2009 - 2013 Subaru Forester Head Unit Replacement/Upgrade - Boss Audio Elite BN965BLC

This weeks episode is how to replace the OEM Subaru Forester Head Unit (2009-2013). We're going to install the Boss Elite BN965BLC in Dana's 2010 Subaru Forester (Base Model) as she's in desperate need of an upgrade.
Although Dana's OEM Head Unit has met her needs for the last 11 years, she could really use the technology upgrade to improve the sound and to cut the wires (she uses the AUX cord currently). So this week, we're doing a step-by-step replacement of the head unit. We'll be conducting a full 7 day road trip test of radio so be sure to subscribe and click the bell so you're notified when it comes out next week.
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/Contact:
For business inquiries or collaborations , please contact us at [e-mail]
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Hardware Used:
Boss Elite BN965BLC Head Unit : amzn.to/3gqt94V
Metra Antenna Extension Cable: amzn.to/3sfTS9W
Metra Wire Harness : amzn.to/3GoGTHW
American International Radio Dash Kit: amzn.to/32TAvel
Trim Panel Removal Tool Kit: amzn.to/3ul4zL7
Heat Shrink Assorted Size Kit: amzn.to/3L4KduU
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Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/volo/with-the-winds
License code: ASMSAIRLDMPEQRW4
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KZbin Equipment
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone: amzn.to/3HnMMGY
Canon EOS M50: amzn.to/3ghUyWH
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission (at no cost to YOU). This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
#SubaruForester
#BossAudio
#HeadUnitUpgrade

[@lewislavender987]

Very professional. It's amazing how many features these new gadgets have when you know how to use them. See you next time.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Thank you for watching and sharing the kind words. We greatly appreciate it. The long road trip helped quite a bit with learning the ins and outs of it. We look forward to sharing those results next week.

[@dropitnjax]

Very nice install. Looking forward to the next episode to see how it was on the road trip.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Thank you for watching and the kind words. We greatly appreciate it. We're excited to share the next episode as well.

[@YellowJacketGarage]

Nice and clean install! You two always do great work, thanks for the content.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Thank you brother for watching and sharing the kind words. It's greatly appreciated. Hope you all are doing well. Cheers!

[@YellowJacketGarage]

@@SpiritedWrenchers we are doing great. Had steel delivered today...cool stuff ahead.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@YellowJacketGarage Woo Hoo. Signs of Progress. Love it!!

[@EvanWells07]

Ive been considering upgrading my old pioneer double din to a newer one with gps. love to see a long term review! Congrats on 400 - keep it going!

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Thank you for watching and the kind words. We appreciate you. Pioneer definitely are good units. Have one in my WRX. This weeks full review will be the testing over 2000+ miles so definitely check it out.

[@EvanWells07]

@@SpiritedWrenchers will do!

[@FixItFrench]

Great work! Hope Dana enjoys the upgrade! Congrats on 400 by the way, I knew you guys would make it. I’m glad you guys kept grinding 🎉 🎊🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hey buddy. Thanks for watching and sharing the kind words. Greatly appreciated. The hill is steep for us but we made a commitment to not slow down. Hope you and family are doing great!

[@FixItFrench]

@@SpiritedWrenchers Love to hear it, and we are doing well!

[@mikegulisano6047]

@@SpiritedWrenchers is the wiring harness that you ordered direct color-coded to the wires inside the car already

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@mikegulisano6047 Thank you for watching and asking. We appreciate it. I can't remember if they were color for color since it was both for Nissan and Subaru but on the back of the package, it will tell you what each color is for so in case the colors aren't the same, you can cross reference that package the owners manual to ensure they are connecting correctly. There aren't a lot of wires with this harness compared to some so it's not overly complicated. Hope that helps. Cheers!

[@scottksiazek3879]

Hello just bought a second hand 2010 Forester 5 speed. This is exactly what I need.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Scott. Thank you for watching and sharing. Congrats on your "new to you" Forester. Glad this video is helpful to you. Stay safe out there!

