2012 - 2016 Subaru Impreza / WRX / STI Radio Install

Parts linked in the description below!
Watch a full tutorial as a 2013 Subaru Impreza will have a new Pioneer AVH-1400NEX Touch Screen Bluetooth Radio Installed. This Impreza does not have the factory amplified sound system, however, we will be retaining the factory steering wheel volume controls as well as the AUX and USB ports in the center console.
Click here to see the backup camera video on this Impreza: • 2012 - 2016 Subaru Imp...
This video applies to Subaru Impreza / Crosstrek, WRX, and STI models for years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. For years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 (WRX / STI), the dash bezel is slightly different and will require different parts. This video includes step-by-step on the installation process of the new Radio.
Parts Used (Amazon Associate / eBay Partner Paid Links):
*Metra 95-8905B Double DIN Dash Installation Kit: amzn.to/3hj6RST
*iDatalink Maestro USU1 Subaru AUX / USB Adapter Kit: ebay.us/bLwcOr
*Metra 70-7552 Radio Wiring Harness (Non Harman Kardon System): amzn.to/2U255xD
OR Metra 70-7553 Radio Wiring Harness (With Harman Kardon System): amzn.to/35WXsv4
*Datalink Maestro ADS-MSW Steering Wheel Control Adapter: amzn.to/3A8eAMa
*Pioneer Parking Brake MicroBypass: ebay.us/RVf61w
Alternatively, if you want a preprogramed steering wheel control harness, you can use the Crux SWRSU-38B adapter that replaces the Metra 70-7552 and Maestro ADS-MSW: amzn.to/2URT4ew
2016+ WRX/STI Parts List (Toyota type harness):
*Metra 95-8907HG Dash Kit (Silver): amzn.to/360xYNf
*iDatalink Maestro USU1 Subaru AUX / USB Adapter Kit: ebay.us/bLwcOr
*Metra 70-1761 Receiver Wiring Harness (Non Harman Kardon System): amzn.to/3z8PT1y
*iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW Steering Wheel Control Adapter (if you have the non-amplified version): amzn.to/3A8eAMa
*Pioneer Parking Brake MicroBypass: ebay.us/RVf61w
NOTE: If you have the 2016+ WRX / STI Model and the Harmon Kardon factory system, the iDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR Interface Module needs the iDatalink HRN-RR-SU2 Harness adapter. This setup already retains the steering wheel controls, so no separate module required.
*IDatalink Maestro HRN-RR-SU2: amzn.to/3A97irv
*IDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR: amzn.to/35EJxto
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate / eBay Partner I earn from qualifying purchases

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Parts linked in the description!

[@INFJames]

This looks waaaay more complex than I was anticipating

[@schizooo6272]

Frl

[@coreymerricksterling1699]

I like how now with today’s technology can install them and cars from the past 10 to 15 years back

[@muziqman100]

I recently bought a 2012 Subaru Forester and hated the stock head unit. So, I bought a Pioneer DMH-2660NEX stereo, dash kit, and Maestro steering wheel controls module from Crutchfield. Needless to say their instructions were severely lacking and this video really saved my bacon. Your brake down of which wire goes where and why was excellent and exactly what I needed to finish the install. Thank you so much, it really helped.

[@kylegustafson6087]

Very helpful guide! About to replace the factory stereo in my wife's Forester and this has been the most helpful guide I have found so far out there. Obviously, a few differences but those are pretty minor. Thanks!

[@ldboehm]

Excellent installation video. I have this exact car. Very professional, very well made and step by step instructions really got me through it. Thank you

[@BigD-pg2ow]

Thanks so much! I installed a stereo head unit in my 2013 Impreza last night, and this video made it a snap.

