2015 Forester 2.0

[yellobie]

Nice! May you get the car asap!

Thanks! Hoping to get some parts before car arrive

[stealthviper79]

My price was 96.8k for FNA, with car trade in.

 

Reverse cam should be ok, but not so sure about voice activation.

I got the same deal ! Only pity thing is, the HU doesn't come with GPS now ....

[jach66]

My price was 96.8k for FNA, with car trade in.

 

Reverse cam should be ok, but not so sure about voice activation.

I heard those <100k

MI will use those open cat secured in last bid.., no?

[yellobie]

I got the same deal ! Only pity thing is, the HU doesn't come with GPS now ....

I think FXT HU doesn't come with GPS as well, and need to get the GPS module for $1.5k more?? If that's really the case, changing to 3rd party HU that have GPS app built in might be cheaper.

[jjandyy]

I think FXT HU doesn't come with GPS as well, and need to get the GPS module for $1.5k more?? If that's really the case, changing to 3rd party HU that have GPS app built in might be cheaper.

From my experience with my car that has HU with AA and CarPlay, but without stock GPS, it is so much more worthwhile to invest in a HU that has AA and CarPlay integration. Forget about paying for GPS module, because maps get outdated so fast nowadays, the best way to stay updated is through Google maps (Waze is owned by Google, and it is now available on AA also), not to mention real-time traffic navigation.

 

What I am doing now is to use an old Samsung S7 and install AA on it, got a multiSIM with my mobile number, and use them as dedicated ‘carphone’ in the car running AA all the time. With that, I get real time traffic on Waze and I also run Spotify on it. Surprisingly, it is not consuming much 4G data, just a few GB per month. I don’t do a lot of streaming on Spotify, I download playlists and play offline in the car.

 

Alternatively, buy an Android HU, now available with Android 7, basically run a full tablet in the car.

[richard_crl032]

Congrats! What freebies (if any did you get)?

 

I'm considering the FNA too, but the lack of Apple Carplay is unfortunate.

 

Anyone installed a new ICE with Apple Carplay before? How's the cost like?

 

Hi Crapped,

 

I am on Android HU 6.0.1 and it does all your android mobile phone does, including OK google, mirroring of both iphone and android phones albeit I dun do since my belief is that car HU should be standalone for safety reason instead of fiddling with hotspotting with main phone ... no other functionalities of needs to be elaborate once you refer to android mobile phone. I have a portable wifi with 2nd sim card for the android HU to wireless connects to.

 

For me, other than free (and updated) voice guided navigation like googlemap, I wanted flawlessly static free internal radio broadcast ever since mediacorp ended DAB broadcast 6-7 years ago that works even in basement carparks.  There are endless url like MacIntosh, Linn etc. with insane 320kbps mp3 broadcast but sure, you will need to ensure 10+GB if you are on the road daily but even 46khps acc of mediacorp broadcasts sounds great and this will set you back a few hundreds/yr depending on usage.

 

What is special of my chosen android HU is that it has optical output to my Alpine PXA-h900 F1 processor with volume control for both wince part and the usual android part which is rare.  Previous also rare android HU with optical output in my qashqai needed volume control via Helix dsp pro remote for the digital optical volume control with priority set for digital output but it means wince part of FM radio, BT etc. will not work. If priority is set to wince's analog output, I have to off all sound apps to have digital output.  If this sounds complicated, you will not need to know since you are unlikely to be hung up like me on getting optical output for best sound quality.

 

Just plugged in a android capable usb dvd drive yesterday to play cd/dvd and it works fine ... you can have a 12v powered usb hub for more than enough gadgets include BT keyboard/mouse etc.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

Didn't get any freebies as I opt out of them.

 

Am looking at upgrading the HU too. It seems like the face plate/panel need to be changed, and my main concern is the interface of the steering wheel buttons with the new HU.

 

Hi Yellobie,

 

Most if not all current android headunit works with steering wheel buttons that you can assigned without any other interface gadgets.

 

The Android HU that I had installed even allow you to have 3 commands for each available button when you press once, press and hold as well as repeated pressing.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

[richard_crl032]

Happy Chinese New Year!

 

Just liked to say thanks to all the contributors in this thread. Had placed a deposit for the FNA just before CNY, and looking forward to getting it soon.

 

Took me a lot of time to go through the thread, and still digging for more information. Too many post discussing FC

 

Does anyone have a copy of the service manual for SJ5 or SJG? 

 

Hi Yellobie and forester bros,

 

Enjoy the 7000+ page of the service manual download from my dropbox before 1 Mar 2018:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7yktd6gtiq99sqe/AABcWeuPF-Uz0pzIan4yMbs3a?dl=0

 

2014 version but still basically same SJ5 and SJG since there had been version A, B, C, D and latest E.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

[crapped]

Hi Crapped,

 

I am on Android HU 6.0.1 and it does all your android mobile phone does, including OK google, mirroring of both iphone and android phones albeit I dun do since my belief is that car HU should be standalone for safety reason instead of fiddling with hotspotting with main phone ... no other functionalities of needs to be elaborate once you refer to android mobile phone. I have a portable wifi with 2nd sim card for the android HU to wireless connects to.

