2018-2019 Subaru Outback or Legacy Radio/Headunit removal (Also similar to 2015-2017 Outback)

[@christianhelser]

Enjoyed the video. No mess and got to the point. I’m getting more into doing my own stuff on my car since I wasn’t really taught as a kid on the subject. Anyways, thanks for showing me how to upgrade my 2017 myself. Labor costs now man are insane for😊 business, customer, and employees

[@allyssatejada1730]

I y

[@lorenaromero6169]

Thank you so much for this video!!! my head unit is acting up and my outback is out of warranty, ya'll are lifesavers!!! ❤

[@nonameforyou5862]

I can't get the fucking heating controls off omgggg

[@ericsmith7117]

Thank you for this video and for the DCM fuse bypass! I had the battery drain issue and was working around by removing the DCM, but not having front speakers or mic was a downside to the workaround. This took me about 30 mins to follow these steps - no issues. Thank you!

[@autoharnesshouse]

Perfect! So glad it helped!

[@engdallal]

Ok really I haven’t found anything as comprehensive as you describe in your website. I have the HK speakers and I had no idea what harnesses I need until I read your website. You rock!

[@autoharnesshouse]

Thanks! We try to make everything as clear as possible! (But it seems that Subaru would like to make things as complex as possible)

[@AutiMadi]

@@autoharnesshousecould you link me to the harness for the hk model

[@autoharnesshouse]

@AutiMadi if you're looking for the starlink bypass plug, that adapter is the same for the Harman Kardon system. If you're looking to add aftermarket head unit, then we can custom build an adapter for you... You'll need to email us but we build these frequently.

[@jacksprat9972]

Thanks for making that video. I have a 2018 outback with a non-responsive touch screen.

[@autoharnesshouse]

This is a very common issue. It seems like the audio unit for every 2018 Outback and Legacy is on borrowed time! We help with tons of these replacements.

[@jasonkaiser1179]

I have it too. There was a recall on the pos radio but that expired in 2023 or 60k miles

[@eddie8754]

Mine just went out last week stupid system

[@jacksprat9972]

@@eddie8754 mine delaminated...it would spontaneously make phone calls and did all kinds of crazy stuff

[@avargas000]

Thank you for this! My screen has condensation bubbles all over it and now I can’t even use it due to it spazzing out on me. Dealership wants to charge me 250 just to look at the problem and then I’ll have to pay for the head unit too.

[@autoharnesshouse]

Aftermarket is going to be a cheaper way to go. OEM may look more original but it shouldn't be that far off we have wiring to maintain most features. www.autoharnesshouse.com/mycar.html

[@justinsmith4051]

Have the same problem ! Did you buy one on eBay or did you fix it after removal ??

[@avargas000]

@@justinsmith4051 haven’t fixed it yet but I plan on going after market. I could probably find a better and cheaper unit.

[@monstah3777]

@@avargas000 any updates? have the same issue

[@autoharnesshouse]

@@monstah3777 These OEM headunits on the 2018 and 2019 Outback and Legacy seem to be failing at a unprecedented rate. I've talked with several customers who have had the unit replaced under warranty only to have the replacement go bad. I don't think I would trust a used unit in this case given the failure rate.

[@ShogunAutoworks]

I just completely disassembled my stereo. It's not condensation. It's not the LCD failing. I just posted a video and referenced your channel on my video description with a link on how to remove it easily. Thanks you guys, you're life savers. If I can source digitizers I'm going to start repairing them.

[@reinhardgentz4042]

You got a link to the video?

[@dator77]

@@reinhardgentz4042 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXWXfHiPhNarp7c&ab_channel=ShogunAutoworks

[@powertechgrows6093]

CLass action suit for these up to 2018. People like me with a 2019 got left out somehow, but we have the exact problems from the suit

[@evanjohnson475]

Bypass plug IS a solve for the Parasitic Drain lawsuit! If you have an after market radio Subaru’s new extended warranty for the parasitic DCM box will NOT cover a DCM replacement or bypass box.

