2012 Impreza stereo replacement

[iLoki]

theres a bunch of info in this thread about what needs to be done to replace the head unit. Try reading through and coming up with some more specific questions if you don't understand something.

As for speakers... here are some links to the Techinfo.subaru.com pdf's that go over the 'factory upgrade' speaker installs. They should be helpful as far as installation goes.
Sub - http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/663...H630SFJ300.pdf
Door Speakers - http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/663...zaSpeakers.pdf
Tweeters - http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/663...zaTweeters.pdf

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[ashio]

For information on how to remove the OEM HU, dash, panels etc ....

Visit http://techinfo.subaru.com/search/index.html and search under Accessory Installation Guide as publication type - (Its free)

There are 3 guides (Aux Input Jack, Power Amp, and Power Outlet)
that have pretty good instructions. You'll find where all the panel clips/screws are located.

Didn't know you can post a direct link as iLoki did above. Here they are:

http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/661...xInputJack.pdf
http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/663...H630SFJ000.pdf
http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/661...owerOutlet.pdf

[Furiousd1983]

I know it's early but anyone found a Touchscreen/Nav unit that works with the steering wheel controls?

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by Furiousd1983

I know it's early but anyone found a Touchscreen/Nav unit that works with the steering wheel controls?

Most aftermarket HUs can be interfaced with the car's SWCs.

See this post. And this post.

[An owned guy]

Wow those links would have been great before but thanks for posting them I'm sure they will help everyone else. I finally got mine apart and put in a Sony xav-72bt. Everything went well except my ac and heat won't work now. I think it's from the middle button (the only electric button) and I'm gonna try replacing or fixing the connector. So to anyone else trying this be careful when disconnecting the middle wire lol and thanks everyone for the help

[cberg007]

Does anyone know if the dash speaker enclosures in the 2.0i (4 speaker model) are pre-wired for adding tweeters? I'm interested in installing a component speaker system in my door/dash but would like to know the existing hardware configuration before removing the dash.

[ashio]

^^^ Since there is a subaru accessories kit for tweeters, it should be.

[dorkbert]

I wonder if the wire harness for the optional tweeter is wired to the head unit directly or is there a cross over hidden somewhere.

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by dorkbert

I wonder if the wire harness for the optional tweeter is wired to the head unit directly or is there a cross over hidden somewhere.

"Crossover" is a capacatier on the tweeter, IIRC. Lower door speakers will still be full-range.

[CTSSM2011STI]

How do u like that head unit? I'm thinking about purchasing that one.

[dorkbert]

so it sounds like the signal traveling to the tweeter is full range as well.

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by dorkbert

so it sounds like the signal traveling to the tweeter is full range as well.

It is but then the in-line capaciter makes it a high-pass signal at the driver itself.

[leeden]

Does anybody know where I can run a power cable through the firewall? I looked around the engine bay but couldn't see an obvious spot with a grommet.

[An owned guy]

Originally Posted by leeden

Does anybody know where I can run a power cable through the firewall? I looked around the engine bay but couldn't see an obvious spot with a grommet.

I just cut a hole right through the black cap looking thing right in front of the battery on the drivers side. It comes out above the brake pedal. You have to cut the foam a little but, if you wiggle it right the wire will come out right over the carpet.

[subiedude676]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the panel below the steering wheel and glove compartment box on a 2012 Impreza sedan?

[ZURCALED12]

There are more than one radio opening style for the impreza, from the base model to the limited they are slightly different. some are flat and some are indented for the radio to sink in more. I will post pictures once I get my car back from the stealer.

[ZURCALED12]

Originally Posted by An owned guy

I just cut a hole right through the black cap looking thing right in front of the battery on the drivers side. It comes out above the brake pedal. You have to cut the foam a little but, if you wiggle it right the wire will come out right over the carpet.

you should use a waterproof grommet (about $3) and they keep the water from going into the cabin. I had a hole rot out and I had to cut it out and patch it up with a stainless steel resin. My old forester, huh!

[ZURCALED12]

Originally Posted by cberg007

Does anyone know if the dash speaker enclosures in the 2.0i (4 speaker model) are pre-wired for adding tweeters? I'm interested in installing a component speaker system in my door/dash but would like to know the existing hardware configuration before removing the dash.

The tweeters appear to be mounted in the dash location, I think my Limited has them there.

[pirivan]

I apologize if this isn't the best place to jump on with my question, I am a complete newbie (both to this forum and in terms of my familiarity with car audio systems). I recently purchased a new 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i (CVT) base model. I wanted the aux jack so that I could connect my iPhone for audio but the dealer actively encouraged not to pay the installation fees they would charge and to instead save the money and pay for a nicer system from some other vendor. Which leads me here.

