I was gobsmacked when my dealer quoted me $400 to replace that piece. I ordered one online and it sat my entry table for months, mocking me. I'm a potter by trade and have shows coming up, I need to be able to load my goodies from the hatch - armed with your video on my phone, I grabbed 2 screwdrivers and off I went. My hands are small enough that I didn't even have to take off the plastic panels, just popped the 6 rivets and maneuvered my hand in there! Thanks so much for saving me money and at 62 - allowed this old gal to make her first automotive repair! If you send me your address, I'll make you a coffee mug!
I just changed my switch out on my Subaru Crosstrek using your video. The panels on the Crosstrek come off a little different (you have to begin at the very top panel, then the sides, then remove the screws and the final panel comes off) but everything else was identical and I cannot believe I got it done in 15 minutes all by myself. I think the hardest/most time consuming part was figuring out the panels. I cannot thank you enough, this really made my day to replace it myself.
Thanks so much for this! It gave me the confidence to fix it myself. The actuator only costs about $37 so it's well worth it to do it yourself. I would add that when trying to put in the new actuator to not pull out the old one out until you tie some string or fishing line to the brown clip end of it, so that when you pull it out you have something to tie the new actuator to guide it back through the tight angles. Otherwise it can be pretty tricky.
Just replaced my hatch button after it failed about a week ago. This video saved me about $300 and time spent waiting for a dealership or mechanic! The part arrived quickly (I purchased the one in the link) and I followed the directions in this video, the process took about 15-20 minutes on my lunch break. I didn't manage to seat the rubber grommet in the middle but I don't think that will be too much of an issue. I followed the recommendation of one commenter to use a string to help guide the new button (I used a slip not and electrical tape to form a cone to help slide it through since the clip on the end likes to snag stuff). Thank you for your work, it is continuing to positively impact people 2 years later :)
Thanks a lot buddy it was very easy to install this on my Subaru Crosstrek 2016 following your instructions. Really appreciate for sharing such knowledge and experience It's very helpful😊 Rating your video with the highest recommended rating with all the heart ❤️ Thanks again and keep sharing such instructional videos 👍
Thank you! I replaced the actuator on my 2008 Subaru Impreza after watching this video. I removed the top panel, side panels, and bottom panel all by hand, then made the switch (pun intended). There were no plastic screws holding the bottom panel on this model so skipped that step. Everything else was basically the same. Great job with the simple, concise instructions and camera views.
Both this video and the link to the trunk button were great help! I was able to switch out the button on my 2013 Crosstreck within 15 minutes. Definitely make sure to put wire or something around the connector part as you take it out cuz you'll need it to make sure you can get the new part through correctly. 10/10
FYI when I bought parts from Subaru, two parts guys told me these buttons (and the latch lock/motor) break a LOT. Report it to Subaru and tell them this, and see if they'll send you a coupon to get it fixed. I got them to give me a $250 "good will" coupon but I've seen other people get $500.
This was very helpful. I struggled to get the new button back in with my '16 Crosstrek but got it figured out and it worked perfectly. Thanks for the help Kurt!!
Super helpful, and I would add a few things. When installing the new button, getting the rubber boot to slot in place is almost impossible. You can be lucky, but I eventually I had to removed the tailgate trim on the outside of the hatch, and then I was able to get the Hatch button rubber boot installed. I referred to your other video that was super helpful as well, but I removed the Wiper motor assembly which made the other two bolts so much easier to get to. Also, you really need an 8mm Deep socket. For some absurd reason Subaru made these bolts extra long. So, all done for a fraction of the Dealer price, and I have a shiny new socket :)
Very helpful - thank you very much for making this informative video. The most difficult part of this was putting the new one in - in part because it was 4 degrees F above and windy as I did this. The round rubber washer-flange-like piece would not seat in the hole in the sheet metal because there is no way to push it into place with your fingers because you can't get your fingers in there. I decided that it's very unlikely water will get in there in the first place, so I pushed it into the hole as best I could with a flathead screwdriver (being very careful) and simply pushed into place the new button mechanism, which snaps nicely into place. Also thanks for including the amazon link.
