Discussion/questions/updates about "Stock head unit information..." FAQ thread

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by zsimpreza

I can't seem to find out if there is an Aux input for the base stereo with single CD player. Anyone know?

I'm not sure, but I think the single-CD HUs don't.

The cars101.com site may help. It has a lot of info about standard and optional features on all Subaru models.

If the car the HU was in does not have an aux jack (either on the "ashtray" module or in the center console), then the HU probably doesn't have the input.

2007 was the earliest year that feature appeared. Very few people have seen 2008s yet.

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[chrisarella]

So, I bought a COMPLETE 07 STI limited head unit with the AUX jack, Clarion Sirius add-on, Sirius antenna for the passenger side windshield, and the harnesses. As I understand it from reading dozens of posts in multiple threads, the 14-pin connectors are the same, the CeNET jack goes to the Sirius unit, and the 8-pin-out goes to the AUX jack.

I want to stick this in my 2003 WRX which has the factory AMP/SUB add-on and I'd like to keep it. Obviously the 07 no longer had the AMP/SUB out on it and mine has the connector (not the older T-type). What do I do now if I want to get this to work.

Here are the pictures of what I have.
Click the thumbs for larger pictures

2003 HU left / 2007 HU right


2003 HU AMP/SUB out on the bottom-left


2007 HU Back


2007 HU Bottom with Sirius Add-on and bracket


2007 HU Top


2007 HU Side


AUX Jack


CeNET Cable


Sirius Ant




BTW, Does anyone know WTF you do with the CeNET Pass-thru jack?




And if anyone is interested, I'll post pictures up when it is install because I had LightWerkz modify the backlighting to blue to match the rest of my custom interior.

[chrisarella]

Oh, and does anyone know what the connector on the left of this picture is (front-right side of the HU)? I haven't seen any references to what it is anywhere.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by chrisarella

So, I bought a COMPLETE 07 STI limited head unit with the AUX jack ... As I understand it ... the 14-pin connectors are the same, the CeNET jack goes to the Sirius unit, and the 8-pin-out goes to the AUX jack.

That's correct. The 8-pin connector may also include pins for steering wheel remote buttons.

I want to stick this in my 2003 WRX which has the factory AMP/SUB add-on and I'd like to keep it. Obviously the 07 no longer had the AMP/SUB out on it and mine has the connector (not the older T-type). What do I do now if I want to get this to work.

The 16-pin jack on your 2003 is not for the sub, it's for an optional CD-changer.

You'll find that your sub has what I call the "old style" T-harness — it only connects via the 14-pin speaker/power connector. Your sub will work fine on the 2007 with no mods needed.

The CeNET Pass-thru jack would be used for additional CeNET devices, such as a CD/DVD Changers, XM satellite receiver, aux input, iPod interface, HDD Navigation, TV tuner, 5.1 Surround Sound, "and more." Theoretically you can daisy-chain several onto the bus.

However, people in another thread discovered that non-Subaru CeNET devices won't work with the Subaru HU. The CeNET data protocol includes encryption that determines which devices will talk to each other. Subaru HUs will only talk to Subaru peripherals.

Originally Posted by chrisarella

Oh, and does anyone know what the connector on the left of this picture is (front-right side of the HU)? I haven't seen any references to what it is anywhere.

Looks like something for factory testing/programming, especially since it's normally covered up by the car's mounting brackets.

[chrisarella]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

That's correct. The 8-pin connector may also include pins for steering wheel remote buttons.

Cool. I won't swap out the Momo wheel though unless there is an STI wheel that already has them integrated.

Originally Posted by SVXdc

The 16-pin jack on your 2003 is not for the sub, it's for an optional CD-changer.

You'll find that your sub has what I call the "old style" T-harness — it only connects via the 14-pin speaker/power connector. Your sub will work fine on the 2007 with no mods needed.

Good to know. I left that connector disconnected and pushed it down and out of the way and I see the sub works fine.

Originally Posted by SVXdc

The CeNET Pass-thru jack would be used for additional CeNET devices, such as a CD/DVD Changers, XM satellite receiver, aux input, iPod interface, HDD Navigation, TV tuner, 5.1 Surround Sound, "and more." Theoretically you can daisy-chain several onto the bus.

However, people in another thread discovered that non-Subaru CeNET devices won't work with the Subaru HU. The CeNET data protocol includes encryption that determines which devices will talk to each other. Subaru HUs will only talk to Subaru peripherals.

Is there a Subaru add-on that will work like an HDD Nav system from the B9?

Originally Posted by SVXdc

Looks like something for factory testing/programming, especially since it's normally covered up by the car's mounting brackets.

Another mystery. Anyone else know for sure?

