1996 Subaru Outback Wiper issue - Subaru Outback

Helpme · 01-06-2013, 11:46 AM

Hello, we currently have a 1996 Subaru Outback that the wipers stopped working...ugh. How to fix??? Anyone know or be able to walk me through it.

canubaru · 01-06-2013, 12:31 PM

check the fuse?

Helpme · 01-06-2013, 01:13 PM

yes have checked the fuse the motor runs but wipers don't go...

Osei · 01-06-2013, 09:19 PM

The crank has probably come loose.
Lift hood. Pull up plastic cowl cover on passenger side.
There is an oval rubber plug.Remove it.
You should be able to see an aluminum crank just laying there. It has a plastic cup on each end. it should snap back on to the end that comes from the motor. You can move the wipers by hand to get it to the right positiion.
The plastic ball will sometimes break and in that case get an arm from the junk yard. You'll need a 14mm socket to remove the wiper arm and a 10mm to remove the center pivot that connects the two arms. The arms are different lengths, so you'll have to get the one that matches the busted unit.

O.

Helpme · 01-06-2013, 10:49 PM

Thank you will look into tomorrow!

1 Lucky Texan · 01-06-2013, 11:46 PM

there may be some help from the parts store. Try searching on the issue cause, I recall some people were able to get an aftermarket part work under certain circumstances.

(can't recall if it was a 'universal' plastic ball, or for a different car. maybe someone else will have details)

Helpme · 01-07-2013, 10:10 PM

When I removed the cover, it was solid metal... How do I get to the plug?

1 Lucky Texan · 01-08-2013, 12:10 AM

various amonts of related help from a search - maybe some of it will apply to your car;

Subaru Forester Front Wiper Repair - YouTube

Windshield wiper clunk - Subaru Forester Owners Forum

Wiper Problem - Page 2 - NASIOC

('98-'00) DIY Wiper Bushing Fix - How to stop those clunking/slapping wipers! - Subaru Forester Owners Forum

you might email this guy to see if his repair clips might work for a subaru; WINDSCREEN WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE REPAIR CLIP FIAT PUNTO - IMPROVED VERSION | eBay

Helpme · 01-08-2013, 08:38 PM

Will do, thank you for your help!

canubaru · 01-08-2013, 08:49 PM

a fairly common problem especially due to heavy snow is for the spindle nut at the base of the wiper arm to be a little loose. this allos the motor to turn the spindles but the arms to not move. but probably not likely for both to be lose at the same time. but still worth checking.

01-06-2013, 11:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
Helpme Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	1996 Subaru Outback Wiper issue Hello, we currently have a 1996 Subaru Outback that the wipers stopped working...ugh. How to fix??? Anyone know or be able to walk me through it.

01-06-2013, 01:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Helpme Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yes yes have checked the fuse the motor runs but wipers don't go...

01-06-2013, 10:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
Helpme Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thank You Thank you will look into tomorrow!

01-06-2013, 11:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
1 Lucky Texan Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: behind the Krell Metal door Car: 03 H6 OBW & 06 WRX Sportwagon Posts: 4,275 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	there may be some help from the parts store. Try searching on the issue cause, I recall some people were able to get an aftermarket part work under certain circumstances. (can't recall if it was a 'universal' plastic ball, or for a different car. maybe someone else will have details) __________________ Time Flies Like an Arrow, Fruit Flies Like a Banana!

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01-06-2013, 12:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
canubaru Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Virginia Car: 01 Outback H6 VDC, 97 GT wgn w/ ej22, 98 OBW w/ej22 Posts: 978 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	check the fuse?

01-06-2013, 09:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
Osei Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 150 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The crank has probably come loose. Lift hood. Pull up plastic cowl cover on passenger side. There is an oval rubber plug.Remove it. You should be able to see an aluminum crank just laying there. It has a plastic cup on each end. it should snap back on to the end that comes from the motor. You can move the wipers by hand to get it to the right positiion. The plastic ball will sometimes break and in that case get an arm from the junk yard. You'll need a 14mm socket to remove the wiper arm and a 10mm to remove the center pivot that connects the two arms. The arms are different lengths, so you'll have to get the one that matches the busted unit. O.

01-07-2013, 10:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Helpme Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	When I removed the cover, it was solid metal... How do I get to the plug?

01-08-2013, 08:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
Helpme Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Will do, thank you for your help!

01-08-2013, 08:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
canubaru Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Virginia Car: 01 Outback H6 VDC, 97 GT wgn w/ ej22, 98 OBW w/ej22 Posts: 978 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	a fairly common problem especially due to heavy snow is for the spindle nut at the base of the wiper arm to be a little loose. this allos the motor to turn the spindles but the arms to not move. but probably not likely for both to be lose at the same time. but still worth checking.

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