every other car I've driven in that the window squirter doesn't activate when you pull the wiper control stalk toward the steering wheel (this activates the 'mist' function).

Instead, you have to hit the button on the end of the stalk to operate the squirter.

I only mention this because I remember reading a post in the past where someone went to the dealer to fix a broken windshield squirter, only to find out they just didn't know how to activate it.

Since you have an '03, it's entirely possible that the little sprayer icon on the button has worn off, further confusing the issue.

 

[ashcalif]

Thanks. I think I am an idiot. I was pulling forward and not pushing the button, so I bet that's the problem. I'll try it out tonight. I don't drive the WRX everyday and in my other car you need to pull forward... At least I didn't take it to the dealer!

 

[nsvwrx]

LOL! yeah gotta explore around for a bit!

 

[plac]

thanks for the tip, I will see if this solves my issue also!

 

[tallpaul07]

Well, I have only one silly suggestion...

The WRX is different from every other car I've driven in that the window squirter doesn't activate when you pull the wiper control stalk toward the steering wheel (this activates the 'mist' function).

Instead, you have to hit the button on the end of the stalk to operate the squirter.

I only mention this because I remember reading a post in the past where someone went to the dealer to fix a broken windshield squirter, only to find out they just didn't know how to activate it.

Since you have an '03, it's entirely possible that the little sprayer icon on the button has worn off, further confusing the issue.

This post just helped me with my '13 lol. The pull forward for mist thing threw me off. I too am glad I didn't take mine to the dealer haha.

 

[Zataks]

Hah. Wish I had seen this on my first day of owning my '13! I kept pulling it looking for mist and got none so, in a rage, stopped at the nearest O-Reilly and bought a gallon of washer fluid. When it only took a a couple ounces to overflow I was mistified. When I get back in I found the button.

 

[MikeinTyler]

DUDE! I bought an '06 Forrester XT turbo and thought I had the same issue! But your post saved me a huge hassle!! Best news I've had all week!!!
Your post is still helping people 9 years later!
Thanks Bro!

 

[youknowitdadio]

DUDE! I bought an '06 Forrester XT turbo and thought I had the same issue! But your post saved me a huge hassle!! Best news I've had all week!!!
Your post is still helping people 9 years later!
Thanks Bro!

I've put a new motor in mine, cleaned the terminals, did everything under the sun. All along it was this stupid extra button!!!! lol! 6 months of dirty windshield for nothin.