2002 Outback Dashboard Removal

[Alfred]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forums and the new owner of a 2002 Subaru Outback with a manual transmission. I have a few questions I was hoping to get an answer to.

 

First, and of greatest importance to me, how can I remove the center console dashboard in order to upgrade from the stock radio? I have seen a few posts concerning other models, where the screws are and such. I think I have correctly identified the first few screws to remove but my main problem is the fake wood trim around the dash. I assume this is held in place by clips and I need to remove it. Obviously I don't want to damage it so I was wondering what the best method is for removing it. Is a special tool involved?

 

Secondly, I was hoping to change the 12V outlet from switched, on only when the car is on, to an unswitched, on all the time. Any ideas on how to accomplish this?

 

And Lastly, I was thinking about adding a remote start for the car. The kits I have seen around mention security measures on newer cars and the need to bypass them. Does anyone have a remote start kit installed? What kind? Does the outback require a work around for the security measures? I currently do not have an alarm installed but figured I'd get it and the remote start at the same time.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

[aceboxer]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forums and the new owner of a 2002 Subaru Outback with a manual transmission. I have a few questions I was hoping to get an answer to.

 

First, and of greatest importance to me, how can I remove the center console dashboard in order to upgrade from the stock radio? I have seen a few posts concerning other models, where the screws are and such. I think I have correctly identified the first few screws to remove but my main problem is the fake wood trim around the dash. I assume this is held in place by clips and I need to remove it. Obviously I don't want to damage it so I was wondering what the best method is for removing it. Is a special tool involved?

Go to one of the aftermarket parts sites that has instructions for accessory installation, and find the instructions for the subwoofer, like this:

http://www.subaruparts.com/guides/subwoofer.pdf

It shows you how to remove the factory HU.

Secondly, I was hoping to change the 12V outlet from switched, on only when the car is on, to an unswitched, on all the time. Any ideas on how to accomplish this?

While your dashboard's contents are spewed, you should be able to get to the 12v outlet. I don't know off-hand which one of the wires back there is always on, nor if it has enough current to operate an accessory, but you can always do it the hard way and find a live wire with a multimeter, and play fuse bingo, or run a wire from the safe side of a fuse to your console.

 

Be careful, the last thing you'd want is a Subarbecue-ru. Someone else probably has a good answer.