[@felipedelarosa9490]

Thanks a lot man finally something to get rid of this horrible starlink crap

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, and now it won't drain your battery if it doesn't have cell reception!

[@chunkymon1508]

Thank you, the led screen has been lagging and getting a fading ring around it. I'm due to swap out the unit. Gotta shop for the unit now. I refuse to pay $1500 for this part at the dealership!

[@autoharnesshouse]

You can get a used replacement online for less than $1500, or you could also go to an aftermarket unit!

[@homamisleem2836]

if it's a 2018 outback Subaru extended the warranty on radios to 100,000 miles , I got an issue with the touch screen but I have a 2019 and I exceeded the warranty

[@carlosgrijalva8104]

@@homamisleem2836 did the problem get worse?

[@stanblackburn700]

Very clear removal video. Thank you.

[@autoharnesshouse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@grephenson]

Thank you for the suuuuuuper helpful video. Few questions: 1. Does this walkthough apply to 2019 Outbacks with the Harman Kardon audio? 2. If so, does the wiring harness adapter mentioned in the video work? 3. Any videos on installing an aftermarket headunits like the ATOTO S8?

[@autoharnesshouse]

The steps in this video are the same for vehicles with the Harman Kardon system. The difference is that the Harman Kardon system is much harder to replace/upgrade. The standard wiring that we sell won't work for this but we can build a custom adapter that will work. We can help you with an install setup for the ATOTO S8 if you email us.

[@sangwithme]

@@autoharnesshouse Hi, thank you for the video!! For 2019 Outback with the Harman Kardon audio, Do you think I can just bypass the Starlink with your option 1 Starlink Bypass Plug and reinstall the OEM? Or do I need the option 2 harness or another custom harness for reinstalling the OEM?

[@chrisna9861]

I need to replace my OEM kardon because of the ghost touch problem. When installing the new head unit (kenwood) can I use the current SXM receiver that came with car or will i need to purchase a new receiver?

[@valthizar]

My head unit screen is delaminating and needs to be replaced. Where might I find and order a replacement?

[@autoharnesshouse]

That's a very common question/concern. I wouldn't recommend a used replacement because it's probably going to have the same problem. Usually we just put in an aftermarket unit.

[@madalynthoemke4481]

Do you think this would work on a 2018 Subaru Legacy?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, this is basically the same install process for the 2018/2019 Outback and the 2018/2019 Legacy.

[@fanofmyteam]

My head unit has just started acting up due to the "ghost touch". It's out of warranty by 400 miles (oh the luck). If I replace the head unit with an aftermarket, what becomes of the backup camera and steering controls?

[@autoharnesshouse]

We can retain the backup camera and steering wheel buttons with our adapters. It's easier to do with a Legacy or Outback that doesn't have Harman Kardon, but we have done it for several models. Please email us!

[@453guy1]

Hi,just installed the idoing head unit for 2017 outback touring 3.6 . It’s great , can/how do I connect my iPod classic to this unit . I tried via the usb plugs but no pic/or title of song plus no control over what’s playing .

[@autoharnesshouse]

I'm guessing that the iPod classic isn't compatible with the iDoing headunit.

[@alfredesquer]

This is great. Can you make one for the 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner? I would buy that in a heartbeat!

[@autoharnesshouse]

That adapter is in work. Give me a month and I think I'll have something for that!

[@harpreetsidhuaustralia]

Thanks sir

[@montster13]

Quesiton here! I have a 2016 Legacy (Liberty here in Australia). Would I be able to remove my stock headunit that doesn't have carplay for one from a 2018 Legacy with carplay? Will the wiring harness match up and have full functionality?

[@autoharnesshouse]

We have been able to transplant a newer Carplay headunit into most Subarus. If the 2018 unit is the same form factor, we can get the wiring to work. Usually the steering wheel buttons need to be swapped out.(but they should fit correctly and plug in without an adapter) also keep in mind that Harman Kardon vs. Non Harman Kardon changes things drastically. Email us with specific part numbers of the old and new headunit and we'll help you sort it out!

[@DavidODell_ODELLARTS]

Do you advise penetrating oil on those screws holding the Starlink DCM unit in? I'm dangerously close to stripping the heads.

[@autoharnesshouse]

I haven't used penetrating oil and I've done many of these. If you use a screw driver with a big enough head, you can press in hard. And it will break loose. If the screw driver head is too small then it will strip out. You can use vice grips on the screws (yes, there is enough surface area to do this) if you don't want to press in or if the screw head is already stripped out.

[@DavidODell_ODELLARTS]

@@autoharnesshouse thanks!

[@atrixstic]

How about a 2017? I have a sticky seat heater button and my air knob does not work.

[@elperchoo667]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, does this work if I want to install the upgraded Telematics system to be able to use Starlink? I have a 2018 Subaru Outback and I want to use Starlink but still have the 3g on it

[@autoharnesshouse]

I'm not sure if I understand what you're trying to do. The Telematics unit is the part that your Outback uses to communicate with Subaru servers. Installing the starlink bypass eliminates that communication.

[@tobeyfrizzante5093]

any idea if I could add a 2018 outback navigation, which I recently acquired, into my 2015 outback with navigation, some of the ports are the same, but not exactly the same, I recently got the ability to purchase a brand new 2018 navigation, which looks identical to my 2015, but the wiring harnesses go in different locations, any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance

[@autoharnesshouse]

There are quite a few factors to consider here. If either the vehicle has the Harman Kardon package or the 2018 Nav unit is for a Harman Kardon car, it probably won't work. If not, it's possible that the basic functions will work but the backup camera and/or USB port may not work. If you email us with part numbers for the headunits, we can help you sort it out! [e-mail]

[@halenpeters5982]

Hey tobey, I was wondering if you could help me. I have a 2015 outback and swapped it with a 2017 infotainment system with gps. What do I need to get everything working. GPS needs antenna and maybe reverse camera doesn’t work

[@DubbedDemon]

I installed an aftermarket radio and kept the original starlink unit attached but my front speakers still don't work, what's up with that?

[@autoharnesshouse]

It sounds like the DCM/telematics unit may not be completely connected, or the fuse for the DCM could be blown. The telematics unit must have power to pass the speaker signals through.

[@jordanhitchens4853]

Awesome video thanks

[@RolandGentile]

If completely removing the Starlink module due to a head unit swap, are there any warning lights that show up on the dash or in the vehicle menu functions? I don't have an active Starlink subscription and don't need or want it.

[@autoharnesshouse]

No, there aren't warning lights! Thanks for watching!

[@asbhlz1965]

What is the best replacement head unit ? The stock doesn’t sound that good

[@autoharnesshouse]

We usually recommend Pioneer. Some of this depends on your budget and what features you need. We have plug and play adapters for Pioneer, Sony, and ATOTO units. We offer some suggestions on our page here: www.autoharnesshouse.com/mycar.html

[@alicetee7020]

Help me understand, you just disconnected 5or6 connectors but when installing the new unit the harness only has 3....how does that work? Thank you.

[@autoharnesshouse]

The Starlink Telematics unit has 3 antenna connections. Some of them also have a USB connection. If your goal is to remove the Telematics system from the car, then you don't need any of these antennas. Those antennas don't need to be removed from the car but they will be unused if Telematics is removed.

[@1990smurfette]

Ok so I'm looking at the size and overall design of the system and I was wondering and this is probably a no, but I'm curious, could you use this system to replace the gen 4 outback system.

[@autoharnesshouse]

Gen 4 is from 2010-2014. Those vehicles have numerous different wiring configurations so this would be highly dependent on what features your Outback has (Navigation/Harman Kardon/Backup Camera). I'm guessing that we could build an adapter to make the swap but that there would be some incompatibility with the Steering wheel buttons. The Harman Kardon system on these vehicles is also drastically different so that could cause issues. As a side note, I'm not sure you'd want one of these 2018 units in your car...We hear from people every week looking for a way to replace their failed unit.

[@monstah3777]

will the oem cameras work with the aftermarket head units?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, we have adapters to keep the OEM backup camera working.

[@Danielandfreindsonpc]

is there a way to keep the usb port stock to car still working with carplay on a aftermarket radio

[@autoharnesshouse]

Usually we have to replace the port with a single port USB port from a different Subaru. I have the part numbers for this. Sometimes the dual ports are flaky with aftermarket units.

[@Marcofrommiami]

Hey I sent you an email today. Just commenting incase you don't see it. Appreciate your help on this one 🙏🏻

[@autoharnesshouse]

Hi, We don't lose email but sometimes it takes a day or two respond! We'll get back to you. Thanks!

[@Marcofrommiami]

@@autoharnesshouse thanks, i would appreciate a response as soon as possible.

[@jeremyclimbs]

Is there a way to upgrade the OEM radio to have navigation? I currently have the Harmon Karmon 8” version of the 2018 model. Can I put the version with navigation in it maybe with an added harness or something not too bad? Thank you!

[@autoharnesshouse]

You can't update the OEM unit's software to add navigation but if you buy an OEM navigation unit, you can usually install it in a non-navigation car. It's just necessary to get a non-Harman Kardon navigation unit to install.

[@reinhardgentz4042]

Can you separate the screen from the glass? Mine has bubbles in between and I want to know how to clean it

[@autoharnesshouse]

I don't know of a way to do this.

[@treyvandietrich2872]

My outback has an issue that drains the battery, and the dealer said it's from the dcm starlink. I pulled the fuse but that turns off the front speaker and the voice calling feature. Does would this fix the constant draw from the dcm?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, it will fix the issue. We have a couple options for bypassing the DCM. You can either bypass and remove it completely or we can do a mod to power the DCM only when the car is running. www.autoharnesshouse.com/69018.html

[@JM-sm6bx]

Thanks for the helpful video. This might be a dumb question but do I need to disconnect the battery before doing this?

[@autoharnesshouse]

You don't need to disconnect the battery. It doesn't hurt (especially when reconnecting everything) but as long as the car is off, installing these parts is safe.

[@JM-sm6bx]

@@autoharnesshouse Just following up to say thanks for the helpful video and for offering great products. I successfully removed the telematics module, installed the custom harness that I bought from you, and put it all back together. The system seems to work exactly the same, but now without the tracking device. It also seems that when my head unit powers on, it seems like it's booting up faster. I'm not 100% sure but it makes sense that it might, since it doesn't have to run any telematics-related processes anymore.

[@amirkhanbayanov9644]

Is there way to replace touchscreen on that headunit?

[@autoharnesshouse]

I don't have a way to replace just the screen. These screens have tons of problems!

[@amirkhanbayanov9644]

@@autoharnesshouse I've actually disassembled it and found that there is plastic screen glued with touchscreen, so touchscreen is replacable. I was searching for touchscreen on some China online-shops, but could not find it. I am from central Asia and here is actually difficult to buy used or even new same radio. I would appreciate any advices or recommendations.

[@ashleynicole274]

I want to install your Starlink bypass plug in my 2019 Outback to prevent parasitic battery drain from DCM. What kind of mechanic or technician can do this work for me? Obviously Subaru dealership won’t be doing this! 😅

[@autoharnesshouse]

Any car Audio installer would be able to install this part. Look for a car audio shop. Thanks!

[@timothyschwartz4540]

Could you just leave the Starlink unit in place?

[@sunnylad878]

Is there a place where I can relocate the starlink module? (glovebox or pushed further back in the dash) I want to install a new head unit but I do not want to lose my starlink/eyesight functionality. I have a 2015 outback.

[@YaBoySkinny]

I have a 2016 legacy and I am curious if we can take this module and replace ours with it

[@autoharnesshouse]

If the new headunit is not too deep, you should be able to slide it in behind. If you're installing a larger headunit, you may need to wedge it in near the back of the dash cavity. Either way, you should be able to get it to fit somewhere back there.

[@autoharnesshouse]

@@YaBoySkinny Yes, the starlink bypass can replace the the telematics unit. Some functions will be disabled (such as Subaru's SOS and vehicle tracking) but this is what many customers want.

[@Drifter215]

@@cade.chretien hey could u point out that video ur talking about does the updated unit have Apple play

[@Drifter215]

@@cade.chretien yea I have that system also I have the 2017 legacy limited

[@sheriesebarrow805]

I have a Subaru 2018 legacy and my radio has zero sound will this help with that??

[@autoharnesshouse]

I don't think the parking brake bypass will help you here. If you have the Harman Kardon system, the problem could be the amp. Have you considered replacing the headunit with aftermarket?

[@brooke3140]

Try slamming your doors. I had an issue once and there was a wire grounding in the door. The fix was easy

[@homamisleem2836]

I have a 2019 Outback , radio looks exactly as in this video, there are spots on my touch screen, and this gives out ghost touches every once in a while so I got a replacement (used radio unit) could I just replace it or will it need reprogramming? thanks

[@autoharnesshouse]

You won't need to reprogram it. If the replacement is the same, you can just plug it in.

[@MrDemon3434]

Same exact issue with my 2018.

[@Zzonkers]

@@MrDemon3434 yep seems to be a known issue. mine started doing it a few months ago. im going after market that head unite is pretty bad imo

[@africans14]

Did you complete the replacement? If so where did you order a replacement?

[@Zzonkers]

@@africans14 if your willing to go after market I would. Replacements are overly expensive for no reason. Like $900-1000. You can get much better for much less.

[@Drifter215]

Is there Any after markets radios u know that will fit my 2017 legacy limited

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, Most Aftermarket radios, including Pioneer or ATOTO radios will fit your Legacy. Check out this page for the dash kit piece that you'll need: www.autoharnesshouse.com/mycar.html If you know which features you need on the radio, we can help you choose a great radio. This is the one that we currently have in stock: www.autoharnesshouse.com/DMHW4600NEX.html

[@carlosgrijalva8104]

@@autoharnesshouse is there any you recommend for the 2019 Subaru Outback?

[@argtejada6250]

It's any aftermarket radio for a 2019 outback

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, you can install any aftermarket headunit. We have plug and play wiring for ATOTO, Pioneer, and Sony vehicles as long as you don't have Harman Kardon (and we can build custom wiring for this)

[@imjeremy51]

Question. I am here just because I am considering changing head units but curious how to retain some of the vehicle settings that are built into the head unit (welcome lighting, defogger timers etc). Is this telemetics/starlink module more invasive than, say, Google as far as your privacy goes? I mean, I gave up on any privacy decades ago, but is this starlink module worse than anything else we have in our life?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Starlink Telematics does track your vehicle location and status data for the vehicle (and sends it to a Subaru Server). Google is also invasive privacy-wise so I'm not sure how to compare these.

[@charlesdu9941]

Send you guys an email to get a new harness for my 2018 outback, hoping to become a new customer :D

[@dgoldstein2108]

Nope. Did as instructed. Not a fix for me

[@rahulmansha]

I have a 2019 Outback with 8 inch screen. Dealership is asking for $2000 plus to replace it. Is the screen in the video 6.8 inch or 8 inch. Where to get the 8 inch screen from?

[@autoharnesshouse]

The unit in the video is a base model, but I think it may be the 7" screen. The issue here is that these screens delaminate...it's basically a common flaw/failure point so you can't find many used ones and if you do find them, it's hard to trust that they won't have the same failure. We usually recommend converting to an aftermarket unit. (which can be done in most cases for $500 or less)

[@samkitty5894]

Why would anyone buy Subaru?

[@autoharnesshouse]

It's not just Subaru that sends vehicle data to the cloud. Most of the major manufacturers do this now.

[@samkitty5894]

@@autoharnesshouse Just like the CVT transmissions and soy covered electrical wires.

[@ElohimYellow]

Cool. :3