6 years later and still helpful - thanks. For the HVAC controls, there's a larger connector a few inches farther in, it's wrapped in foam. Undo that and avoid the connections right at the back of the HVAC unit.
Installing my new head unit in a couple of days into same car. Having done this a few times on other vehicles, I’ve found the most difficult and time consuming part was wiring up the harness adapter. This time I ordered from Crutchfield and for $25 they offer a service to pre-wire the harness for you. I’m trying that this time. This is an EXCELLENT video. Not only a great how-to for this particular car, but it’s also a great how-to for making a how-to video! Straightforward without a bunch of fancy editing and video add-ones. Thanks for taking the time, very helpful to me. As an aside, this car has to be the easiest to replace a radio that I’ve ever come across!
Just bought subaru impreza and was searching for tips on how to remove the stock radio (single dim). You answered everything in this video, so thanks for sharing!
Hey, it's the JVC KW-R900BT, I have really liked it, really opens up your options for music so you can listen to whatever is on your phone or streaming through your phone!
Thanks for the video, helped a lot. One word of warning to whoever is using this - be careful when taking off the front plate. I somehow managed to tear the hose going into the thermostat. I think I can salvage it pretty easily with some glue and tape but I would had rather just avoided the problem.
I have a 2002 wrx and i did convertion of a center console out of a 2007 wrx....only thing im missing now is the radio brackets for a 2007..i guess the 2002 brackets do not aligned correctly with the new face..this video helped me out big time..thumbs up!
Excellent video, helped me swap in an aftermarket unit into my sti no problem. Also fyi to anyone, sonicelectronix is a great place to order stereo equipment and they'll even throw in a free wiring harness and dash kit with the purchase of a head unit.
thanks for the fast response, the unit in my 07 just went out, and amazon is telling me that the r800bt wont fit, so ill just go for the 900. Thanks again Bradley!
Thanks excellent mate thanks for sharing, I got a similar stereo for my 2005 WRX and after watching this the install was done in around 15 minutes. Thanks so much 👍🏻
BTW when you remove the bottom portion there is a white quick disconnect plug that you can unplug so u dont have to pull the wires out of the cig lighter and remove the LED... Questions beyond what you did how hard is it to remove the air vents above the center console? i kinda want to take it all apart to to paint it...
Thank you so much for making this video! I have an '02 WRX and the stereo is on the outs. This looks way easier than I thought. Hopefully it'll work just fine with mine!
I would say that it's probably similar, since the body styles are still similar, but I have not been inside of an '06. I thought the same thing- about it being crazy to spend so much for someone else to do it, that's why I did it myself, and hopefully the video can save other folks a few bucks too. Good luck!
Hello, I didn't do anything with a sub, unfortunately. Everything you see in the video (minus the Bluetooth wire and mic input) is everything I did. I have gotten a lot of questions about subs, etc but for me I was really just looking for the ability to play music from different avenues than CD and radio. Windy City, eh? I grew up in West Chicago- now living in Denver.
Hey Jacob, I don't know from experience what the steps are for an automatic, but after looking at pics of the interior of an automatic, I would say you're probably able to pop the plastics off near the temp control knobs. Like I said, I don't know for sure, but it's worth a shot!
And before taking it out for my self, i wanted to ask if there is a free connection for a subwoofer (/aplifier) in the stock unit ? Great vid by the way.
Thanks for the question! Installing those 2 components is pretty easy. For the bluetooth, wrap the cord behind the stereo and set it in behind the panel that will be just above your right knee. It just needs to be in the vicinity so that whatever device you are connecting can detect it. For the mic, feed the plug end in through the crack between the center console and the area where you've placed the Bluetooth. Feed the extra wire through and mount the mic end with the sticky pad where you like.
Hey Bradley. Thanks for the video. I got an 04 Sti and i'm trying to install a OEM unit. Will the process of removing the things to get to the radio that's not working in my car be the same? Thanks
The unit that I am installing is a double din unit (same size as the stock one I took out.) The specific model of the new unit is the JVC KW-900BT. So far I have really enjoyed it! I definitely recommend the bluetooth option since basically all smart phones have bluetooth now and makes it so you can listen to your music in the car from your device wirelessly. Fewer wires and a cleaner look without the auxilary cords, etc. I hope this answers your question, let me know if it does not...Thanks!
Your video explains a lot. Do you happen to know the model number (where did you buy) of the wire harness? Also, I have not yet taken off the OEM unit but was curious if you considered replacing the stock amp that's right below the unit?