And one more question... any idea how to get the HU to clear the HVAC with the Sirius strapped to it. I can't seam to get it to go in and it looks like I'll need to remove the entire center, slide the stero in place from the rear, then reinstall the center console to get it to work in the 02-03 location.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by chrisarella

I left [the 16-pin CD-changer] connector disconnected and pushed it down and out of the way and I see the sub works fine.

Oh, so there actually was a cable plugged into this socket on your 2003 HU? Hmmm... might just be a long extension cable to where the changer would go (trunk?), but you might want to poke around to see if your car doesn't have one hidden somewhere.

Is there a Subaru add-on that will work like an HDD Nav system from the B9?

I don't know for sure, but think that all of the Subaru navs plug into yet a different style of socket that HUs in some other models/years have. I think the only Subaru CeNET devices are the Sirius and XM modules, but there could be more neat stuff only available in Japan.

And one more question... any idea how to get the HU to clear the HVAC with the Sirius strapped to it. I can't seam to get it to go in ...

Can you relocate the Sirius module to the top of the HU? Will it fit that way? Otherwise, I'd detach it and fasten it down somewhere else (with cable ties or velcro).

[BJC]

SVXdc, I have a 2.5i SE wagon (Cdn model with the double DIN stereo as found in the STi and WRX - like what Chrisarella has, above, miuns the Surius components). From what I am reading, if I want to order a factory sub from SubaruGenuineParts.com, I should order the older (pre-05) sub, and not the newer design?? Is this the one with T-connector that is needed for this HU?
https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/p...roducts_id=242

Or should I get this one? Do you know if it has the T-connecter too?:
https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/p...oducts_id=1130

I wonder if they are the same, except for the price...
Thanks in advance.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by BJC

I have a 2.5i SE wagon. ... If I want to order a factory sub, I should order the older (pre-05) sub, and not the newer design??
I wonder if they are the same, except for the price...

All of the subs, when purchased new, should include a harness. The mounting brackets vary slightly for different models and years. Get the correct sub for your car to make sure you get the right harness and bracket.

What I call the "old style" harness (with just the two 14-pin radio connectors) Subaru started using again in 2007, since the subwoofer output was dropped from the 8-pin connector. See the subwoofer posts in the "Stock HU" thread for pictures and more info.

As for the difference between those two particular subwoofers, yes, they are probably the same amp/speaker unit with different brackets and possibly "old" vs. "new" harnesses.

Subaru does sell at least two different sub units with different wattages, but I think the price difference has always been greater than $7.

[lima]

I just got a new 2008 Impreza 5-door and I want to install the Kenwood KSC-SW1 with the factory HU.

After searching this forum and others I figure I need to order one of these: Subaru Subwoofer Wiring Adaptor ("Forward" Harness). But, I also need some way of getting the correct t-harness for the factory stereo without shelling out the money to get the factory sub woofer .

Any ideas?

Thanks

[LastResort]

http://www.geocities.com/svxdc/Ordering.htm

What are you doing about the opening size?

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by lima

I just got a new 2008 Impreza 5-door and I want to install the Kenwood KSC-SW1 with the factory HU.

After searching this forum and others I figure I need to order one of these: Subaru Subwoofer Wiring Adaptor ("Forward" Harness). But, I also need some way of getting the correct t-harness for the factory stereo without shelling out the money to get the factory sub woofer.

That subwoofer forward harness is really only useful if you already have a factory subwoofer T-harness. The latter runs about $75 plus shipping from the online Subaru parts places.

Since you don't have the sub T-harness, you'll spend less by just getting forward and reverse WRX harnesses and combining them with the Kenwood's harness to make your own T. That will also enable you to connect the KSC-SW1's "remote on" wire to the +12V accessory (switched) lead — your best option, since the factory HU doesn't have an amp remote on output.

[BJC]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

All of the subs, when purchased new, should include a harness. The mounting brackets vary slightly for different models and years. Get the correct sub for your car to make sure you get the right harness and bracket.

What I call the "old style" harness (with just the two 14-pin radio connectors) Subaru started using again in 2007, since the subwoofer output was dropped from the 8-pin connector. See the subwoofer posts in the "Stock HU" thread for pictures and more info.

As for the difference between those two particular subwoofers, yes, they are probably the same amp/speaker unit with different brackets and possibly "old" vs. "new" harnesses.

Subaru does sell at least two different sub units with different wattages, but I think the price difference has always been greater than $7.

Thanks man, very, very helpful!!

[boxtwo]

So if I am to understand this correctly, an aftermarket HU in an 07 STi will use the pinouts as listed on the "WRX-pinout" page on geocities (which I cannot link to yet) correct? There is a note about "factory colors" in the first para and I wanted to make sure that was the correct diagram to use. Thanks in advance!

