B
Brian Wasson
Well, I finally got around to installing an OEM Subaru alarm
(purchased from Subaru-parts.com with no problems) this weekend in my
new 2003 Outback wagon. While generally an easy install, I thought I'd
pass along a few hints. I did this install along with installing a
Subaru OEM 6-disc CD changer/cassette head unit that I got from a WRX
(replacing the stock single-disc head unit).
1. Removal of the dashboard trim is fairly straightforward and
reasonably well illustrated in the alarm's installation instructions.
Be sure to have a short Phillips screwdriver on hand, as the two
screws that hold the ashtray assembly in place can be challenging to
get out (and are harder to get back in!). When pulling the trim plate
with the cigarette lighter socket, carefully remove the plugs from the
back of the outlet.
2. Place a cloth/towel over the shifter trim, and tuck it into the
cavity under the stereo stack (where the coin tray that you removed
was). This not only protects the easily scratched aluminum trim plate
of the shifter (trust me on this one), but catches any errant screws
that fall off the screwdriver when you are putting everything back
together.
3. Alarm module installation requires that a bracket be mounted to the
right side of the stereo bracket. After the bracket is installed, do
NOT install the module until after you have screwed the main stereo
bracket back into the dash. (The module covers the mounting holes for
the stereo bracket.)
4. Maybe I'm dense, but the most trouble I had was finding the starter
interrupt/horn relay that is under the dash. The installation
instructions simply say something like "the black-color relay is to
the left of the steering column under the dash." Well, the fuse box
and about 500 other wires/plugs are there, too! After about a
half-hour of poking around, and finally unscrewing and pulling the
fuse box out of the way, I saw the relays in question: one was black
and one was white. Save yourself some time and unscrew the fuse box
first, then look slightly above it for a pair of plugs, one white with
a removable "cap" (for lack of a better term) with a loop of wire on
it, and one black. These wire for these plugs is taped-up a bit, and
the tape needs to be carefully cut in order to allow the wire to have
enough slack to reach the mounting location for the alarm's relay
(which is mounted on the two screws to the left of the fuse box).
5. All in all, this is a pretty easy install. The only difficulty I
had was finding the horn relays, apart from that, it would probably
have been a leisurely half-hour install. All the wiring is existant
from the factory, which makes things pretty easy.
Brian Wasson
Abington, Pa.
(purchased from Subaru-parts.com with no problems) this weekend in my
new 2003 Outback wagon. While generally an easy install, I thought I'd
pass along a few hints. I did this install along with installing a
Subaru OEM 6-disc CD changer/cassette head unit that I got from a WRX
(replacing the stock single-disc head unit).
1. Removal of the dashboard trim is fairly straightforward and
reasonably well illustrated in the alarm's installation instructions.
Be sure to have a short Phillips screwdriver on hand, as the two
screws that hold the ashtray assembly in place can be challenging to
get out (and are harder to get back in!). When pulling the trim plate
with the cigarette lighter socket, carefully remove the plugs from the
back of the outlet.
2. Place a cloth/towel over the shifter trim, and tuck it into the
cavity under the stereo stack (where the coin tray that you removed
was). This not only protects the easily scratched aluminum trim plate
of the shifter (trust me on this one), but catches any errant screws
that fall off the screwdriver when you are putting everything back
together.
3. Alarm module installation requires that a bracket be mounted to the
right side of the stereo bracket. After the bracket is installed, do
NOT install the module until after you have screwed the main stereo
bracket back into the dash. (The module covers the mounting holes for
the stereo bracket.)
4. Maybe I'm dense, but the most trouble I had was finding the starter
interrupt/horn relay that is under the dash. The installation
instructions simply say something like "the black-color relay is to
the left of the steering column under the dash." Well, the fuse box
and about 500 other wires/plugs are there, too! After about a
half-hour of poking around, and finally unscrewing and pulling the
fuse box out of the way, I saw the relays in question: one was black
and one was white. Save yourself some time and unscrew the fuse box
first, then look slightly above it for a pair of plugs, one white with
a removable "cap" (for lack of a better term) with a loop of wire on
it, and one black. These wire for these plugs is taped-up a bit, and
the tape needs to be carefully cut in order to allow the wire to have
enough slack to reach the mounting location for the alarm's relay
(which is mounted on the two screws to the left of the fuse box).
5. All in all, this is a pretty easy install. The only difficulty I
had was finding the horn relays, apart from that, it would probably
have been a leisurely half-hour install. All the wiring is existant
from the factory, which makes things pretty easy.
Brian Wasson
Abington, Pa.