So I made one of the graver mistakes in running websites; I changed URLs and apparently stranded some docs and broke some people's bookmarks. Sorry about that. Thanks to Jake Willson for the reminder.

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!