Hi, I recently purchased my 1st Subaru a 2001 outback and am very happy with it. The rear wiper motor doesn't work. I have replaced it and have power to it but it doesn't work. I have heard conflicting stories about it being controlled by a relay and by some electronic system. I have had look around the tail gate and rear of the car and can't see any sign of a relay. Does anyone know where the relay is located in the car?

Thanks

Chuckster

Subaru FSM is showing a 5 pole black connector for the rear wiper relay. it's located in the rear passengers-side side compartment. remove the access panel from the inside there in the rear passengers side corner of the trunk and that's where the FSM seems to indicate it should be.

 

powered via Fuse 14

 

only three components to the entire system and you already replaced the motor, ruling one of them out so that only leaves:

 

1. switch on the steering column

2. relay

 

i thought there would be a timer somewhere, but FSM doesn't show one or i'm missing something.

 

i've had to repair wiring in the rear hatch lift gate before too. open up your lift gate and you'll see a rubber according like conduit that wire runs through - it's what allows wiring to go from the movable hatch to the rigid body. i've removed that rubber cover to find frayed and broken wires before, might want to check there too. granted, i would expect more issues but might be worth a quick peak.

Subaru FSM is showing a 5 pole black connector for the rear wiper relay. it's located in the rear passengers-side side compartment. remove the access panel from the inside there in the rear passengers side corner of the trunk and that's where the FSM seems to indicate it should be.

 

powered via Fuse 14

 

only three components to the entire system and you already replaced the motor, ruling one of them out so that only leaves:

 

1. switch on the steering column

2. relay

 

i thought there would be a timer somewhere, but FSM doesn't show one or i'm missing something.

 

i've had to repair wiring in the rear hatch lift gate before too. open up your lift gate and you'll see a rubber according like conduit that wire runs through - it's what allows wiring to go from the movable hatch to the rigid body. i've removed that rubber cover to find frayed and broken wires before, might want to check there too. granted, i would expect more issues but might be worth a quick peak.

Hi Gary thanks for your help. I have removed everything from the back of the car and can't locate a relay. I have power at the wiper motor all the time on one terminal, the other terminal when the ignition is on and the other when the switch is turned on, the fourth terminal is a ground. I can't locate a wiring diagram to decipher what happens, I can presume one wire is to park the wiper when the ignition is turned off or the wiper is switched off. Looks like I will have to relent and take it to a dealer>

the switch might be easy enough to replace to give it a try? they never fail so they shouldn't cost much used. and 4 and 6 cylinder should be the same on that part?