Whether you're looking to upgrade the stock radio in your 2002 WRX or just replace a troublesome one, you'll find Subaru did you a solid and made it easy. You can remove and install a stock radio with simple hand tools. If you're going for an aftermarket upgrade, you can use a single-din or double-din radio, but make sure you have the appropriate install kit and wiring harness adapter before you begin this procedure.
Wrap masking tape around the tip of a flat-head screwdriver. Slide the tip of the screwdriver between the instrument panel and the bezel surrounding the radio.
Pry outward on the bezel gently, working your way around it until you have released all of the retaining tabs. Disconnect the wiring harness from the rear of the bezel.
Remove the six radio screw, using a nut driver. Pull the radio out of the dash. Disconnect the wiring harness and the antenna adapter.
Hold the radio close to the instrument panel. Connect the wiring harness to the radio. Plug the antenna adapter into the radio.
Slide the radio into the instrument panel and align the mounting holes. Install the screws and snug them.
Plug the wiring harness into the radio bezel. Align the tabs on the back of the bezel with the clips on the instrument panel. Press fit the bezel to the instrument panel. Tap around the edges of the bezel with the palm of your hand, as to fully seat the bezel.
Put together the radio installation kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Slide the cage for the new radio into the install kit, and bend the retaining tabs outward until you've secured the cage in place.
Remove an inch of insulation from the end of each wire in the new radio wiring harness and the wiring harness adapter.
Match the wire colors between the radio harness and the adapter harness, then connect them with butt connectors and crimpers.
Guide the radio install kit and cage assembly into the instrument panel. Align the mounting holes, install the screws and snug them. Pull the stock wiring harness and antenna adapter through the cage.
Plug the wiring harness adapter into the stock radio harness. Plug the radio harness into the radio. Plug the antenna adapter into the radio, then slide the radio into the cage.
Install the bezel as in Section 1, Step 3.