I hear ya, it’s freezing here and I was changing my fog lights for led not fun! I found out after the fact it’s easier to put the grommet in with the trim panel removed. Didn’t include that in the video sorry! When it warms up!
Damn, so glad I found this video. The button on my 2012 Impreza Sport Premium is starting to get wonky. The button itself is not degraded but it doesn't always open when pressed. I took it to Subaru and they wanted over $350 to fix it! No way, after watching this I'll just get the part and fix it myself!
Just in case anyone has questions, to manually open the hatch, after popping off the plastic square, slide the white plastic triangle from the left to the right. I sat there forever trying to push/pull/ pry the metal piece... 😅
I just replaced my hatch button. It actually wasn't the button that was faulty it was the little brown connector at the other end. Either way it didn't work now it does. Great video. Thanks
In some instances you need to remove the rear trim, with the emblem, to change the switch opener. In this scenario, the switch opener, (part number 63270FJ010), has two buttons: one opens the rear hatch and the other, which is located to the right of the trim, is for locking all doors without using the key fob. Replacing this entire switch mechanism becomes impossible unless you remove the rear trim.
'Nice video. I'm trying to have my back hatch open while camping and I don't want to drain the battery. Do you know what I need to do to the latch to make the Outback think the hatch is closed? The hatch works manually. Not powered. Thank you for your opinion..
Did you perhaps record yourself putting the new one in? Just wondering if it’s tricky to get it in, if i’ll have to fish around in there to pull it through, should i bring some skinny pliers, etc
@@KurtofTrades on my 2017 Crosstrek it looks to be more involved. after removing all the panels, I'll have to 1)remove the rear wiper and the bracket holding it on, 2)remove the bolts holding the rear bracket on (with the light, camera, and button), 3) unclip any electrical, 4)remove that bracket, and then 5)replace the button. The bolts are only accessed through some holes, and are a few inches behind the surface, and a few in wonky positions. looks like you'll need a socket driver and extender, and maybe even a rotating neck adapter to get in there. I'm going to attempt it soon and I'll make a video on it.
Am I crazy? Bread new 2022 crosstrek limited and when you hit the trunk button on the key, it flashes its lights twice but doesn't open. I've dug around a little online and am seeing that there IS NO trunk release? It just unlocks the button so you can go poke the button manually in the back?? Who thought of this? Smudge up my rear view camera 9/10 times lol
Is not the case for a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek that we own. It does not have that plug and the wires to it are the two for the hatch and two additional wires.
My trunk latch has started working sporadically the last week or so, and at the same time I noticed that the button rubber is wearing off. How can you tell if the issue is the latch or the button actuator? I suppose I just have to replace the button and if it doesn't fix it then I have to replace the latch?
I would just replace the button and then see if it fixes it. If you take off the hatch panel and watch the actuator when you push the button sometimes you might see it move but not unlock the hatch then it would be the actuator. You need a new button anyways so I would just do that first.
Simply disconnect the brown switch to actuator connector and short the male connectors inside the brown connector that is the opposite to the switch lead. If on shorting, the lock operates, then you know it is working ok and the fault must be in the switch side of the connection.
Hey all. I need some help. I got all the trim out but I can’t find any dark orange/brown switches. All are white on my 2016 Crosstrek Premium. I tried replacing the one that seemed to be going to the trunk switch and it didn’t work as the connection is different. Is it hidden or did I get the wrong part? (I got the G instead of J).
Did you figure it out? I have a 2016 as well. And yes, there are no dark orange/brown switches. The one I traced has 4 wires on it, not sure where the other two are going to. Can't see very well into the area these wires are at.
@@kirk561 I discovered we need a different part as our wire includes the little button to lock the doors on the trunk (liftgate). I haven’t found the part anywhere.
@@julianriveros1642 We ended up cutting the plug off the part like the one in the video, then cutting the switch off the existing wiring harness and soldering the wires together, putting a shrink tube over each of the wires and then another shrink tube over both wires. Works.
