How-to install a stereo in a 2006 Impreza W/ PICS

[AZRally]

Ok guys, hope this helps everyone. Moderators, can we make this a sticky?

Step 1. Remove the bezel around the shifter by lifting the rear of the bezel like so.



Step 2. Remove the (2) screws holding the radio panel in place.



Step 3. Remove the panel by pulling it towards you. The top of the panel is held in place by (2) clips. Do not just pull the bottom. Instead, pull out the bottom, and try to pop off the top section with a small flat-head screw driver at the same time. It should pop right off.




Step 4. Remove the (6) screws holding the CD player in place, and remove the CD player.




Step 5. Unclip the factory harness, remove the antena, and the grounding clip on the right side. Solder together your harness adapter (the one you picked up from the store for a 90+ Subaru) and your new aftermarket CD player wiring harness. All the colors match up.



Step 6. Now, clip you harness adapter into the stock harness you had removed from the rear of the factory cd-player.

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[AZRally]

Step 7. Remove the adapter frames from the side of the stock stereo. Then, mount them to the side of your CD player (notice they say right and left on them. Right is the Passenger side), and universal pocket you also picked up from the store. This might take a couple trys to get the correct holes to line up, but be patient, and test fit your deck before hooking it all up.




Step 8. Clip the harness into the rear of your new deck, plug in the antenna, and clip the stereo ground on the right side. Re-install the deck using the factory (6) screws, and replace the stereo pannel and the shifter bezel. Congrats!!! Your done!

[MartinD]

looks good, i may have you do mine

[enewtabie]

Nice work..

[couchflambeau]

Nice clean solder work there boss!

[szeny]

where did you get those shrink wrap things.. and just used a lighter to melt them?

[DJ_STI]

szeny I believe you can pick up that heat shrink tubing at any radioshack. And when I use it I just use a simple lighter and slowly pass it under the tubing.

[gimmewar]

Heat shrink tubing at radioshack is complete crap, if it's a shiny looking tubing dont bother with it.

You want the stuff that is dull and comes in a variety of colors, FRY's has it and it's the best heat shrink tubing you can use.

Mike

[antidote11]

Awesome man, thanks for the write-up !!
That was very helpful. I just installed my stereo a minute ago.

[Ayrton]

Anything you could need can be had here...including heatshrink.

*edit*

I can't post a URL...

Anyway, just Google partsexpress

[Damon]

nice tutorial!

i would think this would be the same on the 05.

[Highway Drifter]

Originally Posted by AZRally

Step 7. Remove the adapter frames from the side of the stock stereo. Then, mount them to the side of your CD player (notice they say right and left on them.

Are these adaptor frames the only brackets that hold the stock radio in place?? I'm curious cuz I was just about to start a thread, only because my car was broken into and they stole my aftermarket indash along with those brackets...I wanted to put the stock HU back in for the winter, but need the 'brackets'.....if someone could let me know if these are them (maybe a part number too?) lol i've heard just about every sound imaginable outta my non catted exaust already

[AZRally]

Originally Posted by Highway Drifter

Are these adaptor frames the only brackets that hold the stock radio in place?? I'm curious cuz I was just about to start a thread, only because my car was broken into and they stole my aftermarket indash along with those brackets...I wanted to put the stock HU back in for the winter, but need the 'brackets'.....if someone could let me know if these are them (maybe a part number too?) lol i've heard just about every sound imaginable outta my non catted exaust already

Yes, these two brackets, and the screws that hold them on is the only thing mounting the stock stereo (and aftermarket for that matter.)

I bought that perticular shrink tubing at The Home Depot. Coast about $2, and one package is more than enough for this job. You can also pick up solder and a soldering iron there for cheap. It's all in the electrical section, with the connectors.

[JMCustomswrx]

just dont get the cold heat solder gun it absolute crap they have a butane powered one that works awsome if your looking for a wireless one and as far as i know accept for a few variables this install which is a good job by the way is almost exact for all newer subies that ive found but like i said thers always a few differences so dont rush to rip stuff apart

[Subie2]

Yes... the coldheat sucks.. and the tip breaks easy. Radioshack makes some nice butane ones now. Ive used their different models over the years.

[speedDman1]

I removed my stereo on my TR, and have my new Alpine head unit. I have the wiring harness from the alpine headunit which i need to attach to my circuit city wiring harness. Now, I really have no idea what the f*ck im doing from here, and its starting to get me a little frustrated. For example, my black (ground wire) has this C-shape thing on the end, what do i do with that. Then my P.ant., illm., remo, in int, coming from the alpine wires all have these caps with plastic things on the end, what do i do with those. If soldering is involved, can i use standard wire sodder? Someone tell me what to do, PLEASE! Do i have to cut the ends off of the P.ant., illm., remo, in int? I really need help..

[AZRally]

Originally Posted by speedDman1

I removed my stereo on my TR, and have my new Alpine head unit. I have the wiring harness from the alpine headunit which i need to attach to my circuit city wiring harness. Now, I really have no idea what the f*ck im doing from here, and its starting to get me a little frustrated. For example, my black (ground wire) has this C-shape thing on the end, what do i do with that. Then my P.ant., illm., remo, in int, coming from the alpine wires all have these caps with plastic things on the end, what do i do with those. If soldering is involved, can i use standard wire sodder? Someone tell me what to do, PLEASE! Do i have to cut the ends off of the P.ant., illm., remo, in int? I really need help..

Yes, cut the caps and then solder them (using regular wire solder) to the matching color wire on the harness adpater. Just match colored wires together. Very easy. Also, consult you Alpine user's manual if you need a wiring diagram. but you shouldn't.

[joehack98]

I have the same deck.

[speedDman1]

Originally Posted by joehack98

I have the same deck.

so, i got my wiring harness soldered and it works fine...just i cant get my headunit to fit. I have no idea how i am going to make my headunit fit back into place.. Its wider than the old one, so now i can't get the screw holes in place at the top, suggestions are welcome

[AZRally]

Originally Posted by speedDman1

so, i got my wiring harness soldered and it works fine...just i cant get my headunit to fit. I have no idea how i am going to make my headunit fit back into place.. Its wider than the old one, so now i can't get the screw holes in place at the top, suggestions are welcome

Yes it is wider. It will be recessed just behind the stock panel.

[Highway Drifter]

Originally Posted by AZRally

Yes, these two brackets, and the screws that hold them on is the only thing mounting the stock stereo (and aftermarket for that matter.)

Awesome...anyone good enough with the part numbers??

[Honest Bob]

Wow, that looks like my Kenwood MP919 except blacked out. That same process also works for 05 WRX's in case anyones wondering.

[speedDman1]

ok, new set up is complete, as of monday morning..i works great

[Bio Retard]

Thanks for the guide, I was able to get my Pioneer head unit to fit nicely. Only problem is the radio won't work for some reason.

[veightkiller]

nice input!