Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
Well, having your Forester's wipers go on strike, especially when you need them, is about as convenient as a screen door on a submarine! You've done some good detective work checking the fuse and the linkage – that definitely narrows things down.
Since the fuse is good and the arm linkage seems okay, the next prime suspect is often the wiper motor itself. These motors can wear out over time, just like any other hard-working part. Before condemning the motor, though, it's worth checking if it's getting power. You'd need a multimeter for this, to see if voltage is reaching the motor's electrical connector when you activate the wiper switch.
Speaking of the switch, the multifunction switch on your steering column (the one you use to turn the wipers on) could also be the culprit. If the switch isn't sending the "go" signal, the motor won't know it's supposed to be doing its rain-dance. Less commonly, there could be a break in the wiring somewhere between the switch, fuse, and motor, or a faulty wiper relay if your Forester uses one separate from the main fuse box integration. Testing for power at the motor is usually the best next step to pinpoint if it's the motor or something further upstream.
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