@@kirk561 I honestly think that might be the route to go. I have the replacement for the switch with the wiring. I might hire somebody to do it for me as I have no experience or tools, because getting the part seems to be impossible here in Canada.
Must be the latch itself. When you have the panel off push the button and see if you can see it move. If not try to unlatch it manually. Might just be stuck or you might need a new latch
If you crawl back there there is a plastic cover about 1.5” square. Pop that off and you should be able to manually do it with your finger or a screwdriver
I down voted this video for the following reasons. The cable harness has a grommet that is required to be pushed into the hole for it hard enough for it to soft click in place which you cannot do with the trim on the car. If you have a read wiper you need to remove the bolts holding it in place and move the rear wiper support bracket to access the access hole for the cable harness. If your car has a rear wiper and a camera you MUST disconnect those harnesses to remove the trim. To remove the trim on my 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport Premium there are at least 4 bolts that I found and all of them are 4mm-5mm and I do not have a socket for that size.
It is much easier to get the grommet in with the trim off yes, also my car in the video has a rear wiper and I didn’t have to take off the support bracket. Thanks for the clarification to help others!
Lubricate the grommet with silicone lube spray or other lube or simple soap or vaseline in order to enable it to easily seat into the place it is supposed to. Also before removing the old switch cable get a strong piece of cord and electrical tape it to the brown connector so that when the switch is pulled out the cord is available for the new end to be attached and pulled through.
@@KurtofTrades We didn't, BUT we did have to remove the bolts holding the mechanism in place, something in there was preventing easy removal of the wiring portion of the activator.
Why don't they have a safety release on inside.! I had to climb back there and there isnt anything seen as a safety latch. It was described in manual and can't find it anywhere.
If you found this helpful consider sending me a Super Thanks with the icon below the video, ❤💰 I will buy a Coffee with it! ☕
I was gobsmacked when my dealer quoted me $400 to replace that piece. I ordered one online and it sat my entry table for months, mocking me. I'm a potter by trade and have shows coming up, I need to be able to load my goodies from the hatch - armed with your video on my phone, I grabbed 2 screwdrivers and off I went. My hands are small enough that I didn't even have to take off the plastic panels, just popped the 6 rivets and maneuvered my hand in there! Thanks so much for saving me money and at 62 - allowed this old gal to make her first automotive repair! If you send me your address, I'll make you a coffee mug!
Glad to help! No worries on the mug, crazy they wanted $400 for that!
I’ll take a mug. I love pottery.
My local auto shop today quoted me 600 just for parts.
Naw man, I'll do it myself.
I just changed my switch out on my Subaru Crosstrek using your video. The panels on the Crosstrek come off a little different (you have to begin at the very top panel, then the sides, then remove the screws and the final panel comes off) but everything else was identical and I cannot believe I got it done in 15 minutes all by myself. I think the hardest/most time consuming part was figuring out the panels. I cannot thank you enough, this really made my day to replace it myself.
It’s not too bad thanks!
Thanks so much for this! It gave me the confidence to fix it myself. The actuator only costs about $37 so it's well worth it to do it yourself.
I would add that when trying to put in the new actuator to not pull out the old one out until you tie some string or fishing line to the brown clip end of it, so that when you pull it out you have something to tie the new actuator to guide it back through the tight angles. Otherwise it can be pretty tricky.
Just replaced my hatch button after it failed about a week ago. This video saved me about $300 and time spent waiting for a dealership or mechanic! The part arrived quickly (I purchased the one in the link) and I followed the directions in this video, the process took about 15-20 minutes on my lunch break. I didn't manage to seat the rubber grommet in the middle but I don't think that will be too much of an issue. I followed the recommendation of one commenter to use a string to help guide the new button (I used a slip not and electrical tape to form a cone to help slide it through since the clip on the end likes to snag stuff). Thank you for your work, it is continuing to positively impact people 2 years later :)
No problem, glad to help
Thanks a lot buddy it was very easy to install this on my Subaru Crosstrek 2016 following your instructions.
