2019-2022 Subaru Forester Radio/Headunit removal (also for Crosstrek & Impreza) and Plug/Wiring Info

[@TryptamineDreams]

I'm so happy I found this AFTER I had a big fiasco wiring a subwoofer into the head unit

[@ETSUBrown8939]

I'm about to install a subwoofer myself. Do you have any tips? This video has been the most helpful by far since researching.

[@autoharnesshouse]

To tie into the factory speaker wiring, We recommend this adapter: www.autoharnesshouse.com/82191_info.html It will give you access to the speaker signals and you'll use an LC2i or other LOC to get the speaker level signals to line level for the sub amp: amzn.to/3ERYAR7 Feel free to contact our support guys if you need wiring help!

[@ETSUBrown8939]

This was very helpful! Thank you for being the first to get behind this model's factory radio system.

[@autoharnesshouse]

Happy to help!

[@KZorroFuego]

Hey there - thanks for putting this up! I recently purchased a new Impreza, and while I am not immediately planning on doing any head unit replacement business, is nice to be able to bookmark this for future reference. Funny enough, I thought it would be a nightmare, but now having watched it, this actually looks a shade easier than some previous cars I've owned. (Such as: my old 2000 Civic? 1 word:UGGH)

[@autoharnesshouse]

Some of the 2015-2017 Subarus are a royal pain. This one isn't bad at all! The hardest part is carefully removing the trim that covers the screws/bolts. It's tight and a pry tool helps alot.

[@MrRajakr89]

Thank you so much! Was super helpful as my right speaker was making a buzzing/static noise and went to the dealership to fix the issue. At first they said my speakers were blown out which I knew was not the case as my car only gets used in the summer/small commutes and I don't play loud/high volume/high bass music. They drove the car from the drop off spot to another area of the new car parking lot. I went out for a walk around the dealership and that is how I found my car. They drove the car to the pickup spot after 1.5 hours as I was in the waiting area and gave me a quote for $688CAD for new speaker. I went online and found the same speaker(Harman Kardon) for $144USD with shipping of $60 to Canada which was still cheaper. I tried to replace the speaker myself and it was still making the same noise so I took the dealership with the new speaker to prove them wrong which they admitted and they said we will diagnose again and came back saying my amp was blown out and they tried to give me a quote for $1265CAD plus labour which $125 an hour plus tax. I knew something was fische and watched your video on how to take the head unit off and check cabling and found that the ground wire was loose. Thanks to your video and God that I didn't go with what the dealership wanted me to pay for

[@autoharnesshouse]

You're very welcome! Unfortunately, this sounds about par for the dealerships that I've worked with here too. When it comes to troubleshooting a problem, they'll just throw up their hands and try to replace everything.

[@Senshishuri]

Thank you for this video, work perfectly for mw

[@autoharnesshouse]

You're welcome!

[@WailuaMark]

Thank you for posting this! I'm just wanting to fix a (horrendous rattle) that's located just above the radio/head unit area. This video helps tremendously! I was fearing having to disassemble everything from the outer most vent covers, opposite of the steering wheel and glove compartment, and work my way to the radio/head unit. Extreme fear, I know, but it sometimes makes me think that's how engineers like to do things. I ordered the pry tool kit. The rattle came about thanks to a massive pothole encountered in the middle of the night on a road trip going through Arkansas on I-40. I drive a 2021 Crosstrek. Thanks, again!!!

[@autoharnesshouse]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for your Comment!

[@hoanghoang4148]

Thank so much for instruct

[@autoharnesshouse]

You are welcome!

[@idontknooo188]

Thanks for sharing the disassemably video!

[@RicardoSantos-vk3qw]

Great Job ,Thanks

[@autoharnesshouse]

Thanks! Happy we could help

[@timkaracsony1207]

Bloody great video. Thanks so much mate

[@autoharnesshouse]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kylesmith245]

Any idea how to take out the top info screen?

[@DeSoccerRefMan]

Can you do a video of installing the Starlink ByPass Plug?

