Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

hypov · July 2005

Technically, you could hook up two subs -- the harnesses would probably be able to daisy chain quite easily. The only thing that would worry me is power -- they draw power from the radio circuit. I would probably run a separate power lead for two subs.

You can hook up two underseat subwoofers. Did that

Just plug and play, but you got to contort the mounting bracket to fit under the driver's seat.

Result: Didn't sound worst. Actually better.

Note: Get deep cycle battery, which I will be soon, unless you don't mind the dash doing the disco :shades:

-Dave

p/s: Oh, the sub draws juice direct from the battery.

subiewtb · July 2005

You put both subwoofers under the driver seat? I was thinking putting one in each seat! Did you run a separate circuit from the fuse box to the second sub?
Lee :P

P.S. Where did you order the Klasse products online?

c_hunter · July 2005

Dave, which Subaru are you referring to?? On the subs I have installed, the sub harness tees into the radio harness, and draws power from that feed (I believe it uses the constant +12V lead used to power the radio memory). Both of the power lines in the radio harness (one constant, one switched) use fairly thin wire and route through the fuse box. That would be my concern with two subs -- they probably demand heavier gage wire and a separate fuse/circuit....

Craig

hypov · July 2005

We have the same

From looking at the harness, line in [orignal harness to the radio] from the battery is routed direct to the subwoofer when T'd to the sub's harness, which carries it's own fuse, IIRC by-passing the radio.

-Dave

hypov · July 2005

No, one underseat subwoofer for each seat [driver/passenger]

-Dave

drew10 · July 2005

Does anyone know if there are any significant changes in the new '06 Outbacks versus the '05 models?

kens · July 2005

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2006.html

Some relatively minor changes.

Ken

sweet_subie · July 2005

also, see future models thread in this site.

ssminton · July 2005

Thanks for the post on the window replacement. I too have the same "blemish" on my rear hatch glass. I have chosen to not do anything about it. I have an extended warranty so I figure that I have to 100K to get it replaced. For now... I think that I will just sit tight.

linda12 · July 2005

My 2001 Subaru Outback has been having a problem with the climate control system. Every once in awhile (seemingly randomly), the a/c will stop blowing cold air and will only blow hot, and once this starts, the a/c will not kick in again.

Usually after a few hours of being out of the heat (like in a garage), the a/c will start working again, but since we have been having a heat wave this summer, it's been happening a lot. We've had the car into the dealer for service, but they can't recreate the problem, so they're unable to help. Is anyone else having this problem, or know of any possible causes? Thanks!

joeb24 · July 2005

I had a similar problem with my 2001 Outback LL Bean. The AC would blow cold air when I first turned it on, but then, after anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes, would blow hot air. The compressor would stop cycling on and off. I brought it to one dealer and one independent mechanic, and they could not solve the problem. The car was out of warranty, and I did not want to keep spending money and time on mechanics shooting in the dark. I ended up trading in the car.

adrifter · July 2005

This interests me. Maybe this is why I am having problems? I just got a 2005 Subaru Limited (6-CD changer NOT in the trunk is what sold me)...My old vehicle was the 2002 Subaru Outback Sedan with the McIntosh Sound system. Absolutely amazing...but I decided to crash it on the highway. Now I have a new car which is much better to me in everyway except the Audio TO GET TO THE POINT....I need a new system. I am not worried about speakers.....yet...here is my dilemma. I want to put a deck in...you know....an Audio Reciever thingy that can play CD's MP3's and has a nice equilizer. A LOT of my friends have but such things in there vehicles with new systems and what not....but they have all had older vehicles...so it was easy for them to do. My new car has a crazy center inlay. I went to a sight that sold a lot of Recievers for cars, and all the ones I was looking at fit my car...or so the sight said....but how would I get one that would fit without disrupting all the AC features? I looked at decks at both Circuit City and Best Buy...but when I asked if they could get on into my car they were clueless. Both places said they hadn't done a 2005 Subaru Legacy yet and didn't know the set up....if any of you have replaced the audio system unit please give me some advice...I want a good system, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to get a "custom" job done. thanks. Rock On.

ttenrag · July 2005

I have a 2.5i base model 2005 outback. i am getting aftermarket leather put in and would like to upgrade to the leather/wood steering wheel with radio controls......is this possible?

c_hunter · July 2005

Not even possible with the base radio.

c_hunter · July 2005

On Ltd models, the stereo and climate control are integrated -- they share common circuit boards and wiring harnesses. If you are set on adding an aftermarket radio, it would have to be located somewhere else in the car (glovebox, etc...) since the factory radio can't be divorced from climate control. You can basically intercept the speaker wiring and route it to your aftermarket radio, while leaving the factory system in the dash as a dummy.

