'08 Outback radio installed in my '05 Legacy

I did it, I finally installed an '08 HU into my '05 Legacy GT. It was pretty straight forward and 100% plug 'n play, no soldering, no splicing etc. Everything works including the factory subwoofer, there is one exception and that is the aux input. But that is something I already knew and is a project for another time.

 

I purchased the radio off of ebay and the donor vehicle was a 2008 Subaru Outback 6 cyl. I got the ipod interface kit from one of the recommended on-line dealers that was on another post.

The part number for the HU is 86201AG67B

The part number for the ipod interface kit is H621SXA200

 

I did take pictures of my install but its not a true step by step procedure because I kept forgetting to take pictures, so its more or less for reference. I did put captions directly on the pictures for less confusion so hope it helps.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3930839514_da61317daf_b.jpg

This is a side by side picture of the radio's. The replacement radio has more scratches and blemishes but it doesn't affect the way it sounds because it sounds awesome. Left: '05 HU Right: '08 HU

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3930839912_26bbc57b2d_b.jpg

As you can see the radio's are nearly identical with the exception of the additional connection on the '08 HU which is for the SAT/IPOD connection. Otherwise all the connections are the same.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3930846276_2576c6e32b_b.jpg

This is my before picture with the stock '05 radio. The stock momo shift knob is so big it kept getting in the way with the radio removal/installation and picture taking as you can see. At first I hated the shift knob but it growing on me even though it looks out of place, maybe if I had a black interior with the platinum trim. Anyways I forgot to take pictures but the chrome ring that is around the shifter is pretty easy to get up its just nerve racking to get it out for the fear of breaking it. The ring is just held in by pressure, it doesn't click or snap into place so just work your way around prying it up a little at time as you go until it comes off.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3930062963_434cfc6d80_b.jpg

 

This is inside of the dash when I removed the radio. The numbers correspond with numbers I put on the back of the radio. I'm not sure what the circled connection is for but it plugs into the '08 HU just like the '05 HU. As you can see I put captions on the picture to help explain.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3930845498_0683a163d4_b.jpg

 

This is just a close up shot of the connections. I know some users like them so they can get a good understanding of what the connections looks like.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/3930059801_30ba03fc07_o.jpg

 

I'm sorry about the poor quality picture. This just shows the hole I had to drill in the center console for the ipod cable, I wasn't too happy that I had to drill but its done. I still cant believe how easy the center console comes out, its basically held in place be two screws.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3930842276_b802286953_o.jpg

 

I took the center console out but I took the picture before I ran the ipod cable so I drew a red line in its place.

One of the prior owners must have had a dog because when I took the console out it was loaded with dog hair:eek: I have only own my Legacy GT for about seven months and don't own a dog. It was gross and I cleaned it as best as I could.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3930842130_61dd1e4c28_b.jpg

 

Whats circled above are the pressure clamps for the chrome ring.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3930843226_0544e0d957_b.jpg

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3930847276_43355684b6_b.jpg

 

Here is a close up of the replacement radio with captions.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3930058975_85b2bbf593_b.jpg

 

Here I'm starting to connect the '08 HU. I know that this picture looks busy with all the added captions but if you really look at it, it does make sense.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3930059223_ae961c2e28_b.jpg

 

The radio is all hooked up, I'm just putting everything back together. There are 6 screws that hold the radio in place the three you can see(circle above) and then the three on the opposite side. The top two screws are recessed in an inch or two so a proper sized screw driver is imperative and I defiantly recommend it be magnetized too.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3930058661_0fa602715a_b.jpg

 

Here is the after or the final result. The radio matches very well and my ipod works great with it. Since controlling the ipod isn't very intuitive through the radio a temporary sticker was included with the ipod interface to help.

 

Finally, I would like to thank all of those who have asked and answered questions on this forum because without them I most likely would have not been able to do this mod. So thanks

Good job, nice pics!