[@autoharnesshouse]

See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWbKaqqCpd2bmac The removal process for the headunit is a bit different (because that video is on an Outback) but the later part of the video does show how to remove the telematics unit and install the bypass plug (That part will be the same for a Forester).

[@aaauga]

If you change the unit, could you still use all the starlink features like turning the car on through the app, locking the doors etc? I have a 2019 Forester Sport

[@autoharnesshouse]

I believe you'll need to keep the starlink Telematics unit installed to retain these features but you should be able to do whatever you need with the stereo receiver unit.

[@aaauga]

Got it, so if I keep that installed and just change the receiver unit it to one of the pioneer ones on your website I should be fine? Thanks for the reply

[@autoharnesshouse]

@@aaauga yes, as long as the telematics box stays installed, you should be fine. If you find that you're getting errors on the telematics system after you install, let us know (we've dealt with those before). The fun part may be finding a place to fit the telematics box if your headunit is big. Lower profile units make this easier. www.autoharnesshouse.com/pioneerDMH.html

[@billbuesseler6597]

Has anyone ever replaced the front USB hub (below this radio)? Mine are intermittent and I want to replace them- but not sure how to access them.

[@AudioGearhead]

Yeah, just dropped a screw as soon as you said not too 🤣 I have no clue where it went, just sounded like a coleco game on the way down.

[@autoharnesshouse]

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't done that before!

[@AlyoshaK]

If I just disconnect the blue connector on the bottom rear left, with that disable Sirius XM so I don't have to hear them shouting at me every time it accidentally push the sirius button?

[@autoharnesshouse]

That will disconnect the Sirius XM antenna and it probably won't pick up their promo station if that antenna is disconnected!

[@AntonGogolev1]

THANKS!!!

[@autoharnesshouse]

You're welcome!

[@dangthanh4715]

Good job ! 👍❤️

[@RadioRich100]

Do you have a video on how to remove the unit from a 2019-22 Outback?

[@autoharnesshouse]

This should be what you need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWbKaqqCpd2bmac

[@BimmerWon]

Do you know how to remove the multifunction display on the Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2021? I want a stealthy place for my EZ-Pass and I was thinking about mounting it under that.

[@autoharnesshouse]

When you remove your headunit, there is a flat-ish plate that fits in front of the MFD (and above the OEM headunit). You should be able to pull the plate towards you (it clips in at the back). Sometimes this means hooking a wire through one of the holes that the bezel above the headunit clipped into. Once you remove this plate you'll see the screws that hold in the headunit screen.

[@Camsimsy2k]

so question i have a base model 2020 subaru forester with the small infotainment screen and i love my car and i love the cd player is it possible for me to take out the old unit and put in the unit with the bigger screen?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Just so I understand, are you planning to put in an aftermarket unit with a bigger screen or are you installing a different OEM unit that has the bigger screen. It's hard to find larger screen aftermarket units with the CD player, so it might be a challenge to find one that meets your needs!

[@DeSoccerRefMan]

If I just unplug the 3 side antenna wires and the blue serious satellite XM wire from the telemetrics unit, will the steering wheel controls, back up camera, radio and cd player still work? Thx

[@autoharnesshouse]

If you unplug the antennas, the steering wheel buttons and backup camera will work. If you disconnect all of the plugs from the starlink module, then you'll lose your front speakers because the the signals for those speakers are passed through the telematics module.

[@ekimandersom4478]

Is there space behind the headunit for the small Alpine plug and play amp ?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, there's space but sometimes the wiring is your limitation. The jumper adapters that we sell are not always long enough depending on the length of the amp wiring. Here's the link to the Subaru jumper adapters: www.autoharnesshouse.com/82191_info.html

[@razziade]

I have the 6.5 inch screen on my 2019 Forester Premium with no Navigation. I can buy a headunit with the 8 inch screen with navigation. Will there be a problem if I install this? I like the larger screen that my wife has in her subaru. BTW, awesome video with very clear explanation of removing the headunit. Thanks!