I would like a new HU that gives me the following ability

1. Aux input jack
2. Bluetooth audio streaming from iPhone
3. Bluetooth calling
4. Use nav from phone on HU via app (Motion X?)
5. HD Radio
6. Option for a rear camera at some point would be great (or with this install if it's cheap)

After a lot of reading here I am pretty sure I want one of the following two HU's that I believe will fit my 2012 Impreza without any issues:
Pioneer AVH-P3400BH
Pioneer AVH-P4400BH

I am not really sure what the 4400 offers over the 3400 really (other than a bigger screen) but I am not averse to spending $100 if it's worth it. Who knows maybe the AVH-P2400BT meets my needs .

Here is a breakdown of my current situation:
2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i CVT (base model)
Current system- stock
Installer experience- Absolutely none.
Budget- $600 (less is always nice)
Future Goals- Possibly a rear camera at some point

Honestly, I have absolutely 0 interest in installing this myself. I have no experience and I'd rather not mess around with my brand new ride!

What I would like to know primarily is:

1. Should I get the Pioneer 3400 or 4400?
2. Should I buy the HU online and then have a vendor install it for me or should I buy it directly from whoever I buy the service for? Good or bad idea? Would I need to provide the extra parts as well (like the 20 pin forward harness, Axxess ASWC and Dash kit)?
3. Anyone have any GOOD car audio vendor recommendations for Western WA that might be able to do this? Pretty much everyone I can locate online seems to have their own set of bad reviews that makes me feel a bit ill at ease. I'd love to take it to a trusted local vendor.
4. What should I expect to pay for installation labor for something like this?
5. Should I have a rear camera installed at the same time? Any recommendations for models on this or if this is a good/bad idea? I admit I haven't done much research on this yet.

Thanks in advance for any feedback/responses!

[amfreeman]

Go for the 4400 so much cleaner look! Do you know how to solder? The hardest part is Gettin the dash apart and soldering up the wiring harness from svx but it's pretty easy u would waste your money to get it installed plus get a e brake bypass!

Here is my harness soldered up

[Movnmik]

I recently purchased the Sport Limited (non Nav ) - after getting rid of a gas guzzling Honda AWD Crosstour - and love the car. I did get used to the creature comforts of the heavily integrated voice control that the Honda offered and trying to get to a similar place with the Impreza. I have the radio with HD and 3" screen and it has voice control for dialing and I'm looking for a HU that offers the same. I spoke to a rep at Crutchfield and he indicated that there are no HUs that fit but by reading posts here I notice there is a bezel that can be used (that's the great thing about this forum- someone already figured it out!) I'm just looking for a nice HU that will allow the use of the BT buttons on the steering wheel. I couldn't find much in the several threads about keeping this feature.

I was reading about the Pioneer Avic and Kenwood Excelon radios that seem to have the features I would like.

Does anyone have experience getting the BT buttons to work with these HUs?

Thanks

[amfreeman]

Any head unit that's fits 11 fits the 12 just need a dash kit and steering wheel controller axcess make a great one my pioneer 4400 bt works great but has no PTT

[sparky62]

I want to thank everyone that toke the time to post there experience of their hu install. I just put in a Sony XNV-660bt, and because of the information found in this forum I had no surprises.

[pirivan]

Hi all, thanks for the feedback so far. So I was able to locate a very reputable installer (who has very positive reviews) and they quoted me the below pricing. Does that look decent? (I know I know installing it myself is cheaper but I don't want to do that )

Parts:
Pioneer AVH-P4400BH - $469
Harness - $15
Dash Kit - $20
PAC Steering Control Unit - $75

Labor:
Deck and running mic for BlueTooth - $150
Install and program steering controls - $75

Back up Camera:
Parts: $140-250 depending on options (ranging from license plate mount to ultra small remote mount)
Labor: $150-200 (depending on camera)

So the totals would look something like:

So EVERYTHING (including pricier camera and labor): $1,255.
If I didn't do the steering controls (I assume this is technically optional) or camera the total would be: $654
Stereo and steering controls: $804
Stereo and Steering controls and cheaper camera: $1,094

Any thoughts? The pricing looks pretty reasonable to me for the parts and the labor (maybe I could get them to knock down the HU cost to around online costs of $416). It definitely feels the most affordable for just the deck itself but it does seem like it might be best to just get it over with and do it all in one shot if I really want it and get the deck/steering/controls/camera.

Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks again!

[flyboy1100]

HU's are really easy to install, so are steering wheel converters. I think you are getting screwed on the labor