How to Remove a Subaru Forester Front Door Panel

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How to Remove a Subaru Forester Front Door Panel

Рет қаралды 78,446

Күн бұрын

Video tutorial on how to remove the front door panel on a 1997-2002 Subaru Forester. This was done in the driver's side of the vehicle. Once you've removed the door panel, you are now able to gain access to the window motor or the exterior mirror mounting screws. This particular tutorial was done on a 1999 Subaru Forester.
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Mirror Removal: • DIY: Subaru Forester M...
Tools/Supplies Needed:
-phillips screwdriver
-nylon trim tool
-standard/flat screwdriver
-tape
Procedure:
-first remove the mirror cap which simply pulls straight off using a nylon trim tool
-wrap some tape around the tip of the standard screwdriver so it doesn't damage the plastic
-remove the phillips screw where the door panel closes against the dashboard
-remove the false speaker cover in front of the door handle which will expose a phillips screw
-to remove the false speaker cover, use a standard screwdriver to pop the front side out first and them the back side just unclips
-remove the phillips screw
-remove the plastic cap in the center of the door handle with the standard screwdriver which will also expose a phillips screw
-remove the phillips screw
-remove the small plastic expanding clip by the door latch on the door panel side
-open the armrest hatch and there will need to be one phillips screw removed on the front portion of the storage compartment
-to remove the window switch assembly, use a standard screwdriver both on the front and back portions releasing the clips and assisting the unit out
-disconnect the electrical connectors on the window switch assembly by depressing a tab and pulling straight off
-remove the phillips screw where the window switch assembly was located
-once all screws are removed, firmly grab the bottom of the door and pull door panel straight out
-you can use the assistance of a nylon trim tool
-once unclipped, open the door handle and assist the panel from the handle
-reassembly is reverse of disassembly
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© 4DIYers 2013
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No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.

Пікірлер: 77

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you everyone for the compliments and support!!! Don't forget to like my video and subscribe to my channel. Also please follow me over on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

@runmelos3201 3 жыл бұрын

I really appreciated your presentation with each step clearly filmed and explained. You took the intimidation out of the task!

@4DIYers 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear and thank you!

@billtwist2037 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the help. Would have never guessed there were so many hidden screws. Also that live teeter wire in the false speaker panel is now with a tweeter.

@4DIYers 10 ай бұрын

Awesome to hear, happy I was able to help!

@95ljhamilton 6 жыл бұрын

One of the best instructional videos I've seen. Very quick with no unnecessary wasted time.

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you and happy to help!

@lorafarrell9816 9 жыл бұрын

Good camera placement, easy to see what you were doing. Nice sequence to the presentation. Good speaking voice with articulation of words so I could understand what you were saying. One of the better videos. Good detail

@picaxelab3223 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this video. I needed to replace the broken driver's side door handle, and this helped greatly. The greatest challenge is removing and reinserting the 10mm door handle left side bolt (as seen from the door interior). This bolt is almost unreachable since it is hidden by and under the window glass track mechanism. I applied sticky rubber adhesive tape to my fingers to hold the bolt head while I attempted to get the threads started on the new door handle. It's tough, but can be done...ultimately.

@4DIYers 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you and awesome tip too!

@DrJeffConklin 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that encouragement, PICAXE Lab! I've spent the morning trying everything I can think of to get that 10mm bolt started in the handle's threads. I see quite a few mentions of this problem in these comments, so broken door handles is clearly a common problem on these 1997-2002 Foresters. The whole job is pretty complicated, but I wasn't expecting an IMPOSSIBLE step in the process. :-) I'm contemplating removing the window glass from the door to get a little more access to that bugger. Sigh.

@davida9424 8 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Very clear. It might be worth pointing out not to detach the white part of the passenger window switch from the black part - shower of springs, contacts and ball bearings.

