ATTENTION:

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
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provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 12-263-19

2019MY Forester

DATE: 05/13/19

Rattling Sound from Front Door

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a procedure to address a rattling -type sound heard coming from the front
door(s). In some cases, the plastic sensor plate mounted to the inner door panel may rattle against
the steel structure. The service procedure involves removing the sensor plate and adding a section
of self-adhesive EPT foam sealer to alleviate the condition. The EPT sealer is now included on the
replacement sensor plate part and will also be incorporated into future production.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
This bulletin will be revised with the production change information when it becomes available.

PART INFORMATION:
Package of EPT Foam Sealer (Tape), 3/8” wide by 3/16” thick available at
most home improvement and / or hardware stores.
Description
PLATE- SENSOR

Part Number

Application

98233SJ011

Front Door, LEFT Side

98233SJ021

Front Door, RIGHT Side

NOTE: The PLATE-SENSOR part number information above is provided in case plate replacement
is needed. The proper service procedure for this repair involves adding a piece of the EPT foam
sealer to the existing plate to alleviate the rattling sound.
REMINDER: If plate replacement is necessary, always order the most up-to-date replacement parts
based on the specific VIN being repaired.

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-263-19; Date: 05/13/19

Page 1 of 4

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being
performed. The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an effective
repair the first time and every time. This includes but is not limited to: important SAFETY
precautions, proper inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related onetime-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.
Step 1: After confirming the customer’s concern, record the
customer’s radio station presets (and Navigation favorites
where applicable) then disconnect the negative (ground)
cable from the battery sensor. Wait 1 minute before
proceeding.
Step 2: CAREFULLY remove the front door trim panel
following the procedure supplied below. REMINDER:
Always take all precautions to protect the surfaces of these
highly-visible trim components and be sure to store in a safe
place while removed.
1. Apply protective (e.g. electrical) tape (a) to the edge of the door / window frame to protect the
finish.
2. Remove the retaining screw then use a plastic trim tool to CAREFULLY remove the inner door
handle cover.
3. Open the hand cup cover on the armrest and remove the retaining screw.

4. CAREFULLY release the 10 retaining clips and remove the door trim panel.
NOTE: Any damaged clips MUST be replaced before reinstalling the door trim panel.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-263-19; Date: 05/13/19

Page 2 of 4

5. Remove the door lock and door latch cables from the inner door handle.
(a) Door Lock cable
(b) Door Latch cable

6. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors and set the trim panel aside in a safe place.
Step 3: CAREFULLY remove the
vapor barrier from the inner door
structure only as much as necessary to
access and remove the PLATE-SENSOR
as shown here in the illustration.
Step 4: CAREFULLY remove the
PLATE-SENSOR from the inner door
structure using a trim clip removal tool.
NOTE: Any damaged retaining clips
MUST be replaced before reinstallation.
Step 5: Cut a piece of the EPT foam
sealer 1-3/16” long (30mm).
Step 6: Using the photos provided below as a guide for positioning, clean the area on the back face
(ribbed side) of the PLATE-SENSOR where the sealer is to be applied with a mild solvent on a clean
shop. Dry the area thoroughly.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-263-19; Date: 05/13/19

Page 3 of 4

Step 7: Peel and apply the EPT foam sealer to the PLATE-SENSOR as shown above.
Step 8: Reinstall the PLATE-SENSOR to the door structure.
Step 9: CAREFULLY reinstall the vapor barrier and door trim panel in reverse order of removal.
REMINDER: Any damaged clips MUST be replaced before reinstalling the PLATE-SENSOR or
door trim panel.
Step 10: Reconnect the battery ground cable, torque the nut to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft. lbs. or 66 inch-lbs.)
and road test the vehicle to confirm the repair.
Step 11: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Whenever the battery is disconnected (or an applicable
power window switch replaced), the power window initialization procedure must be performed to
restore proper auto-up / down functionality.
Step 12: Reset the customer’s radio station presets (and Navigation favorites where applicable) to
complete the procedure.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be submitted using
the following claim information:
Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

2019MY FORESTER FRONT DOOR RATTLE REPAIR- ONE SIDE

A912-361

0.4

2019MY FORESTER FRONT DOOR RATTLE REPAIR- BOTH SIDES

A912-364

0.7

Fail Code
WBK-48

NOTE: Up to $1.00 can be claimed in Sublet to cover the cost of the EPT foam sealer.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as
previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 12-263-19; Date: 05/13/19

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