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

[DIRomberger]

I have an 07 2.5i SE with an upgraded double din cd player. I see that the factory produces an OEM sub that you can pug in under your seat. Is it possible to use that connection and instead buy and use an aftermarket amp and sub combo but still use the factory head unit?

Thanks.

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[first suby 2010]

you can add an aftermarket amp to the stock headunit with a line output converter (LOC) and power kit/rca's for the amp.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by DIRomberger

I see that the factory produces an OEM sub that you can pug in under your seat. Is it possible to use that connection and instead buy and use an aftermarket amp and sub combo but still use the factory head unit?

Yes, but the harness for the OEM sub is not pre-installed -- it won't be present until the sub is installed. See this post in the 'Stock HU info' thread.

Subaru does sell the harness by itself as a replacement part, but you can build your own T-harness for much less (plus, you really don't need the leg that goes under the seat -- you want to use a LOC as 'first suby 2010' said, and send RCA cables from the LOC to your amp). See here.

[razrielle]

Got a question, but first, I want to thank you for personally helping me figure stuff out while I was deployed with my install, it made it so much easier for when I got back

My question is in my 09 2.5i on the stock radio there is a spade connector pretty much dead center on the back of the head unit. what device does that control. Right now I have the female end disconnected but its driving me nuts

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by razrielle

in my 09 2.5i on the stock radio there is a spade connector pretty much dead center on the back of the head unit. what device does that control. Right now I have the female end disconnected but its driving me nuts

It's a redundant chassis ground connection. If you reused the factory radio brackets, there may be another ground lug on either side that you could attach the car's wire to. Some aftermarket HUs also have that lug. Otherwise it isn't required (tape it back to prevent rattling).

[kyle sti]

Not really audio savvy, but got a couple of questions.

I recently got a JL 8w7.
What amp do I need to make it work to its full potential?
What connections do I need to make it work with my stock head unit?
Also, I have the stock OEM sub installed, will it work at the same time?


Thanks.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by kyle sti

I recently got a JL 8w7 [8" 3-ohm subwoofer]
What amp do I need to make it work to its full potential?
What connections do I need to make it work with my stock head unit?
Also, I have the stock OEM sub installed, will it work at the same time?

You can connect both subs simultaneously, but if you run the JL loud enough to hear, you won't hear the OEM sub (so you might as well disconnect it).

You'll need to connect your new sub amp to a pair of the HU's speaker outputs (either fronts or rears). You can do that either with a pair of 14-pin forward/reverse radio harnesses, or connect to the end of the OEM sub's T-harness (8-pin connector). I have both kinds of harnesses -- see my homepage link.

You'll also need to get higher-current +12V power for the amp by running a large-gauge wire directly to the car's battery. If you're not experienced doing that kind of thing, consider getting a professional installer -- people have set their cars on fire by not knowing what they were doing.

Sorry, I don't have any recommendations on amps. Read this thread...

Car Audio, Video & Security- Format, Requirements, and Rules for New Threads

and start a new thread that gives the information requested.

[dajohnson53]

[edit - with further reading, I see that this is a well-worn topic. But, I'll leave it as-is hoping that someone can point me to a current source for this item, thanks)

New poster here, I've spend about 45 minutes reading and searching, but haven't found this information.

Background: I just acquired a very nice 07 Impreza with the stock Clarion 6 CD changer w/ auxiliary input. The aux input isn't working so I took it apart and realized that the Aux jack in the center console is not connected to the aux input in the back of the head unit. The cable is missing. I have NO idea why it isn't there. Looking at the head unit, my guess is that a previous owner installed an after market unit, then replaced the OEM unit for sale, and just lost and/or overlooked that cable. The guy we bought it from didn't know and never used the aux. There is some signs that the unit's been removed and replaced, but it works fine except for this missing cable.

Does anyone know

(a) where I can get the cable that goes from the head unit (8 pin; 3 not used) to the aux input itself (6 pin - one not used)? My understanding is that it is not available from Subaru (haven't tried yet - holiday weekend). I have the part number from a Clarion parts list I have 854-4598-01 "Extension Lead", but can't actually find the part online

OR
(b) If I could get the actual 8 pin connector that goes into the head unit, I could easily make the cable - I have a pin-diagram for the extension cable and the auxilliary jack wiring, so I'm sure I can connect the wires correctly. But I don't know exactly what type of connector that 8 pin is. It doesn't seem to be a standard ISO type connector.

THANK YOU!

[Chunter]

I'm sure this has been answered before but honestly I'm just too lazy to search and think I'm getting sick so I'll just take this route haha. Will the stock 6 Disc HU in my 02' WRX be able to support an aftermarket sub/amp? If not, I'll probably just end up staying stock, I don't really want an aftermarket HU.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by Chunter

Will the stock 6 Disc HU in my 02' WRX be able to support an aftermarket sub/amp?

Yes, sort of. Almost none of the stock HUs have line level outputs (except the McIntosh systems). None have RCA jacks.