Hey Fred- I got my harness on ebay. Just search wiring "harness Subaru impreza" and then it will tell you what years the harness will work for. You could also get it at Best Buy or Car Toys, but I went with ebay to save a few bucks because I had time to wait for it to arrive. I didn't think much about changing anything besides the head unit- the main reason I changed it was for versatility of music options, not necessarily for awesome sound, although I got that too! Thanks for the comment!
Awesome help! You wouldn't happen to have one that shows how to remove the rear trim? (I am installing a rear view camera and need to run a cable from the rear bumper to the back of the head unit).
Thanks for posting. I have a 2007 Impreza 2.5i, and six CDs got stuck in my stock changer. This helps to know what I'm getting into to try to get it out.
Thanks Bradley, I've not tried this yet. I just wondered what screw types were involved. Are they just standard Philips/Pozidrive or are there any tamperproofs requiring a special tools? Thanks from the UK.
Hey thanks a lot for the video! I have the exact same car and I bought the exact same radio, so I was only wondering how to install the bluetooth and microphone in the back. Can you help me out?
Thanks for the question. Besides the longer screws that were required for my mounting plates (Metric 5s from hardware store (6:00)), all screws that I took out were the same that went back in. No special tools besides a phillips head and the soldering iron I used to create my wiring harness. I hope this helps, bottom line is that I didn't need anything out of the ordinary, which is great! You could probably find some tamperproof screws to replace the stock ones if you wanted. Thanks again!
Hey Anthony, sorry but I don't have any subs to hook up- the head unit replacement was enough for me. The stock face is the same size as the one I replaced it with, double din, meaning twice the face size as a "normal" face. I don't know the exact measurements off hand of the Subaru stereo as I sold it on eBay. Sorry I'm not more help- good luck!
Hey Austin, thanks for the question- search for "splicing wires 1" and click on the video of the same title (UA-cam won't let me copy and paste the link). Should give you the basics step you need to solder the wires for the harness. Good luck!
Hello there- sorry you're having trouble with those clips, they were a pain. You should try sliding your fingers up the insides of the plastic and pulling rather firmly when you get near the top. It will feel tight, but they will pop out once you get near the top, don't be afraid to be firm with it, it will take a bit of muscle to get them out. More than anything this is an encouragement to try it again. I didn't use any tools other than the ones you see in the video. Let me know how it goes!
Arnoldo- Sorry, but I don't have that kind of video. Sounds like a cool feature though, good luck! Maybe you can make a UA-cam video of your efforts and post it!
This is just how I did it. In some videos the user runs the wire up along the door frame so the mic will be above them, I didn't want to do that/ don't think it's necessary. My mic is mounted to the left of my stereo on the black panel, kind of hidden by the steering wheel, and people can hear me just fine when I am on the phone with them. I didn't say it, but also remember to plug the pink mic cord into the back. Hopefully these suggestions help, let me know if you need more info. Thanks!
for some reason when i try and remove the plastic trim around the stereo the first set of clips come off fine, but i cant manage to get the top second two clips to come off for the life of me. is there a specific technique or tool that i should be using? you make it look so easy. great tutorial otherwise!
Hey Austin, sorry but I don't know if it is the same as far as getting the plastics off, etc. I believe everything will be the same once you get to the stereo (the plugs, ground, etc.). I made this video because there was not one for the 2005 specifically, like I have. Good luck!
Yes, you just need to buy a bracket that has a storage slot in the bottom half instead of a double din opening. You should be able to google info about it. Look for a Subaru single din installation kit.
Hey Earl, thanks for the comment. I did NOT disconnect the battery, but that's not to say it wouldn't have been a good idea- especially since it's so easy to do. What you see in the video is exactly what I did, and it worked and is working perfectly. Thanks!
I did install the mic eventually. I fed the plug end through the dash between the plastic to the left of the stereo and the panel above your right knee and then pulled the rest of the slack through. I then mounted it on top of the steering wheel. The other option is running the cord along the door frame and mounting it above you- which I opted not to do. Sorry but I don't have a video to demonstrate this part. Good luck!
Thanks for the comment- this is the first video I've ever made, UA-cam or otherwise, so I am glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your installation!
@oneillsurf5 Yeah, mine was really rough to get off too. I had it off previous to making the video, which is why mine doesn't appear tough. Make a fist around the wire and pull strong and steady, it should pop off eventually.
This is how tutorial videos should be made - right to the point, clear step by step, don't drag on once a point has been made. Really helpful.
7 years later and this video is still useful! thank you so much!!
