Well, I finally got around to installing an OEM Subaru alarm (purchased from Subaru-parts.com with no problems) this weekend in my new 2003 Outback wagon. While generally an easy install, I thought I'd pass along a few hints. I did this install along with installing a Subaru OEM 6-disc CD changer/cassette head unit that I got from a WRX (replacing the stock single-disc head unit).
- Removal of the dashboard trim is fairly straightforward and reasonably well illustrated in the alarm's installation instructions. Be sure to have a short Phillips screwdriver on hand, as the two screws that hold the ashtray assembly in place can be challenging to get out (and are harder to get back in!). When pulling the trim plate with the cigarette lighter socket, carefully remove the plugs from the back of the outlet.
- Place a cloth/towel over the shifter trim, and tuck it into the cavity under the stereo stack (where the coin tray that you removed was). This not only protects the easily scratched aluminum trim plate of the shifter (trust me on this one), but catches any errant screws that fall off the screwdriver when you are putting everything back together.
- Alarm module installation requires that a bracket be mounted to the right side of the stereo bracket. After the bracket is installed, do NOT install the module until after you have screwed the main stereo bracket back into the dash. (The module covers the mounting holes for the stereo bracket.)
- Maybe I'm dense, but the most trouble I had was finding the starter interrupt/horn relay that is under the dash. The installation instructions simply say something like "the black-color relay is to the left of the steering column under the dash." Well, the fuse box and about 500 other wires/plugs are there, too! After about a half-hour of poking around, and finally unscrewing and pulling the fuse box out of the way, I saw the relays in question: one was black and one was white. Save yourself some time and unscrew the fuse box first, then look slightly above it for a pair of plugs, one white with a removable "cap" (for lack of a better term) with a loop of wire on it, and one black. These wire for these plugs is taped-up a bit, and the tape needs to be carefully cut in order to allow the wire to have enough slack to reach the mounting location for the alarm's relay (which is mounted on the two screws to the left of the fuse box).
- All in all, this is a pretty easy install. The only difficulty I had was finding the horn relays, apart from that, it would probably have been a leisurely half-hour install. All the wiring is existant from the factory, which makes things pretty easy.
Brian Wasson Abington, Pa.