You'll have to connect the HU's speaker outputs to your amp (through a Line Out Converter -- LOC, if the amp can't accept speaker level signals).

The easiest way to do that is to make a forward/reverse radio harness. That will let you "tap" the front or rear speaker outputs to send to your sub amp. See my homepage (under my profile) for info on harnesses that include all of the wires (others omit some that your stock HU needs).

Your 2002 may have a separate subwoofer output that you can use. It's still speaker level (so you'll still need a LOC if your amp can't take that), but it's pre-fader. See this post (#5 in my 'Stock HU info' thread) and check whether your OEM HU has that 8-pin socket. I have an 8-pin plug that will fit that.

[JohnnyG]

I've tried googling, and can't find what I need, so I'll ask here:

Dear Subaru Audio Guru's,

A friend of mine has a 2010 Impreza with the USB/Ipod input, and everything was fine until a couple weeks ago. When she plugs in her ipod nano into the USB, she gets and OVERCURRENT message in the display. Would this just be a fuse somewhere or what?

I haven't seen this yet, but I'll try and get to see her car today.

Any ideas?

[first suby 2010]

she upgrade to the newest firmware/o.s.? that stuff is hosing everything up just like 3.0 did when it first came out.

[JohnnyG]

Originally Posted by first suby 2010

she upgrade to the newest firmware/o.s.? that stuff is hosing everything up just like 3.0 did when it first came out.

The same thing happens with her phone which eliminates anything ipod specific.

[first suby 2010]

how about like a jump drive/usb stick? is it the factory subaru media hub?

[JohnnyG]

Yes, OE on the 2010's. Ipod has worked fine before up until a couple weeks ago, she's had the car for 6 months.

[first suby 2010]

sounds like it needs to go home to the dealership to me...

[CamboSoup]

I may have not done a proper job of searching the forum, but I could not find the information I needed so hopefully I can find my answer here.

I drive a stock 2002 Impreza 2.5RS and I have two questions.
A) I do not have the 6 Disc HU. At night the knobs, and buttons light up, but the display does not. It bothers me because I know it should light up (right?) if it is not supposed to light up I guess I don't have a problem, but I believe the display should light up. What can I do to fix it? I still go to high school so I don't have the cash money to buy an after market head unit. If I were to buy an after market head unit I would not buy a cheap one. Is this an easy problem to fix if it is a problem?

B) A good friend of mine might sell me his Subaru Factory Sub (Under the seat), but I have not made contact with him in person because he lives far away from me my question is, have any of you guys had passengers complain because of the under the seat sub? I drive a lot of people around and I would not feel okay with people complaining about the drive being uncomfortable.

Thank you

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by CamboSoup

I drive a stock 2002 Impreza 2.5RS ...
[stock radio's LCD display does not light up]

The radio has several tiny incandescent bulbs, including one or two for the digital display. It's possible to open up the radio and replace the bulbs (which are soldered onto the PC board).

A bulb that people have found to work is type #7219, Radio Shack catalog number 272-1092.

Although yours is not the 6-CD model, see this thread for a general idea of what you'll need to do:

A how to guide for changing the HVAC and radio to red

What model number is yours? (printed on the front, something like P-xxx")

When you fix yours, why don't you take pictures and post them to a thread here.

A good friend of mine might sell me his Subaru Factory Sub
...
have any of you guys had passengers complain because of the under the seat sub?

Very unlikely your passengers will have a problem. Many drivers think the factory sub isn't loud enough.

It's nothing like a normal, loud, thumping sub that you can hear outside the car.

[Shylight]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

2008 OEM HUs have a larger-than-standard sized face, so those won't fit in older years (the 2008s changed to a different harness, anyway).

You mean it won't fit because hole in MY01-07 HU plastic cover is smaller?
If so I'm not afraid of cutting the plastic cover, I just don't want to touch 2008 HU since I borrowed it from a friend of mine.

[razrielle]

Originally Posted by Shylight

You mean it won't fit because hole in MY01-07 HU plastic cover is smaller?
If so I'm not afraid of cutting the plastic cover, I just don't want to touch 2008 HU since I borrowed it from a friend of mine.

yea For the 08+ you need a trim plate. the 08+ headunits are crap anyway

[CamboSoup]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

What model number is yours? (printed on the front, something like P-xxx")

When you fix yours, why don't you take pictures and post them to a thread here.

It is the single disc head unit C-118. I hope all I have to end up doing is just replacing the bulbs, I am going to take pictures and do this on the weekend, because I have classes on weekdays, and I cannot drive without music. Will let you guys know how it works works...



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[JohnnyG]

Originally Posted by JohnnyG

I've tried googling, and can't find what I need, so I'll ask here:

Dear Subaru Audio Guru's,

A friend of mine has a 2010 Impreza with the USB/Ipod input, and everything was fine until a couple weeks ago. When she plugs in her ipod nano into the USB, she gets and OVERCURRENT message in the display. Would this just be a fuse somewhere or what?

