i have an 05 Outback Wagon 2.5 with standard radio. i want to use my ipod in the car, but the "radio" style fm transmitters don't work well at all. i have access to an 07 Radio that has the ipod accessory input, unit from a salvage yard . Does anyone know if it is possible to swap the unit out? the dealer says no due to wiring harness issues, but i wasn't really convinced they knew for sure. Any thoughts? thanks in advance.
FWIW, Subaru used the same stereo connector from about '95 thru '03 or '04 anyway. All use a standard "DIN" mounting arrangement, so that shouldn't be an issue, other than you may need to find or lose a "pocket" if one or the other is a double-height unit.
Good bet the newer stereo will plug right in. Some models have a factory subwoofer, but the presence or lack of this option shouldn't affect the head unit, as it is on a separate plug. Also, there may be some issues with the antenna; some models may use an in-glass antenna with an external amplifier. Folks have reported having to juggle the wiring a bit to get this to work with aftermarket heads, but I can't imagine it being an issue if swapping in another factory unit.
When all is said and done, tho, your best bet will be to give it a try. Usually the yard operator will let you test something like this before committing to buy. If you pull your stock radio before you go to the yard, it will be real easy. Does the plug match? If so, plug it in. Does the radio work? Does the CD player? Left, right, front and rear all in the right places? You're in business; pay da man ;-)
Write back and let us know what you find, if you wouldn't mind.
ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101
If that doesn't work, try a Pioneer.
I had DEH-P5950IB installed in my MY01 Impreza, it has an ipod dock connector - my wife loves it.
Matt.
The wiring harness issue the dealer refers to is probably the connection from the mini-stereo jack (where you plug in the ipod) to the back of the radio. In the 07 and up models with the aux input to the radio, the jack is inside the armrest storage space in the center console. I'm not sure what the connector is like on the back of the radio.
FWIW, the AUX jack on the 07s is just that, a jack, with inbound signal only, no charging and no controls on the head unit. An IPod dock would charge your IPod and allow you full control of the IPod from the tuner. Some aftermarket heads give you that, then you can run the IPod adaptor from the back of the head unit into your glovebox and leave your IPod in the closed glovebox, out of sight and charging. If you are switching out anyway, you might check into that. I have an 07 and I use the AUX, but I have to plug in the IPod to AUX, plug in the charger(optional) and park the IPod where I can get to it to change songs, etc. When I leave the car I have to undo that and put the IPod away. I'm not complaining, I like having the jack there, but it would be nice to go to the next level.
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