[@ShawnStack1]

That was a great show. Thanks! I subscribed.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Rue. Thank you very much for watching, sharing the kind words and subscribing. We greatly appreciate you and hope you enjoy more of our episodes. Cheers!

[@sethtjohnson1511]

Thanks for this video! Like a few others I've been considering doing mine out because I have to turn my volume up to almost 30 to hear it on the freeway. Also my aux plug doesn't play as well anymore. I've also subscribed.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Seth. First off, thank you very much for watching, sharing your story with us and subscribing. We really appreciate that. You should definitely upgrade. We all deserve better sounding music. LOL. Plus, it's not a difficult job so the rewards are even better. Stay safe out there!

[@sumerstellargaze]

I have a 2013 and I am thankful i found this video. I also haven’t upgraded a headunit since 2006 when I was in high school.

[@chalieteufel9734]

This is a GREAT video as my CD player doesn't work and i was thinking about fixin or replacin, i also old school solder still !!

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Chalie. Thank you so much for watching and sharing the kind words. We really appreciate it. If you have an OEM Head Unit, it's worth just replacing it instead of repairing the old, underpowered one. Just no comparison on the quality difference with sound. Glad you're an old school solder person as well. :-).

[@angellagrant8105]

I like that Wei done I have a 2009 Subaru Forester and I need a backup camera as well

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Angella. Thank you for watching and sharing the kind words. We appreciate it. This unit had a backup camera but we chose not to hook it up until after we tested everything else first since there is more work needed to install the backup on a vehicle that doesn't have it already.

[@garyg719]

Thanks for this ! My cd's get stuck in the OEM radio so time to change the unit !

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Gary. Thanks for watching and sharing. We really appreciate it. That's the worse when the CD mechanism wears down and you worry whether you'll get your cd out the next time it's stuck. Glad this video helps and we hope you can upgrade to newer and better tunes. Stay safe out there!

[@cwwCADAVER]

I'm glad you solder the wires.. it drives me crazy when people use the other methods... I just bought a 2011 and doing a motor swap this weekend and next will be the radio for backup.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Thank you for watching and commenting. We greatly appreciate it. Yes, learned a long time ago to do it right or you may end up having to redo it. Good luck with your projects. They sound like fun.

[@neerajahluwalia5512]

soldering is actually the incorrect method for automotive wiring. vibrations over time can cause the solder joint to fracture at both ends. The proper way is to crimp; all automotive manufacturers use crimps.

[@cwwCADAVER]

@@neerajahluwalia5512 how is soldering it incorrect? The only reason you see connectors in the car is out of convenience to put the car together... As far as it cracking I don't believe it will. The wire will break before the solder will.. in the head unit the board has a bunch of soldered components in it, are they incorrect also?

[@neerajahluwalia5512]

@@cwwCADAVER Solder joints will crack over time when exposed to the vibrations in a car, due to heat exposure and stiffness that solder provides. I am an electrical engineer and have designed my own wiring harnesses for my race car, and am well aware of the issues that soldering causes. The head unit does use solder joints but they are connected to the PCB which is a different application. Google is your friend here - crimping is always the way to go when joining wires for automotive application. Never solder!

[@cwwCADAVER]

@@neerajahluwalia5512 the military use solder on the aircrafts.. are they wrong also?

[@daniellehook3902]

I don't know why, but I really just want to sit on a porch with the nice lady in the video and drink coffee and listen to her life stories.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Danielle, thanks for watching and commenting! Swap the coffee for iced tea, or something a little harder and you got a deal! Tons of life stories to tell, and I love hearing others' as well. Take care & stay safe!

[@anthonydavis7651]

Im visiting Puerto rico next month!

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Anthony. Thank you for watching and sharing. That's awesome. Dana and I hope to go there next year. Stay safe out there!

