Subaru R2 Wiper Switch Fix: Common Fault Revealed

I had a similar issue with my 2003 Subaru R1, which shares many components with your R2. With some experience working on Subaru electrical systems, I can tell you that wiper problems are often related to faulty connections rather than the wiper motor itself. In my case, the wiper switch was indeed the culprit, specifically a damaged cable connection near the steering column. The repair process was straightforward. After diagnostic testing confirmed the wiper switch issue, the workshop replaced the connection and verified the wiper blade function across all speeds. Total repair cost was 95€ and the car was ready within a day. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Does the problem occur in all wiper speeds? Can you hear the wiper motor trying to work? Have you noticed any other electrical issues? What exact error code is showing? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different in the wiper system.

Thanks for the detailed response. My mileage is currently at 133945 KM and the issue occurs across all wiper speeds. The wiper motor seems completely dead, no sound at all when activating the wiper switch. No other electrical problems noticed, and the error code is P0768. The rain sensor light on the dash occasionally flickers, but the turn signal and other steering column controls work fine. The wiper blades themselves are only 2 months old, so I know those arent the problem. What worries me is the complete silence from the motor area, in your case, was there any motor response before the repair?

Based on your description, this sounds different from my case with the R1. While my wiper switch issue still produced some motor noise, your completely silent wiper motor and error code P0768 point more toward an electrical supply problem or wiper motor failure. With no sound from the motor and a flickering rain sensor light, I recommend checking the fuse box first, this is a quick and cheap check before diving deeper. When my wiper motor eventually failed two years after the switch repair, it showed similar symptoms to what youre describing. In my case, replacing the wiper motor solved both the operation issue and the rain sensor inconsistencies. The repair cost was higher than the switch fix, around 280€ for parts and labor. The cruise control also needed recalibration after the motor replacement since they share some electrical connections in these models. A quick test you can try: When activating the wipers, listen near the motor area with the hood open. Even a failing motor usually makes a slight clicking sound. If theres absolutely no response, this reinforces the likelihood of either: A blown fuse, A failed wiper motor, A severe wiring issue Would suggest having the error code properly diagnosed before replacing any parts, as P0768 can sometimes indicate broader electrical system issues.

Thanks everyone for the insights. After checking with the hood open as suggested, I can confirm theres zero noise from the wiper motor. I checked all the fuses and theyre intact. Given the complete silence from the motor area and the error code, Im leaning toward replacing the wiper motor entirely. Since my rain sensor is also acting up like the previous case mentioned, and the symptoms match so closely, Im going to schedule the wiper motor replacement next week. The 280€ estimate seems reasonable considering the work involved. The connection to the cruise control system is particularly helpful to know, Ill make sure to mention that to the mechanic so they can check the calibration after the repair. Will update once the work is completed in case anyone else runs into similar windshield wiper problems with their R2. Thanks again for helping narrow down the likely cause.