6 years later and still helpful - thanks. For the HVAC controls, there's a larger connector a few inches farther in, it's wrapped in foam. Undo that and avoid the connections right at the back of the HVAC unit.
Installing my new head unit in a couple of days into same car. Having done this a few times on other vehicles, I’ve found the most difficult and time consuming part was wiring up the harness adapter. This time I ordered from Crutchfield and for $25 they offer a service to pre-wire the harness for you. I’m trying that this time.
This is an EXCELLENT video. Not only a great how-to for this particular car, but it’s also a great how-to for making a how-to video! Straightforward without a bunch of fancy editing and video add-ones. Thanks for taking the time, very helpful to me. As an aside, this car has to be the easiest to replace a radio that I’ve ever come across!
Just bought subaru impreza and was searching for tips on how to remove the stock radio (single dim). You answered everything in this video, so thanks for sharing!
Hey, it's the JVC KW-R900BT, I have really liked it, really opens up your options for music so you can listen to whatever is on your phone or streaming through your phone!
Thank you. I'm changing it on mine at this moment and everything is explained perfectly.
I really liked that I didn't have to do any serious fitment besides changing the bracket over, glad yours went in well!
Thanks for the video, helped a lot. One word of warning to whoever is using this - be careful when taking off the front plate. I somehow managed to tear the hose going into the thermostat. I think I can salvage it pretty easily with some glue and tape but I would had rather just avoided the problem.
Thank you! I thought I was doing it wrong and I didn't want to break anything. This tutorial helped, so, thanks again!
Great vid. I have a JVC double din going into my Impreza too. Very clear instructions, cheers from down under, New Zealand.
I have a 2002 wrx and i did convertion of a center console out of a 2007 wrx....only thing im missing now is the radio brackets for a 2007..i guess the 2002 brackets do not aligned correctly with the new face..this video helped me out big time..thumbs up!
Excellent video, helped me swap in an aftermarket unit into my sti no problem. Also fyi to anyone, sonicelectronix is a great place to order stereo equipment and they'll even throw in a free wiring harness and dash kit with the purchase of a head unit.
Thank you so much! And thank you for speeding up the really simple parts, sometimes the How Too's drag out so long. You saved me and many others $$$
Thanks man. I just bought a 05 wrx wagon and the aftermarket head unit that came with it is trash so I ordered a new one. This video helps a lot
Just finished installing a Pioneer unit into my 2005 WRX. This was a very helpful reference, thanks!
Bless you sir, for this decade-old video that is still the walkthrough of this full of the least shit that nobody cares about.
I haven’t replied to a comment in years, but thanks for letting me know that this video still matters 😂
I hav an 05 wrx, looking to do this swap & respray dash ;)
this clips great man, thx
I am glad this exists because I pulled half the dash off before I found this XD
thanks for the fast response, the unit in my 07 just went out, and amazon is telling me that the r800bt wont fit, so ill just go for the 900. Thanks again Bradley!
Wouldn’t have been able to do it without you lol. Thanks for the simple and informative video!
Thanks excellent mate thanks for sharing, I got a similar stereo for my 2005 WRX and after watching this the install was done in around 15 minutes.
Thanks so much 👍🏻
BTW when you remove the bottom portion there is a white quick disconnect plug that you can unplug so u dont have to pull the wires out of the cig lighter and remove the LED...
Questions beyond what you did how hard is it to remove the air vents above the center console? i kinda want to take it all apart to to paint it...
Great video! Now I know exactly what to expect when the stereo arrives for my 2005 Impreza Outback Sport. Thanks!
Thank you so much for making this video! I have an '02 WRX and the stereo is on the outs. This looks way easier than I thought. Hopefully it'll work just fine with mine!
Fantastic tutorial man! You're probably the best instruction on the web for a car CD player install! :)
I would say that it's probably similar, since the body styles are still similar, but I have not been inside of an '06. I thought the same thing- about it being crazy to spend so much for someone else to do it, that's why I did it myself, and hopefully the video can save other folks a few bucks too. Good luck!
Hello, I didn't do anything with a sub, unfortunately. Everything you see in the video (minus the Bluetooth wire and mic input) is everything I did. I have gotten a lot of questions about subs, etc but for me I was really just looking for the ability to play music from different avenues than CD and radio. Windy City, eh? I grew up in West Chicago- now living in Denver.
Hey Jacob, I don't know from experience what the steps are for an automatic, but after looking at pics of the interior of an automatic, I would say you're probably able to pop the plastics off near the temp control knobs. Like I said, I don't know for sure, but it's worth a shot!