@johnhudak3829 2 жыл бұрын

I know it’s an old comment but I don’t care…you win the Internet for funniest mental image while surfing. 😂

@raoulcastaneda9749 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making it so clear! Lots of different secret fasteners for each brand.

@billoddiea 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff mate...clear, concise and straight to the point.

@4DIYers 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, very much appreciated!

@CelticMandoDude 5 жыл бұрын

I know this vid is a little old, but it's a lifesaver for me, trying to replace the side mirror. Thank you!

@4DIYers 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, glad you found it helpful :)

@4DIYers 10 жыл бұрын

aggy agdamov Check out this link forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1903217 It appears there are 2 10mm bolts holding the handle in which need to be remove in order to remove the handle.

@cameronkeithjames 10 жыл бұрын

Great help thanks for the video. Used it for an 2001 model to access all the bolts to replace a mirror.

@Iaapwm 5 жыл бұрын

Just brilliant presentation,,,, Many thanks from Lismore NSW Australia

@4DIYers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much :)

@Letsfightinglov 10 жыл бұрын

Very helpful video. Thank you. I need to replace my external driver door handle; I'm still figuring it out.

@marccondren246 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video. Helped me immensely.

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent to hear and thank you for the feedback :)

@jaquilicoe 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. The old false speaker guard. That was the little bastard i needed to know about. Very helpful. Replaced my mirror.

@4DIYers 7 жыл бұрын

Glad to help out :)

@file1man 5 жыл бұрын

is that small false speaker a good spot to mount a small tweeter? otherwise, what was this small false speaker guard designed to do?

@80nodrog 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for uploading this. Very helpful

@scherritknoesen148 9 жыл бұрын

very straightforward, thanks!

@sc4685 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to do this. Currently replacing my Forester's side mirror and this was helpful.

@4DIYers 5 жыл бұрын

Happy to help :)

@johnhudak3829 2 жыл бұрын

You, sir, are an excellent teacher. Really outstanding! Thank you for the succinct, useful content. Five stars. 👍🏻

@davewelton 11 жыл бұрын

Very helpful! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this.

@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm 5 жыл бұрын

great ! - really good video thank you sir for your time helping us home repairers ! and so i subscribed ! hooray a no rubbish show .

@4DIYers 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words and support!

@MrMegadyne 11 ай бұрын

Very informative

@4DIYers 11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@jasminegalvin Ай бұрын

Thanks

@4DIYers Ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@gilgia 9 жыл бұрын

Very well done guide.

@joseantoniogalvezgalan4218 4 жыл бұрын

Gracias por tu adiestramiento. saludos desde España.

@4DIYers 4 жыл бұрын

No problem :)

@blackinc.158 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Thank you so much for sharing this how-to! :-)

@AT525LA 10 жыл бұрын

This is a great video. I am STRUGGLING to get the door panel back on. I replaced a broken exterior door handle.I cannot get the panel back on. Nothing seems to line up, and anything I do knocks the interior door handle out of place. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

@4DIYers 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your compliment. Sometimes it helps if you start with aligning the top of the panel onto the door itself, but not fully pushing it on. Then pull the interior door handle in the open position, slip the slot for the handle into the panel, then push the panel into place. Once it's on, you have to pull it down so the door panel fits on the door itself. Start with aligning the screw holes, install the screw but do not tighten yet until all are into place and then finalize everything.

@JW-xj1yf 8 жыл бұрын

+AJ Treg Hey AJ. I have to do the exact same repair in a couple weeks. How did you overcome your issue?

@edwardpotter7442 6 жыл бұрын

Video a great help

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@ytmm9055 9 жыл бұрын

good job

@kevingallineauii9353 4 жыл бұрын

Very similar to the 2006 Forester. The FSM mentions nothing about retaining screws. I can't find a video for my car (2006-2008 Forester although much of the 2005 interior will be nearly identical). Should I make a video?