[@ItsTomTom_]

Hey there is ground cable on the stock head unit for 2013 crosstrek do you connect ground wire to the after market unit?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi ItsTomTom. Thanks for asking and watching. We appreciate it. There should be a ground in the after-market wiring harness that you can connect to the stock ground wire or run it to a new ground itself. As long as the new radio is grounded properly, it will have the same result. Hope that helps.

[@williambennett6136]

Hey, I know its been a while since you did this video but I' looking at installing a Boss head unit into my 2011 forester. I currently have a list of all the parts I need but I can't seem to find a wiring diagram of what exactly would be attached an not be attached from the Head unit to the Metra 70-7552 harness. Could y'all give me what you wired together in this video? Because I know not everything will be used and I really don't want to mess it up as this is my first audio project on my car.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi William, Thanks for watching and asking. We appreciate it. Congrats on taking the step for your first audio upgrade. That's exciting. Since yours is a 2011, do you have steering wheel controls and an external USB port for audio? If you'd like, you can send the answers to our email, and we can correspond that way. [e-mail] . We'll do our best to help out.

[@TheoParadis-kp9uj]

Great work!! Did you add the kit to make the steering wheel controls work? Would you recommend a kit?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Theo, thanks for watching and asking. We did not add any kits for steering wheel controls as our Forester was the base model and did not have them standard. The steering wheel control module can vary based upon the head unit you're running, so what I would recommend is using Crutchfield's site to enter your vehicle and the exact/smiliar head unit to identify the interface needed. Hope that helps, good luck and stay safe!

[@russelblackwell6041]

have a hardon/karmen unit in a 2013 forester xt but the satnav is old was wondering also about door speaker upgrades too its pretty loud and good quality but i want louder

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Russel, thanks for watching and asking. We appreciate it. Unfortunate on the HK unit. Those are usually high quality pieces. For the door speakers, it depends on what you have currently. If they're HK or another high brand, it's just that your head unit isn't able to give it more power. With that being said, the only thing you can do to get louder is add in an external amp pushing more than the 50-75 amps your HU is currently doing. Hope that helps.

[@russelblackwell6041]

@@SpiritedWrenchers thanks the current unit is a HARMAN/kARDON FF215KS Here in Australia has about 8 speakers, i wonder what an good upgrade amp would be without too much wiring mods to the amp upgrade or if there is a direct upgrade plug in with wiring adaptor harness to the amp can you recommend a good amp

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@russelblackwell6041 No matter what amp, you get, it will be the same amount of wiring (ground, positive and RCA's from the head unit). I really comes down to budget and how much power you're trying to add. I love Skar Audio amps as they are very affordable, have a small form factor and put out great power. I added a 5 channel of theirs in our 4Runner (video is on our channel). As long as your Head unit has RCA outputs, you can add a secondary amp. Now if you have a Harmon Kardon onboard amp already, it becomes a little more challenging as you have to bypass that. Hope that helps.

[@shottaafrif4213]

Real MVPS

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Thank you. We appreciate you watching and sharing the kind words.

[@makigor]

Nice job....does it fo a good sound quality with old, oem speakers?why you chose that brand and particular model? Any other unit you would recomend?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Mlgor. Thank you for watching and asking. We certainly appreciate it. There was definitely a noticeable difference in sound quality in the OEM speakers with the upgraded head unit. I chose that brand/model for the features and price point. It was $400+ less than other brand HUs with the same features. I've had problems with my $700 Kenwood so I can't recommend that one. I would likely look at Pioneer again for my next HU. I've always had a great experience with them but budget is the biggest factor when choosing one. Hope that helps. Cheers!

