Billy Covington Subaru cars are renowned for their reliability and performance, and many of them come with a factory stereo system that delivers decent sound quality. However, if you are a Subaru owner looking to upgrade your car stereo or speakers, you will likely need to access the wiring harness to make the necessary connections. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to locate and identify the pins on your Subaru factory stereo wiring harness.
Understanding the Subaru Factory Stereo System
Before we dive into locating the wiring harness in your Subaru car, it is essential to understand the different wires in the harness and what they control. Generally, a Subaru factory stereo system wiring harness consists of 14 pins, and here is a breakdown of what each pin outputs:
| Pin Number | Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow | Battery (+12V Constant) |
| 2 | Green | Speaker (+ Right Rear) |
| 3 | Purple | Speaker (- Right Rear) |
| 4 | Blue | Power Antenna Trigger |
| 5 | Grey | Speaker (+ Right Front) |
| 6 | Tan | Speaker (- Right Front) |
| 7 | White | Speaker (+ Left Front) |
| 8 | Red | Ignition (+12V Switched) |
| 9 | Blue/White | Amp Trigger (Electric Ant.) |
| 10 | Orange | Illumination |
| 11 | Brown | Speaker (- Left Rear) |
| 12 | Green/Black | Speaker (+ Left Rear) |
| 13 | Grey/Black | Speaker (- Right Front) |
| 14 | Black | Ground |
Locating the Subaru Stereo Wiring Harness
The location of the Subaru stereo wiring harness may vary depending on the model and year of your car. However, it is generally located behind the stereo head unit and accessible from the dashboard.
To locate the wiring harness:
- Remove the stereo head unit by using a stereo removal key (available in most car audio stores) to unlock the unit and pull it out.
- Look for a wiring harness that connects to the back of the unit.
- Identify the 14-pin connectors and unplug them.
Identifying the Pins on the Wiring Harness
Once you have located the wiring harness, identifying the pins can be tricky, especially if they are not labeled. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier:
- Check for color-coding: Some wires in the harness might be color-coded to match the corresponding pins. For instance, the yellow wire usually denotes the battery constant wire, and the black wire indicates the ground.
- Refer to the user manual: The user manual that comes with your car may have a diagram of the wiring harness that lists the pin configurations.
- Use a multimeter: If the wires or pins are not labeled or color-coded, you can use a multimeter to test them. A multimeter is an electronic tool that measures voltage, current, and resistance. You can use it to test each wire in the harness and identify the pins’ functions.
Troubleshooting Common Electrical Issues
Subaru factory stereo systems are generally reliable, but certain electrical issues may arise over time. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
- Speaker distortion: If your speakers produce distorted or crackling sounds, it could be due to loose connections or blown speakers. Try reconnecting the wiring harness to the unit and testing the speakers before replacing them.
- Blown fuse: A blown fuse in the stereo system can cause the unit to stop working altogether. If you suspect that the fuse has blown, check the fuse box and replace the fuse if necessary.
- Electrical short: An electrical short can cause the stereo system to malfunction or cause other electrical issues in the car. You can use a multimeter to test the wiring harness for continuity and identify any shorts or open circuits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accessing the wiring harness in your Subaru car’s factory stereo system can be tricky, but with this step-by-step guide, you should be able to locate and identify the pins quickly. Remember to exercise caution when working with the wiring harness and to unplug the unit before attempting any repairs or upgrades. With the right tools and knowledge, you can upgrade your Subaru’s audio system and enjoy high-quality sound on the road.
