Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Using Windshield Knife
- Remove cowl panel. Refer to REMOVAL , Cowl Panel.
- Remove front side molding and upper front molding.
- Tape body side of the circumference of windshield glass for protection.
- Apply sufficient amount of soapy water to adhesive layer.
- Insert windshield knife into the adhesive layer.
- While holding the knife edge and windshield glass edge at a right angle, move windshield knife in parallel to windshield glass edge along face and edge of windshield glass to cut the adhesive layer.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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