New OEM Radio Installed into MY11 WRX: Source MY11 Forester

[spagez]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

....CM631UD is completely plug-and-play into a 2012-up Impreza (not WRX or STI) ...
That eBay listing claims your CM631UD came out of a 2012 Forester, but I'm not aware of any Foresters having used that model -- I'm fairly sure all non-nav Forester HUs still have CAN bus, even through 2013...

I just installed a CM631UD unit into my '13 WRX a few days ago. It was plug-and-play. So far my car has not caught fire yet if this has different wiring than the CS630 unit...

The post has me thinking about the safety of installing this..But I do love the screen.

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

[ColdFyre]

Dammit I want one

[Nikopotomus]

Is it better to try and get a nav unit, or is this one better than that?

[runningchicken]

I just bought one of theses units (CM631UD/86201FJ630 to be exact) and it does not have the black 20 pin port for Satellite radio like the unit in the picture below. First I am trying to figure out why it does not have it and secondly how I am going to get one into the unit.
Does anyone have an answer for this?
When I get the chance, I will remove the HU again to post pictures.

Originally Posted by trakmasterrs

Since the original post has the pictures for the 86201SC630 model, i've attached pictures for the 86201FJ630 model.

[ColdFyre]

Originally Posted by runningchicken

I just bought one of theses units (CM631UD/86201FJ630 to be exact) and it does not have the black 20 pin port for Satellite radio like the unit in the picture below. First I am trying to figure out why it does not have it and secondly how I am going to get one into the unit.
Does anyone have an answer for this?
When I get the chance, I will remove the HU again to post pictures.

I don't have any need for satellite radio, so if you cant get it to work for you let me know and I'll buy it off you

[ColdFyre]

Originally Posted by runningchicken

I just bought one of theses units (CM631UD/86201FJ630 to be exact) and it does not have the black 20 pin port for Satellite radio like the unit in the picture below. First I am trying to figure out why it does not have it and secondly how I am going to get one into the unit.
Does anyone have an answer for this?
When I get the chance, I will remove the HU again to post pictures.

According to svxdc,

CM631UD (printed on front)
Clarion model PF-3391A-A, Subaru P/N 86201FJ630, rear sticker MR63
Used in 2012-up Impreza (not WRX or STI) and Crosstrek
20-pin radio harness no longer has CAN bus
Pin 11 is for "bright" mode ('NIDC')
Pin 19 is for Vehicle Speed Signal (VSS) -- used for speed-sensitive volume, and to lock out some functions while you're moving (such as being able to adjust bass, treble, etc.).
16-pin aux/mic socket does not include subwoofer output or amp turn-on
Has separate buttons for FM and AM, no SAT button
Not compatible with OEM satellite radio tuner accessory

[Rymar]

I have the manual for the PF-3391A-A, and it does list:

SIRIUS-TUNER B/B EF-1327A-B
XM-TUNER B/B EF-1247S-C

under a section titled "External Unit". I don't have either of these, but I think they connect through the black 20 pin connector, which is labeled "SIE Bus" in the manual.

My unit came on my 2012 Impreza Limited, which was built in Dec 2011. Maybe later units have dropped this connector?

I have never tried this connection, so maybe it's not actually supported in the firmware (perhaps SVXDc has information from someone who tried this).

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by Rymar

I have the manual for the PF-3391A-A [CM631UD], and it does list:

SIRIUS-TUNER B/B EF-1327A-B
XM-TUNER B/B EF-1247S-C

under a section titled "External Unit". I don't have either of these, but I think they connect through the black 20 pin connector, which is labeled "SIE Bus" in the manual.

...
(perhaps SVXDc has information from someone who tried this).

Yes, the OEM XM and Sirius sat radio tuners do connect to the black 20-pin expansion bus socket.

I was told by someone who was looking for HUs with the 4.3" screen that the CM631UD was not compatible with the OEM sat radio tuners. Plus, without the "SAT" button, I don't know how you would access it. And according to cars101.com, Subaru does not offer any sat tuners as options on Imprezas or Crosstreks with the CM631UD.

Originally Posted by runningchicken

I just bought one of theses units (CM631UD/86201FJ630 to be exact) and it does not have the black 20 pin port for Satellite radio like the unit in the picture below.
...
When I get the chance, I will remove the HU again to post pictures.

Yes, please do -- I'm very interested to see them (including all of the numbers on the sticker on top).

[Guzzi 1]

"Going the other way (CP635U1 into a 2012-up Impreza or Crosstrek):

• Again, the HU probably won't care that you're piping the car's bright signal into one of the two CAN pins (pin 11), but it would be safer for the car to disconnect that lead on the car's harness.
• The CP635U1's pin 19 is a no-connect, so it won't care that the car has the VSS signal there. "

RE THE ABOVE:
If I understand correctly, putting the CP635U1 into a '12/'13 Impreza non WRX, you would lose the speed volume and dimming function?

