Subaru Liberty Gen 3 Double din / Subwoofer

[kezakool]

Hey i've got a subaru liberty gen 3 and i just got a hold of a double din screen. I wanted to install it in the centre console part in replacement of the original head unit. I was just wondering what it would take in order to install this in regards of cables and that, or even a tutorial if possible Thanks

[SUBYDAZZ]

Hey i've got a subaru liberty gen 3 and i just got a hold of a double din screen. I wanted to install it in the centre console part in replacement of the original head unit. I was just wondering what it would take in order to install this in regards of cables and that, or even a tutorial if possible Thanks

I think the best way is simply to buy a dozen or so of the little crimp terminals that look like this and add them to the end of the wires on your aftermarket wiring loom:

terminal.jpg (43.62 KiB) Viewed 11096 times

Should be able to get them from electrical stores.

Then you simply plug them into the original wiring loom connector, it can look a bit messy but you won't see it and they won't just pop out because of the corrugations on it. Whack some electrical tape around it if you like too:

plugged1.jpg (50.51 KiB) Viewed 11096 times

Since a double_DIN is a straight replacement of the original double DIN unit you won't need an extra little pocket (I got mine from an earlier model at a wrecker for $10) that you may need if going from a Double to single DIN, like this:

HU1.jpg (88.75 KiB) Viewed 11096 times

The aerial connection can be a little tricky (you'll see what I mean when you pull it out) as the original one is a two-lead system with a funny plug. I bought 2-into one adapter and got a male-to-male plug set up so I could stick it inline with the factory connection:

adapter1.jpg (30.01 KiB) Viewed 11096 times

adapter2.jpg (24.44 KiB) Viewed 11096 times

Once you have all the panels off (shown here in backwards LEFT-HAND-DRIVE model) but saves me an awful lot of work: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.p ... ml?t=65115 I can tell you it's right because I only recently put the original Head Unit back in my gen 3 weeks ago.

It's pretty straightforward to unscrew the old unit and screw in yours.

Good luck.

[mihai]

It's easier if you go to Autobarn and buy a wiring harness.

Buy something like this:


They are made by Aerpro, and cost about $20-30? All you do is solder the wires from your new headunit to those ones (normally they are colour coded to modern headunits) and then its simply plug into your new headunit and plug into the stock loom shown above.

Just make sure you get the right one for your car as I think there are 2 Subaru ones available. (Normally they are pretty easy with returning and swapping them over if you get the wrong one)

This option looks neater, and is a bit better as its harder for a pin to come out.

[rooby]

If you are up to doing a bit of soldering definitely solder instead of using those crimp joiner things, although they will be alright as a last resort.
and use some electrical tape or heat shrink rubber/plastic stuff (not the technical term) to go over the solder.

[garbo41610]

+1 for soldering

then

+1 for a wiring harness

then

-1,000,000 for crimping on terminals and plugging them into a wiring harness. It doesn't make a good connection which increases the chance of distotion and damage to the speakers and also increases the chance of short circuits. I wouldn't even do this in my Sherpa.



Take your time and do a proper job.

[SUBYDAZZ]

Easier? Pfft.

Around $5 for the crimp terminals, I've been using them for years and have never had one come out, they stick in very tight. As I said, no-one really cares (except the installer) how tidy it is because you can't see it. No soldering required (+ I reckon crimping is way easier than soldering) and you don't need to get a new wiring harness for each different car you might want to put it into.

I'm not sure how it's not a good connection, it is as good as the original ones were, but I'm not chasing high-end audio here either. The factory loom would have to be all upgraded to make much of a difference IMHO.

Just putting all the options out there. If I wanted to be super-fastidious I would go the more expensive, slower and more tedious but prettier option of soldering the wiring loom into a plug.

[mihai]

Easier? Pfft.

Around $5 for the crimp terminals, I've been using them for years and have never had one come out, they stick in very tight. As I said, no-one really cares (except the installer) how tidy it is because you can't see it. No soldering required (+ I reckon crimping is way easier than soldering) and you don't need to get a new wiring harness for each different car you might want to put it into.

I'm not sure how it's not a good connection, it is as good as the original ones were, but I'm not chasing high-end audio here either. The factory loom would have to be all upgraded to make much of a difference IMHO.

Just putting all the options out there. If I wanted to be super-fastidious I would go the more expensive, slower and more tedious but prettier option of soldering the wiring loom into a plug.

I think its easier, means you don't have to worry about which connector your plugging into which pin. Means you don't have to figure out which pin goes to which speaker etc as the pins are already figured out from Aerpro and the cable colours they use are now the industry standard colours.

Just because you cant see it doesnt mean it shouldnt be done properly. I've heard of systems that have played up and not functioned properly because a cable had a nick in it or it was wedged between two panels two tight.

Weird shit can happen if you don't do it properly.

[garbo41610]

Easier? Pfft.

Around $5 for the crimp terminals, I've been using them for years and have never had one come out, they stick in very tight. As I said, no-one really cares (except the installer) how tidy it is because you can't see it. No soldering required (+ I reckon crimping is way easier than soldering) and you don't need to get a new wiring harness for each different car you might want to put it into.

I'm not sure how it's not a good connection, it is as good as the original ones were, but I'm not chasing high-end audio here either. The factory loom would have to be all upgraded to make much of a difference IMHO.

Just putting all the options out there. If I wanted to be super-fastidious I would go the more expensive, slower and more tedious but prettier option of soldering the wiring loom into a plug.

When you have fixed up as many bodgy installs as I have done by backyard installers, and chain stores you kind of get a knack for doing it once and doing it right. Yeah you might not get any problems doing it this way, but why give your stereo another point of possible failure like this? Crimps can work their way loose over time, car dashs aren't the best environment for these types of connections.

It's not a matter of it being pretty, it's a matter of being safe and reliable.

[seanmau5]

kezakool, I had never done an audio install on a car before.. Bought one of the Aerpro harnesses, soldered it to the harness of my HU and insulated it using heatshrink.. I'm no pro at soldering, but it was an easy task to do & I'm much more satisfied knowing it has been done thoroughly the first time.

[kezakool]

Thank you guys, im gna use that image to take it apart, and try using the wiring harness. Will post pictures soon and let you know how it goes!! aahahahaha thank you again really helped!!

[andy85]

I think the best way is simply to buy a dozen or so of the little crimp terminals that look like this and add them to the end of the wires on your aftermarket wiring loom:

Should be able to get them from electrical stores.

Then you simply plug them into the original wiring loom connector, it can look a bit messy but you won't see it and they won't just pop out because of the corrugations on it. Whack some electrical tape around it if you like too:

What i'd like to do to make the connections stronger is to place a few drops of "Super Glue". It Should hold em' up!!! And finish off with some "masking tape". LOLz...ahhaha

Regardless of price, all connections should be done properly. Not only theres a higher chance of a short circuit but you will not get a CLEAN signal. Connections and Installation MATTERS!!!

[SUBYDAZZ]

Well clearly I'm outvoted. I won't lose any sleep

[SUBYDAZZ]

I'd also be very interested in how other pro installers get around the aerial connection hurdle.

[seanmau5]

I'd also be very interested in how other pro installers get around the aerial connection hurdle.

Gen IV double din fascia kit comes with a proper adapter. But kudos on your DIY job!!

[SUBYDAZZ]

Gen IV double din fascia kit comes with a proper adapter. But kudos on your DIY job!!

Where do you get these from and what are they worth?