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Home >> Subaru >> 2015 >> Forester 2.0XT Touring >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Exterior/Interior Trim >> Instrument Panel Assembly >> Removal

Instrument Panel Assembly: Removal

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the airbag system harness when servicing the instrument panel. Damage may cause the system to malfunction.
NOTE: Remove the instrument panel assembly and the beam COMPL - steering as a unit.
  1. Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
    NOTE: On CVT models, shift the select lever into "N" before disconnecting the battery ground cable.
  2. Remove the console box assembly. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Console Box. >
  3. Release the claws, and then remove the boot - hand brake.
    Fig 1: Identifying Hand Brake Boot
    G09483603Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Release the clips, and remove the ornament panel - console.
    Fig 2: Removing Console Ornament Panel
    G09483604Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: Removal is easier if you grab the arrow sections from right and left and pull them at the same time.
  5. Remove the cover - shift lever.
    1. Remove the shift knob. (MT model)
    2. Release the clips and claws, then pull up the cover - shift lever.
      Fig 3: Removing Shift Knob (MT Model)
      G09483605Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Release the claws, and remove the tray assembly - CTR LWR.
    Fig 4: Identifying Tray Assembly Claws
    G09483942Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the console box assembly.
    1. Move the seat forward, and remove the bolts after detaching the left and right caps.
    2. Remove the screws and clips, disconnect the harness connector and remove the console box assembly.
      Fig 5: Identifying Console Box Assembly
      G09483606Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the left and right panel center LWR.
    1. Remove the screws and clips.
    2. Release the claws, and then pull the panel center LWR to remove.
      Fig 6: Removing Left And Right Panel Center LWR
      G09483944Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove the clips, and remove the cover - instrument panel side LH.
    Fig 7: Removing Instrument Panel Side LH Cover
    G09483544Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: Using a plastic remover, open the cover - instrument panel side LH.
  10. Remove the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver IN and OUT.
    CAUTION: When removing the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver, be sure to pull it toward you. If attempting to remove by turning it upward, the claws may be damaged.
    Fig 8: Removing Instrument Panel LWR Driver Cover Assembly
    G09484866Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    1. Remove the screws and release the clips and claws.
    2. Disconnect the harness connectors, and remove the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver IN and OUT.
      Fig 9: Identifying Instrument Panel Lower Cover
      G09483545Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Remove the cover switch - starter. (Model without keyless access)
    1. Release the claws and remove the cover switch - starter.
    2. Disconnect the connector and aspirator hose.
      Fig 10: Identifying Starter Switch Cover
      G08319431Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  12. Remove the panel - switch. (Model with keyless access)
    1. Release the claws of the push button ignition switch, and disconnect the connector.
    2. Release the claws, and then remove the panel - switch.
    3. Disconnect the connector and aspirator hose.
      Fig 11: Removing Switch Panel
      G09483949Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. Remove the nuts to remove the knee airbag module and disconnect the harness connector. (Model with knee airbag) < Ref. to DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE, KNEE AIRBAG MODULE, CURTAIN AIRBAG MODULE AND PRETENSIONER , PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector. >
    Fig 12: Locating Knee Airbag Module Nuts
    G09483546Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  14. Release the clips and claws, then detach the left and right grille speaker side.
    Fig 13: Identifying Left And Right Speaker Grille Side Clips And Claws
    G08316339Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: Remove the grille speaker side by using a plastic remover.
  15. Remove the trim panel - front pillar UPR on the left and right sides.
    CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the trim panel surface and curtain airbag module.
    1. Pull the trim panel - front pillar UPR towards the center of the vehicle to release the clips.
    2. Pull out the end portion of the trim panel - front pillar UPR.
    3. Pull out the trim panel - front pillar UPR towards the center of the vehicle.
    4. Rotate the trim panel - front pillar UPR, release the tether clips, and remove the trim panel - front pillar UPR.
    CAUTION: Do not use tools when releasing the tether clip. If the tether clip is damaged, replace it with a new tether clip.
    Fig 14: Rotating Front Pillar UPR Trim Panel
    G09483952Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Remove the pocket assembly.
    1. Attach the protective tape (a) to the panel center LWR.
    2. Remove the damper complete - pocket.
    3. Release the stoppers and remove the pocket assembly by pulling it toward you.
      Fig 15: Removing Pocket Assembly
      G09483844Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  17. Remove the back panel - pocket.
    1. Release the clips, and remove the ornament - panel assembly passenger.
      Fig 16: Removing Passenger Ornament Panel Assembly
      G09484609Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
      NOTE: To facilitate the removal, push the clip of the ornament - panel assembly passenger from the backside.
    2. Release the clips, and remove the glove box under cover.
      Fig 17: Locating Glove Box Under Cover
      G09483955Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Remove the clips, and remove the cover - instrument panel side RH.
      NOTE: Remove the cover - instrument panel side RH by using a plastic remover.
    4. Remove the screws, claws and harness clamp, then remove the back panel - pocket.
      Fig 18: Locating Pocket Back Panel Screws
      G09483956Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  18. On manual A/C models, disconnect the control cables from both sides of the heater & cooling unit.
    Fig 19: Disconnecting Control Cables From Both Sides Of Heater & Cooling Unit
    G09483770Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  19. Remove the panel center assembly.
    CAUTION:
    • Do not put your finger on the fin of the air vent grille. Doing so may damage the fin.
    • Pull the panel center assembly slowly. Pulling with excessive force may damage the connector on the back.
    1. Insert a plastic remover to the three areas shown by the arrows, and slightly lift up the panel center assembly.
    2. With the panel center assembly lifted up slightly, release the claw by using a clip remover wrapped with protective tape.
    3. Release the rest of the claws, and pull out the panel center assembly.
    4. Disconnect the connectors, and remove the panel center assembly.
      Fig 20: Removing Panel Center Assembly
      G09483771Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  20. Remove the audio assembly or navigation assembly.
    1. Remove the screws, and partially pull out the audio assembly or navigation assembly.
    2. Disconnect the connectors, and remove the audio assembly or navigation assembly.
      Fig 21: Locating Audio Assembly/Navigation Assembly Screws
      G09483959Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  21. Remove the multi-function display assembly.
    1. Disconnect the claws and then remove the cover center UPR.
      Fig 22: Removing Multi-Function Display Assembly
      G08316347Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
      NOTE: Lightly push up the back of the cover center UPR, hook the finger to the end portion and pull it toward you to remove it.
    2. Release the claws and then remove the panel - display UPR and the panel - display LWR.
      NOTE: Remove the panel - display UPR & panel - display LWR and the multi-function display assembly as a unit.
    3. Disconnect the connector and remove the multi-function display assembly.
      Fig 23: Locating Multi-Function Display Assembly Screws
      G08316348Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  22. Remove the combination meter assembly.
    CAUTION:
    • Be careful not to damage the meter or instrument panel.
    • Pay particular attention to avoid damaging the meter glass.
    1. Release the lock, tilt the steering column to the lowest end and fully extend the column by the telescopic system.
      Fig 24: Tilting Steering Column To Lowest End
      G09483962Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Release the screws and clips, then detach the visor - combination meter.
      Fig 25: Locating Combination Meter Visor Screws
      G09483963Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Remove the screws, disconnect the connector and remove the combination meter assembly.
      Fig 26: Locating Combination Meter Assembly Screws
      G08316351Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  23. Disconnect the passenger's airbag module connector. < Ref. to PASSENGER'S AIRBAG MODULE , PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector. >
    Fig 27: Identifying Passenger's Airbag Module Connector
    G09483965Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  24. Remove the column assembly - steering. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Steering Column. >
  25. Release the claws, and then remove the cover side sill - front IN on LH and RH sides.
    CAUTION: Do not pull with excessive force. Doing so may damage the claws of the cover side sill - front IN.
    Fig 28: Identifying Cover Side Sill Claws
    G09483966Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  26. Remove the clip, and remove the cover side sill - front on LH and RH sides.
    Fig 29: Identifying Front Cover Side Sill Clips
    G08316354Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  27. Remove the body side weather strip - flange front.
  28. Remove the instrument panel assembly and the beam COMPL - steering as a unit.
    CAUTION: The instrument panel assembly and the beam COMPL - steering are heavy. Always work in a team of two persons when removing them from the vehicle, so as not to damage the vehicle interior.
    1. Remove the fuse box and relay box.
    2. Disconnect all harness clamps and connectors of the instrument panel harness.
    3. Remove the TORX® bolt. (a), (b)