Really appreciate for sharing such knowledge and experience It's very helpful😊
Rating your video with the highest recommended rating with all the heart ❤️
Thanks again and keep sharing such instructional videos 👍
Thank you! I replaced the actuator on my 2008 Subaru Impreza after watching this video. I removed the top panel, side panels, and bottom panel all by hand, then made the switch (pun intended). There were no plastic screws holding the bottom panel on this model so skipped that step. Everything else was basically the same. Great job with the simple, concise instructions and camera views.
Glad to help!
Both this video and the link to the trunk button were great help! I was able to switch out the button on my 2013 Crosstreck within 15 minutes. Definitely make sure to put wire or something around the connector part as you take it out cuz you'll need it to make sure you can get the new part through correctly. 10/10
FYI when I bought parts from Subaru, two parts guys told me these buttons (and the latch lock/motor) break a LOT. Report it to Subaru and tell them this, and see if they'll send you a coupon to get it fixed. I got them to give me a $250 "good will" coupon but I've seen other people get $500.
This worked perfectly. Thank you for the helpful tutorial.
Glad to help thanks for the super!
Thanks for this video. Took me only 5 minutes to replace.
This was very helpful. I struggled to get the new button back in with my '16 Crosstrek but got it figured out and it worked perfectly. Thanks for the help Kurt!!
No probs Chris! Glad to help
Super helpful, and I would add a few things. When installing the new button, getting the rubber boot to slot in place is almost impossible. You can be lucky, but I eventually I had to removed the tailgate trim on the outside of the hatch, and then I was able to get the Hatch button rubber boot installed. I referred to your other video that was super helpful as well, but I removed the Wiper motor assembly which made the other two bolts so much easier to get to. Also, you really need an 8mm Deep socket. For some absurd reason Subaru made these bolts extra long. So, all done for a fraction of the Dealer price, and I have a shiny new socket :)
Thanks for doing this. Saved me a bunch of screwing around probably.
Glad to help!
Thanks for your helpful video and saving me a lot of money. The Subaru dealership wanted over $700 for parts and labor. Just ridiculous!
Very helpful - thank you very much for making this informative video. The most difficult part of this was putting the new one in - in part because it was 4 degrees F above and windy as I did this. The round rubber washer-flange-like piece would not seat in the hole in the sheet metal because there is no way to push it into place with your fingers because you can't get your fingers in there. I decided that it's very unlikely water will get in there in the first place, so I pushed it into the hole as best I could with a flathead screwdriver (being very careful) and simply pushed into place the new button mechanism, which snaps nicely into place. Also thanks for including the amazon link.
I hear ya, it’s freezing here and I was changing my fog lights for led not fun! I found out after the fact it’s easier to put the grommet in with the trim panel removed. Didn’t include that in the video sorry! When it warms up!
I pulled a string in when taking out the old. Helped to pull the new one in.
omg they wanted so much money to do this for me at the repair shop. Now the button is on its way to me :)
Damn, so glad I found this video. The button on my 2012 Impreza Sport Premium is starting to get wonky. The button itself is not degraded but it doesn't always open when pressed. I took it to Subaru and they wanted over $350 to fix it! No way, after watching this I'll just get the part and fix it myself!
It’s super easy, the part is in the description
Thanks! This saved me $398.
Wow that’s a lot! You can repay me with a sub haha. Dealer price I take it?
Just in case anyone has questions, to manually open the hatch, after popping off the plastic square, slide the white plastic triangle from the left to the right. I sat there forever trying to push/pull/ pry the metal piece... 😅
This was huge ,thanks og
Glad to help!
Worked like a charm! Thanks!
Exactly what I needed to know and it was so easy. Thank you!
Glad to help!
I just replaced my hatch button. It actually wasn't the button that was faulty it was the little brown connector at the other end. Either way it didn't work now it does.
Great video. Thanks
Thanks for the video it's just what I wanted
Thanks!
Wow thank you! It means a lot to me!
Thank you for a very helpful video!
I might have to do this for a Forester as my button does nothing. Appreciate the video.
