2019 Subaru Legacy: Radio Removal Guide

by Alex Braham 40 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to remove the radio from your 2019 Subaru Legacy? Maybe you're looking to upgrade your sound system, fix a faulty unit, or just curious about what's behind that dashboard. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Removing a car radio might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can totally do it yourself. Let's dive in and get that radio out!

What You'll Need

Before you start tearing into your dashboard, it's crucial to gather the necessary tools. Trust me, having everything on hand will make the process smoother and prevent any frustrating mid-project snags. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • A set of plastic trim removal tools: These are essential for gently prying off plastic panels without scratching or damaging them. Metal tools can easily scratch or break the delicate plastic trim.
  • A Phillips head screwdriver: You'll likely encounter several screws holding the radio and trim pieces in place. Make sure you have the right size screwdriver to avoid stripping the screw heads.
  • A small flathead screwdriver: This can be useful for disconnecting electrical connectors and other small tasks.
  • A clean rag or towel: To protect your dashboard and trim pieces from scratches.
  • Optional: A magnetic parts tray: This will keep your screws and small parts organized and prevent them from getting lost.
  • Work gloves: Protect your hands and get a better grip.

Having these tools ready will not only make the job easier but also ensure that you don't damage your car's interior. Now, let's get to the actual removal process!

Step-by-Step Radio Removal

Okay, let's get down to business! Follow these steps carefully to safely remove the radio from your 2019 Subaru Legacy.

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Safety first! Before you start any electrical work on your car, it's absolutely crucial to disconnect the battery. This prevents any accidental shorts or electrical damage. Here’s how:

  1. Open the hood of your Subaru Legacy and locate the battery.
  2. Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative (-) terminal.
  3. Carefully remove the negative cable from the terminal and tuck it away so it doesn't accidentally reconnect.

Disconnecting the battery is a simple step, but it's incredibly important for your safety and the safety of your car's electrical system. Never skip this step!

Step 2: Remove the Trim Panels

Now, let's start removing the trim panels around the radio. This is where those plastic trim removal tools come in handy. Using the trim removal tools is the key to preventing damage to your dash.

  1. Start by gently prying around the edges of the trim panel surrounding the radio. Work your way around the panel, gently loosening it as you go.
  2. Once the panel is loose, carefully pull it away from the dashboard. Be mindful of any clips or connectors that might still be attached.
  3. If there are any electrical connectors attached to the trim panel (such as for hazard lights or the airbag indicator), disconnect them by pressing the release tabs and gently pulling them apart.
  4. Set the trim panel aside in a safe place to avoid scratching it.

Take your time and be gentle. These plastic panels can be fragile, and it's better to be patient than to break something.

Step 3: Remove the Radio Mounting Screws

With the trim panel out of the way, you should now have access to the screws that are holding the radio in place. Grab your Phillips head screwdriver and let's get those screws out.

  1. Locate the screws (usually four) that are securing the radio to the dashboard.
  2. Carefully unscrew each screw and place them in your magnetic parts tray (if you have one) to prevent them from getting lost.
  3. Once all the screws are removed, the radio should be loose and ready to be pulled out.

Make sure you have a good grip on the radio as you remove the last screw. You don't want it falling and damaging anything!

Step 4: Disconnect the Radio Connectors

Now that the radio is loose, gently pull it out of the dashboard. Be careful not to pull it out too far, as there are still several electrical connectors attached to the back of the unit.

  1. Reach behind the radio and locate the various connectors. These might include the antenna cable, the main wiring harness, and any other connectors for features like Bluetooth or satellite radio.
  2. Disconnect each connector by pressing the release tab and gently pulling it apart. Some connectors may be a bit stubborn, so be patient and wiggle them gently if needed.
  3. Once all the connectors are disconnected, you should be able to completely remove the radio from the dashboard.

Take your time with these connectors and make sure you're pressing the release tabs properly. Forcing them can damage the connectors or the wiring harness.

Step 5: Final Removal and Inspection

With all the connectors disconnected, you can now fully remove the radio from your 2019 Subaru Legacy. Take a moment to inspect the wiring and connectors to make sure everything is in good condition.

  1. Carefully remove the radio from the dashboard and place it on a clean, protected surface.
  2. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or broken connectors.
  3. If you're planning to install a new radio, now is a good time to prepare the new unit and gather any necessary adapters or wiring harnesses.

Congratulations! You've successfully removed the radio from your Subaru Legacy. Now you're ready to move on to the next step, whether that's repairing the old radio, installing a new one, or simply admiring your handiwork.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to make the radio removal process even smoother:

  • Take Pictures: Before disconnecting any wires, take photos of the connections. This will help you remember where everything goes when you're putting it back together.
  • Use Painter's Tape: Apply painter's tape around the edges of the trim panels to protect them from scratches during removal.
  • Work in a Well-Lit Area: Good lighting will make it easier to see what you're doing and prevent mistakes.
  • Don't Force Anything: If something feels stuck, don't force it. Double-check that you've removed all the screws and disconnected all the connectors.
  • Stay Organized: Keep all the screws and small parts organized in a magnetic tray or labeled bags. This will save you a lot of time and frustration when you're reassembling everything.

Reinstalling the Radio

Once you've completed your work (whether it's repairing the old radio or installing a new one), it's time to reinstall the radio. The process is essentially the reverse of the removal process.

  1. Reconnect the Radio Connectors: Carefully reconnect all the electrical connectors to the back of the radio. Make sure each connector clicks into place securely.
  2. Secure the Radio: Insert the radio into the dashboard and secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Tighten the screws until they're snug, but don't overtighten them.
  3. Reinstall the Trim Panels: Reattach the trim panels around the radio. Make sure all the clips are properly aligned and that the panel snaps into place securely. Reconnect any electrical connectors that were attached to the trim panel.
  4. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative terminal. Tighten the nut securely.

Test the radio to make sure it's working properly. Check all the functions, such as the radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and any other features. If everything is working as it should, congratulations! You've successfully reinstalled the radio.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

  • Radio Not Working After Reinstallation:
    • Check the Connectors: Make sure all the connectors are fully seated and properly connected.
    • Check the Fuses: Check the radio fuse in the fuse box to see if it's blown. Replace it if necessary.
    • Check the Battery Connection: Make sure the battery is properly connected and that the terminals are clean.
  • Trim Panels Not Fitting Properly:
    • Check the Clips: Make sure all the clips are properly aligned and that none of them are broken.
    • Check for Obstructions: Make sure there are no wires or other objects obstructing the trim panel.
  • Screws Stripped:
    • Use a Rubber Band: Place a rubber band over the screw head to get a better grip.
    • Use a Screw Extractor: If the screw is badly stripped, use a screw extractor to remove it.

Conclusion

Removing the radio from your 2019 Subaru Legacy might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a little patience, it's a totally doable DIY project. By following these steps, you can safely remove your radio without damaging your car's interior. Whether you're upgrading your sound system, fixing a faulty unit, or just curious about what's behind that dashboard, this guide has got you covered. Happy tinkering, and enjoy your upgraded sound system!