And before taking it out for my self, i wanted to ask if there is a free connection for a subwoofer (/aplifier) in the stock unit ? Great vid by the way.
Excellent - exactly what I needed to swap out the radio on my 2008 Forester.
Thanks for the question! Installing those 2 components is pretty easy. For the bluetooth, wrap the cord behind the stereo and set it in behind the panel that will be just above your right knee. It just needs to be in the vicinity so that whatever device you are connecting can detect it. For the mic, feed the plug end in through the crack between the center console and the area where you've placed the Bluetooth. Feed the extra wire through and mount the mic end with the sticky pad where you like.
Thanks for this video, it was helpful for removing my aftermarket stereo after this shitty car was totaled.
great vid, very easy to follow!! Do you know where I can find the VSS wire for a navi unit?
Hey Bradley. Thanks for the video. I got an 04 Sti and i'm trying to install a OEM unit. Will the process of removing the things to get to the radio that's not working in my car be the same? Thanks
The unit that I am installing is a double din unit (same size as the stock one I took out.) The specific model of the new unit is the JVC KW-900BT. So far I have really enjoyed it! I definitely recommend the bluetooth option since basically all smart phones have bluetooth now and makes it so you can listen to your music in the car from your device wirelessly. Fewer wires and a cleaner look without the auxilary cords, etc. I hope this answers your question, let me know if it does not...Thanks!
Glad the video helped- it's a really easy job to do, just needed to see how it's done once!
thanks bro! really helpful ! getting down to the yard to make mine :D
Your video explains a lot. Do you happen to know the model number (where did you buy) of the wire harness? Also, I have not yet taken off the OEM unit but was curious if you considered replacing the stock amp that's right below the unit?
Ayee same one I got on my wrx 06, this video helped a lot!!
Hey Fred- I got my harness on ebay. Just search wiring "harness Subaru impreza" and then it will tell you what years the harness will work for. You could also get it at Best Buy or Car Toys, but I went with ebay to save a few bucks because I had time to wait for it to arrive. I didn't think much about changing anything besides the head unit- the main reason I changed it was for versatility of music options, not necessarily for awesome sound, although I got that too! Thanks for the comment!
Awesome help! You wouldn't happen to have one that shows how to remove the rear trim? (I am installing a rear view camera and need to run a cable from the rear bumper to the back of the head unit).
Thanks video was perfect, old unit out and new unit in one happy Subaru owner no fitting charges thanks to this video
Thanks for this vid I own a 09 but this still helped , very clear instruction very Ez to follow , now I gotta choose a head unit
Thanks for posting. I have a 2007 Impreza 2.5i, and six CDs got stuck in my stock changer. This helps to know what I'm getting into to try to get it out.
Isn't ur cd changer in the trunk?
Nope, they stacked six discs in the console. The Impreza WRX might be different.
Had the same issue with my 07 actually had to tear into the head unit to remove since they are stacked
Thanks Bradley,
I've not tried this yet. I just wondered what screw types were involved. Are they just standard Philips/Pozidrive or are there any tamperproofs requiring a special tools?
Thanks from the UK.
Hey thanks a lot for the video! I have the exact same car and I bought the exact same radio, so I was only wondering how to install the bluetooth and microphone in the back. Can you help me out?
Thanks for the question. Besides the longer screws that were required for my mounting plates (Metric 5s from hardware store (6:00)), all screws that I took out were the same that went back in. No special tools besides a phillips head and the soldering iron I used to create my wiring harness. I hope this helps, bottom line is that I didn't need anything out of the ordinary, which is great! You could probably find some tamperproof screws to replace the stock ones if you wanted. Thanks again!
Hey Anthony, sorry but I don't have any subs to hook up- the head unit replacement was enough for me. The stock face is the same size as the one I replaced it with, double din, meaning twice the face size as a "normal" face. I don't know the exact measurements off hand of the Subaru stereo as I sold it on eBay. Sorry I'm not more help- good luck!
Thanks for the compliment, I am glad that you found it so useful! After I realized it wasn't so hard, thought others could use the same info.
Did changing the radio make a big difference to sound quality? Other than being dated, did that stock deck you took out sound decent?
Very good video. I have the confidence to go ahead now.
That's an awesome video man! Thanks! I just wish you had it in a higher resolution!
Thanks so much...your video was great and extremely helpful! Finally I have a good HU in my 05.
Thanks mate, worked a charm on my 06 model!
Great job mate, got an 02 but its pretty much the same, helped tons. Thanks for sharing
Awesome. Where did you install the Mic?