**Or, would lose the speed volume and the ability to make the HU bright as if the lights were out for daytime running?**

What you gain: Sat. (if you added the necessary stuff), HD Radio, Back up camera (again with added parts)

CM631UD: Complete and full functionality in a '12/'13 Impreza (non WRX) with the addition of a back up camera (if you wanted), HD radio, but NO SAT.

Just want to clairfy this if I decide to go hunting.

John

[runningchicken]

Here are the pics of my new unit...

Top of unit


Back of unit...as you can see no black 20 pin port


Back of unit with protective plate off...as you can see, there is a spot for the 20 pin port


As you can see it appears to be the EXACT same unit just with out the satellite radio connector. I would think you can access the SAT through the CD/AUX button since that also takes you to bluetooth and USB.


Below is a picture of my WRX stock radio (non LCD display) and it has the SAT port...I am wondering how hard it would be to pull out this one and put it into my new unit??

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by Guzzi 1

If I understand correctly, putting the CP635U1 into a '12/'13 Impreza non WRX, you would lose the speed volume and dimming function?

**Or, would lose the speed volume and the ability to make the HU bright as if the lights were out for daytime running?**

Correct. To clarify on the "bright" mode: The normal illumination and dimming feature will work with both HUs. That uses pins 1 and 2 on the 20-pin power/speaker harness, which are the same on all non-nav 2008-up Impreza, WRX, STI, Forester, Crosstrek.

What you lose is the dimming cancel feature -- "bright" mode, or what I call "NIDC" (see my earlier post). That allows you to have your headlights on, but restore your instruments and HU to daytime brightness (the way they would be if your headlights were off).

What you gain: ...

Both HUs give you HD radio and a socket for rear camera. The main difference (besides speed-volume and bright mode) is sat radio -- CP635U1 yes, CM631UD no. Plus the subwoofer output on the CP635U1.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by runningchicken

Here are the pics of my new unit...

...

As you can see it appears to be the EXACT same unit just with out the satellite radio connector.

That's very strange that they have two variations with identical model numbers. Makes me wonder if the black 20-pin socket is actually dead on trakmasterrs' older unit.

I would think you can access the SAT through the CD/AUX button since that also takes you to bluetooth and USB.

I don't think so. I just checked the owner's manuals for 2012 WRX, Impreza, and Forester. The Impreza manual does not mention sat radio for any of that model's radio types. WRX and Forester manuals mention it for all of their radio types.

Below is a picture of my WRX stock radio (non LCD display) and it has the SAT port...I am wondering how hard it would be to pull out this one and put it into my new unit??

I'm sure if you look inside, you'll find other important components are not populated on the CM631UD's PC board. The HU manufacturers usually do whatever they can to keep the cost down.

The PF-3391A-A (CM631UD) service manual I have does show that socket and the associated circuitry. I suspect there's a revision that shows those parts as deleted. Again, surprised the Clarion model number on yours isn't a different rev (like -B).

That socket has also been used for an external navigation unit (only outside North America, as far as I know), and I think external CD changers (ditto). That probably explains why the older HU has the socket even though it doesn't have a SAT button. Maybe Subaru and Clarion finally figured out they were not going to continue using that port? (at least in Imprezas and Crosstreks)

[burnurass]

Originally Posted by runningchicken

As you can see it appears to be the EXACT same unit just with out the satellite radio connector. I would think you can access the SAT through the CD/AUX button since that also takes you to bluetooth and USB.

I have the CM631UD in my '13 Wrx
It has as the black plug for eat radio, but as you guys know, no sat button!
I can get to sat if I use the mode button on the steering wheel
The am/fm/cd/aux buttons on the radio don't work when I'm in SAT source. If I get out of that feature using the mode button again everything is back to normal.
Because of this reason, I can only access one sat preset set (since I assume you need to press the sat button to cycle through the presets).
Hope this helps!

[Guzzi 1]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

Correct. To clarify on the "bright" mode: The normal illumination and dimming feature will work with both HUs. That uses pins 1 and 2 on the 20-pin power/speaker harness, which are the same on all non-nav 2008-up Impreza, WRX, STI, Forester, Crosstrek.

What you lose is the dimming cancel feature -- "bright" mode, or what I call "NIDC" (see my earlier post). That allows you to have your headlights on, but restore your instruments and HU to daytime brightness (the way they would be if your headlights were off).



Both HUs give you HD radio and a socket for rear camera. The main difference (besides speed-volume and bright mode) is sat radio -- CP635U1 yes, CM631UD no. Plus the subwoofer output on the CP635U1.

