🔧 Impreza - Rear Window Regulator Replacement

Your Impreza’s rear window regulator is the mechanism that lifts and lowers the glass. Replacing it means removing the rear door trim panel, separating the glass from the regulator, swapping the regulator assembly, then reassembling and testing for smooth operation.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours (per door)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging door wiring.
• 🧤 Wear gloves—inner door metal edges are sharp.
• 👓 Wear safety glasses—small clips and debris can pop loose.
• 🪟 Support the window glass with tape before loosening clamp bolts, or the glass can drop and shatter.
• ⚡ Keep the key out of the ignition so the window can’t be operated accidentally.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 3" extension (1/4")
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Flat plastic trim removal tool
• Pick tool
• Panel clip pliers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Torque wrench (inch-pound)
• Painters tape (1" or 2")
• Magnetic parts tray
• Work light
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• 10mm wrench

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear window regulator assembly - Qty: 1
• Rear door trim panel clips - Qty: 6-12
• Butyl seal tape (vapor barrier adhesive) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground and keep the key out of the ignition.
• 🔋 Open the trunk/hood as needed, then disconnect the battery negative cable using a 10mm wrench. Wait 1 minute before unplugging door connectors.
• 🧼 Clean the window glass so tape sticks well.
• 📝 Assumption: Common Subaru torque values are provided below; verify if you have factory specs.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear door trim panel

• Use a pick tool and flat plastic trim removal tool to pop off the small trim covers hiding screws (usually near the inside door handle and armrest).
• Remove the exposed screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Use panel clip pliers (pliers made to pop plastic clips without breaking them) to release the perimeter clips around the panel.
• Lift the panel straight up to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Disconnect electrical connectors (window switch, courtesy light) using the pick tool to gently lift locking tabs.

Step 2: Remove the vapor barrier (water shield)

• Carefully peel the plastic vapor barrier back using a flat plastic trim removal tool.
• Try not to tear it. If the adhesive is messy, you’ll reseal it later with butyl seal tape.
• Keep dirt off the sticky butyl.

Step 3: Position and secure the window glass

• Reconnect the window switch temporarily, reconnect the battery negative with a 10mm wrench, and turn the key to ON.
• Move the window until you can see the glass-to-regulator clamp bolts through the door access holes.
• Turn key OFF, disconnect battery negative again with a 10mm wrench, and unplug the window switch.
• Secure the glass to the door frame using painters tape (1" or 2") from outside the glass over the top of the door frame (use 2-3 strips).

Step 4: Separate the glass from the regulator

• Through the access holes, loosen (do not fully remove unless required) the glass clamp bolts using a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 3" extension.
• Once loose, lift the glass by hand fully up into the frame, then add more painters tape to hold it securely.
• If your regulator uses bolts you removed fully, store them in a magnetic parts tray.

Step 5: Unplug and remove the regulator/motor assembly

• Unplug the window motor connector using a pick tool to release the lock tab.
• Remove the regulator mounting bolts using a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 3" extension.
• Carefully maneuver the regulator out through the largest access opening in the door.
• Move slowly to avoid bending the tracks.

Step 6: Install the new regulator assembly

• Slide the new regulator into position in the door.
• Hand-thread all mounting bolts first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten using a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs) using a torque wrench (inch-pound).
• Plug in the motor connector until it clicks.

Step 7: Reattach the glass to the regulator and align

• Reconnect battery negative using a 10mm wrench and reconnect the window switch.
• Turn key to ON, and move the regulator until the clamps line up with the glass.
• Turn key OFF, disconnect battery negative again with a 10mm wrench, then remove enough painters tape to let the glass drop carefully into the clamps.
• Tighten the glass clamp bolts using a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs) using a torque wrench (inch-pound).

Step 8: Function test before reassembly

• Reconnect the battery negative with a 10mm wrench.
• Turn key to ON and run the window up/down several times using the switch.
• Listen for popping/clicking, and verify the glass seats evenly at the top.
• If the glass tilts, loosen the clamp bolts with a 10mm socket, adjust the glass in the run channels, then retorque.

Step 9: Reinstall the vapor barrier and door panel

• Seal the vapor barrier back onto the door using butyl seal tape. Press firmly all the way around.
• Reconnect all electrical connectors.
• Hook the top of the door panel onto the window ledge and press down to seat it.
• Press the panel clips in around the edges using your hands (use gloves).
• Reinstall screws with a Phillips #2 screwdriver, then snap the trim covers back on.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔍 Confirm the window moves smoothly, seals at the top, and doesn’t rattle.
• 💧 After the next wash or rain, check the rear carpet area for water leaks (vapor barrier must be sealed well).
• 🔊 Verify door locks, speaker, and courtesy light work (connectors fully seated).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor, per rear door)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only, per rear door)

You Save: $260-$430 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.