I haven't seen this yet, but I'll try and get to see her car today.

Any ideas?

Turns out to be a fuse.

[dajohnson53]

I thought I'd update because I found a great method and source for Parts for OEM Subaru head units made by Clarion. See my initial inquiry below for details of what I was looking for, an Auxiliary Jack pigtail for the OEM CD changer on my 07 Impreza.

I think the steps I followed are important. I could not get the part from any of the online Subaru parts suppliers. They just offered the complete stereo unit for about $1,000.

First - I looked at the back of the unit and got the Clarion part number.

I then found a website that sold downloadable PDF files (~$8-10 or so) of complete service manuals, for various electronic units, including this one: www.smpcshop.com (Service Manuals Parts Catalog Online Shop.

I paid for and downloaded the manual for the Clarion unit. It had exploded diagrams, parts lists, etc. and I was able to find the part number for the pigtail I was looking for. Without this information, I don't believe I could have actually found the correct part from the parts supplier - or it would have been more difficult. It was well worth the $8 it cost me.

At the Clarion website, I found two companies that were parts suppliers: www.hermanelectronics.com and www.pacparts.com. Both were able to supply the part number I requested. I happened to go with Herman because they responded first. But both seemed to be efficient and responsive. Both quoted the same price and same part number, and were able to translate the part number I found in the manual to the more current part number.

The specific details are:

Stock 6 CD changer in my '07 Subaru Impreza is Clarion model number PF-2868A-A

Auxiliary Jack pigtail part number is:854-4598-02 "Extension lead" which superseded the p/n I found in the manual (854-4598-01 )
Cost was $17.95 plus shipping.
It took about 2 weeks from first inquiry to receipt of part

It worked out really well and took about 5 minutes to install once I got the part (because of the excellent dismantling instructions I found somewhere on this site - maybe David Carter?)

Originally Posted by dajohnson53

[edit - with further reading, I see that this is a well-worn topic. But, I'll leave it as-is hoping that someone can point me to a current source for this item, thanks)

New poster here, I've spend about 45 minutes reading and searching, but haven't found this information.

Background: I just acquired a very nice 07 Impreza with the stock Clarion 6 CD changer w/ auxiliary input. The aux input isn't working so I took it apart and realized that the Aux jack in the center console is not connected to the aux input in the back of the head unit. The cable is missing. I have NO idea why it isn't there. Looking at the head unit, my guess is that a previous owner installed an after market unit, then replaced the OEM unit for sale, and just lost and/or overlooked that cable. The guy we bought it from didn't know and never used the aux. There is some signs that the unit's been removed and replaced, but it works fine except for this missing cable.

Does anyone know

(a) where I can get the cable that goes from the head unit (8 pin; 3 not used) to the aux input itself (6 pin - one not used)? My understanding is that it is not available from Subaru (haven't tried yet - holiday weekend). I have the part number from a Clarion parts list I have 854-4598-01 "Extension Lead", but can't actually find the part online

OR
(b) If I could get the actual 8 pin connector that goes into the head unit, I could easily make the cable - I have a pin-diagram for the extension cable and the auxilliary jack wiring, so I'm sure I can connect the wires correctly. But I don't know exactly what type of connector that 8 pin is. It doesn't seem to be a standard ISO type connector.

THANK YOU!

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by dajohnson53

I thought I'd update because I found a great method and source for Parts for OEM Subaru head units made by Clarion.

...

The specific details are:

Stock 6 CD changer in my '07 Subaru Impreza is Clarion model number PF-2868A-A

Auxiliary Jack pigtail part number is:854-4598-02 "Extension lead" which superseded the p/n I found in the manual (854-4598-01 )
Cost was $17.95 plus shipping.

That's fantastic! Congratulations on your success. You'll make many people happy who have bought (or want to buy) these radios used.

To anyone else who wants to do this--

That part will work in both PF-2868A-A and PF-2868A-B (the only difference between the two is the country of manufacture -A is Japan, and -B is China). I think both radios show "C-124" on the front, Subaru part number 86201FE250.

2007-2008 Foresters use a radio that looks similar. However, on some of those, pin 4 of the radio's 8-pin aux socket does not provide the ground required by the aux interconnect cable (for the enable switch). I think that is the case on the radios that have a 5th-channel speaker output for a subwoofer.

I think the Forester model is "C-123" on the front, PF-2851B-A on the label (probably also PF-2851B-B).

So if you have that Forester radio and want to use that interconnect harness, you may need to cut the wire that goes to the HU's pin 4 and attach the segment coming from the aux pod to chassis ground.

[tenuki]

Hi, totally new here (lurking for a few weeks while trying to decide what hu to get) and first install so total newbie. Anyway, I just picked up a pioneer 7200hd with the 30% off sale at amazon for my 2009 impreza sti (stock radio). I was told I need a wiring harness and dash kit. I know crutchfield is sending the nissan harness and remember vaguely a post somewhere about how it might need modification. So my questions are what harness/dash kit would I need and what modifications are necessary? Thanks,