Thank you DC, that is what I thought I understood. I sent you a message about your harness not too long ago. I'm presently trying to obtain the '631UD unit. Still want to add an amp but will wait to see if this pans out. Possibly a cable for a back up camera as well. (Fingers crossed)

As for sat, I have subscribed to XM for some time, but with the ability to load up memory sticks, I simply don't feel the need in this car.

John

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by burnurass

I have the CM631UD in my '13 Wrx
...
I can get to sat if I use the mode button on the steering wheel
The am/fm/cd/aux buttons on the radio don't work when I'm in SAT source.
...

Sounds like a bug to me. If they had intended sat mode to work, they would have also let you use the CD/AUX button to cycle to that input, as runningchicken suggested. I think they tried to remove the feature and forgot about the SWC mode button.

Have you actually connected one of Subaru's sat tuner modules? (I don't know whether these HUs hide the sat choice when they don't see a module connected). If you have, which one? Do you have the model number? (printed on its label)

[Rymar]

As an engineer, I am also surprised that there was no change in model number when Clarion removed the 20 pin "SIE Bus Connector" (not even a rev letter change!). This is just a bad idea, as you can't determine the exact features by the complete model number (PF-3391A-A).

For the CM631UD units which do have the 20 pin connector, I can see it working either way:

1) The satellite radio input has been disabled in firmware, as SVXdc suggests. The removal of the SAT button suggests this.

2) The input simply doesn't appear, because it's not connected.

On my radio, pressing CD/Aux (or the mode button from the steering wheel), only shows connected inputs in the sequence, including the Aux (3.5mm headphone jack) input, the USB memory connector, and Bluetooth audio. If it's not connected, it doesn't appear.

Having disassembled my unit down to the circuit board level, I agree with SVXdc that there will be other support components which have been omitted along with the 20 pin connector.

Also, after removing the back panel, make sure to use some heat sink compound on the power amp module, or you run the risk of overheating. If the existing compound wasn't disturbed on the power amp module or the metal plate, it's probably OK.

[burnurass]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

Sounds like a bug to me. If they had intended sat mode to work, they would have also let you use the CD/AUX button to cycle to that input, as runningchicken suggested. I think they tried to remove the feature and forgot about the SWC mode button.

Have you actually connected one of Subaru's sat tuner modules? (I don't know whether these HUs hide the sat choice when they don't see a module connected). If you have, which one? Do you have the model number? (printed on its label)

Yep, I have the XM radio tuner hooked up to it.

I will try to get the model numbers when I install the backup cam.

This is the picture from the ebay auction of the back.

[Blackmamba24kb]

which port is for the back up camera?

also burnurass where and how much did you get your backup camera for? im looking for oem one does anyone know of a place that has it cheap?

thanks!

Originally Posted by burnurass

Yep, I have the XM radio tuner hooked up to it.

I will try to get the model numbers when I install the backup cam.

This is the picture from the ebay auction of the back.

[Guzzi 1]

I got my hands on a CM631UD. It arrived yesterday. Build date is August 2012. It does not have the black plug where the sat would have connected. Same part number, same revision. Just an FYI.

John

[flyboy1100]

Originally Posted by Guzzi 1

I got my hands on a CM631UD. It arrived yesterday. Build date is August 2012. It does not have the black plug where the sat would have connected. Same part number, same revision. Just an FYI.

John

CP635U1 is the one with the SAT button and plug on the back

edit: i see above where someone got the CM631UD with the plug, but I didn't think that was supposed to be there on that model.

[flyboy1100]

anyone know how many character the unit will display for Satellite radio?

[burnurass]

Originally Posted by flyboy1100

anyone know how many character the unit will display for Satellite radio?

Not sure how long it is...but it's a helluva lot more than the stock radio!

[Blackmamba24kb]

its burnurass that had that model with the pin in the back...mines is coming in next week...same one burnurass has... i dont have satellite but its nice to know i have the option.

Originally Posted by flyboy1100

CP635U1 is the one with the SAT button and plug on the back

edit: i see above where someone got the CM631UD with the plug, but I didn't think that was supposed to be there on that model.

[flyboy1100]

Originally Posted by burnurass

Not sure how long it is...but it's a helluva lot more than the stock radio!

good deal. the original post looks like 10 characters, but that looks like 16. much better than the 10 characters and 1 line only i get now,

hopefully my CP635U1 shows up saturday

[burnurass]

Originally Posted by flyboy1100

good deal. the original post looks like 10 characters, but that looks like 16. much better than the 10 characters and 1 line only i get now,

hopefully my CP635U1 shows up saturday

There definitely a limitation, but it's acceptable.

A bonus is that the bluetooth works much better, it picks up the call right away.
With the stock headunit, it would pick up the call, radio would come back on, then go back to the call. So it would take 3 seconds for you to start talking.