Liberty OEM Kenwood satnav subwoofer output

[SVXdc]

In a PM, Chris recently asked me about the built-in subwoofer output on his Liberty's OEM satnav. I thought it was worth turning this into a thread, since I'm sure others will be interested in the discussion...

Hi David,

I know you've answered this but I still don't really understand what I need or if I can do it.

I've got one of the DVD/SatNav/Bluetooth Libertys with nothing under the front seat. It's all in the centre. I have also added an AUX plug which had the yellow and red video wires as well as a clear plastic (red maybe?) plug which was a Sub Out female plug.

So what I want to do is put the factory sub under my drivers seat (the rectangular OEM one).

Like you've shown here: [link] mine has the exact same controls on the sat nav screen which dont work obviously. I want them to work.

So what I'm asking in the end is:
Do I need the wire you've shown? Can I make my own?
Can I still use my AUX plug? I assume this wont replace what I purchased from Subaru to get my iPod going.

I think thats all. Sorry to be a pain, but I just wanted to make it clear. I've found one on eBay which I want to purchase shortly providing it'll work. I cant believe modifications have to be made for something that is displayed on the screen.

All the best,

Chris.

[SVXdc]

Hi Chris,
It sounds like you have a satnav unit similar to the one shown in this thread.

Is the "aux plug" you added Subaru's OEM "Cord Convert" harness (see post #3 in that thread)? And is that aux input what you're using for your iPod, or did you also add something else to connect the iPod to the HU?

In that NASIOC thread you linked to, the green subwoofer RCA jack shown in my post is equivalent to the red "SUB WOOFER" jack on the OEM cord convert harness.

Had you not installed the cord convert harness, you could have added my RCA cable to your Liberty's 24-pin satnav harness. But since you have the cord convert harness, you don't need my RCA cable (in fact, my cable would not work, since the cord convert harness would prevent mine from connecting to your HU).

The rectangular-shaped OEM sub will not work with the satnav's line-level subwoofer output. See my post here (#4 in my 'Subaru stock HU info' thread). You can install that sub and it will function, but it taps your satnav's front speaker outputs. Your on-screen menus will not control that type of sub!

So why is the subwoofer output present on these OEM Kenwood satnavs? I suspect it's only used in some JDM model Legacys and Outbacks. On the similar Impreza/Forester Navi, I've only seen it used on some Foresters. Perhaps some JDM Imprezas use it too (it seems JDM Subarus get many more options than the rest of the world).

If you really want to be able to use your satnav's subwoofer output (so you can control a subwoofer via the on-screen menus), you must choose a different sub -- either an aftermarket sub (one that can accept a line-level signal as input), or the OEM "odd-shaped" sub shown here.

With the latter, you would need to build a custom harness. It would convert from the subwoofer connectors* on the "cord convert" cable to the proprietary 6-pin connector on that "odd-shaped" OEM sub.

*Specifically, the red subwoofer RCA jack and the sub "power control terminal" (remote turn-on lead -- the blue wire with female bullet connector). You would also need to supply that sub with +12V tapped from somewhere in your Liberty (and chassis ground).

For an aftermarket subwoofer, check out the Sound Ordnance B-8PT. That has received many favorable reviews.

If/when you pull your HU again, I'd greatly appreciate pictures of the entire front, back, and top (with label with model numbers).

[chris12]

Hi David,

Thanks for the mega response. I sorta asked on here a couple of times, but I didn't really get a set in stone response.

So, the day I PM'd you about this, I just thought what the heck, I'll buy the sub and if it works, it works, if it doesn't I'll sell it.

But, after doing a bit more research (and my head actually switching on), that AUX Plug in post #3 is the one I've purchased. Well, the plug looks the same and the instructions look the same http://i47.tinypic.com/2zpmw5c.jpg -- I'm not sure if mine says 100K on the end though? I will check. Actually, now I'm not sure. I thought my subout: http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3219/kabelc.jpg (the blue wire) was red for me. Anyway, then I had a closer look and photos I'd found (or you've got in your posts) and remembered my plug had something that looked like that RCA cable you made and offer for sale. My SatNav is the same as that one - from the front, not sure about the back, so lets assume so.

Ok, so from what you say, I'll only be able to tap into the front speaker outputs and the menu's wont control the sub. A bit of a shame, but still, I'll plug it in and wave my magic wand and see what happens.



A few reasons why I went OEM:
- I don't really care too much about the sub. It's either this or nothing. I do like keeping my cars looking factory even if it does compromise quality, I suppose. Not much of an aftermarket (except for plugs, breaks, filters etc) sort of guy.
- It looked like a relatively easy plug and play solution
- I'm no electrician. I have no idea about electricity and all that sort of stuff, so I just want a plug and play.


I have purchased the sub and it should be on it's way. I will take photos of my HU and everything I have. Hopefully it adds to what is a confusing series of different HU and sockets and all that garbage from Subaru from one model of car. The problem I have found is 1. Subaru have no idea themselves / get different responses. 2. The people selling it have no idea - the Subaru wrecker / dealer I purchased this off said it would work for any 2006 - 2009 Subaru Liberty or Outback. So there you go.

Again, thanks for all your help. Not just with that post but the plethora of other information on several forums.

[chris12]

Just to add to all of that, I really thought I'd take the punt when I read drewy1's posts:

Hi Guys,

I have a my08 liberty 2.5i with dvd sat nav. I ordered the steering wheel
controls from subaru part# 83154ag001, took about 30 mins to fit works
great with the factory unit.

Andrew

That post there from this thread here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2916&p=44854#p44854 made me realize my car was the same as his.

And then he adds this to another thread here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3505&p=45053#p45053

By adding the subaru gen aux harness will give you the connections you will need for adding your amp and sub, it even gives you remote out to turn the amp. I think it cost about $150 dollars, but remember to connect the blue/white and red/white leads or the aux won't work.

I PM'd drewy1, but it doesn't look like he's a regular on here as he hasn't read the message yet.