How to Remove the Side Mirror From a Subaru Forester
by Daniel ValladaresIf the side mirror on your Subaru Forester experiences damage or stops working properly, replace it as soon as you can, as the side mirror is an important safety component of your Subaru vehicle. Replacing the mirror involves removing the interior door panel to access the mirror. After removing the door panel, replace and remove the old mirror within five minutes. The entire procedure should take close to half an hour to complete.
Step 1
Park the Subaru Forester on a flat surface. Place it into park and engage the parking brake.
Step 2
Lift up the hood of the Forester and use a socket and ratchet, generally a 10-mm socket, to lift off the negative cable from the battery.
Step 3
Open the door with the bad mirror and remove the interior door panel. Wrap masking tape around the end of the screwdriver to avoid scratching the panel. Ten small metal clips hold the interior door panel in place. Use a slotted screwdriver to pry off the clips and remove the door panel.
Step 4
Pry off the side view mirror trim cover with a slotted screwdriver. Remove the three screws holding the mirror to the vehicle with the Phillips screwdriver.
Step 5
Pull the cover off and unplug the electrical connector from the mirror if your Forester is equipped with electric mirrors.
Step 6
Pull the mirror from the vehicle. Install the replacement in reverse of the manner in which you took the original mirror from the vehicle.
References
- "Subaru Legacy & Forester 2000 thru 2006: All Models"; Ken Freund; 2007
Tips
- Do not forget to reattach the negative cable to the battery when finished.
Things You'll Need
- Slotted screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Masking tape
- Socket wrench set with ratchet
Writer Bio
Daniel Valladares began his career as a medical writer in 2008. He has written patient education brochures for several pharmaceutical companies and has worked as an auto mechanic at Kim's Speedy Auto Service since 2007. Valladares holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University and is currently studying to become a personal trainer.
