Subaru Legacy / Liberty / Outback
Third Generation Model (00-04 North America, 99-03 elsewhere)
Audio Installation Guide version 0.1 DRAFT
Note: this guide was produced by knowledgeable Subaru enthusiasts and not Subaru Inc. Use this guide
at your own risk.
Subaru Legacy / Liberty / Outback
Third Generation Model (00-04 North America, 99-03 elsewhere)
Radio Installation
Tools required
One short length #2 Phillips screwdriver
One medium length #2 Phillips screwdriver
One long length #2 Phillips screwdriver (must be magnetic) (I use a magnetic
screwdriver extension on my medium screwdriver)
Helpful tool: 1/4 inch ratchet driver with 1/4" socket to accept a 1/4" #2 Phillips screwdriver bit. Allows for
more torque than the short #2 Phillips screwdriver.
Step 1: disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes.
Why do this? Because we will be working directly over the airbag control module, one static discharge
could inflate an airbag. In practice I have never heard of an incidental airbag inflation, but it is better to be
safe than sorry.
Step 2: disconnect the climate control cable from the heater duct. ???? Climate control
models ????
Below the passenger's side of the dash a cable from the temperature dial is connected to the heating
duct. If this cable is not disconnected it is more difficult to pull the radio which is attached to a bracket
which also holds the climate control dials. Damage to the cable (kinks) may also result if this step is
skipped.
Audio System Installation Guide Version 0.1 DRAFT
Page 2 of 12
Subaru Legacy / Liberty / Outback
Third Generation Model (00-04 North America, 99-03 elsewhere)
Step 3: Remove transmission trim
Manual Transmission Vehicles
Step 3a: Loosen the shift lever knob.
Rotate the shifter knob counter clockwise until it is free. It is attached to the
leather boot, so don't yank it completely out.
Step 3b: remove the shifter control panel.
Pull gently, do not force or twist.
Automatic Transmission Vehicles
• The Subaru factory harness supports 15 amps constant power, which in most cases is enough, but some newer head units have high power amplifiers which require a fused wire connection to the positive battery terminal. In these cases I suggest routing this wire through the air conditioning condensation drain, which is located in the passenger side foot well. Just be sure not to block the drain. Also when connecting to the battery it is imperative that the wire be fused within a few inches of the battery terminal and the wire between the fuse and battery be well protected to avoid a fire or battery explosion.
Get the file: Download here | Type PDF
• The Subaru factory harness supports 15 amps constant power, which in most cases is enough, but some newer head units have high power amplifiers which require a fused wire connection to the positive battery terminal. In these cases I suggest routing this wire through the air conditioning condensation drain, which is located in the passenger side foot well. Just be sure not to block the drain. Also when connecting to the battery it is imperative that the wire be fused within a few inches of the battery terminal and the wire between the fuse and battery be well protected to avoid a fire or battery explosion.
Get the file: Download here | Type PDF