Here's the instructions for swapping out the radio on your Subaru Outback, at least of a recent vintage. Wish I'd taken pictures of the process as I did for the Honda hitch install, but I didn't have a digital camera in the year 2000.

Radio Removal Instructions

The following instructions are for the removal and replacement of the stock AM/FM cassette unit in an American-sold Subaru Outback, model year 2000. They are provided for informational purposes only.

If you choose to do the radio replacement, please use the instructions carefully, but understand that you do so at your own risk. I take NO responsibility for damage to your car or other consequences.

These instructions are courtesy of Richard Galas, and I do appreciate them.

Suggested tools:

A stubby #2 Phillips screwdriver, and a #2 Phillips screwdriver w/magnetic tip. (You will need one about 6 inches long to get at the screws holding the HVAC pocket to the dashboard.)

Approximate time to complete:

1 hour to solder wiring harness to aftermarket radio harness (Crutchfield)

1-1.5 hours to remove and replace the unit in the vehicle

Always disconnect your battery beofre performing electrical work!

A. Removal of Center Console

1. Remove the gearshift cover by pulling up slightly and toward the back. Be careful not to break the small posts on the console trim that are inserted into the console. A slight pressure with a small screwdriver can help pry the rear of the cover loose. Be very careful!

   a. For automatic transmission, shifter must temporarily be placed into neutral.
   b. For standard transmission, the shift knob must be removed by unscrewing.

2. Remove the tray by removing the two screws.
3. Remove the ashtray, disassemble ashtray assembly by removing the two screws underneath. Use the stubby screwdri ver and be careful not to drop the screws down into the guts of the console.
4. Remove the center console cover by carefully pulling rearward evenly in areas all around the trim. Disconnect cigarette lighter socket.

B. Removal of Head Unit

1. Remove the radio and pocket assembly by removing the (6) Phillips screws (C) and pulling radio bracket assembly outward. (Note: protect vehicle trim with rags or paper.)
2. Disconnect Heating/Ventilation and Air Conditioner (HVAC) control unit from bracket (4 screws) (D) and move HVAC control unit out of the way.
3. Disconnect 14-pin connector, battery ground cable and antenna lead from back of radio.

C. Complete the installation

1. Re-install the HVAC control unit onto the bracket using (4) screws (D).
2. Re-install the radio assembly with the (6) screws (C).
3. Re-install battery ground cable, antenna and connectors.
4. Re-install all trim in the reverse order of the above including re-connection of all electrical connections.
5. Re-connect the battery.

That's all there is to it!

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The backstory.

See the blessed event [avi video]

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On my Thursday afternoon commute, the silly and indeterminate "Check Engine" light came on in the Subaru. The car is over 5 years old now, 89,000 miles, but seems still so solid and reliable that I was quite surprised to see the light appear. My checks of fluids, listening, looking , peeking, and poking of the engine revealed nothing out of the ordinary. The next morning's commute was completely uneventful, yet I dutifully called the repair shop to make an appointment for Monday.

While chatting with a friend on AIM, he noted that there's often a gimmick or trick to resetting the check engine light. During lunch, a google search provided several results which suggested that a loose gas cap was often the cause on Subarus. Hrmmmm.

After work, I removed the not-so-loose, but not-so-tight-either gas cap, reseated it and cranked it down hard. Stop and start the engine, voila! No more check engine light.

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Selling the stock radio from the Sube.

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An update for the Subaru section. After quite a bit of research and price-checking, I replaced the awful Goodyear Aquatread 3's with a set of Bridgestone Turanzas. The ride is considerably quieter than the cupped Goodyears, of course. Winter's coming so I'll report back with their mud and snow performance.

The Goodyears lasted just a bit under three years and had some treadwear left but they were cupped and wearing extremely unevenly. The Bridgestones are not uni-directional, so they can be cross-rotated.

Mileage: 80,491, put the Goodyears on at 39,056.

Oh, and I can heartily recommend Tom Frost Firestone in Warrenton, VA. Competitive pricing, local vendor, very responsive, and fast installation.

Tom Frost Firestone
239 W. Shirley Avenue
Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: 540-347-1500
Fax: 540-349-4328
E-Mail:tffirestone@earthlink.net

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Recent gas mileage numbers, mixed highway/city driving:

2000 Subaru Outbackm 78,000 miles: 22.89 mpg, 23.87 mpg

2004 Honda Pilot, 2,000 miles: 17.69 mpg, 19.38 mpg

I'm not too pleased with the Pilot mileage though it is larger and still new. However, the Sube mileage, after nearly 5 years stays where it's always been. Of course, tuneups and regular maintenance help.

Time to replace blasted Aquatread 3's though, the noise is killing me.

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After a bath.

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