Need to remove the door panel on my 2001 Subaru Outback -

The window regulator is bad , happens on all vehicles ! You need to take door panel off first !Here is a video how to do it. How To Install Replace Remove Door Panel Subaru Outback 00 04 1AAuto com

Can't find a video for the Subaru regulator so added one for a Hyundai , mite be close ! How To Install Replace Front Power Window Regulator 2001 06 Hyundai Elantra

SHOULD BE A PIN SWITCH THAT IS ACTIVATED WHEN HATCH IS OPENED...CHECK AROUND WHERE HATCH MAKES CONTACT WITH VEHICLE OR IT MAY HAVE A MERCURY SWITCH THAT IS ACTIVATED OR MAY JUST BE LOOSE WIRES...

Remove the trim ring around the inside door handle by pulling it up and towards you first, then downwards.
Remove the switch panel. There are two spring clips holding it. Lever up carefully on the top end edge first, then push the panel towards the car floor. Disconnect the electrical connector.
Remove the screws behind the door handle, under the switch panel mount, and on the armrest.
Dislodge the 7 trim clips around the edge of the door trim, starting at the lower edge and working up. Lift the door trim out of the top channel.
If you remove the plastic sheet, take care not to tear it, a spatula is handy for this.

PHILLIPS SCREW DRIVER AND A DOOR PANEL REMOVER TOOL WORKS BEST,ONCE YOU REMOVE ALL SCREWS YOU CAN SEE I BELIEVE THE ARE SOME HIDDEN BEHIND THE SPEAKER GRILL ,TAKE THAT OFF AND THEIR SHOULD BE AT LEAST 3 AROUND THE SPEAKER AREA.ALOT OF PEOPLE DONT SEE THOSE.THEN GET THE DOOR PANEL TOOL PUT UNDER THE DOOR PANEL AND PRY IT TO YOU, MAY HAVE TO USE SOME FORCE THEIR PLASTIC SNAPS. THIER ALL AROUND THE DOOR.....HOPE THIS HELPS

The switches are self contained and non serviceable so the only thing to do would be to replace the switch, which unfortunately i think your problem is. However it would be a good idea to take the door panels off and check for loose connectors.
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachments/f77/24842d1278866253-removing-interior-panels-stereo-speaker-installation-forester_speakers.pdf
Here is a link to a Subaru Forester owners forum which you can find a wealth of info on (I own an Outback and the forums have saved my behind numerous times). You will have to sign up to view the PDF on door panel removal but its a small price to pay, and hey, it's free. Hope this helps!

check for any sources of magnetism near the compass, speakers, phones, mobile phone accessories etc, there could be something in the glove box, empty the car of anything likely to have a magnet in it and check the compass again.

something loose?? cant say but if i had my grubby fingers on it i would no doubt find it.could be a multiplug connection??

try opening door and holding unlock button ,it sounds like its in valet mode

you need to remove door panel to unplug miroor connection