If it were me, I would add better speakers, amps, and drive them off the factory radio via a line-out converter.

Craig

subiewtb · July 2005

I installed the subwoofer over the weekend and I didn't see any low level output. Are you referring to using a converter to change the speakers output to a low level input of the amplifier?
Is there a point in the radio where you can tap into to get low level output? :confuse:

Lee

hypov · July 2005

The volume and low cut control is on the side of the subwoofer.

-Dave

c_hunter · July 2005

Yes, I was talking about a line-out converter that drops speaker-level down to line-level. Some amps can take speaker level directly. JL audio even makes a device (Clean Sweep) that will correct the factory radio's default EQ curve. It's pricey, but that would be the ultimate way to go.

Craig

ateixeira · July 2005

Consider Wheelskins for the steering wheel, they're not too hard to install and look great.

I put some on my Escort in 1991, and liked it so much I actually removed it and reinstalled it on my Forester in 1998. They're still on there - 14 years and counting.

-juice

timo1745 · July 2005

I went through this on my '91 535 last summer...same symptoms/scenerio. Based upon my findings, my guess is your issue has something to do either with your A/C system's ability to maintain proper system pressure and/or keep itself within operating temperature (the prior is also dependent on the latter). Your A/C system's ability to cool your car is dependent on many things; the easiest to verify should be checked first. 1) the right amount of freon (e.g., system pressure on both the "high" and "low" sides of the system) and 2) that your auxilliary fan is switching 'on' when it should.

Even if you have the correct system pressure, if your car's aux fan isn't working, your A/C system will work pretty well even with just the air from your vehicle moving. At the point where it becomes too hot, it causes the pressure on the "high" (e.g., compressed) side of the A/C system to become too great, and should trip the pressure switch/compressor, causing the compressor to no longer run. Once the car is allowed to sit for a while, the system would cool, and pressures return to normal, allowing the A/C to run again for a while, and the process would repeat. As I see it, this is the symptom you mentioned which hit me e.g., "the A/C works fine until it gets warm". In my case, this scenerio was being caused by both my aux fan switch, and my high-side pressure switch being bad.

You can verify yourself whether or not your aux fan is coming on "high" after you've had the A/C running on Max A/C for a min or two. If it's not, it could just be a fuse in your fusebox, or the aux fan switch or the fan itself could be bad. If the aux fan is working, have a qualified A/C shop test your system pressure on both high and low sides. This would verify whether you have sufficient freon in the system--in the event there is too great of a pressure differential between the two sides (each car has it's own ideal values), your expansion valve might be slightly blocked. Finally, I would have them test your pressure switch on your A/C system's "high" side to see if it's doing its job properly. This was a $45 part on my BMW.

Sorry for the long post, but I always feel better about those awful drives to work in Aug w/ a partially working A/C system if what I learned can benefit someone else

Cheers,
Tim G
'05 OBXT-L 5MT
17.8k on the clock

jaguar62 · July 2005

This is a question for anyone that has actually opened up an '05 dash to get a good look at the stereo/AC system.

Do you think it would be easy to put in an antenna splitter at the back of the radio?
This could serve as an "Aux" input for an MP3 player with RF adaptor.

