[BillZ]

Just bought my Forester a couple of weeks ago, tried using the rear washer spray and nothing came out.
My 91 legacy has a reservoir that you can see when you open the tailgate. Looked in the manual and all over the rear of the Forester-I can't find the dang thing!
I even looked at the front reservoir to see if there is a hose that runs towards the back and didn't see one.

 

[Justforfun]

The rear pulls out of the front reservoir, if the front is too low the rear won't work. So check your front one.

 

[good dog]

The reservoir is actually shared by the front, if the reservoir is below a certain level it won't squirt. So first try filling the reservoir to the top. Also inspect the rear nozzle to make sure it is not plugged up with dirt (you can try a small needle). I'm pretty sure there is a second pump for the rear, have a listen while someone operates the controls. Replacement pumps are as close as your local auto parts store.
Good luck and let us know how it works out. When I had my 99 Forester, I thought something was wrong when it stopped working.

 

[BillZ]

The reservoir is actually shared by the front, if the reservoir is below a certain level it won't squirt. So first try filling the reservoir to the top. Also inspect the rear nozzle to make sure it is not plugged up with dirt (you can try a small needle). I'm pretty sure there is a second pump for the rear, have a listen while someone operates the controls. Replacement pumps are as close as your local auto parts store.
Good luck and let us know how it works out. When I had my 99 Forester, I thought something was wrong when it stopped working.

Thanks! And I thought I was being silly for even considering that it would come from the front.

The res is 2/3-3/4 full. I also heard the pump noise when I tried to use it. Hopefully it is just clogged.

 

[bbottomley]

Assuming it's like the 2003+ models, there are two independent pumps on one shared reservoir. So you could be having either a plumbing problem or an electrical one.

 

[good dog]

Also I should mention if attempting to clean the nozzle, you could be pushing the blockage further in, the concept is the smaller thinnest needle is to pierce through the crud allowing the fluid to hopefully wash the blockage out be careful. I don't know if the nozzle can be safely removed to clean it.

 

[johngenx]

Rebuilt the system in my 2001 completely with better hose and now it's finally reliable. The rear hose breaks. You probably have the same trouble.

 

[rsay777]

I have heard that the hose that feeds the rear window area travels through the roof. If one was to have non winter type washer fluid in the system when winter hits then freezing of the tube could result. I use winter fluid all year long and also periodically pump some fluid to the rear just to keep the tube full. my 02 cents

 

[RobZ2001L]

I just replaced my pump for the front in my 01 today, it was a lot easier than changing the tranny fluid and down stream 02 sensor i can't get to break free. The pump was less than $15 at Autozone. I am going to reinspect my nozzles, but i'm not upset about replacing the old pump that had very gross contacts.
I am going to completely pull the nozzles next.
Let me know what worked for you if you find a solution.

 

[AlucardZero]

I have heard that the hose that feeds the rear window area travels through the roof. If one was to have non winter type washer fluid in the system when winter hits then freezing of the tube could result. I use winter fluid all year long and also periodically pump some fluid to the rear just to keep the tube full. my 02 cents

Nope. If you remove the back seat you'll see that the hose is under there. You'll also see it under the hand brake trim. At least in the 1999 model it is, and the 2001 model is identical to the 1999 model.

PS. Didn't notice the oldness of this post.