Great video! You should do one for a 2011 Nissan frontier
Brad, did you happen to have the factory sub wired to the new head unit?
Hey Austin, thanks for the question- search for "splicing wires 1" and click on the video of the same title (UA-cam won't let me copy and paste the link). Should give you the basics step you need to solder the wires for the harness. Good luck!
Hello there- sorry you're having trouble with those clips, they were a pain. You should try sliding your fingers up the insides of the plastic and pulling rather firmly when you get near the top. It will feel tight, but they will pop out once you get near the top, don't be afraid to be firm with it, it will take a bit of muscle to get them out. More than anything this is an encouragement to try it again. I didn't use any tools other than the ones you see in the video. Let me know how it goes!
Thank you so much for the great video.
Great video, can you make one of installing speakers?
Arnoldo- Sorry, but I don't have that kind of video. Sounds like a cool feature though, good luck! Maybe you can make a UA-cam video of your efforts and post it!
This is just how I did it. In some videos the user runs the wire up along the door frame so the mic will be above them, I didn't want to do that/ don't think it's necessary. My mic is mounted to the left of my stereo on the black panel, kind of hidden by the steering wheel, and people can hear me just fine when I am on the phone with them. I didn't say it, but also remember to plug the pink mic cord into the back. Hopefully these suggestions help, let me know if you need more info. Thanks!
Did you need an adapter for the antenna? For AM/FM
for some reason when i try and remove the plastic trim around the stereo the first set of clips come off fine, but i cant manage to get the top second two clips to come off for the life of me. is there a specific technique or tool that i should be using? you make it look so easy.
great tutorial otherwise!
Great job. I used this video to do my own installation on my RS Impreza
good straight forward vid mate , thanks for sharing
Where did you get the aftermarket double din from?
great thanks. i have an 05 as well and this has helped forsure.
Hey I was just wondering, did you disconnect the battery first? I'm thinking about doing this but idk if that's necessary.. thanks!
I didn't... but that doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. Mine turned out just fine without unplugging.
Bradley Shelley thanks mate! You're a saviour haha
Your fucking awesome bro, i tried to watch a different one and boul was on crack cause its not even close to my car
Hey Austin, sorry but I don't know if it is the same as far as getting the plastics off, etc. I believe everything will be the same once you get to the stereo (the plugs, ground, etc.). I made this video because there was not one for the 2005 specifically, like I have. Good luck!
Denver: Represent haha. Going to do this in my '07 STi soon
thanks dude, this helped heaps.
Thanks for the comment- if someone were to give me a 2011 Frontier, I would TOTALLY show my appreciation by making a video like this for it!
Thanx a lot for this video was very helpful
what video did you watch for the wire splicing?
Yes, you just need to buy a bracket that has a storage slot in the bottom half instead of a double din opening. You should be able to google info about it. Look for a Subaru single din installation kit.
What's the width and height of the stock radio
You didn't have to disconnect the battery when installing the new head?
Hey Earl, thanks for the comment. I did NOT disconnect the battery, but that's not to say it wouldn't have been a good idea- especially since it's so easy to do. What you see in the video is exactly what I did, and it worked and is working perfectly. Thanks!
Bradley Shelley Thanks man, Great video! =D
Make a vid on how to hook up subs to new stereo
Awesome video, gonna help me a lot! Thanks.
extremely helpful, thanks mate!
How would i do this if my impreza's an automatic? Can i just pop the front off?
Thanks a lot I managed to do it and it's working fine
I appreciate the compliment- this is the first video I have made, glad I did it right!
is the 2002 somewhat alike?
Is the radio connected via aux? Literally the biggest reason I need a new head unit is because it's missing that stupid hole.
Very good video! Thumbs up
This helped a lot! Thanks!!!
I did install the mic eventually. I fed the plug end through the dash between the plastic to the left of the stereo and the panel above your right knee and then pulled the rest of the slack through. I then mounted it on top of the steering wheel. The other option is running the cord along the door frame and mounting it above you- which I opted not to do. Sorry but I don't have a video to demonstrate this part. Good luck!
Can a 05 fit a single dim head unit?
What size is the JVC ?
Thanks for the comment- this is the first video I've ever made, UA-cam or otherwise, so I am glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your installation!
what jvc unit was this?
@oneillsurf5 Yeah, mine was really rough to get off too. I had it off previous to making the video, which is why mine doesn't appear tough. Make a fist around the wire and pull strong and steady, it should pop off eventually.
Very helpful, thank you!
Great video, thanks!