On my '96 outback, the RF adaptor works well even in the city IF I put the antenna down. Since the newer cars only have a retractable antenna, I think it will be necesary to inject the signal directly.

adrifter · July 2005

Thank you very much for your help c.hunter. I really appreciate someone giving me a good answer rather than a dead end "I don't know," but here's a question, although it may be a stupid one....What it you took apart the center console, Disconnected the audio wiring from it, but kept the circuit board in. Basically it would work for the AC but not be used for the audio end. You then shove the circuit board out of the way, throw in a deck, and connect the wiring to it. I know nothing about car circuitry so excuse me if this is far fetch. Of course the problem I see with my idea is that I don't know of any mounting brackets or face plates that would work. The reason I think there is a way of doing something with the center console is that on a website I surfed the the other day, I found a couple people who were showing off their customized Legacys. One had all new speakers, another was all customized lighting, but one had a unique center console. It didn't have any of the audio parts, but had the two dual climate control knobs...in the place of the audio section was a screen...a "ghost face" if you will. The person also had a Sirius radio unit in the glove compartment. I don't know, I always go by the rule When theres a will theres a way.....but I have a feeling the way I want leads to a big expense.

linda12 · July 2005

Interesting - this is a 2001 LL Bean as well. We have already spent quite a bit of money trying to diagnose - but they haven't been able to find anything, and seemed as if this was the first time they had ever encountered this type of AC issue. Other than this, we love the car, so I'd hate to trade it in - but it may be the only option. Just wondering - did you get another Subaru?

linda12 · July 2005

Tim - thanks very much for the info. It's a lot more than I've been able to find on my own, and since the service center seems stymied, it gives me some hope for a quick solution.

c_hunter · July 2005

I have done exactly that on my 05 Outback XT. The antenna connector is non-standard, however. I made up an adapter, but I understand that Metra is now selling one. This would allow you to hook up an FM modulator, which can switch between the antenna (for FM) and the modulator (for aux-in). It works very well, but of course the sound quality is not perfect -- like strong FM.

Craig

c_hunter · July 2005

It may be possible, but we'd be talking about some very advanced surgery. The circuit board for the climate control is literally routed through the radio, and the radio and climate control buttons/panels are intermingled. The radio/climate stack (basically the entire front console) could be kept together and moved elsewhere, but then you'd be dealing with the hassle of having the climate controls somewhere else, and they are as important as the stereo if you ask me. The stock stereo is not great, but it's not bad either. I'd invest time/money improving that before re-doing the whole console.

Craig

adrifter · July 2005

Well I must say, you do know what you are talking about. You sold me. I was going to go look at decks tonight, but I think I will go look at speakers instead. I wasn't planning on doing any "major" work on the audio system until late winter/early spring. Have car payments to handle first. But I did want to get an idea of what I needed to do. and you definitely helped. Thanks again.

bcurrie · July 2005

I am thinking of buying my 3rd Outback. After having a 96 and now an 01, both with manual trannys, I am wondering if the dreaded clutch shudder has appeared yet on base 05's or XT's. It's enough to make me think automatic or even another brand.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

sduford · July 2005

Nope, but we do suffer from the stinky clutch syndrome...

willoc · July 2005

I had problems with the A/C on my 2003 VDC wagon for a long time. Rather than retype what I found to be the problem, take a look at my blog and let me know if it helps you out. One thing I neglected to mention is that you can test the aspirator tube with a small piece of thread...hold it up to that little inlet vent on the climate control panel and see if it is sucked toward the unit. You'll see what I mean after reading:

http://willsrant.blogspot.com/2005/01/automatic-climate-control-problems.html

c_hunter · July 2005

One thing to keep in mind -- if you add aftermarket speakers, the overall system volume will drop a bit. While aftermarket speakers can handle more power, they usually take more power to drive.

Also, I added the factory subwoofer in my Outback XT, and the resulting system sounds pretty good. I have certainly had better sound systems than this, but it's good enough for me. So if you don't have the sub, maybe try that as your first upgrade.

CRaig

joeb24 · July 2005

No, I did not get another Subaru. I was not totally satisfied with the 2001 LL Bean, my first Subaru. After 50K, things started to deteriorate. I had to replace the radiator, kept having problems with warped rotors, and one mechanic said I needed to replace the rack and pinion steering (which I did not do), plus the AC problem! So, I was turned off to Subaru. I bought a 2005 Sienna Minivan, one of the decision factors being I wanted more room then the LL Bean provided.

But, I am now considering purchasing either a 2006 Forester or Outback as a second car, given that they have been redesigned since 2001. After all, Subarus are highly rated, so maybe the bum 2001 LL Bean I had was just a quirk?

bcurrie · July 2005

I've gotten over the Stinky Clutch Syndrome. 140,000 plus or minus on both of my Outbacks, replaced the clutch on my 96 at 65,000, the 01 at 90,000 and all of them smelled like rotten eggs in slippery conditions. I guess thats the price to pay for being unstoppable in snow. I'm just tired of having my friends accuse me not knowing how to dry a stick.

