Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

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Dominator
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Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by Dominator »

Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - replace the stock 1-speed intermittent wiper control with one that has selectable variable intermittent control.

It's pretty straight forward. Take the old one out, reroute and plug in the new one. All the "variable" circuitry is in the stalk, so it's a plug and play swap. I swapped out the stock wiper stalk with one out of a 1999 Legacy GT Limited. (same car that my seats came out of). Here are some part numbers if you want to look them up for the sedan = 83113AC480 and the wagon = 83113AA520.


Here is a picture of what our wiper stalks look like in the 1st gens.

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Photo from Rock Auto<--- click for their part listing.

If you are working on a different car and yours doesn't look like that with the pigtail attached, here's a write up for the new style. http://www.subiegal.com/thecars/impreza ... -wiper.htm


Here's what we start with.

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Remove the 4 lower column cover screws, and remove the upper and lower plastic column trim "shells". You will also need to remove the lower dash cover to gain access to the underside of the column.

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Remove the 2 bolts holding the steering column to the dash support. I didn't get a photo from below, but they are these two spots. Large bolts, access from underneath.

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Remove screws that secure the bottom metal plate structure. This one, and the similar one of the other side.

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And this one on the side (arrow shows the wrap of white tape to cut)

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Turn the steering wheel to either side to access these screws.

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Remove the 2 screws holding the wiper stalk to the column

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With all those screws removed, you will have enough free play and wiggle room to remove and install the wiper stalks. You will need to slice through a wrap of tape holding the pigtails together. (marked with an arrow in an above image). Under the dash, this is the harness connector. Unplug it, then carefully snake it out of the column.

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The install is the reverse of this process. Here is the end result.

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Normal disclaimer, don't work on your car if you don't know what you're doing. Expect the worst to happen and hope for the best. I'm not responsible for what you do to your car. Have fun!
cj91legss
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Re: Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by cj91legss »

Nice disclaimer. I'll have to add this to my list.
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
ride_child
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Re: Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by ride_child »

its sad, but a disclaimer is pretty necessary anymore. thanks for the right up! i always wondered if there was something like this to do! haha its awesome for washington rain!
Kris

'91 Mica White SS - R.I.P.
'88 White RX Turbo sedan - SOLD
'91 Black SS - SOLD
'93 Silver Turbo Wagon - Hibernation/Project Mode
'91 Black Camry Alltrac - R.I.P.
'09 DGM Forester XT Limited - Daily
mike-tracy
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Re: Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by mike-tracy »

Thanks for this, I'd done this to my 2nd gen's, need to do it to my SS's.
1992 Legacy SS 5mt, build in progress
Josh Colombo wrote: Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:23 am Wait....I'm confused now.
Dominator
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Re: Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by Dominator »

You're welcome guys. It's about time for me to post more on this site, and contribute where I can.
Legacy777
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Re: Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by Legacy777 »

Excellent write up!

I added it to the electrical forum sticky compilation.
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
Dominator
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Re: Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by Dominator »

Thanks Josh!
free5ty1e
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Re: Variable Intermittent Wiper Upgrade - DIY with pictures

Post by free5ty1e »

Awesome. Subscribed for reference; this is happening to my Legacies too at some point :)
-Chris
91SS 4EAT stock, 200k mi
91SS 5MT rebuilt engine waiting for a shell
93TW 4EAT, Forester lift, 3" TBE, 11psi, 200k mi
94SS 5MT4.11+rLSD 311k km: RobTune550,TD05-16g @ 18psi,FMIC,3"TBE,Forester lift
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