Instrument Panel Upper: Removal

List of bolts, screws, and nuts

NOTE:

Bolts, screws, and nuts required for removal or installation of the instrument panel upper are indicated by symbols in context and figures.
In the figure, D represents nominal (mm) while L represents bolt length (mm).

Fig 1: Identifying Bolt Shapes

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: The following service operations include the works which may affect the SRS airbag system. Before starting work, always be sure to confirm the precautions related to the SRS airbag system. (Refer to SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM )

Precautions
CAUTION: After turning the ignition switch to OFF, you may have to wait for a while before disconnecting the battery terminals. Check appropriate precautions for battery terminal disconnection before proceeding. (Refer to WORKING PRECAUTIONS AND NOTES )
Disconnection of the battery ground terminal
1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF, disconnect the battery ground terminal, and then wait for 60 seconds before starting the work. (Refer to WORKING PRECAUTIONS AND NOTES )
  WARNING: The air bag and pretensioner system are fitted with a back-up power supply. If you start the work within 60 seconds after disconnecting the battery ground terminal, the air bag may be activated.
  
  CAUTION: To avoid damage to the molding, be sure to fully open the door glasses on both driver's and passenger's sides.
Removal of instrument panel sub-assembly lower (Refer to REMOVAL )
Removal of instrument panel speaker panel sub-assembly No. 1
1. Apply protective tape to the location shown in the figure.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Protective Tape Application Area
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Release the 6 claws with a molding remover, and remove instrument panel speaker panel sub-assembly No. 1.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Instrument Panel Speaker Panel Sub-Assembly No. 1 Claws
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of instrument panel speaker panel sub-assembly No. 2
NOTE: Remove the part in the same manner as RH side.
Removal of speaker assembly front No. 2 (for 6 speakers) (Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL SPEAKER )
Removal of speaker assembly front No. 2 (for 6 speakers)
NOTE: Remove the part in the same manner as RH side.
Removal of front pillar garnish RH
1. Pull the upper side of the front pillar garnish RH in the direction of the arrow < 1 > in the figure, and release the clip and the front pillar garnish clip.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Front Pillar Garnish RH
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  NOTE: Hook the front pillar garnish clip onto the front pillar garnish RH.
2. Pull it in the direction of the arrow < 2 > in the figure, and release the 2 guides.
3. Rotate the front pillar garnish RH in the direction of the arrow in the figure.
  CAUTION: When rotating, be careful not to damage the curtain airbag module.
4. Unhook the end of the front pillar garnish clip and remove the front pillar garnish RH.
  CAUTION:
  - When unhooking the end of the front pillar garnish clip, do not use any tools.
  - Be careful not to damage the front pillar garnish clip.
  Fig 5: Rotating Front Pillar Garnish RH
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. Protection of curtain airbag module
  
  Fig 6: Installing Protective Cover To Curtain Airbag Module
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  CAUTION: Immediately after removing the front pillar garnish RH, install the protective cover to the curtain airbag module.
  1. Wrap the air bag with cloth or nylon cloth as shown in the figure and fix both ends of the cloth or nylon cloth with packing tape.
Removal of front pillar garnish LH
NOTE: Remove the part in the same manner as RH side.
Removal of combination meter assembly (Refer to DISASSEMBLY )
Removal of instrument panel ornament
1. Release the 3 claws and 3 clips and remove the instrument panel ornament.
  
  Fig 7: Locating Instrument Panel Ornament Claws And Clips
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Removal of automatic light control sensor (with light control system) (Refer to INSTALLATION )
Disconnection of passenger airbag module
1. Disconnect the clamp.
2. Slide the slider and disconnect the passenger airbag connector.
  
  Fig 8: Disconnecting Passenger Airbag Module
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove the 2 bolts and disconnect the passenger airbag module.
Removal of instrument panel sub-assembly
1. Remove the 2 bolts and 6 screws and remove the instrument panel sub-assembly.
  
  Fig 9: Locating Instrument Panel Sub-Assembly Bolts And Screws
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.