@ashmanr1 8 жыл бұрын

Great vid, now how do you do this if you can't get the door open. This is my problem on my 2001 Forester. My wife was pulling on the outside handle while I was trying to unlock the door and something bent, now I can't get the door open to get at the panels.

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Have you tried both the key lock and interior lock, as well as the electronic locks? Don't forget to subscribe!

@ashmanr1 8 жыл бұрын

Yes I have. Which tells me that the cable must have snapped. Now what? There are many videos showing front door panels which are simple. NONE showing what to do when there is a real problem with the door being stuck. Do I need to pull the front fender and actually unbolt the door?

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The cable most likely isn't the issue as each mechanism controls a different area. Quite possibly the locking mechanism on the door latch is broken. You can try opening the interior and exterior handles while operating the locks. You might be lucky and it's just a stuck component. Another route can also be using a "slim jim" which is what tow truck drivers or police officers use to open a vehicle. Some vehicles have this feature disabled, others don't. This is a metal bar which is slid down between the window gasket and window within the door. I do not have a video on this unfortunately. If that failed, then unfortunately the door panel will have to be removed and there is a very good chance it won't be salvageable. You can't remove the fender as the door needs to be open and you still won't be able to access the latch hook.

@MrZebedee 9 жыл бұрын

Great video and just want to make sure nothing too different for the passenger door?

@4DIYers 9 жыл бұрын

+Ian Bowles Nope, pretty much exactly the same except not main window control panel.

@LimitedShed 11 жыл бұрын

Helpful.......Thanks

@agdamich 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for video. But im stumble - how to remove(install back) outside door handles ? I have one , that has been kicked out by force, and has no luck install it back, nor from inside or outside.The 2 bolts inside a door, that holds 2 pins, turning together, is it ok or they can be disassembled ?

@mahkokhan 9 жыл бұрын

very good...

@codysmyth8501 7 жыл бұрын

is that for an 2002 or 03 Subaru Forester Front Door Panel Removal and do you have one for the back

@4DIYers 7 жыл бұрын

Yes it should be and unfortunately I do not. But it will be similar if I remember correctly. Screw inside the door handle, various clips around the bottom, lifts at the top, and maybe a couple other screws. I haven't removed one in a very long time.

@codysmyth8501 7 жыл бұрын

do you know how to fix the ac connpsher cluch on a 1999 sunfire

@johnandteresanelsonandlamo5184 5 ай бұрын

How about putting it back on? Any tips to keep in mind?

@4DIYers 4 ай бұрын

Just make sure your door clips are aligned with the holes so they don't fold over or break. Other than that, it's fairly straight forward.

@airyordan6291 7 жыл бұрын

Can the fabric be removed in order to "pimp my ride"

@jasonmartin4300 2 жыл бұрын

This is nothing like my 2012 Subaru forester door

@ripedecomp Жыл бұрын

....can you remove the same panel with the door closed ?

@4DIYers Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not without damaging it. Sounds like your door is stuck closed.

@GloGangBruceWayne 8 жыл бұрын

my door isn't comming off on my 02,its stuck by the window sill

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

Ensure the clips are disconnected and then lift up on the panel.

@GloGangBruceWayne 8 жыл бұрын

thanks man, I was just too light with the pressure

@claudiablaze8995 8 жыл бұрын

Hi, I have a question about this! I have a 99 subaru forester like the one above. My break pads fell out in the garage, luckily no damage was done to the house or the car, except the window on the drivers side door broke. Do you know how the window attaches inside? like is it a glue, or a bracket that holds it in place?

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

+Claudia Blaze There is most likely an issue with the window regulator within the door. Either the motor has failed or the mechanism. It could be as simple as popping the track back into place or you may have had a component break. Unfortunately you won't know until the door panel is removed. Worst case scenario you'll need a new window regulator which can be purchased used or new.

@claudiablaze8995 8 жыл бұрын

thankyou, but the issue is that I ran into a door with it. That will break any window. I figured it out myself, but thanks anyway.