[johnmarzy]

I have a 2018 Subaru Forester Premium. The CD player died. Meaning when the Entertainment system is turned on the CD light does not turn on. Radio, Phone, Apps work, just not the CD.
My Subaru dealer said they will charge $200 to diagnose the problem, but my fear/concern is there is no repair option and they will just offer to replace the whole thing which I assume is $1500.

Any advice?

 

[auntiesuebee]

My CD's have gone the way of my cassette and 8-track tapes. My last 3 vehicles haven't even had a player.

But if it was important to me, I would contact Crutchfield and purchase a plug 'n play replacement.

 

[OutbackJon]

I've never even put a CD into my car's stereo.
But if I needed to replace it, I'd consider going either the Crutchfield route or one of the Android head units available from China that replace the entire panel. I think the company is called Idoing.

https://www.idoingstereo.com/forsubaru.html

I have no experience with the Idoing head units, but I think if you search the forum you'll find some info.

 

[bman400]

Get an aftermarket Head Unit that supports Apple Car Play, Android Auto with a nice large 8" display. CD's are no more. If you want to play your CD's RIP them and play them from your phone via music players that interface with Car Play or AA. But then if you're hung up on maintaining the original head-unit, them by all means pay the $1500-$2000 to the dealer..... It's your decision.

 

[DragonSubie7]

If the power light doesn't come on, I'm wondering if it might be separately fused, or if a connector became disconnected...

 

[algreen]

I have the original CD player radio from my 2015 XT Touring if you’re interested. Works perfectly. PM me.

 

[Black21Limited]

I put a CD in my 2021 just to make sure it works, but that was the last time.



If you don't want to stream or use your phone as storage, there are mp3 players that you can connect via the 3.5mm jack or possibly Bluetooth. If you don't want to bother with a USB flash drive. If you have those other options, you can just keep using the current HU.

 

[Theseus161]

Subaru dealerships rarely repair anything. They just change parts. Diagnostic in most cases is just a money grab.

 

[Jory21]

2013 Forester SAT NAV working poorly, Radio OK.Should Ipurchace a second hand unit or try and fit an aftermarket ,costing $200 plus freight. Geoff in Aussie

 

[Black21Limited]

2013 navigation is probably badly outdated. A HU with CarPlay/Andriod Auto will get you google maps, or other navigation apps via your phone that are always up to date without a fee.