[@TheRomanianDj]

I dont really know what to do if anyone can help with some details. Am i supposed to look for a 9" 8" or a 10" ? I dont know what will fit because i have to take in calculation the frame as well right ? So if my radio is 9" in total from left to right, am i supposed to get a 8"lcd knowing with the frame will make it 9? Or will a 9" work even tho thats all my space

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi TheRomanianDj. For our Forester, we focused on just a standard Double DIN head unit. They will either have a 6.5 or 7" screen depending on whether they have buttons on the side or they are full touchscreen. The best resource that I have used is Crutchfield.com. Simply put in your vehicle, answer a question or two about your current stereo and they will give you all the options that fit your car that they sell. If they don't have what you like, you can at least identify what fits and go search elsewhere. Their site has saved me time and money on several occasions. Hope that helps.

[@lawrencecavens5760]

Here's a small question for you - Being that I have a 2010 Subaru Forrester as well Are you able to use the steering wheel control for the volume - as you didn't cover that in your video, The reason I'm asking is that I'm thinking of getting a simular unit... And Wow that unit also has GPS? that in itself is another 100.00 saving if its built in....

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Lawrence, Thank you for watching and commenting. We greatly appreciate it. Great question. Dana's Forester is the base model so it didn't come with steering wheel controls. If we did, we would need to buy an additional controller to wire in for the steering wheel. Be sure to watch the follow up video on this one which is the final review after our long road trip. It may help you decide if this is the right one for you. Let us know if you have any other questions. Cheers!

[@melissalaird2006]

Hey guys! this was exactly the video I needed. I have exactly the same vehicle,,, just wondering what you did with the factory installed bluetooth phone set up? I want to take it out and maybe install a usb port there to plug my android into the radio. Do you have any suggestions on how to do that or where to get parts for it so it looks clean?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Melissa, so glad this video is helping give you ideas for upgrading your stereo! My Forester did not come with Bluetooth since it is the base model (another reason to upgrade!) so there wasnt anything extra we had to do there. In 2011, Subaru started putting USB ports inside the center console, next to the auxiliary input. I would honestly see about buying the 2011 port and wiring it up through the center to keep it semi-stock and clean.

[@melissalaird2006]

@@SpiritedWrenchers I got my stuff ordered today and the lady suggested a USB plug that will fit in the cigarette lighter space perfectly. Since I will be charging the phone with the USB it's going to work perfectly. Thanks again, great video

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@melissalaird2006 that's an excellent solution then! Definitely easier to run the cables behind the dash than to remove the whole center console. Good luck with your upgrade! 😁

[@ronmenzies362]

Looks good, do the steering wheel controls work out of the box

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Ron. Thanks for watching and asking. We really appreciate it. We didn't hook up the steering controls because we wanted to test it out on the road trip before we spent more time on wiring that up. They do not work out of the box. Ultimately, we did not keep the unit (see follow up episode sharing the why's). Hope that helps.

[@bolinderfamily]

My stereo is working, but the sound is barely audible through static like sound. I’m wondering if you might know… Do you imagine that’s the stereo going out? Or wiring that’s frayed or loose? I’m considering doing this project to see if it fixes my stereo

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Jesse. Thanks for watching and sharing. We appreciate it. Sorry to hear about the radio issues you're having. This is always a difficult one because it could be one of 3 things - radio, speaker wires or the speakers themselves. If everything is original, I would start by inspecting the speakers in the doors. They cones could be completely dry rotted. If those are good, pop one out where you hear the bad sound and see if the wires are good at the connection point. If that looks good, it would be the radio then. I try to start with the less expensive options first, eliminate them before coming to the most expensive item to replace. Hope that helps. You'll find that an aftermarket radio as a replacement to the old OEM is night and day difference with sound. Let us know how it goes if you don't mind. Cheers!

[@bolinderfamily]

Thanks!!! I’ll check the speakers. Good idea. Now to find a video that show how to do that. One question, if all the speakers sound the same, would that point to the stereo as issue?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@bolinderfamily my pleasure. Quite possibly on the speakers. Listen to each at the door panel and if they all sound the same, that would certainly point back to either the head unit or wiring at the head unit. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll do the best I can to help.

