Subaru Forester: Maintenance and service / Maintenance tips
Some clips and fender linings must be
removed before replacing the air cleaner
elements or specific bulbs.
Removing and reinstalling clips
Removing clips
There are several types of clips used for
your vehicle.
Type A clips

- Turn the clips counterclockwise using
a flat-head screwdriver until the center
portion of the clip is raised.
- Remove the clips with a flat-head
screwdriver using leverage.
- Remove the entire clip by pulling it up.
Type B clips

- Pull out the center portion of the clip
using a flat-head screwdriver as shown in
the illustration.
- Pull the protruded center portion to
remove the entire body of the clip.
Type C clips

- Turn the clip counterclockwise using a
Phillips screwdriver until the center portion
of the clip is raised.
- Remove the entire clip by pulling it up.
Reinstalling clips

Type A clips

Type B clips

Type C clips
Insert the clip without the center portion
first and then push the center portion of the
clip into the hole.
CAUTION
Be extremely careful not to catch
fingers or other objects when
closing the engine hood.
Do not push the hood forcibly to
close it. It could deform the metal...
Other information:
NOTE
The rear gate will remain unlocked
even after closing it. Always lock the
rear gate when leaving the vehicle.
If you cannot open/close the rear
gate by performing the operation described
here, a short electronic chirp
will sound three times (beep, beep,
beep)...
Overloading could affect vehicle
handling, stopping distance, and
vehicle and tire performance in the
following ways. This could lead to
an accident and possibly result in
severe personal injury.
Vehicle stability will deteriorate.
Heavy and/or high-mounted loads could increase the risk of
rollover...