[wolfs]

2019, forester, how do you remove the plastic cover to access the oil drain plug.

Removed the "plastic Philips screw plug", Panel still held firmly in place.

There are 4 circular buttons. Do these unscrew, or pop out? Or do I just pry out the entire panel and not worry about the "buttons".

 

[Whitesc]

Remove all but one. The last plug allows you to pivot, or swivel, the cover out of the way. Otherwise you’re on the right track.

 

[supasta]

They are pop clips. Pop out the center of each clip. Pull out the 4 clips on the corners. The “Phillips screw” clip stays, and will let you swing the panel open.

 

[Osceolakidt00!]

At dealer maintenance oil change is there an additional charge to replace these clips?

 

[danornan]

I learned the hard way..... You pull out the center of the plug and then the rest of it easily follows.

 

[denissh]

plastic Philips screw is the one you DO NOT remove

 

[wolfs]

Thanks so much for the valuable info. Will leave"screw" in Phillips in place. And then "wedge" a flat screw driver/putty knife

to lift up the 4 "buttons". Wonder if it might be simpler to leave off the panel for future oil changes.

Planning to buy a 14mm 6pt socket. Just wanted to check bolt size first. That "panel" sure had me stumped.

Also, already purchased my Fumoto valve.

Again, thanks so much.

ps, been changing my oil for over 50+ years. Never had to deal with a "panel" cover.

 

[wolfs]

Quick update. Thanks. Done with all your help. Simple when someone explains the 4 "buttons" are the tops of the plug in
clips. Used a "sharpened" screw drive to just pop them out.

Drain bolt was tight. So I used a 14mm 12 pt socket, attached to a long, (I think) 18 in socket wrench. Carefully, held socket tight against bolt. And gradually increased pressure. Bolt pop'd free. Not that hard. (No way would the short
3/8 in hand socket wrench work).

Anyways, did not have to purchase a 14mm, 6pt, socket.

 

[fishingboy1]

I lost patience with that crappy plug deal and just cut the 2 plugs that refused to cooperate. The oil pan plug is well recessed and will not be damaged by normal driving. I am pretty sure that is not going to void any warranty.

 

[Rustbucket]

The Fumoto valve that I put on my 2015 Forester was the best addition I've made to the car. Oil changes are a breeze now. I just drive the front end up onto portable ramps, attach a hose to the Fumoto valve, and drain the oil into an empty 5 quart oil jug that I saved from the last oil change. No oil mess on the floor.

 

[Cozy Jones]

The Fumoto valve that I put on my 2015 Forester was the best addition I've made to the car. Oil changes are a breeze now. I just drive the front end up onto portable ramps, attach a hose to the Fumoto valve, and drain the oil into an empty 5 quart oil jug that I saved from the last oil change. No oil mess on the floor.

I don't know the geometry of the oil pan but was wondering if driving onto ramps still places the plug at the lowest point for a complete drain.