Outback 2004 3.0R Premium Stereo replacement or Aux In

[gjws]

Hi everyone,

My wife has been driving a 2004 Outback 3.0R Premium since it was new and it has been a dream. Unfortunately we have suffered multiple failures of the radio, first the CD player died, then the cassette player died, and I'm after some advice on a fix before the kids revolt after missing the wiggles songs for several weeks. As I see it there are 2 options:

1. Replace the entire fascia with an aftermarket solutions that provides HVAC controls as well as allows for a 2 DIN replacement head unit, similar to the solution in this post:

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=4934

Expensive but do-able

2. I'm happy to leave the existing unit in there as the radio works just fine, but I need a way to hook up an iPod. I've seen some posts about after marked devices that can provide aux-in capabilities such as this post:

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2697

Would my car have the Mcintosh system, or something else? Any chance of an aux-in solution?

Any help or suggestions would be very welcome, I'm at a loss at how to fix this!

Cheers.

[Nipple06]

I would like to know more about this aux input to.
short term my suggestion is a fm transmitter costs like $8.50 off ebay that's what im doing but drives me mad if your in Sydney 101.1 is the best i think that's the one we use.

[gjws]

I would like to know more about this aux input to.
short term my suggestion is a fm transmitter costs like $8.50 off ebay that's what im doing but drives me mad if your in Sydney 101.1 is the best i think that's the one we use.

Yeah, been there done that Like you said, it drives you nuts with all the drop in's and out's. There are a couple of FM adapters that actively disengage the car aerial whilst they are on to reduce interference but they are close to $200 so no a realistic alternative in my opinion.

I've taken the plunge and ordered the replacement HVAC kit with 2DIN trim adapter from japanparts and in should be here next week. At around $400 delivered it is seriously expensive but at least it leaves me way open for radio replacement options. I should get away with the HVAC kit, a reasonable entry level 2DIN JVC and a steering wheel control adapter for around $800. Not cheap, but the end result will be worth it....I hope!

[mihai]

The fascia kit is definately worth it, however just know that if you have the McIntosh system you will hit speedbumps due to the McIntosh amp under the seat.

[gjws]

The fascia kit is definately worth it, however just know that if you have the McIntosh system you will hit speedbumps due to the McIntosh amp under the seat.

No McIntosh, I've got the OEM Kenwood. Any problems I should expect, or is that likely to be a straight swap?

[mihai]

The fascia kit is definately worth it, however just know that if you have the McIntosh system you will hit speedbumps due to the McIntosh amp under the seat.

No McIntosh, I've got the OEM Kenwood. Any problems I should expect, or is that likely to be a straight swap?

Straight swap. Just get yourself a Subaru Wiring harness from Autobarn and solder the new headunits wires to that. Then its just plug into headunit, plug into car loom and you're done. No having to worry about cutting the factory plug off and soldering straight to the loom

[gjws]

Quick check before I buy the wrong thing. Is this is a suitable harness adapter?

http://www.aerpro.com/list.php?pcode=AP ... at_sno=158

[mihai]

I forgot the code of the one I bought, but I'm pretty sure thats the one. If you have any trouble with it, you can return it and swap it over for the correct one. But yea, I'm pretty sure thats the one I bought.

[gjws]

Thanks, much appreciated!

No big deal, as you say I can always swap it, but you know I'll find out it's the wrong one on Sunday afternoon just after the shop shuts

[Nipple06]

I would like to know more about this aux input to.
short term my suggestion is a fm transmitter costs like $8.50 off ebay that's what im doing but drives me mad if your in Sydney 101.1 is the best i think that's the one we use.

Yeah, been there done that Like you said, it drives you nuts with all the drop in's and out's. There are a couple of FM adapters that actively disengage the car aerial whilst they are on to reduce interference but they are close to $200 so no a realistic alternative in my opinion.

I've taken the plunge and ordered the replacement HVAC kit with 2DIN trim adapter from japanparts and in should be here next week. At around $400 delivered it is seriously expensive but at least it leaves me way open for radio replacement options. I should get away with the HVAC kit, a reasonable entry level 2DIN JVC and a steering wheel control adapter for around $800. Not cheap, but the end result will be worth it....I hope!

So want one but $1200 that's rich but i have worked out that with my ipod and fm transmitter if you put it your little satnav thingy makes it alot better but yer still. Went in my mates brand new x5 2011 with the 3l d and has about 3 ways to connect the ipod. but the silly thing doesn't have a dipstick i guess they figure that gets put in later. Some people are just to well looked after.