Front Outer Handle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the glass assembly - front door to the top position.
Remove the trim panel - front door. < Ref. to FRONT DOOR , REMOVAL, Door Trim. >
Turn over the sealing cover - front door.
CAUTION:
- Carefully remove the butyl tape. Excessive force will easily break the sealing cover - front door.
- If the sealing cover - front door gets broken, replace it with a new part.
- Be careful not to allow the butyl tape to contact any trims and seats because the butyl tape, which has a strong adhesive force, is difficult to remove once it adhered.
1. Disconnect connectors.
2. Carefully remove the butyl tape and turn over the sealing cover - front door within the area where the operation can be performed.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Front Outer Handle Sealing Cover
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the holder of the frame assembly - front door outer.

Fig 2: Removing Holder Of Frame Assembly - Front Door Outer
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTE:
- For model with keyless access, disconnect the harness clip and exterior antenna (touch sensor) connector.
- Using (a) shown in the figure as a supporting point, pry it with a flat tip screwdriver to remove.
Fig 3: Disconnecting Harness Clip And Exterior Antenna (Touch Sensor) Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the cover - handle front outer.
Preparation tool:

TORX® T30
1. Remove the plug at the rear end of the panel assembly - front door.
2. Loosen the TORX® bolt and remove the cover - handle front outer.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Cover - Handle Front Outer
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the handle - door outer by moving it rearward.
CAUTION: Do not apply excessive force to remove the handle - door outer from the panel assembly - front door. The panel assembly - front door may be deformed.

Fig 5: Removing Handle - Door Outer From Panel Assembly
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the frame assembly - front door outer.
Preparation tool:

TORX® T30
1. Remove the spacer - door handle outer.
  
  Fig 6: Locating Rod Clamp Of Frame Assembly - Front Door Outer
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Remove the rod from the rod clamp of the frame assembly - front door outer.
3. Loosen the TORX® bolt and remove the frame assembly - front door outer from inside the panel assembly - front door.
  
  Fig 7: Removing Frame Assembly - Front Door Outer From Inside Panel Assembly - Front Door
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.