 

That mystery connector is a redundant chassis ground connection.

 

Reference for others who do this: pin-outs for the two 8-pin connectors.

 

When you're ready to work on the Aux input, you might want this adapter...

 

[ADDED 9/3/2012: I've run out of the little PC boards I had made, so that type of i85 adapter is no longer available. I've found a source for the 8-pin "i85" sockets in a crimp version, and will make custom adapters using those. E-mail me for more info (visit my homepage, and find my e-mail (follow the link to 'harnesses for sale').]

 

[ADDED 11/30/2012: I now have the new i85 sockets and am making various "i85 transplant" adapter harnesses. See my homepage.]

 

[Original text, for posterity:]

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/5091/i85adapteran.th.jpg

The PC board has pads into which you can solder wires from an aux jack. The board sends those wires into the OEM radio's aux input.

From your pictures and other info it looks like your subwoofer is the under-seat style that connects solely via the 14-pin power/speaker harness. The majority of Legacies and Outbacks with an under-seat sub connect that way, and will work with the newer radio with no mods required.

 

Some Outbacks (3.0R) have the rear cargo sub and would need a one-channel amp and a little plumbing to retain the sub. [Not worth the effort, IMHO]

Thanks for the info I wasn't sure what that connection was because not many people talked about that particular connection.

 

I'm definitely interested in getting Aux input to work because it would be nice to have the full functionality of the radio and have the option of playing other mp3 players other than an ipod. Does that adapter disable the OEM subwoofer? I have read somewhere that the changing the pins on the i85 connector could disable the subwoofer and steering wheel controls. I done need to worry about the steering wheel controls because I don't have them but I do like my subwoofer. Or did I misunderstand?

Your right as well my subwoofer is the under-seat style that connects to the 14-pin power/speaker harness. I was bit confused on whether my subwoofer would work after the swap because there were contradicting post about that subject. I decided to do it anyway and worry about it after but it ended up work out just fine.

How much did you pay for the iPod interface kit?

How much did you pay for the iPod interface kit?

The ipod interface kit was $149 from subarupartsforyou.com plus shipping and tax so the final total I paid was $168.97 . The only reason I had to pay sales tax though is because both dealership and I are both in Connecticut. If you live outside of Connecticut there would be no sales tax added.

Good job on that swap and posting all the details. What about your speakers? Are you still running the original 2005 speakers or did you upgrade to aftermarket w/ Cleansweep?

Yeah, I'm still using the original '05 speakers. The '08 radio is enhanced with SRS wow so the sound quality does sound better to me. Now don't get me wrong my radio isn't performing miracles or anything and any current aftermarket speakers would most likely put mine to shame, but my point is that its enough where I'm going to keep them for now and do other upgrades and go back to them when I'm ready.

subscribed

Nice job. If the 07+ radios were around in 05 I would have one in my car

if you don't mind me asking how much was the 08hu?

FANTASTIC job pal...

 

Nice pictures and great write-up!!!

 

In the name of other fellow LGT owners debating or investigating this setup, thank you!

 

 

Flavio Zanetti

Boston, MA

Reference for others who do this: pin-outs for the two 8-pin connectors.

 

When you're ready to work on the Aux input, you might want this adapter...

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/5091/i85adapteran.th.jpg

Does that adapter disable the OEM subwoofer? I have read somewhere that the changing the pins on the i85 connector could disable the subwoofer and steering wheel controls.

That adapter doesn't disable the OEM sub. In your case, the sub only connects via the 14-pin harness, so the 8-pin "i85" harness doesn't come into play.

 

In the few cars where the sub connects to i85, that's where you'll need to add a mono amp, since 2008-up radios no longer have the sub output. That i85 adapter provides a convenient place to connect the amp's output to drive the sub speaker, but you'll need to tap into some of the HU's speaker outputs to use as the input for the sub amp.

