2022 Aftermarket Audio Install and Warranty?

4049 Views 12 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Rxh0272, 9 mo ago

Rxh0272

Discussion Starter · 9 mo ago

Hi everyone:

So, I got my 2022 WRX premium 6MT with base audio bc the HK system isn't worth it and would have to come with a sunroof that I don't want. I called SOA, and the lady said installing an aftermarket amp+speakers would void electrical warranty repairs. I asked her to explain how, since the new amp would not splice any wires, use the car's wiring, cut anything, etc., and she just said it would void repairs. I explained the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; she didn't even know what it was. Besides this, the HU/infotainment unit and CarPlay malfunctions, so taking it in for that.

Has anyone installed an aftermarket system and had any problems with the dealer/Subaru refusing to make other electrical repairs in the car? Or, refusing to repair under warranty anything that has nothing to do with the system?

I also am waiting for OEMAudio+ to release it's OEM audio integration+Upgrade.

Any thoughts?

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XJman

· #2 · 9 mo ago

Because it's piggybacking off of the electrical system that isn't designed for an aftermarket audio system and the added power draw of it.

Subaru of America is very stringent to the warranty contract and the limits of the MM act. If it is a non OEM equivalent part attached to a system there is a very high likelihood that system will see warranty claim denial.

This needs to be made really clear because it comes up every time someone posts these threads. The Magnuson moss act does not do what people think. It is your right to repair your automobile with equivalent parts not made by the OEM. It is not your right to change to performance parts, or add a bunch of audio parts, or drill a bunch holes in the body and expect warranty for any of those systems.

It also is not "they have to prove". It's this part makes the vehicle operate outside of OEM design thus we have the right to deny.

If you are worried about warranty issues on a system you want to modify. It's best you don't modify it.

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Drama.308

· #3 · 9 mo ago

Rxh0272 said:
Hi everyone:

So, I got my 2022 WRX premium 6MT with base audio bc the HK system isn't worth it and would have to come with a sunroof that I don't want. I called SOA, and the lady said installing an aftermarket amp+speakers would void electrical warranty repairs. I asked her to explain how, since the new amp would not splice any wires, use the car's wiring, cut anything, etc., and she just said it would void repairs. I explained the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; she didn't even know what it was. Besides this, the HU/infotainment unit and CarPlay malfunctions, so taking it in for that.

Has anyone installed an aftermarket system and had any problems with the dealer/Subaru refusing to make other electrical repairs in the car? Or, refusing to repair under warranty anything that has nothing to do with the system?

I also am waiting for OEMAudio+ to release it's OEM audio integration+Upgrade.

Any thoughts?

Since installing a new audio system voids warranty, someone suggested installing a digital processor for better sound. That may be an option. But double check, I'm dont know if it voids warranty. I don't know if those systems are a plug an play.

I had the opportunity to try out the HK system in the WRX. It sounds great to me. A huge difference from stock audio in any of my previous vehicles. But then again I've never done aftermarket audio in a vehicle either.

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Rxh0272

Discussion Starter · #4 · 9 mo ago

Thanks guys.
I was also thinking of j stalling my own system separate from the OEM system and wiring. All new door speaker wiring, etc. and it will not be connected to any OEM stuff except to the battery. I will make sure that it’s not crazy in power so that the alternator doesn’t have any problems.

But then, what’s really the point? It’s a 6 MT and I drive based on sound feedback from the exhaust etc. i suppose Subi knows that this didn’t really beef up the system.

maybe a better alternative is to buy the OEM HK amp and speakers and have dealer install them. I couldn’t get the HK system without a sunroof when I ordered the car.
But is it even possible to just buy the amp and speakers and put them in?

For example, is the wiring harness the same in a premium without the HK system and with the HK system and therefore find the amplifier and speakers would basically be plug and play.
?

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Drama.308

· #5 · 9 mo ago

Go to dealership and get the accessories book. If it can be replaced there should be option to purchase.

I have the book at home I can check later tonight.

I have the manufacturer accessory book for my 2016 impreza. In the book there are options to upgrade all my speakers and to add a subwoofer. All the speakers with the exception of the subwoofer are pretty much plug in and play.

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Rxh0272

Discussion Starter · #6 · 9 mo ago

Drama.308 said:
Go to dealership and get the accessories book. If it can be replaced there should be option to purchase.

I have the book at home I can check later tonight.

I have the manufacturer accessory book for my 2016 impreza. In the book there are options to upgrade all my speakers and to add a subwoofer. All the speakers with the exception of the subwoofer are pretty much plug in and play.