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by boxtwo

So if I am to understand this correctly, an aftermarket HU in an 07 STi will use the pinouts as listed on the "WRX-pinout" page on geocities (which I cannot link to yet) correct? There is a note about "factory colors" in the first para and I wanted to make sure that was the correct diagram to use. Thanks in advance!

The pin-out is still the same for 2007. For example, pin 2 is still Right Front Speaker +.

On the 2007 car's harness, some of the factory colors (column "A") may have changed slightly from that table, but I think most (if not all) are the same as 2002-2005.

But instead of worrying about the factory wire colors, you'll save yourself a lot of potential grief by using an aftermarket wiring adapter for your installation.

[boxtwo]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

The pin-out is still the same for 2007. For example, pin 2 is still Right Front Speaker +.

On the 2007 car's harness, some of the factory colors (column "A") may have changed slightly from that table, but I think most (if not all) are the same as 2002-2005.

But instead of worrying about the factory wire colors, you'll save yourself a lot of potential grief by using an aftermarket wiring adapter for your installation.

Cool, thanks.

I got a harness, I just wanted to make sure it was wired correctly before I install.

[vision.dynamix]

USDM 2000 LGT, CD+Tape with Weather Band..CD player quits after 1 maybe 2 tracks on all disks..I can instantly switch to FM and itll work..I can run FM all day long..

Anyone know whats up?

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by vision.dynamix

USDM 2000 LGT, CD+Tape with Weather Band..CD player quits after 1 maybe 2 tracks on all disks..I can instantly switch to FM and itll work..I can run FM all day long..

Anyone know whats up?

Sounds like your CD transport has died (which is a common problem). But several people have brought theirs back to life with a CD lens cleaner disc.

[chrisarella]

UPDATE: I got my 07 STI limited stereo installed into my 03 WRX wagon... factory Sub/Amp works, iPod works, Sirius works.

[FXTMatt]

Originally Posted by 07Waggin

Is it possible to power just the OEM sub driver with an aftermarket amp coming off an aftermarket head unit with sub pre-out and sub control by circumventing the OEM sub amp completely - basically, hand wiring directly to the OEM sub driver?

Yes you could, but why? An aftermarket amp is going over power the stock "woofer" and you will probably kill it rather quickly.

[basmoq]

I have a 08 outback wagon legacy. Does anyone know where the heck they hid the antenna wire??? I'm looking for it so I can hook up my premier HU. I got a Subaru to motorolla adapter, but I can't find the stinking antenna wire...

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by basmoq

I have a 08 outback wagon legacy. Does anyone know where the heck they hid the antenna wire??? I'm looking for it so I can hook up my premier HU. I got a Subaru to motorolla adapter, but I can't find the stinking antenna wire...

I've read that in Imprezas that did not come with any factory HU, the coax cable was sometimes stuffed back deep inside the dash opening and difficult to spot (but definitely was there).

Did your Outback not have a HU? Otherwise you should have found the antenna connector plugged into the HU (obviously).

On Legacy HUs, the antenna connector is at the end of a pigtail. So the car's mating connector might indeed get buried in the rear of the dash opening.

It might help if you post pictures of the rear of your factory HU and the dash opening.

[basmoq]

I haven't had the chance to yank the HU out yet, I just figured out where to pull the hvac cable off at... but from looking behind it, I don't see the antenna plugging into the hu... I looked at all the wires coming off and didn't see it. I will post pics if I cannot find it tonight, thanks for the reply though.

[pinkertonpunk]

I have a 07 STI. My question actually has to do with burning MP3 cds for my factory headunit. It has the option to switch folders and what I did was burn a cd with 5 different folders on it. Now I play the cd and it starts playing only one of the folders plays. Do I have to put all those folders in a main folder and then burn it? Before you flame me, I did search and RTFM, I just can't find it explaining this issue.
Thanks,
Colin

[Speedy_Sherpa]

2007 WRX - Philly, USA

I have a Kenwood KSC-SW1 subwoofer. It came with a 10-pin connector chord, romote chord, and RCA cables. Can I use this sub with the stock HU?

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by Speedy_Sherpa

2007 WRX - Philly, USA

I have a Kenwood KSC-SW1 subwoofer. It came with a 10-pin connector cord, remote cord, and RCA cables. Can I use this sub with the stock HU?

Yes. You would use the speaker-level input wires on the sub's 10-pin harness (White, White/Black, Gray, Gray/Black wires).

You won't need the RCA cables, since the stock HU does not have line-level outputs.

Since the HU also lacks an output for a speaker amplifier remote control, you'll need to connect the KSC-SW1's remote-on wire (Blue/White) to the car's +12V accessory (key-switched) power.

If you get "forward" and reverse Subaru 14-pin harnesses, you'll be able to make all of these connections behind the HU without cutting any factory wires, similar to how the Subaru factory subwoofer ties in. Just be sure to get harnesses with all 14 wires, or else the HUs' illumination will stop working.