I have a new Forester XT Premium arriving later this month, and I am very much looking forward to it with one exception, missing Satellite radio. It's frustrating that they no longer have an option available which they used to offer on BASE models. I read the PDF of the owners manual which makes reference to a non-navigation radio that has the XM option. It appears to only be used on some Canadian models. However, Subaru has a habit of pre-wiring for a lot of options, so I wondered if I were to find one of these elusive "Type E" radios if it would be a plug and play swap. Is there a satellite radio antenna? Is the wiring harness different? Has anyone does this? If you have, where did you get the radio?
I can't help much, even though I actually have a type E in my car.
I haven't found an extra antenna, and haven't seen it mentioned in the service manual, so I'm assuming it's using the roof antenna for satellite radio.
The head unit is very similar to the other non-nav models, so I wouldn't be surprised if the wiring harness is the same as well. My type E is connected to the H-K 440W under-seat amp, so there might be some differences there.
Your best bet to get one would be to buy it from someone who has upgraded.
Buying one new from Subaru is also possible, but I imagine the price would be eye-watering. In that case, aftermarket would be the way to go.
It would seem that the Canadians who have this radio are holding on to it, at least there haven't been any posted to eBay. The price for the new one is well over $1000! I have seen several 2014 "Premium" radio's posted, so I know those are getting swapped out. This leaves me to ponder what my other options are, but I am certain I want it integrated into the head unit, even if I have to swap it out. Ideally, I'd like to keep the stock head unit, and have some sort of tuner that plugged in via usb that would still have the Artist/Album/Song and channel number information display on the MFD. I mean, there are all sorts of crazy electronic devices, certainly there has to be something like a simple USB Sirius tuner that would allow the most basic control such as changing stations from the steering wheel, right?
Assuming that such a device doesn't exist I've also looked at swapping out the head unit. One local installer said they couldn't because the dash kit didn't exist yet, another one is doing some research for me. I have the skills, but I'd rather have someone else be responsible if they break something during installation. I've looked at a couple Kenwood and Pioneer units that look nice, are there any brands that seem to integrate better with the Subaru? As for steering wheel controls, are there head units that use all the functions exactly the same as stock? Are there any that happen to use the same wiring plug so that they don't even need a harness/adaptor?
On the higher trim navigation models, is the antenna different, or is my Premium model equipped with a cleverly hidden SiriusXM antenna?
I do find the lack of easy Sirius integration frustrating, even more so than the overpriced Sirius tuner in my last (base model) Forester. But, I like the vehicle overall, so I guess there were worse things that either giving up on satellite radio or replacing the head unit with an aftermarket one.
We love our new 2015 Forester, but are frustrated that the type E radio with built in XM capability is not available through the dealer as an option for our model.
Can anyone comment on the availabilty and price from a Canadian dealer?
I just picked up a 2015 STi (CV629UM) "Type E" head unit on eBay for $80.
Part No. 86201VA620
Clarion Model No. PF-3630
The layout of this unit is the same as all non-nav Forester radios. There is a slight difference in appearance as this unit has a gloss finish face plate and chrome accents. It is completely plug and play without cars with one exception. You will need an antenna. The entire antenna harness and roof module is different for SiriusXM equipped vehicles. You can use any satellite antenna as long as it uses a pink FAKRA connector to plug in to the head unit itself. I purchased a windshield mount antenna on Amazon for $28.
Forester Touring model head units appear to be identical except for the finish on the face plate which match the surrounding bezel. The number on the front is CF646UH.
I've attached some photos of the head unit in and out of the car. Also, the older Subaru underseat subwoofers work flawlessly with these radios as well.
I just picked up a 2015 STi (CV629UM) "Type E" head unit on eBay for $80.
Part No. 86201VA620
Clarion Model No. PF-3630
The layout of this unit is the same as all non-nav Forester radios. There is a slight difference in appearance as this unit has a gloss finish face plate and chrome accents. It is completely plug and play without cars with one exception. You will need an antenna. The entire antenna harness and roof module is different for SiriusXM equipped vehicles. You can use any satellite antenna as long as it uses a pink FAKRA connector to plug in to the head unit itself. I purchased a windshield mount antenna on Amazon for $28.
Forester Touring model head units appear to be identical except for the finish on the face plate which match the surrounding bezel. The number on the front is CF646UH.
I am about to install this radio in my 2014 Forester XT, how has reception been with that particular antenna? I currently have a Sirius SIGMA antenna attached to a external tuner (Starmate 8) and it has worked very well, even on wooded roads, and we have no repeaters here.
Does your rooftop antenna have the larger base and appear to be the combo AM/FM/XM type? If so, look near the floor below your HU and check if you have connectors similar to these:
That's a 2013 Outback, but you may find similar connectors, except your AM/FM will only have a single wire (not dual), and your Forester may or may not have the pink FAKRA connector.
If your rooftop antenna does include XM, I've found some OEM "feeder cords" that you could use to go between the factory connector at the floor and the FAKRA connector on the rear of the WRX/STi HU.
Here's the cord from 2015 WRX/STi:
Lower ends of WRX/STi (top) and Forester feeder (bottom) cords:
I indeed have one of the larger based antennas that is identical in appearance to the models with navigation and built in XM. I saw nothing resembling a FARKA connector but I only removed the panel which contained the HVAC controls, and I'm not sure how to remove the one underneath where the feeder cable would connect. Where can I get one of those "feeder cables"? I'd like to order one for the next time, and hopefully the last time, I pull the dash apart. Then, as a backup plan, I could use the antenna I ordered if I am not able to locate or access the location where the feeder cable plugs into.
While I like the car, I'm still frustrated with Subaru for not making this standard or available in a handy little add on kit. Even my 2008 base model Impreza had an available satellite kit which was fairly easily installed and with clear instructions. Sure, it was overpriced, but I'd take that over having to deal with this to get back a feature that was available in a much more basic vehicle 6 model years older.
I just installed one of these HU's in my 2013 Crosstrek XV. Picked up from a NASIOC user (but thru eBay) for $100. Came from a new 2015 WRX... like new.
I used an XM antenna from MyRadioStore and it seems to work great (at least it picks up the 001 preview channel right away.)
Two things:
1. The XM Radio signal is really low volume compared to anything else. Is the the norm?
2. The USB/Aux connector on the rear of the unit is not the same as my factory connector. This was a bit of a let down, as now I'll either have to order a new "feeder" cord, or find some way to adapt.
I'll give David a chance to respond on the USB/Aux connector issue, as he may have a solution to this. Actually, I'll give him a shout via email.
As for the XM radio signal being "weak" as far as volume is concerned. Anyone else see this? Or is this isolated to the preview channel? If it's the "norm" on all channel signals, I may have to pass. Darn it! I really wanted to get back to XM. I really miss Chill, and some other channels.
My other solution is to re-install my Helix Audio PP50DSP Amp/DSP signal processor. The harness for it is a real PITA to install tuck & hide, but it will more than make up for the weak volume signal.
Regarding the "weak" signal ... it's not the signal. I have the factory XM with H/K setup, and the signal strength is fine. The issue that some are having must be either the radio itself, or the antenna. The only problem I have with SiriusXM is that the quality of the music is pretty bad ... closer to AM radio than FM. Supposedly CD quality, but it's not. It's like that on all three of my vehicles.
I'm with you guys ... it's hard to believe that Subaru doesn't have a Sirius XM option in all trim levels. For one thing, looking through the owner's manual, they have way too many radio types. Why not just a basic one, with SiriusXM as an option, and then a top of the line option that's really good where SiriusXM, HD radio, and all the bells and whistles are part of it? The latter is really the H/K but it's pricey to the point that everybody won't want it. However ... as I recall, my EyeSight, Navigation, and H/K option was about $2000, so it's not ridiculously expensive.
I think I'd go aftermarket if I had one of the basic radios. I got a pretty top end Kenwood installed in my Corvette, with SiriusXM and Garmin Nav, for about $1200. And it has all the USB ports, IPod capability, etc.
Well, after re-gleaning David's info pages, it seems the connector incompatibility I have is USB only. The Aux wiring is on one of the main harnesses. Good news, but would still like to figure out a solution to the USB connector.
My "BRAKE" lamp on the Speedo/Tach cluster is constantly illuminated. I'm not the only one seeing this as well: NASIOC
Basically the car thinks the parking brake is engaged. Strange...
From what I can tell, on the 16 pin harness "B186" there is a connection for "Parking Brake / Brake Fluid Warning Light System" on pin 15 (listed in the service manual for my 2013 Crosstrek.)
I have no idea why Subaru did this, but for some reason with the new WRX HU installed now the lamp on the dash stays lit. Everything else seems to work as it should (same as my OE HU,) other than the USB connector socket being different. That's a workable fix.
Has anyone else seen the "BRAKE" lamp constant illumination after the swap? I can live with it if it's not truly causing a functional issue (other than killing the DRL lights.)
Subaru decided to change some pin configurations on the 16 pin harness at the HU (Connector B186.) On my 2013 Crosstrek, pin 15 of said harness is tied into the "Parking Brake / Brake Fluid Level Warning Light System." I found this in the Factory Service manual wiring schematics.
Needless to say, the new 2015 WRX HU (CV629UM) does not use this connection. For whatever reason, it's been removed. So, I'll have to "un-pin" this connection for normal operation of the "BRAKE" lamp indicator on the cluster. Whatever, I guess I'll dig back into the dash and fix it.
As for XM Radio volume being really low in comparison to all other sources. I thought it might be related to CH-001 preview, but it's not. Sirius/XM is free and activated right now from Feb 13-23. All of the channels I've tuned into are the same. Really low volume compared to other HU sources. This sucks!
It may very well be the antenna I'm using RocketDawg, but who knows at this point. In every other vehicle I've owned with factory installed XM radio, it's been fine (like you state.) I'm going to check with my local dealer to "test" a new 2015 WRX Ltd. (non HK / non amped version) and see what it sounds like.
As for going aftermarket, I may end up doing that (again.) I just pulled a JVC unit I had in for ~ 6 months, and it worked great other than the weakest FM tuner ever produced. I like talk radio / sports radio on FM. Truthfully, that's what I listen to most of time.
The volume is low on my head unit as well. I've read on NASIOC other complaints about this particular head unit (from a 2015 STi) in regards to XM volume. The signal strength is fine with the aftermarket antenna.
That's what I've heard too Bryan. If we ever find a hidden menu to "source level" adjust we can fix it. But I've yet to run across that!
Thanks
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