I have a 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport and have recently begun to hear a rattle coming from my passenger side door. It only happens when I drive over bumpy surfaces. If I push on the armrest where the power window switch is, it goes away. So I guess my question is, has anyone else experienced this and are there any recommendations on how to fix it. I don't want to start looking for something and then make a bigger problem. Thanks

Removing the door trim to trace the rattle always brings the risk of cracking or breaking something important.

 

I like to start by just sticking some self-adhesive foam on the leading or trailing edge of the door frame, so that it wedges itself between the frame and the door trim. It may take a few attempts to find the right spot to stick the foam. If it doesn't work, the foam can be removed without adding problems. Of course, then you have to remove the door trim to trace the rattle...

You'll need to pull the door panel to trace the rattle. It is not a big job. You just have to take your time. I've never had to pull the panels on any of my Sub's, but I've done it on almost every car I've ever owned and they are all pretty much the same. Find all of the hidden screw fasteners. Some are behind obvious plugs that need to be pulled with a taped screw driver (to prevent scratching). One should be behind the moulding around the door handle. Either there will be a small plug that hides a screw to remove the moulding, or the moulding is just pried up at both ends. Pry up the moulding around the power window switch, the switches will come with it, and disconnect the wiring harness from the switches. There will be a screw hiding in the opening that has to come out. If you have the tweeter speaker at the corner near your mirror, just pry it off, being careful not to stretch the very thin wires. You should be able to disconnect the speaker wires as well. If you see plugs at the front and rear of your arm rests, pull them and take out the screws underneath. Now, starting at the top rear of the door panel, slide the screw driver in between the panel and the steel door. Slide it down until you feel a plug and pry out to pop it. Continue this process going down the panel, across its bottom and up the front of the panel. There should be about 7 in total. Now all you need to do is disconnect the wiring from the lower panel courtesy light (if you have one) and lift the panel straight up and off the door. Rap the door a few times with your hand and you should soon spot the rattle. Good Luck!