      Preparation tool: 

      TORX® T40 

    4. Remove the bolts at the floor center. (c), (d)
    5. Remove the bolt. (e), (f)
      Fig 30: Identifying Instrument Panel Assembly Fasteners
      G09483968Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    6. Loosen the adjuster portion (a) of the adjuster - clip space. (only LH side of the beam COMPL - steering)

      Preparation tool: 

      Hexagon wrench: 8 mm (0.31 in) 

      Fig 31: Identifying Adjuster Portion Of Adjuster - Clip Space
      G08316356Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    7. Slightly lift the instrument panel assembly together with the beam COMPL - steering to detach the left and right pins. Then pull it toward you to remove the assembly.
    CAUTION:
    • Check that all harness clamps and connectors are detached.
    • The instrument panel assembly and the beam COMPL - steering are heavy. Always work in a team of two persons when removing them from the vehicle, so as not to damage the vehicle interior.
    Fig 32: Identifying Instrument Panel Assembly
    G09483970Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  29. Remove the panel COMPL - instrument UPR.
    1. Disconnect the connector of the sensor - sunload.
    2. Disconnect the connector of the sensor - automatic light. (Model with automatic light function)
    3. Release the claws, and remove the panel COMPL - instrument UPR.
      Fig 33: Removing Instrument Panel COMPL - UPR
      G09484915Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  30. Remove the screws and remove the front (A) and side vent duct (B) LH, RH.
    Fig 34: Locating Front And Side Vent Duct Screws
    G08316228Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  31. Separate the panel COMPL - instrument and the beam COMPL - steering.
    1. Remove the clamps and bolts of the passenger's airbag module harness.
      Fig 35: Locating Passenger's Airbag Module Harness Bolts
      G09483971Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Remove the left and right speakers.
      NOTE: Detach the harness clamp together.
    3. Disconnect the front accessory socket connector.
    4. Remove the nut (a) and screws (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h).
    5. While being careful with the harness, separate the panel COMPL - instrument and the beam COMPL - steering.
      Fig 36: Identifying Instrument Panel Assembly
      G09483972Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  32. Remove the claws, and remove the passenger's airbag module.
    Fig 37: Locating Passenger's Airbag Module Claws
    G09483974Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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