[@jarviskye6699]

I have a Subaru liberty exiga 2010 looks like the same stereo just want to make sure I buy a stereo compatible

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Jarvis. Thank you for watching and asking. We really appreciate it. We had to go look up the Liberty Exiga as neither of us had heard of the model before. Love how there are a number of different models around the world. As long as your vehicle has what they call a double-din head unit, you will likely be able to install any double-din unit, like this particular Boss Audio, in it's place. Hope that helps.

[@pcbn2u]

just a suggestion from someone who just about lives on KZbin. Please do not shake items you are showing to the camera with every syllable you speak. I was trying my best to read the wire color chart but got seasick. :) Really just friendly advice. Show me those things but please hold them still so you are really showing it to me. Thanks and I did like and subscribe.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Robert, Thank you for watching and sharing the feedback in a pretty constructive fashion. I'll admit that it's a habit and I don't realize its happening until it's editing time and by then, it's too late. We're certainly not perfect but we try to get better each episode and feedback like yours helps with that. We thank for the like and subscribing. That means a lot to us! Do you have a Forester your installing this HU into or putting it into something else?

[@jerrylostinaz8863]

current sate 4-11- 2020 .. search YT for 2010 sterio installl .. you are number 3 ,, TY for info ..

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Jerry. Thank you for watching and that snapshot of time and search results. We greatly appreciate it. We hope our episode provides a higher level of value. At least that's the goal. Good luck on your project. Cheers!

[@OneCord2Short]

So, you had some time to use this, any additional thoughts now?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Kenny, thanks for watching and asking. We greatly appreciate it. We did a follow up video on our thoughts after an 8 day/2,400 mile road test. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaWopHeYhK1_f6M . Hope that helps. Cheers!

[@yokaijem]

Can I fedex you my harnesses to have you solder them together? I don't have access to that equipment and what I do have I'm not very good at -- I'm completely serious

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Jem. Thank you for watching and commenting. We greatly appreciate it. I saw your email and will reply directly to you that way. Thank you. Stay safe.

[@James-zh6nf]

Where did you find your wiring adapter. I can’t find it anywhere

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi James. Thanks for watching and asking. We appreciate it. We have the links and info for all tools and wiring kits we used for this install in the description of the video. Hope that helps and good luck with your install.

[@James-zh6nf]

@@SpiritedWrenchers saw that after I commented. thanks1

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@James-zh6nf you're most welcome

[@James-zh6nf]

how did you get the wheel controls to work?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@James-zh6nf thanks for watching. We appreciate it. Dana's Forester was a base model and didn't have steering wheel controls.

[@WASTED__POTENTIAL]

1:20 how hard was it to resist saying what we were all thinking?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

LOL. Thanks for the good laugh BOT_ROCKET. She came very close to saying "That's What She Said". We appreciate you watching!

[@israelpacheco5647]

But the sad part is the bottoms for volume on the steering wheel won't work anymore....right?

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Israel, thanks for watching and noting this. Our 2010 Forester was a base model and did not have stereo controls on the steering wheel. Ultimately, we found the Boss unit ill-equipped for our needs and returned the stereo to stock. Take care and stay safe!

[@greentoaster]

@@SpiritedWrenchers hey, what was your issue with the aftermarket unit? Thanks

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

@@greentoaster Hi there. We had a number of them unfortunately from our road trip. We made a follow up video, link should be at the end of this episode that walks through all the issues we had. Hope you're able to view that and it helps with any questions you might have. Thank you for watching!

[@ericperez9630]

Wait, are you in PR.

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Hi Eric. Thanks for watching. We appreciate it. We're actually in Ohio. Cheers!

[@ramoncollado1967]

Not so easy as it's looks. No thanks!

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Thanks for watching. It's really not that hard. Just have to have the right tools and patience but I understand not everyone wants to take on wiring in a car. Stay safe out there!