How to Remove a 2003 Subaru Forester Radio

Call it a high-riding station wagon or a low-riding SUV, but regardless of its exact classification, the Subaru Forester is certainly unique. Introduced in 1998, the Forester gave Subaru a more utility-style vehicle, which was better suited for rugged terrain than the Legacy wagon. The 2003 Forester was not just for off-road driving; it was also a comfortable vehicle, as it came standard with air conditioning, cruise control and an AM-FM stereo system with a CD player. Removing the 2003 Foresters radio is not overly difficult, but it does require removing two trim panels.

Instructions

Removal

1

Pry upward around the perimeter of the shifter bezel the plastic trim surrounding the gear shifter with a flat-head screwdriver to disengage its retaining claws. Pull the shift bezel upward to remove it.

2

Remove the two screws on the bottom of the radio and HVAC bezel the panel surrounding the radio and climate controls with a Phillips screwdriver. Pry around the perimeter of the bezel to disengage its retaining clips.

3

Pull the bezel from the dashboard and disconnect the wiring harness plugged into the rear of the hazard switch by holding down the unlocking button on the harness and pulling the harness from the switch.

4

Remove the radio-retaining screws with a ratchet and socket. Pull the radio from the dashboard enough to access the wiring on the rear of the radio. Press and hold the unlocking button on each of the radios wiring harnesses, and pull each harness from the radio. Pull the antenna cable the thick, black cable from the rear of the radio. Remove the radio from the Forester.

Installation

5

Plug the wiring harnesses into their receptacles on the rear of the radio all of the harnesses are different sizes, so each can only plug into one receptacle. Plug the antenna cable into its receptacle on the radio.

6

Slide the radio and its wiring into the dashboard, and tighten the radio-retaining screws with a ratchet and socket.

7

Plug the wiring harness into the rear of the hazard light switch, and position the radio and climate control bezel around the radio. Line up the bezels clips with the slots on the dashboard, and press the bezel onto the dashboard to engage the clips. Tighten the two bezel-retaining screws.

8

Set the shifter bezel back into place around the shifter. Press it downward to engage its retaining claws.