Bob

ateixeira · July 2005

)

Or just don't tell them.

-juice

oregonman · July 2005

I just got my 2005 Outback XT wagon and plan on installing a hitch. I was looking for the wiring harness, but I couldn't figure out how to remove the foam panel to the right of the spare tire well. I assume the harness is under there - that is where it is on my 2002 Outback. Any hints on removing it? I am guessing I pry it up, but I don't want to try that if it is not the right way.

Also is the wiring adapter I need the same as earlier Outbacks?

reliable2 · July 2005

I have taken my 2005 Outback with 16k miles into the dealer six times in less than nine months - 3 times for check engine/cruise disable, 2 times for trans inhibitor/won't start problems and 1 time for a bad front wheel bearing - this is terrible reliability and at what point will Subaru call this a lemon ? I also own a 2001 Outback with 80k that has been a good car, but I am very frustrated by my 2005 as I compare it to previous troublefree Accords and Camrys - any words of wisdom out there ?

jayologist · July 2005

OregonMan...

If you get the hitch package from Subaru it comes with a good set of instructions and all the stuff you'll need. I got mine for $300 i think from my dealer. Too much if you ask me. I found it for $250 online with $50 shipping. Wow, what savings. Anyway, the wiring harness is on the left side in the 2005. You don't need to remove any foam, just the cover on the left side that exposes the electrical outlet and the little carpeted board that has 2 little connectors. That is all you need to pry and it just pops back into place. In case you aren't aware, you do need to remove the exhaust and the heat shields to install the hitch. Its an easy job and with all that ground clearance there's no need for the car to be lifted. I was a little irritated at Subaru when I did the job - when I removed one of the exhaust cans from the rest of the exhaust system it was missing the seal piece that is supposed to sit in the middle of the connection. Obviously an error from the factory floor. The hitch package from Subaru comes with replacement seals so I just put it in when I was done.

One other thing... if you do get the factory hitch, I would advise either grinding off the paint from the tube (the piece that the ball connects to) or not pushing it into the receiver any further than the shear pin hole. If you push it too far it will not come out - I fought with mine for an hour until I finally ripped it out and put the grinder wheel to it.

Good luck with the hitch,
J

ateixeira · July 2005

Lemon Laws are very strict, most limit mileage to 10k or so, so you'd technically not qualify. Here is a link:

http://autopedia.com/html/HotLinks_Lemon2.html

However, I do think you should call 800-SUBARU3 and politely say "enough is enough" and ask them for favorable trade-in assistance.

Your case is more the exception than the rule, and hopefully lightning doesn't strike twice.

There's a bad apple in every batch, and it just seems like you got a Friday 5pm build. See if SoA will help get you into another one. Tell them you are an Edmunds Subaru Crew member and your on-line buddies are following your case with interest.

Good luck. Remember - be polite. They're more likely to want to help someone that is nice.

-juice

oregonman · July 2005

Thanks J. Are you saying there is a connector already installed by the power outlet? I found a hole under the outlet with a blank plastic plug. Pulling off the plastic plug, I can feel a loop of wiring under there but gently tugging on it, it feels attached. I don't have the hitch yet, so I have no instructions.

I was planning on getting the Hidden Hitch because that is what I put on my 2002 and it was cheap, easy and has worked fine. Has anyone compared the Hidden Hitch to the Subaru hitch for the 2005 Outback? etrailer.com says the Hidden Hitch has a 30 minute install time, so I assume there is no need to remove the exhaust. I would consider getting the Subaru hitch if it fits more snugly up against the bottom of the car

bgsntth · July 2005

Even Subaru's can be lemons from time to time.

On my recommendation my wife's friend bought an '03 Bean. After replacing the front rotors 4 times, a new transmission, constant stalling while driving on the freeway, and a bent sub-frame that must have been like that from the factory (no accidents, and 1st set of tires went in 4K); she asked them for a new car or to buy back her Bean. SOA refused. She sued, and won easily. She now drives an '02 Lexus RX.

I still bought my '05 OBXT, as I have had nothing but great experiences with my 4 Suby wagons. In fact my OBXT is the most trouble-free car with the fewest defects of any car I have owned, including my wife's Lexus.

I'd take Juice's advice and work with SOA, as it sounds like your car's history speaks for itself. Good Luck.

poisson · July 2005

I have the Subaru hitch. I installed it myself and it took ~ 1/2 an hour. The toughest part for me was removing the exhaust bolts. They were quite tight. Other than that, it is fairly straightforward (I did it by myself - note that it takes some strength to lift the hitch and position it in place. It is quite heavy). I haven't yet hooked up the wiring as I haven't had a need to tow yet.
As for the hidden hitch, I am not certain but I would imagine that you will need to remove the mufflers as the hitch attachment points are directly above them. If they don't do that then I can't imagine the hitch is structurally sound.
Lastly, the factory hitch, IMHO, fits quite snugly underneath the back. You can barely tell it is there.

ateixeira · July 2005

I installed the one on my Forester by myself. I used a hydraulic jack to lift it, plus some cable ties to hold one side up while I bolted the other. :-)

-juice

subiewtb · July 2005

Anybody know or have instruction on how to install the air filter on 2005 OBXT?

Lee

batman702 · July 2005

I just got a message from the salesperson at the dealer here in Las Vegas. I have been looking at cars for two months now , and have not decided yet. He calls and tells me they need to get rid of all the 05's before the new ones come in and they are at big discounts. Anyone know how much? He won't tell me ove rhte phone, but I do not want to waste my time in the showroom again. I don't trust him much, but I do like the car. The car in question is an 05 Subie Legacy 2.5 gt limited. Last time we sat down to deal he came up with an over $500.00 a month car payment for the car, which in the end put it close to $35K. Not for a subie! So any input on this? Or any discounts on the 05's? Thanks

rob_m · July 2005

I paid $27.5 for my 05 GT LTD Auto sedan back in May. Also got the $500 rebate, and 2.9 financing. The deals are there if the dealer is really motivated to move the vehicle. Good Luck. Rob M.

bigrobnh · July 2005

just received a mailing from our local NH Subaru dealer. For next few days they are selling all 2005's at 2% under invoice PLUS any incentives that are currently available. Think it ends Sat or Sun.

Regards,
BigRob.

drew10 · July 2005

Subaru will never call your car a lemon. It is up to you to initiate your rights under the lemon laws in the state that you live in. Although the law varies from state to state, in some states after 3 attempted fixes at the same problem, you've got yourself an official lemon provided that the first attempt at a fix occured within a year or so of purchasing the car. You need to investigate what constitutes a lemon in your state. This happened to me recently with an Audi. I lived in a state where after 3 attempted fixes of the same problem I could legaly exercise my rights under the lemon law if the problem wasn't fixed. After the 3rd attempt I wrote Audi and told them that if the problem was't fixed I would be be in touch about having them buy back my car. Its amazing how interested they were at that point. You need to know your states lemon law and be very agressive.

timo1745 · July 2005

I know sometimes it's difficult (especially since each of us has our own monthly spending limits), but shopping for any car based purely on monthly payment is a sure-fire way to lose focus on whether or not you're actually getting a good deal on the car. There are already too many ways for dealers to hide additional profits as it is; losing sight of what you'll be paying for the car overall is the perfect opportunity for them to keep you under $500/month AND still screw you

Just a thought....

Cheers,
Tim

ateixeira · July 2005

I agree, beware, because my college roommate was suckered into a 6 year loan on a base Corolla. It was new, but 6 years to pay off an economy car?

I didn't have the heart to inquire more, but I bet he paid MSRP and didn't get a good rate, either.

-juice

oregonman · July 2005

I'm still trying to figure out the hitch wiring for my 2005 Outback XT. I cannot find a connector and some of the all of the web sites that I have found for hitches say that the wiring will be hardwired. Can anyone tell me if there is a connector and if so how to find it, or if not how to get to the wiring to hardwire it?

As far as the hitch, I found the instructions for the Hidden Hitch and it says to lower the mufflers without disconnecting them. It looks doable, but tight quarters. I'd still like to hear from anyone who has installed the Hidden Hitch. How difficult is it?

Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

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