 

For me, other than free (and updated) voice guided navigation like googlemap, I wanted flawlessly static free internal radio broadcast ever since mediacorp ended DAB broadcast 6-7 years ago that works even in basement carparks.  There are endless url like MacIntosh, Linn etc. with insane 320kbps mp3 broadcast but sure, you will need to ensure 10+GB if you are on the road daily but even 46khps acc of mediacorp broadcasts sounds great and this will set you back a few hundreds/yr depending on usage.

 

What is special of my chosen android HU is that it has optical output to my Alpine PXA-h900 F1 processor with volume control for both wince part and the usual android part which is rare.  Previous also rare android HU with optical output in my qashqai needed volume control via Helix dsp pro remote for the digital optical volume control with priority set for digital output but it means wince part of FM radio, BT etc. will not work. If priority is set to wince's analog output, I have to off all sound apps to have digital output.  If this sounds complicated, you will not need to know since you are unlikely to be hung up like me on getting optical output for best sound quality.

 

Just plugged in a android capable usb dvd drive yesterday to play cd/dvd and it works fine ... you can have a 12v powered usb hub for more than enough gadgets include BT keyboard/mouse etc.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

 

 

Thank you for the reply Richard! May I know where can I get this HU and how much should I expect to pay for installation etc?

[richard_crl032]

Thank you for the reply Richard! May I know where can I get this HU and how much should I expect to pay for installation etc?

 

Hi Crapped,

 

My pleasure ..  this sgd1k+ including shipping, gst and estimated up to sgd150 installation but if you are not wanting digital optical output, there are cheaper ones from Aliexpress, Ezbuy etc.  The company that sells my android HU is in Russian and I had to trouble my distant Russian friend to arrange purchase which I did twice over 2 months period as they sent older 2015 version with one hazard light button instead of my 2017 version with harzard light button and multi-functional display button.

 

We have to import them ourselves which means some risks and no local support or warranty .... would advise if you are not having external processor and hence not needing digital optical output for best sound quality to refer to many local shops e,g, aestmold at geylang c/o Keeves, Awesome Car Accessories at Kaki Bukit c/o AhSeng etc. that I know in-person and carries android headunit instead.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

Edited February 20, 2018 by richard_crl032

[Immotive]

I'm looking for anti roll bar, is STI ok? I'm seeing a lot of discussion on whiteline in the web as well.

[yellobie]

Hi Yellobie and forester bros,

 

Enjoy the 7000+ page of the service manual download from my dropbox before 1 Mar 2018:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7yktd6gtiq99sqe/AABcWeuPF-Uz0pzIan4yMbs3a?dl=0

 

2014 version but still basically same SJ5 and SJG since there had been version A, B, C, D and latest E.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

Thank you so much for the service manual and other useful information!! Definitely helps for diy and some simple maintenance procedures.

 

Ops still can't praise. Big thumbs up to you sir!

 

 

------ Edit: Hit my 5 post limit again :( So I have no choice but to post in this reply. ------

 

Richard, would you mind sharing more regarding the Android HU you had? I'm more concern regarding the stability of the OS, and the degree of modification that needs to be done on the console area. Does your HU replace the bottom row of air con switches as well? And do you need to custom make the console panel?

 

My friend had 1 installed in his car which also took control over the car AC. I remember him seeking help one day when his Android HU hangs, and he is unable to control the AC, as well as whatever functions tied to the HU. Have you met such situation before?

 

If it's not too troublesome, can you link a photo of your console with the HU installed? Thanks!

Edited February 20, 2018 by yellobie

[Victee]

Hi,

 

Am selling my FXT soon and removing a Cusco Stratbar and Racechip Ultimate for sale.

Wonder if got any keen buyer.

 

Looking at letting go of the strat at $150 and the chip at $500.

 

Do contact me at 85336341.

 

Thanks

Vic

[richard_crl032]

Thank you so much for the service manual and other useful information!! Definitely helps for diy and some simple maintenance procedures.

 

Ops still can't praise. Big thumbs up to you sir!

 

 

------ Edit: Hit my 5 post limit again :( So I have no choice but to post in this reply. ------

 

Richard, would you mind sharing more regarding the Android HU you had? I'm more concern regarding the stability of the OS, and the degree of modification that needs to be done on the console area. Does your HU replace the bottom row of air con switches as well? And do you need to custom make the console panel?

 

My friend had 1 installed in his car which also took control over the car AC. I remember him seeking help one day when his Android HU hangs, and he is unable to control the AC, as well as whatever functions tied to the HU. Have you met such situation before?