[@autoharnesshouse]

Glad you enjoyed the video! We can help you with the wiring to install the larger unit in your car. The main thing is that the steering wheel buttons are different so you'll need to get steering wheel buttons from the newer car. Also, if you have Harman Kardon, you'll need to get the new unit with Harman Kardon (and if you don't have Harman Kardon, you'll need a new unit without Harman Kardon. If you email us, we can give you a better idea of what the wiring will cost for your specific case!

[@razziade]

@@autoharnesshouse thanks for the reply! I’ll take my unit out to find out who makes it, then I’ll get back to you. Thanks!

[@iraklialtunashvili2798]

Hello. May someone know , can I install harman kardon speakers and amplifier on base non harman kardon 6.5 inch screen audio system ? I have 2018 crosstrek base model and going to buy 2019 crosstrek limited harman kardon speakers and amplifier only, not 8 inch screen audio system itself.

[@autoharnesshouse]

The Harman Kardon amplifier and the headunit work closely in tandem. If you are not going to swap in the Harman Kardon stereo unit, then you'll need a Maestro RR module to get the amp to turn on. We can help you with this if you need it...you'll also need wiring for the Harman Kardon amplifier since you won't have this wiring in the non-HK car,

[@thattatteddude4682]

Do you guys have any tips on actually replacing the stock 6.5 star link? Mines in a constant reboot loop, just wanna get a aftermarket to make sure I don’t buy one doing the same thing.

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, we can help you with that! If you don't have the Harman Kardon system, we have some plug and play kits for Sony, Pioneer, or ATOTO. Email us or check out this page: autoharnesshouse.com/49021b.html

[@harlanwalker8737]

Hey mine is having the same issue, constant reboot loop. Was wondering what you did to fix this? It would be a massive help!! Thanks

[@variantaero]

Now make a video for a 2022 WRX please

[@pabloabreujr3770]

Has anyone noticed whether this could solve the DCM problem draining the battery?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, removing the telematics unit (DCM) will usually fix the battery draining issue. We frequently use our starlink bypass adapter to fix this battery drain issue.

[@pabloabreujr3770]

@@autoharnesshouse thank you! I did get your bypass; has worked out well. Thanks!

[@agustin5969]

Would I be able to replace my base factory radio on the 21 Forester to the limited 2021 Forester radio?

[@autoharnesshouse]

You can't swap a radio from a car with the Harman kardon radio into a non-Harman Kardon car. I don't know if all of the limited models have Harman Kardon or not.

[@LowOutput]

I have a ‘21 limited but no idea if it’ a HK audio system. I’ll go look today if you’re still trying to figure this out.

[@mixasphil4228]

Thanks for the video! I want to install front camera on my 2019 Forester Sport. Do you know if I need to get a connector for it?

[@autoharnesshouse]

The OEM Forester headunit doesn't have an input for a front camera so you will need a special adapter for this. Email us if you need help! [e-mail]

[@mixasphil4228]

@@autoharnesshouseI would really appreciate your help jn this matter. Email sent...

[@autoharnesshouse]

@@mixasphil4228 We've got your email and working on responding!

[@mastergamerthegreat]

The power/volume knob on my 2019 subaru forest got smashed and its causing the headunit to think its being held so it continuously reboots over n over. Do you think i need a headunit or could i try n take the knob off and stop it from being pressed? I dont think the whole things is broken just the knob for the power

[@alexandriathegrreat]

Did you ever figure this out? Mine got smashed today

[@elvinlopez9843]

I have a 19 Forester sport, i had 2 amps and some subs installed, but right when i got the car back the android auto/apple car play stopped working, is there a plug they forgot to plug back in? Cuz they said theres no android plug behind the unit, i got the 6 inch radio

[@autoharnesshouse]

If you've got the OEM radio installed, then most likely they didn't plug something in. The USB port in your Forester is powered from the car's fusebox, so if they didn't plug in the USB connection to the headunit, then it will still work for charging but not for the Android Auto or Carplay data connection.

[@boogeyratt]

What happened at 3:00? Why is there a crease or bubble or something on the panel there now? (It's not there at 2:36.)

[@autoharnesshouse]

I think you may be seeing the plastic that protects the screen. That plastic was there the whole time (this demo was on a new vehicle) but you can see it more in the 2nd camera angle.

[@mattnormand8384]

do these stock head units have amp output?

[@autoharnesshouse]

No. The only outputs are speaker level outputs. We use the jumper adapters that we sell here to tie into the speaker signals and convert them using a line output converter: www.autoharnesshouse.com/82191_info.html

[@joek81981]

Is there a reason one wouldn't install the telemantics (?) back in? Like, does it not fit with new hu's or something?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yeah, sometimes the telematics unit doesn't fit with the aftermarket headunit or sometimes you'll remove it because you don't want Subaru tracking your location etc.

[@justinschermer1862]

Hey can anyone tell me how to remove the Climate control fascia/cluster?

[@autoharnesshouse]

On the Forester, the climate controls are held in by locking tabs. I think there are 3 on the bottom and 2 along the top but you'll use a similar technique with the pry tool to pry out the fascia with the controls. I don't think there are screws holding it in so gently pry it from the dash pad that surrounds it. Thanks!

[@DeSoccerRefMan]

Is The Telematics Control Module (sending unit) located in the same place (on top of the back of the radio head unit) on all newer Subaru vehicles like the Crosstrek and Forester?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, it's in the same place on all the new Subarus that I've seen. It's even still in basically the same spot for vehicles with the 11.6" screen.

[@rhondreagray9285]

I am seeking a head unit that will fit the same model you demonstrated with on this video. Do you have any links could share?

[@autoharnesshouse]

I don't know exactly what you need but please emails us or check out this page if you need a setup aftermarket headunit: www.autoharnesshouse.com/mycar.html

[@ekimandersom4478]

If changing the headunit, what about the settings you normally do in the stock headunit?

[@autoharnesshouse]

It depends on the specific settings. Most things have a comparable setting on the Pioneer headunit but please email us. We can look up specifics for your vehicle.

[@staymakai]

What is the part number/name for the top plastic trim above screen? I need to replace that plastic “fascia” piece because it came with discoloration from dealer on the plastic. Thanks

[@autoharnesshouse]

I don't have the part number but I think you can find it on this page: parts.subaru.com/Subaru__/Interior.html If not, the Subaru dealer should be able to look up the part for you!

[@ItsGavTime]

I have a Impreza with the 6” screen. Could I upgrade it to the larger OEM unit just by replacing it?

[@autoharnesshouse]

We sell an adapter for this here: www.autoharnesshouse.com/69009.html It's not always as simple as if the new headunit is from a different year and you'll also want to make sure that the new headunit is not a Harman Kardon headunit.

[@ChrisJericho58]

i got a question about my subaru xv 2015 i want to replace the unit of usb and aux located under the air conditioning system with a usb type c unit and connect to the multimedia system is it possible ???

[@autoharnesshouse]

I don't know if an adapter for this. Can you just use a USB to USB C cable or an adapter? I charge my USB C phone in the car using a USB cable like this.

[@dorothyking6448]

I’m having trouble getting the top piece off , any tips?

[@autoharnesshouse]

The top fascia piece can be tricky. Go to 3:15 in this video to see where the locking clips are. You'll want to focus on popping the blue clips loose starting from one side. If you can get one of them loose, see if you can get the one next to it. Then do the same thing from the other side, being careful to keep the other clips from snapping back unit place. Hope that helps!

[@LittleDaveAndSons]

On the website it says if you are installing a Sony or Android head unit you don’t need the maestro aswc-1 module as the Sony or Android will detect the OEM controls. Is this correct, seem to see conflicting information about this. Thanks!

[@autoharnesshouse]

Sony headunits can usually recognize the steering wheel controls without an interface. There's a screen in the menus on the headunit where you can program in the function of each button. If your Sony has this, then you just need an adapter to connect the steering wheel signals to the back of the headunit. (something like this: www.autoharnesshouse.com/61119.html ) Android headunits usually have a similar menu but they usually have wires that connect to the steering wheel controls. You may be interested in the adapter that we sell for ATOTO headunits (which has the steering wheel controls already connected): www.autoharnesshouse.com/AHH-70-1761ATOTO.html

[@shouwenchen]

Hey . I have 2019 Forester sport .6.5 inches display. Try to upgrade to the 8.5 inches display. Think about buying a aftermarket starlink 8.5 inches. Do I need the adapter for this?

[@autoharnesshouse]

More than likely you will not need an adapter if the 8.5 inch unit is also form a 2019 car. If it is not from a Forester, it may be an issue of mechanically fitting this in the dash.

[@Spartan_Pope]

Did you ever make the swap? Would like to do the same.

[@CrimsoNaga]

Does the info screen up top still work when you swap out to a different head unit? Apologies in advance if you mention this in the video.

[@autoharnesshouse]

The info screen above the radio unit isn't affected by replacing the headunit. If you have any audio system info, such as track information, navigation directions, or volume that displays on that screen, that information will not be there anymore.

[@lv2fishrn971]

What is the telemantix unit? Why would you keep it or not keep it

[@autoharnesshouse]

The telematics unit is a box that communicates with Subaru about the vehicle status. In some ways, it's Subaru's version of OnStar and can be used to get help in the case of an accident or alert your dealer when you have maintenance due. These are handy features that also compromise privacy/security because your vehicle's location and status are actively transmitted to the cloud.

[@lv2fishrn971]

@@autoharnesshouse thank you. Do you make harnesses and accessories for pioneer? I'm a pioneer guy. Alpine or Fosgate speakers but prefer pioneer head units

[@OxaudioPhilly]

Is there a dash kit for these cars yet?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Yes, there is a dash kit but it's different depending on which model and Year your car is. Check out the listing for your vehicle in our database here: www.autoharnesshouse.com/mycar.html As always, you can email us if you can't find what you need! [e-mail]

[@OxaudioPhilly]

@@autoharnesshouse its a 2019 forester sport

[@Javidooriginal]

Is there any subwoofers made specifically for 2018 impreza sedan?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Subaru probably makes a kicker OEM subwoofer that you can add but I'd recommend something aftermarket because it will cost less and have more Bass. I run an Infinity Basslink subwoofer: amzn.to/3wkSI0C I'm very happy with it! I think Infinity has either gone out of business or has stopped producing car audio, though.

[@dannyyong7221]

This video applies to 2022 Forester for sure?

[@autoharnesshouse]

The Subaru part numbers for the headunit match for the 2022 models (They are the same as the 2020 and 2021 models - ex: 86271SJ730). The wiring will be the same and the removal of the headunit should match too!

[@dannyyong7221]

@@autoharnesshouse Great ! Thanks for the video.!

[@souske1990]

@@dannyyong7221 The telematics unit is missing on my 2022 Forester, the wire that supposed to be the GPS connection antena to the head unit is actually for my usb slot. So if I unplug that my usb slots are not working. Where is the telematics unit then?

[@JR8029]

Will this work on a 22 legacy premium?

[@autoharnesshouse]

Removal of the headunit for the Legacy will be similar. The Subaru Ascent headunit removal video may be a better reference though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJi7mmSherdjq6c

[@Saintsflow9]

Song?

[@jerrygiarratana9462]

Can I upgrade the existing head unit for nav?

[@autoharnesshouse]

No, there's no way to do a software upgrade. The non-navigation headunit doesn't have a GPS antenna.

[@matthew259]

If I have the small screen on the 2019 Forester Sport, can I install the larger OEM head unit without issue?

[@autoharnesshouse]

You usually can. If you have a single USB port in your console, you'll need an adapter for that. It's also possible that you'll need this adapter for the backup camera: www.autoharnesshouse.com/69009.html also, make sure that neither unit has the Harman Kardon package.

[@matthew259]

@@autoharnesshouse Thank you for the response. I don't have the HK, so it would probably be difficult to find one without.