The 1st comprehensive 2008 impreza dash & radio removal guide

[ep9]

Originally Posted by dharel0bs11

You need to purchase a new led/bulb unit in the color of your choice. They are called "lamp pocket" at the dealer. They can be ordered online too.

66237SA120 is the red LED for the cubby.

66237SA020 is the blue one.

These also work in the glovebox.

Do you know if these are only available through Subaru dealers?

Would there be any cheaper on eBay?

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[dharel0bs11]

Originally Posted by ep9

Do you know if these are only available through Subaru dealers?

Would there be any cheaper on eBay?

Check ebay. I couldn't tell you.

Honestly though, they are like 13 bucks max.

[ngy]

hey guys, i have a 2008 impreza sport, and i installed one of those ebay android head units (http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2528349), and everything worked out pretty good, minus my swc. I purchased a harness so i didn't need to cut into my factory wires. The harness didn't come with swc connection, so i took pin 19 (vss i believe) out of the connector, and moved it to pin 4 (swc+) and soldered it to my key-1 for head unit. there is no connection to pin 14 (swc gnd). is that the reason why my swc doesn't work?

thanks a bunch

[Mhinkens]

Hey everyone,

Amazing information here, but it does not appear anyone has done this exact upgrade so I cannot find my answers! Anyone have any help for me?

I want to install the 2011 stock sti radio head unit into my 2008 sti. Simply: I want bluetooth connectivity to play music from my iPhone.

Questions:

1. Are the head units exchangeable in regards to wiring and plugs?

2. Will the bluetooth connectivity work even though I will not have the steering wheel buttons or the microphone? This is the big one! I am not looking for hands free, just wireless music connection.

3. If it does work and I can pair the phone, do you think Siri would work while paired? I wonder if it would know to use the phone speaker/mic??

Thanks in advance. #1 and 2 are the ones I am really concerned with!

Mike

[greatwiseone]

Originally Posted by Mhinkens

Hey everyone,

Amazing information here, but it does not appear anyone has done this exact upgrade so I cannot find my answers! Anyone have any help for me?

I want to install the 2011 stock sti radio head unit into my 2008 sti. Simply: I want bluetooth connectivity to play music from my iPhone.

Questions:

1. Are the head units exchangeable in regards to wiring and plugs?

2. Will the bluetooth connectivity work even though I will not have the steering wheel buttons or the microphone? This is the big one! I am not looking for hands free, just wireless music connection.

3. If it does work and I can pair the phone, do you think Siri would work while paired? I wonder if it would know to use the phone speaker/mic??

Thanks in advance. #1 and 2 are the ones I am really concerned with!

Mike

If you are only interested in streaming music from your iPhone, why don't you just get a bluetooth music receiver and the connect that to the AUX port? I had that set up for a few years until I recently replaced my HU. It works decently well although you won't have steering wheel controls. You will need to control the music from your iphone (i.e. have it mounted in a phone holder on the windshield).

Most bluetooth music receivers also won't work for voice, and so you will need a separate bluetooth speaker for voice.

If you want to install the 2011 stock sti radio into 2008, you should take a look at sxdvc's website at ae64.com to see if you need a harness to convert the wiring.

[Mhinkens]

Thanks for the reply!!!


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

[Infamous NJ]

anyone have any idea what type of led bulbs could be used to replace instrument panel lights
i was looking at these
https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...edge-base/228/

[tlking4]

#1 Great info on aftermarket stereos. Very helpful stuff.

#2 I have a question about the turn signal switch. I purchased aftermarket foglights that did NOT come with the OEM switch, but their own switch. Inside the steering column, if you take the turn signal light stalk off, there it a multi-pin connector. I am under the impression the car is pre-wired for fogs; normally they expect you to buy a new stalk w/ fog light switch ($70) into the same connector. This means that the wiring is the same. Therefore, does anyone have a diagram for that connector, so i can simply connect my switch to those wires? Thank you

[STi_ky]

Originally Posted by wkderf

a few close ups of the clips that hold the dash pieces in:







now that the bezel & trim are out - we can easily remove the radio:


a shot of the back of the OEM radio for reference:


the radio removed:


a total side note: the blue mood light that lights up the pocket in the dash:

Thank you for this helpful thread!

[terrainasaurus]

necrobump here.

not sure if this was pointed out in the 15 pages but I'm in the process of installing a wrx hvac trim piece into my 08 obs and see that the climate control is different in that removing the obs/2.5i climate control is not as simple as the wrx/sti. the wrx and sti use a single harness to control all 3 knobs whereas the obs and 2.5i have a few harness's and a kind of gear/tensioner cord on both the left and right knobs, making it much more difficult to remove. with the addition of 2 extra tabs to hold the hvac onto the trim in the obs/2.5i.

will post pics soon.

[Dillon-2.5i]

Hi, I have a 2009 impreza and on the large panel going from the right of the steering wheel to the passenger door. I can't get the clip free that's to the left of the radio, any thoughts??

[terrainasaurus]

Originally Posted by Dillon-2.5i

Hi, I have a 2009 impreza and on the large panel going from the right of the steering wheel to the passenger door. I can't get the clip free that's to the left of the radio, any thoughts??

I'd recommend taking your cluster dome cover off, that way you'll have access to the panel below the long large panel. The black plastic right of the steering wheel/left of the radio should wiggle put a bot and you can then inclip the long panel out.

The cluster dome should just pull right off with enough tug.

You got this!