Awesome idea. I will check later. I wonder if it depends on the model too. And, the sub is on the rear deck. I believe i checked my rear deck, and there isn’t a hole for any speakers and it’s welded to the car, thus can’t just replace with new one with hole for subwoofer. BUT, i need to double check that too.

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carlgarrard2112

· #7 · 9 mo ago

Rxh0272 said:
Awesome idea. I will check later. I wonder if it depends on the model too. And, the sub is on the rear deck. I believe i checked my rear deck, and there isn’t a hole for any speakers and it’s welded to the car, thus can’t just replace with new one with hole for subwoofer. BUT, i need to double check that too.

Do keep us posted please. My understanding is that SOA would not allow the upgrade of the HK system (or parts of it) but if they do for you, I may be able to go back to them with that information

. Like you I bought the base model because I didn't feel I had enough choice in the package options. I would have got the HK system had it not come with power driver seat, different seats, different infotainment screen, moonroof, etc etc etc. I like the simpler layout of the Base package, but they should offer those other parts if the customer wants them.

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Rxh0272

Discussion Starter · #8 · 9 mo ago

carlgarrard2112 said:
Do keep us posted please. My understanding is that SOA would not allow the upgrade of the HK system (or parts of it) but if they do for you, I may be able to go back to them with that information . Like you I bought the base model because I didn't feel I had enough choice in the package options. I would have got the HK system had it not come with power driver seat, different seats, different infotainment screen, moonroof, etc etc etc. I like the simpler layout of the Base package, but they should offer those other parts if the customer wants them.

So, I got the schematics for basic system and HK system both with telematics. Based on the schematics, the wiring is quite different and more extensive. I know many companies just use the same harness in all specs, but it appears that Subi does not. So plug-and-play doesn't seem possible.

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carlgarrard2112

· #9 · 9 mo ago

Rxh0272 said:
So, I got the schematics for basic system and HK system both with telematics. Based on the schematics, the wiring is quite different and more extensive. I know many companies just use the same harness in all specs, but it appears that Subi does not. So plug-and-play doesn't seem possible.

That is consistent with what my dealer told me then, albeit more detailed than the reply I got- so thank you for that.

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ThePointyEnd

· #10 · 9 mo ago

Rxh0272 said:
So, I got the schematics for basic system and HK system both with telematics.

Can you share?

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Rxh0272

Discussion Starter · #11 · 9 mo ago

ThePointyEnd said:
Can you share?

Sorry. Work kept me way too busy over the past few days. I suppose that if I paid for my access to the tech manual, and I can download pdf versions of things, then I suppose I am allowed to share them. But, not sure that I can make them public.

I am looking at the schematics again. Sometimes the manufacturers print up the schematics in a way that is purposely confusing to try and prevent non tech people from reading them.

I need to take more time checking it. It is possible that the wiring schematics look different, but actually are the same. It wouldn't be financially beneficial for a car company to run completely different wiring harnesses on each trim level in regards to time to actually make the harnesses, but I could be wrong.

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Rxh0272

Discussion Starter · #12 · 9 mo ago

I don't have my car right now. It's at the dealer d/t the infotainment malfunctioning. So far, they have been able to reproduce the problem, but are waiting for Subi headquarters, or whoever, to tell them what to do to fix it. Otherwise, I plan to check under the right front seat for the wiring harness that would go to the amp, if it were there.

If the connector (32 pin, per schematic) is under the seat/under the carpet , under the seat, then the harnesses are probably the same, not matter the trim.

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Rxh0272

Discussion Starter · #13 · 9 mo ago

Ok. Well, the tech foreman at the dealer said amps, speakers, even replacing the head unit does not void any electrical coverage, but will obviously not cover blown speakers, etc. also, so long as power draw is not in excess of electrical system-ALT, then it is OK. Now, if someone is putting 4,000 w amp, then obviously that’s excessive.

also, i am replacing the HK amp that I couldn’t get without ordering a sunroof that has no business being in a sports/sporty car anyway, IMO. I also can’t put the HK system in the car now bc the harness is different. In this regard, the master tech said to just use a wiring harness adapter for the HU out to the H-L converter and even use the OEM speaker wires using 9-conductor speed wire. He said he would not void electrical repairs not related to the audio system so long ad these factors and done professionally, e.g., no BS cutting wires/wire taps, etc.

also, i likely will be adding a stand-along, headless system and run appropriate wiring so that the system is only connected to the battery. So long as A draw is not excessive, then there is no way for them to say that my system had any effect on anything except the system itself.

I posted because I wanted to know if anyone has personally had electrical repairs under warranty denied d/t an audio system/upgrades, and if so, can someone please describe his/her experiences first-hand.

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