Replacing my head unit

[jetboy]

Ehh.. maybe a doublepost, thought I posted already but can't find it

So my 1U head unit is done for I want to replace it with a proper nav/usb/flash thing...

Do I need a new harness? I've searched for units people successfully installed and can vaguely remember a Pioneer AVIC being popular?

What's proven? And is there a hand holder / walk through somewhere?

[1986nate]

If you want a proper adapter harness, check with "SVXDC" here on the forum. He makes the proper adapter harness and has his own website. I believe on his site there is also a walk through on how to remove the factory radio. Shipping shouldn't be too bad overseas on a small harness like this. The only other option would be to cut off the old connector and "hardwire" the new stereo harness in.

[jetboy]

Yes, I already mailed him. I guess I also have to go and check my current harness since I don't believe the current setup is original. The original was stolen. I also can't close the panel, probably due to the plate the current unit is installed into.

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by jetboy

Yes, I already mailed him. I guess I also have to go and check my current harness since I don't believe the current setup is original. The original was stolen. I also can't close the panel, probably due to the plate the current unit is installed into.

Ahhh, tough luck. He may be able to get you the "other end" if in fact your original was "hacked" this way, you can splice back in what would have originally been there, enabling a stock radio to be used again, and also allowing you to use the proper harness. If he does not, there are many parts cars here in the states. I'm sure you could get someone to remove the connector with a few inches of wiring.
If there is already an aftermarket radio installed, they may have already put in an antenna extension. You may want to get one anyways just to be sure though.

[Lookin4SVX]

processengr has the Pioneer AVIC series installed.

Here is pic he posted in that other thread:



Thread:
www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54858

[jetboy]

Brilliant. Thanks.

[processengr]

I have an AVIC F700BT in the 92 Silver, and an AVIC X900BT in the Ebony. Both use the SVXDC adapters. Both were very hard to install. Use a 90 degree antenna connector. Remove any unnecessary wires from the bundle. Keep adapter wiring short as possible. Use two people and fish the wiring bundle through the opening in the rear of the radio tunnel as you push the radio cage back into the car. There is zero clearance in the back. It is worth it though...

[jetboy]

So, as a total beginner, what is actually connected to the head unit and supplied by the car?

1) Power
2) Speakers
3) Antennae

Are all these connections amalgated into the connector harness or are they separated?

Processengr, I understand from your directions that the units are so deep there is no room for cables and harnesses/connectors in the back and creating that space is the hard part? So a shallower unit would eliminate this problem? I'm not partial to any brand, I might not even need a dedicated nav. I might only need a "docking station" for a phone and a radio... this would limit screen size to the phone's screen but I usually go by the audio when I use it anyway

[jetboy]

Just thinking... maybe I could make one? A regular amp, radio and USB unit which still has enough space so I can attach a mount for the phone (which will connect via the USB.

Would be interesting if there's anything "barebone" on the market.... I really don't feel like assembling it all myself

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by jetboy

So, as a total beginner, what is actually connected to the head unit and supplied by the car?

1) Power
2) Speakers
3) Antennae

Are all these connections amalgated into the connector harness or are they separated?

Processengr, I understand from your directions that the units are so deep there is no room for cables and harnesses/connectors in the back and creating that space is the hard part? So a shallower unit would eliminate this problem? I'm not partial to any brand, I might not even need a dedicated nav. I might only need a "docking station" for a phone and a radio... this would limit screen size to the phone's screen but I usually go by the audio when I use it anyway

1 power
2 ground
3 switched power
4 illumination
5 antenna
6-13 speakers (stock tweeters are T-ed into the door speakers)

There's a pinout here: http://ae64.com/AudioInstall-2.htm#2...adioConnPinout

[jetboy]

Whoa, it all terminates in that single connector? So a converter between the SVX-side and for instance ISO is all that's needed? And enough space to cram the cables away?

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by jetboy

Whoa, it all terminates in that single connector? So a converter between the SVX-side and for instance ISO is all that's needed? And enough space to cram the cables away?

The antenna is a separate connector, but other than that yes. Yea, the wires are all pretty much the standard ones, just in a connector that's a unique shape, plus some extra wires. The ones I listed are the ones that the aftermarket one will need to connect to, the rest are in the link I posted ^^.

[jetboy]

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

The antenna is a separate connector, but other than that yes. Yea, the wires are all pretty much the standard ones, just in a connector that's a unique shape, plus some extra wires. The ones I listed are the ones that the aftermarket one will need to connect to, the rest are in the link I posted ^^.

I'll have to check since I don't have the original unit installed but apparently (from David) the connector on euro cars is more standard old subaru. I can probably buy a converter and avoid any soldering.

Should I disconnect my battery before I take unscrew the unit to check?

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by jetboy

I'll have to check since I don't have the original unit installed but apparently (from David) the connector on euro cars is more standard old subaru. I can probably buy a converter and avoid any soldering.

Should I disconnect my battery before I take unscrew the unit to check?

It's good practice to unhook the battery first. (I only do about half the time though )

Did you have a look through the guide on how to take it out? Be really gentle tightening the screws when you put it back together, they go into plastic and you don't want to break or strip the plastic back there. Just make them snug and then stop.

[jetboy]

I had a look. The original unit is replaced, it's not pretty there anyway. I'll take a pic later.