 

In either case, the adapter will pass through the pins for the steering wheel controls (if you have them), as well as the NIDC wire (for "BRIGHT" dimmer mode), so those things will continue to work fine.

 

See that link to my pin-out post to compare the 2005/2006 and 2007-up i85 harnesses.

if you don't mind me asking how much was the 08hu?

 

The '08 radio cost me $192.48 with shipping. I got real lucky on my nightly ritual of scouring ebay for one. It took me months to find one and for it not to be out of my price range. I've only seen two others listed on ebay since I started looking and they both went for nearly $400 . I suggest trying to contacting any area salvage/junk yards as I did, although I didn't have much luck. Who knows you may have better luck and possibly get it cheaper.

thank you for the information

I suggest trying to contacting any area salvage/junk yards as I did, although I didn't have much luck. Who knows you may have better luck and possibly get it cheaper.

 

Make sure the junkyard has a free return policy (no restocking or return shipping fees). The first one I purchased arrived with visible water damage and sounded like it was shipped with CD's still in it. I went through Specialized Parts Planet and had no trouble getting a refund...they also partner with other recyclers across the nation.

 

Luckily I was able to find an 08 radio here for a reasonable price...hit up some of the people who did the JDM dual din swap.

 

Big thumbs up for SVXdc's breakout adapter. I did the 07 center console retrofit with the aux box and it works perfect.

 

pics of my first 07 radio:

 

Do you know of any good junkyards in L.A. with 2005+ Legacy's/Outbacks? I can't even find one in the Wilmington/South L.A. area.

Do you know of any good junkyards in L.A. with 2005+ Legacy's/Outbacks? I can't even find one in the Wilmington/South L.A. area.

 

I couldn't find any local yards that had newer model Subarus. I ended up calling this place in Rancho Cordova (ask for Zane): http://www.4subarusuzukikiaparts.com/. At the time I called them I was only looking for the 07 SpecB radio...didn't realize that the 08's would work as well.

 

The recyclers tend to charge more than the wrecking yards...IIRC it was $309 shipped. It's a shame that it was rusted but at least they had a money back guarantee.

i just bought a 2008 headunit for my 2005 lgt limited. Can anyone point me in the direction of what i need to get the aux input working and how to do it? it would be greatly appreciated

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50364&page=28

 

Look at post 417.

 

The pinout on the Legacy aux board is nowhere near that of the Impreza cable/box. Like Greg, I ended up trimming the Impreza aux board to fit in the Legacy aux box. I used one of the trimmed pieces from the Impreza board (7/8" x 3/16" IIRC) to fill the gap from the shorter Impreza board (this way I didn't have to worry about the board slipping down in the box).

 

I'm mailing the Legacy board to SVXdc...maybe he can find the right plug and build a harness that will plug in directly to the Legacy box. This would save you from having to purchase the Impreza kit.

I need it for my 2005 so i will have an aux jack,

thanks,

don

zukey57@gmail.com

I just swapped in an 08 head unit into my 05 XT. Haven't rigged up the Aux-in yet but at least now I have the option.

 

Why is it that some people can't keep from scuffing up their cars? This came out of an 08 and there are scuffs and marks all over the knobs, yet the 6 year old radio in my 05 has not one mark on it!

So can you clarify something for my very tired eyes:

This is a straight swap: the '08 radio plugs into your '05 without and alteration of the wiring harness of the car at all?

 

Would this be the same in my '06 Outback XT with dual climate?

So can you clarify something for my very tired eyes:

This is a straight swap: the '08 radio plugs into your '05 without and alteration of the wiring harness of the car at all?

 

Would this be the same in my '06 Outback XT with dual climate?

 

Yes, this is direct swap and no modification to the harness is required. If you want to enable the aux in feature of this headunit you'll probably want to hit up SVXdc for one of his i85 breakout adapters.

Still useful after all this time. Many thanks for putting this up OP.

thank you for bumping this thread up! I was looking for it. ha