[@Hawk19341]

Great video! Although i am installing in a base Impreza its exactly the same. Very informative

[@rahmiyilmaz957]

Thanks to you my friend, I learned how to remove the ventilation kit, you are great, thank you

[@steelandpower]

Great video, this was really helpful with my 2012 Impreza Sport. Only difference is that the HVAC controls are electric instead of mechanical (wire harness instead of cables) so you dont have any cables to unhook. Now, my installation failed though. No power to radio upon reconnecting the battery... everything else seem to work. What should I verify? Ground? 12v?

[@shanebaumgardner5039]

Honestly best installation video I have seen very thorough and do you sell premade harness for this vehicle?

[@epctimes]

I did this same install on my impreza with the steering wheel controls. When volume is up, Siri randomly gets triggered. This a potential wiring issue? Controls work right otherwise, just that random Siri interruption. Super helpful video also! Watched your back up cam one too to get that in 👌🏽

[@epapadel]

Very helpful. I have a base model 2012 Subaru XV with the same stereo dash setup. Does the vehicle have a backup camera in the MFD? How do you connect the backup camera to the replacement unit? Thanks

[@santosnunez9009]

I installed a Sony xav-ax3000 in my 13 Impreza 2.0. Used an Axxess kit to retain steering but it didn’t work. Apparently a Sony head units don’t play nice with the adapters and the Subaru controls. Would this steering control module work as a replacement or is it more specifically best used with a pioneer head unit?

[@sebastianfigueroa4355]

Thanks For the video! I'm wiring up my pioneer DMH-160BT ( some sort of DMH1700NEX Walmart Variant) and I'm using the 70-7552 wiring harness, there are three extra wires that I'm not sure what are used for, a Brown, Brown/White and Black/Grey ( not a speaker wire) Any idea what these might be?

[@anthonyaguallo1220]

Are you in Utah?? Might be an obvious question cause of your name but if so do you do car stereos for people? I’ve been thinking about a sound system for my car and if you do so I’d love to talk to you about it

[@christopherm.gosselin3432]

Great day... I have a 2014 Crosstrek with factory NAV...etc. Can you assist me with the proper harness components? I think most of this video is what I need to follow.... Thank you SO much

[@justis1365]

Awesome video. I'm about to install a JVC here soon but, it requires taping into to VSS somewhere for bluetooth to work. Does a microbypass get around the VSS requirement as well or does pioneer just not require it?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

JVC you should just be able to ground the parking brake wire. No bypass needed.

[@TheRealMcFIy]

I only have mode function on my steering wheel. Same as you flashed it from the site. Guess I have to check my connections an I’ll reflash the mod?

[@SustainableDreams]

thanks for that. been breaking my head trying to figure out wha that smaller factory plug was and why it was left over (aux)

[@josephmay4937]

What’s the bypass I had to have that installed in my Subaru Impreza I bough mine to a local shop that does installing radios also the drilled under my radio to use the ubs and auxiliary cord they did not extend the cord to use the one already in the car that one is currently disconnected

[@kevinzea8318]

Hi would there be any problem if my radio doesn't have wr input? I am trying a power acoustic CPAA-70M in a STI 15

[@andrewtaylor5186]

I have everything wired up the way you did, but I can’t get the steering wheel controls to work. Any tips for troubleshooting? There isn’t really much available info online. For reference, the iDatalink module is flashing a red light.

[@wesleyramirez5042]

Do these models that didn't come with back up camera still have the plugs for it ? Recently took apart my crashed wrx and since the impreza and wrx are same color figured id put the wrx trunk with back up cam on the impreza since I'm also swapping all the aftermarket audio over as well

[@BonJohnvie]

Would using POSI taps be an issue?

[@allanzamora3315]

Great video. But i noticed you left one of the 2 wiring harness (white piece with different color wires) from the car loose and only connected the one you soldered on. Is that fine?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Yes, as that was the original Aux harness which wasn't going to be retained via that plug. The Maestro AUX / USB adapter was used instead (info in description)

[@oxringoxo]

Can’t figure out how to get to that drivers side cable to save my life. How? Doing this form the driveway. I just can’t get my arms in there and be able to see what I’m doing

[@LA-gc7fj]

Does this work for impreza 2012 hatchback base?