9 times out of 10 it’s just the switch
Thank you
do you have a video of the same thing for later models?
No I don’t but it is the same process o think same size bolts too
Thank you so much. The dealer would have charged me 250 no doubt. All i paid was 34 bucks for the switch
I’ve heard people getting charged $400 😮
Thanks Kurt!
Glad to help!
Nice so where can you order one since i have 2013 impreza that i couldn't open my reat hatch door thanks more video come rreally helpful
Parts.Subaru.com is pretty good or Amazon. Check the description for the part number.
In some instances you need to remove the rear trim, with the emblem, to change the switch opener. In this scenario, the switch opener, (part number 63270FJ010), has two buttons: one opens the rear hatch and the other, which is located to the right of the trim, is for locking all doors without using the key fob. Replacing this entire switch mechanism becomes impossible unless you remove the rear trim.
'Nice video. I'm trying to have my back hatch open while camping and I don't want to drain the battery. Do you know what I need to do to the latch to make the Outback think the hatch is closed? The hatch works manually. Not powered. Thank you for your opinion..
I think i've heard of people using a carabiner to make it think its closed, look into it!
@@KurtofTrades Thank you for your reply
but how u replace new 1?hash pull from the inside ?seen like u have to hash pull the old 1 from the outside .....abit difficult for this part
Did you perhaps record yourself putting the new one in? Just wondering if it’s tricky to get it in, if i’ll have to fish around in there to pull it through, should i bring some skinny pliers, etc
It’s not too bad, I would pull it through before putting the trim piece back on though.
@@KurtofTrades on my 2017 Crosstrek it looks to be more involved. after removing all the panels, I'll have to 1)remove the rear wiper and the bracket holding it on, 2)remove the bolts holding the rear bracket on (with the light, camera, and button), 3) unclip any electrical, 4)remove that bracket, and then 5)replace the button. The bolts are only accessed through some holes, and are a few inches behind the surface, and a few in wonky positions. looks like you'll need a socket driver and extender, and maybe even a rotating neck adapter to get in there. I'm going to attempt it soon and I'll make a video on it.
How do you open the hatch if the button is already dead? Subaru is wanting to charge me $899 to replace this button.
There’s a cover on the inside you can remove it’s square. Stick a screwdriver in there to release it
Where can I buy a Subaru impreza hatchback tailgate handle please?
Would this replacement work if the button isn't working at all?
It’s usually either the button or the latch actuator.
Am I crazy? Bread new 2022 crosstrek limited and when you hit the trunk button on the key, it flashes its lights twice but doesn't open.
I've dug around a little online and am seeing that there IS NO trunk release? It just unlocks the button so you can go poke the button manually in the back??
Who thought of this? Smudge up my rear view camera 9/10 times lol
Yessir the trunk button only works for the sedans, strange right?
Is not the case for a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek that we own. It does not have that plug and the wires to it are the two for the hatch and two additional wires.
My trunk latch has started working sporadically the last week or so, and at the same time I noticed that the button rubber is wearing off. How can you tell if the issue is the latch or the button actuator? I suppose I just have to replace the button and if it doesn't fix it then I have to replace the latch?
I would just replace the button and then see if it fixes it. If you take off the hatch panel and watch the actuator when you push the button sometimes you might see it move but not unlock the hatch then it would be the actuator. You need a new button anyways so I would just do that first.
@@KurtofTrades replacing the latch motor part is ridiculously easy. it's just two bolts.
Simply disconnect the brown switch to actuator connector and short the male connectors inside the brown connector that is the opposite to the switch lead. If on shorting, the lock operates, then you know it is working ok and the fault must be in the switch side of the connection.
Did you just change out the button because it was losing its rubber on it? Or did it not even open your hatch?
Just for the aesthetics. The button was working fine still. It was getting gunk all over my hand every time and was annoying as well.
Should the battery be disconnected ???
I didn’t. Don’t see any reason to.
Life saver, as soon as you replied I replaced it. Took 15 mins max thanks a tonne
No problem! Glad to help!
