Adding Intermittent/Delayed Windshield Wipers

Now this is an easy, fun mod to do to your 1998-2001 2.5 RS.

Took me literally 10 minutes. If you own screwdrivers, you can do this modification!

 

Newer Impreza WRX/STi are fitted with intermittent - delayed windshield wiper timing.  Meaning, they have a dial to select "slower" speeds to be used in light drizzle or light rain.  This timing is also accompanied by the 3 selections of the stalk itself, low... fast... and very quick.

 

Our older GC 2.5RS' do not have variable wiper timing as an option. This fact can be quite irritating when it's not raining all that hard, yet it's raining hard enough to require 'some' assistance from the wipers.

 

So what I've done here is swap the Wiper stalk from a 2002 WRX into my 2001 2.5 RS - this is a "plug and play" modification. No wiring. No special skills needed. Details and photos below.

 

Items needed:

WRX Wiper Stalk - find used or order part # 83114AE110 from Subaru

Flathead Screwdriver

Phillips Head Screwdriver

 

How to do? - see below

 

1) Note the position of the stock windshield wiper stalk. What you'll be doing is accessing that portion only and removing it

2) Grab your Phillips and get under the steering wheel column. Note the 3 holes Underneath.

3) Using your Phillips - remove all 3 screws - this frees up the steering column cover

4) Loosen the steering wheel position latch, drop the steering wheel all the way to the bottom (lowest setting) - Next tug gently at the lower 1/2 of the plastic steering column cover surround. It will snap apart.  Wiggle and remove the lower column cover, careful not to break any of the connecting tabs.

 

 

 

 

 

 
5) Push the upper portion of the steering column cover to the left and out of the way. There is no need to remove it.  Note the 2 very small screws on top/bottom of the windshield wiper stalk.  Use your Phillps to remove those 2 screws.

6) Now the only thing holding the wiper stalk in place is the electrical connector.  Use your flathead screwdriver to push, then slide the connector clip - freeing the connector unit.  Once this is removed, the wiper stalk can be removed freely.

 

7) As you can see, the stalks are virtually identical!

 

8) Install the new wiper stalk in reverse order. Connect the electrical connector, re-install the 2 screws to secure it to the steering column.  Re-install the lower column cover - snaps back into place.  Re-insert the 3 screws holding the column cover into place.... Reposition your steering wheel to your liking...

 

9) And you are done!! It really is just that easy!