2004 Outback 3.0R Stereo replacement
2004 Outback 3.0R Stereo replacement
Hi all,
I have a 2004 Outback Premium 3.0R and the CD stacker died a few months ago. After the CD failure I then got myself a cassette module that let me plug my iPod in via the tape deck but now the tape deck has died!
This has now forced me to address the problem in a more permanent way so I am hoping to replace the unit with something new. The problem is, due to the fact the whole stereo and HVAC unit seem to be integrated I'm not sure that an after market solution is going to be possible.
Has anyone else managed to replace the factory unit with an after market unit? If so, any brands that are most likely to fit? Any installation notes, plans, hints etc? If after market isn't an option, any ideas where I may be able to find an OEM?
Thanks in advance.
I have a 2004 Outback Premium 3.0R and the CD stacker died a few months ago. After the CD failure I then got myself a cassette module that let me plug my iPod in via the tape deck but now the tape deck has died!
This has now forced me to address the problem in a more permanent way so I am hoping to replace the unit with something new. The problem is, due to the fact the whole stereo and HVAC unit seem to be integrated I'm not sure that an after market solution is going to be possible.
Has anyone else managed to replace the factory unit with an after market unit? If so, any brands that are most likely to fit? Any installation notes, plans, hints etc? If after market isn't an option, any ideas where I may be able to find an OEM?
Thanks in advance.
- BaronVonChickenPants
- General Member
- Posts: 1187
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Nowra, NSW
The 2 most common options I used when installing aftermarket head units in this still of dash were:
1) There's an aftermarket mob that make replacement dash facias to support all the HVAC and allow installation of a standard head unit. They can be a little pricey though. I can't think of their name but your local car audio installers should know them.
2) You can leave the factory unit in place, disconnect the power, antenna and speakers and wire up a single DIN headunit in the pocket below the current unit. But I don't think your pocket will work for this.
Jordan.
1) There's an aftermarket mob that make replacement dash facias to support all the HVAC and allow installation of a standard head unit. They can be a little pricey though. I can't think of their name but your local car audio installers should know them.
2) You can leave the factory unit in place, disconnect the power, antenna and speakers and wire up a single DIN headunit in the pocket below the current unit. But I don't think your pocket will work for this.
Jordan.
To become old and wise, first you must survive being young and dumb.


- bobbyjimmy
- Junior Member
- Posts: 273
- Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:54 pm
- Location: ACT
This - http://www.japanparts.com/db/partslist. ... 07-209-006 - to suit "A - C" models which is silver.
Then whatever Double DIN stereo (so GPS, DVD etc is possible) or Single DIN with a pocket.
Then whatever Double DIN stereo (so GPS, DVD etc is possible) or Single DIN with a pocket.
- Gannon
- Senior Member
- Posts: 4580
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Bowraville, Mid Nth Coast, NSW
Chris Rodgers, a forum member sells kits to suit.
Try sending him a PM
Try sending him a PM
Current rides: 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS & 2004 Forester X
Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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Just a heads up for anyone else ever finding this post with the same issue. An in-dash kit is around $750 on its own. Add a decent stereo at $500 and it's a $1350 project to replace a standard unit with ANYTHING after market. Ouch!
Subaru, what the hell were you THINKING integrating the HVAC with the radio!
Subaru, what the hell were you THINKING integrating the HVAC with the radio!
- bobbyjimmy
- Junior Member
- Posts: 273
- Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:54 pm
- Location: ACT