I never disconnected mine. No need.
After watching this video I just pulled mine out cut the wire and wired the new one cuz I’m lazy lol
Hey all. I need some help. I got all the trim out but I can’t find any dark orange/brown switches. All are white on my 2016 Crosstrek Premium. I tried replacing the one that seemed to be going to the trunk switch and it didn’t work as the connection is different. Is it hidden or did I get the wrong part? (I got the G instead of J).
Did you figure it out? I have a 2016 as well. And yes, there are no dark orange/brown switches. The one I traced has 4 wires on it, not sure where the other two are going to. Can't see very well into the area these wires are at.
@@kirk561 I discovered we need a different part as our wire includes the little button to lock the doors on the trunk (liftgate). I haven’t found the part anywhere.
@@julianriveros1642 We ended up cutting the plug off the part like the one in the video, then cutting the switch off the existing wiring harness and soldering the wires together, putting a shrink tube over each of the wires and then another shrink tube over both wires. Works.
@@kirk561 I honestly think that might be the route to go. I have the replacement for the switch with the wiring. I might hire somebody to do it for me as I have no experience or tools, because getting the part seems to be impossible here in Canada.
Thanks for this. Wish you would have shown how to install the new one.
My actuator is not working, it jammed and now i cannot open my hatch. I bought a new one and still not opening. What can be the problem?
Must be the latch itself. When you have the panel off push the button and see if you can see it move. If not try to unlatch it manually. Might just be stuck or you might need a new latch
So are the doors suppose to lock when in drive and open when you put it in park because my doors don’t lock when i put it in drive
My 09 Impreza stopped working it looks about the same for the replacement
It’s probably very similar I agree, good luck!
How do you unlatch it manually? Our switch isn't working anymore and we can't even get the hatch open to do any of this.
If you crawl back there there is a plastic cover about 1.5” square. Pop that off and you should be able to manually do it with your finger or a screwdriver
@@KurtofTrades Thx Kurt! I found a video showing how to do that. It's pretty astounding that Subaru did not put a manual hatch release in the vehicle.
I down voted this video for the following reasons. The cable harness has a grommet that is required to be pushed into the hole for it hard enough for it to soft click in place which you cannot do with the trim on the car. If you have a read wiper you need to remove the bolts holding it in place and move the rear wiper support bracket to access the access hole for the cable harness. If your car has a rear wiper and a camera you MUST disconnect those harnesses to remove the trim. To remove the trim on my 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport Premium there are at least 4 bolts that I found and all of them are 4mm-5mm and I do not have a socket for that size.
It is much easier to get the grommet in with the trim off yes, also my car in the video has a rear wiper and I didn’t have to take off the support bracket. Thanks for the clarification to help others!
Lubricate the grommet with silicone lube spray or other lube or simple soap or vaseline in order to enable it to easily seat into the place it is supposed to. Also before removing the old switch cable get a strong piece of cord and electrical tape it to the brown connector so that when the switch is pulled out the cord is available for the new end to be attached and pulled through.
We're trying this right now, but the wiring is caught on the rear window wiper grommet!
Good glad that works, that’s usually the problem
I don’t think you needed to remove the rear wiper
@@KurtofTrades We didn't, BUT we did have to remove the bolts holding the mechanism in place, something in there was preventing easy removal of the wiring portion of the activator.
How do you open the trunk on a 2012 outback
Not sure what you mean they have a tailgate, is it stuck?
@@KurtofTrades I don’t know where or how to open my trunk lol
I purchased a Subaru Outback
Should just be a button on the back hatch haha good luck! Make sure it’s unlocked.
@@KurtofTrades how do I unlocked it. Lol I was so happy to buy this car I didn’t get too much information
How do you get it open if not working?
Why don't they have a safety release on inside.! I had to climb back there and there isnt anything seen as a safety latch. It was described in manual and can't find it anywhere.
There’s a little cover you have to pop off and I think a screwdriver will unlatch if
Thank you
Dark orange aka brown 😂
🤣
Buy a new switch here! amzn.to/3soR4ZX