2000 subaru driver side control panel

I have a 2000 subaru (legacy outback). The power window switch on the driver side is acting up. The window can go down normally. However I have to pull up really hard to make it go up. It seems to me that the switch contact is bad. Is it easy to disassemble the driver side control panel and clean up the contacts? If yes, does anybody have instructions on how to take off the inside door panel? A new control panel costs around $150

Regards -Ling

Reply to
Lakepointe777
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Hi Ling!

On Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:57:12 -0800 (PST), Lakepointe777 wrote:

Probably the master switch, alright. I don't think you need to pull the door panel to get it loose. Try sliding a butter knife under the switch bezel at the back (Or front? One or the other.) and gently prying up. Should come out with little effort. The plugs on the switch can be troublesome. Use an ice pick or similar to work the release and pry the connector out. The door panel is held in place with several screws, and a series of snap-in thingies down the sides, and across the bottom. Lessee, there is one in the cup that surrounds the door release, two behind little plastic caps (and possibly a chunk of black foam) in the door grab-handle, one in the little cup that collects garbage in the handle, and possibly another at the front, just below the window. That one might also be behind a plastic cover. Remove the cup around the release by holding the lever partially open and pulling/prying/cursing at it 'til it comes loose. You'll probably break a couple little plastic tabs unless someone has already done it for you. No worries, it'll go back just fine without them. Slide your butter knife along the bottom, and pry outwards to release the snaps. Once one is loose, you will be able to get your fingers in, and things will go faster. Just be gentle, and if the panel seems stuck, look for screws you may have missed. Once the panel is loose all around, pull the bottom toward you a few inches, and lift up to get the rubber wiper strip free of the door metal. It's a bit easier if the window glass is down, but it'll go either way. Goes back just the way it came out, but here you _will_ want the window down. Hope this get's you rolling! ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101

Reply to
S

Thanks Steve for the detailed answer. I really appreciate it. The master switch you referred to is the whole assembly (all 4 power window buttons, mirror buttons, power lock, etc), right?

Regards -L> Hi Ling!

Reply to
Lakepointe777

Hi Ling!

Yea, it's the whole little panel; 4X windows, window lock, and door lock, at least on my '99 Forry. Bet your '00 car is pretty similar. Once it warmed up a bit this AM, I pulled it out and took a couple fotos for you. On this assembly, both ends were "push-in" clips. Lift the back (#1), lift the front, disconnect the plug, and it's yours (#2). Any time you are working with the interior plastic, you want things to be warm, or you increase the risk of breakage. Park in the sun, or a heated garage, or run the heater for awhile. FWIW, one of these switch assemblies will run $35 to $40 at a salvage yard. Have the bad one in your hand when you go, and plug in the replacement to check functionality before you leave. Check that all of the window switches on the doors work, too, as these all run thru the master switch. If you are handy, you might be able to disassemble the switch and repair it, but I've never tried. Nothing to lose, I guess, if it's _already_ broken. And you're quite welcome; that's why we're here. Oh, yea: If anyone else want's to see the fotos, drop me a line,an' I'll send 'em along.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101

Reply to
S

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