[@jeepguy95]

This would most likely also apply to the current WRX/STi, since it's pretty much the same except for the fact that it has a touchscreen, and would also work for standard Imprezas up to 2016. :)

[@TwiztedGamingNetwork]

This method does not work for the 2015+ WRX/STI that have a touch screen unit. There are hidden screws behind the dash you must remove the driver and passenger side inner kick panels to get to these screws.

[@jeepguy95]

@@TwiztedGamingNetwork It's similar though.

[@khaleddabab6335]

Hey man are you in Canada?

[@philf4086]

Do you ever disconnect the car battery when you work on radio installations? Just about every manual recommends this, I'm curious as a newbie.

[@siraxlrose5659]

You should. But usually you'll be fine without if you're just using plug and play harnesses

[@DaltonUber]

I'm confused. In the video you said it's a 2003 but the title says 12-16?

[@josephmay4937]

They probably took a short cut and did not do the ubs and auxiliary cord to save time

[@MBPC21]

What kind of tape is used to tape up wires… obviously not regular electric tape, I’m looking for a few rolls of it, is it friction tape?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Tesa Tape: amzn.to/3nb5Kt1

[@desron37]

Does this unit include Android Auto

[@salazar44]

PRO!

[@JaceC88]

Is this the same for the Sat Nav/RCA (no USB/aux) 2012 STI Spec R?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Potentially, or this video could be more similar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2a0qaethKiIlcU

[@WillNevrStop]

What did you do with the teal parking brake wire ? You looped it and didn't talk about it

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

We used a microbypass for Pioneer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zqm8f6FugamppKc

[@AngeloR842]

How do you disconnect the wiring from the hazard button?

[@jbarber]

Yeah I seem stuck there too

[@1990ahendrickson]

Does this setup retain the factory reverse camera, if you have one? Would you have to do any additional wiring?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

It does, but depends on where you factory camera was displaying previously. What year and model subaru are you trying to replace your radio on?

[@jorgelopez1598]

​@@ProvoBeastAudio I have this same question. I'm working on a 2015 Impreza.

[@jobjg5900]

Will this work for Android

[@roris4561]

This seems too complicated for an average Joe. Wonder how much it’ll cost to have a “pro” hook these up to keep steering controls?!

[@jayde1139]

that is a different radio from the one I have! did they do two radio options?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Yep! If you had factory navigation, you may have a different style of radio.

[@jayde1139]

@@ProvoBeastAudio ok. Mine is a fm612us. Would the process be the same? And what do you recommend if I just want the same functions just better/modern and cheap.

[@alfistasubbie]

Could you tell us how the steering wheel voice controls and phone controls are working with this unit?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

It's a Pioneer, it works great.

[@alfistasubbie]

@@ProvoBeastAudio thanks for the reply, I am more specifically asking about whether the steering wheel buttons for phone call control and button for voice control work as they do with stock unit

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

@@alfistasubbie Yes, they do, with the idatalink Maestro harness we used.

[@alfistasubbie]

@@ProvoBeastAudio great, thanks. Is this working using car mic or pioneer mic?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

@@alfistasubbie Subaru's mic is on it's own protected circuit. you will need to use the Pioneer analog mic.

[@Nightowl82]

Well i did this last week and my car caught fire while i was eating dinner at Cracker Barrel i came out to a melted dash and looked like black tar and melted trash bsgs

[@drwigema]

Where do you locate?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

locate what?

[@anthonywhite6811]

Is there any way you can contact me? I have a few questions?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Any message requests can be made through our facebook page.

[@Alba69696969]

The dash kit is for Nissan right? Looks like the dash for my versa note :v

[@d4rknecromancer918]

I don't think that's a 2003 lol

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Certinally isn't.

[@boyinblu3]

me thinkin i can do this 🥸

[@tripleconsonant]

real