 

If it's not too troublesome, can you link a photo of your console with the HU installed? Thanks!

 

Hi Yellobie,

 

No trouble at all .....

 

Mine does not take over control of car AC nor replaced the aircon switch and zero modification on console ... just plug and play.

 

Please see photo below which is basically the same faceplate while using back the stock aircon vent trims and all others.

 

Stability in the last one month is fine and no case of system hang ... yet ..  except that lower level instructions pops up Russian even if set to English as selected language which can be irritating when fiddling but fine with daily usage and I really have no choice since this is the only one with optical output and special UART to control volume of both wince and android OS ... else I will end up with complicated solution and another Helix dsp pro mk2 instead of my preferred Alpine F1 H900.

Cheers,

 

Richard

 

Edited February 20, 2018 by richard_crl032

[richard_crl032]

I'm looking for anti roll bar, is STI ok? I'm seeing a lot of discussion on whiteline in the web as well.

 

Hi Immotive,

 

Whiteline is of hardcore thickness with more associated issue like isolated breakage of linkage and Cusco is of less hardcore thickness.

 

STI one that you mentioned is probably from wrx that are thinnest of the 3 but cannot remember all their actual diameters liao.

 

BTW, change to pink spring is another option for less roll for your consideration with added advantage of lower ride that some bros prefers  but you will experience a bit of increased harshness but "a bit" is subjective and you have to try ride fitted with them to try if acceptable to your expectation.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

[Immotive]

Hi Immotive,

 

Whiteline is of hardcore thickness with more associated issue like isolated breakage of linkage and Cusco is of less hardcore thickness.

 

STI one that you mentioned is probably from wrx that are thinnest of the 3 but cannot remember all their actual diameters liao.

 

BTW, change to pink spring is another option for less roll for your consideration with added advantage of lower ride that some bros prefers but you will experience a bit of increased harshness but "a bit" is subjective and you have to try ride fitted with them to try if acceptable to your expectation.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

Thanks Richard. I suppose pink spring will cost a lot higher than cusco and wrx arb.

[yellobie]

Hi Yellobie,

 

No trouble at all .....

 

Mine does not take over control of car AC nor replaced the aircon switch and zero modification on console ... just plug and play.

 

Please see photo below which is basically the same faceplate while using back the stock aircon vent trims and all others.

 

Stability in the last one month is fine and no case of system hang ... yet ..  except that lower level instructions pops up Russian even if set to English as selected language which can be irritating when fiddling but fine with daily usage and I really have no choice since this is the only one with optical output and special UART to control volume of both wince and android OS ... else I will end up with complicated solution and another Helix dsp pro mk2 instead of my preferred Alpine F1 H900.

Cheers,

 

Richard

Thanks for sharing your experience and the photos of the HU! From the look of the photos, it seems like your HU console area uses a custom panel? 

 

I believe for our local Forester, the console area had holes for physical knobs and buttons on both side of the display, as shown in the website.

 

 

There's another type of panel which is used in Malaysia's Forester. This panel seems like a panel that can hold any standard 2 DIN HU.

 

 

I'm leaning towards the standard 2 DIN solution as I won't be doing major ICE upgrade, and most of the HU in the market follow the 2 DIN standard, so HU can be replaced easily in the future.

[richard_crl032]

Thanks Richard. I suppose pink spring will cost a lot higher than cusco and wrx arb.

Hi Immotive,

 

You can order the pink spring from japanparts.com and about sgd550 including shipping but not gst .. you also need to pay for sgd150 installation and sgd80 for alignment since suspension is touched.

 

ARB will alleviate side to side rock and roll which helps handling when engaging corners for sure especially the rear one while lowered ride with pink spring also helps in allevating the bouncy ride even on straight road in my opinion.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited February 20, 2018 by richard_crl032

[richard_crl032]

Thanks for sharing your experience and the photos of the HU! From the look of the photos, it seems like your HU console area uses a custom panel?

 

I believe for our local Forester, the console area had holes for physical knobs and buttons on both side of the display, as shown in the website.

header01_rhd.jpg

 

 

There's another type of panel which is used in Malaysia's Forester. This panel seems like a panel that can hold any standard 2 DIN HU.

2016-Forester-Interior_1.jpg

 

 

I'm leaning towards the standard 2 DIN solution as I won't be doing major ICE upgrade, and most of the HU in the market follow the 2 DIN standard, so HU can be replaced easily in the future.

Hi yellobie,

 

Aaah ..think your fna differs ... my fxt already came with full panel HU when stock like the android HU and with not 2 din hole panel.

 

Actually android HU is not for ICE else I would have kept my alpine F1 HU in the double din panel ... it is really for multimedia and future use of android platform and hence very happy to find android HU with optical output to preserve a bit of more of sound quality.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard