Bluetooth in your Subaru is one plug away!
one plug in the back of the set is all it takes!
The Subaru Liberty (or Legacy overseas) was first produced in 1989, and is currently in its sixth generation. Subaru Liberty’s are a hugely popular car in Australia, and many older models are still on the road today.
Bluetooth capabilities weren’t added as standard in the Subaru Legacy/Liberty until the Fifth Generation went into production in 2009. That’s left many Fourth Generation owners wanting for more modern connectivity, and turning to solutions such as the GROM kits for the answer.
Subaru 2003 – 2010
Subaru’s here in Australia don’t have XM radios, but fortunately GROM offer a non-satellite version of their Subaru firmware for CD Changer (CDC) emulation. While this does allow Australian Subaru’s to benefit from these integration kits, it does come at a cost of text support which is only available with SAT firmware.
Compatibility in Australia/NZ is pretty well supported, with GROM confirming they support most Kenwood head units such as: GX-806EF2, GX-201JE, GX-201LE, GX-201KE, GX-201KH, GX-201LH, GX-203JE, GX-203KH, GX-204JE, GX-204KH GX-204LE, P-206 UNB.
Kenwood GX-201KN Not compatible
We’ve discovered additional compatibility with McIntosh head units, PF-28241 (Made in China), PF-28241 (Made in Japan), PF-25511. However, the PF-28241 (Made in Japan) and PF-25511 will ONLY work with the GROM AUX1 or USB3 units. The BT3’s can be glitchy so I never recommend them
Help identifying Subaru head unit model.
Adding Bluetooth to a Subaru Liberty:
There are two options for adding Bluetooth to your Subaru Liberty, depending on whether you’re happy with Bluetooth only, or whether you want Bluetooth & USB.
- GROM BT3 SUB08B3 for Bluetooth only
- GROM USB3 SUB08U3 with Bluetooth Dongle Extension for USB & Bluetooth (my fav!)
If you happen to have an incompatible head unit, but still want Bluetooth connectivity, then look at the Compact BT as an option. It’s not integrated with your stereo controls, but it’s a high quality way to add BT connectivity that’s streamed to your stereo via FM transmission.
Adding USB to a Subaru:
There is only one option for a fully integrated USB connected for your Subaru Liberty. But you’ll be missing out on the best bits without the BTD
- GROM USB3 SUB08U3 for USB only
Adding AUX to a Subaru Liberty:
There are two different ways you can add AUX to your Subaru Liberty, depending on whether you want additional connectivity options.
- GROM AUX1 SUB08A1 for AUX only (cannot be extended)
- GROM USB3 SUB08U3 or GROM BT3 SUB08B3 with a AUX Input Extension for USB/BT and AUX
Here’s pics of some typical Subaru stereos and wheel showing how the buttons are mapped
Peter Cody
I have just installed the Grom BT3 in my ’03 Subaru Liberty and I must say it’s excellent. The ease of installation and the quality of the playback, especially on Spotify is nothing short of amazing. I would definitely encourage and recommend this product for anyone who wants to keep the original look of their cars setup but, with the functionality of Bluetooth where there is none. Thanks Skot and Cushieaudio.
Pete
{SUB08B3}