Are you tired of your Subaru Liberty’s stock navigation system feeling outdated? While reliable for basic maps and reverse camera display, many owners crave the advanced features of modern infotainment systems. The good news is, you can breathe new life into your factory navigation without a complete replacement. This guide explores how to “hack” your Liberty’s stock navigation, integrating functionalities like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and even OBDII scanner data display for a truly enhanced driving experience.
Before we dive in, a word of caution: modifying your car’s electronics always carries some risk. Proceed with care and patience. We are not responsible for any damage caused by improper modifications.
The first hurdle is accessing the navigation unit itself. Removing the bezel surrounding your navigation screen requires care. The plastic can be brittle, and forcing it can damage your dashboard. The initial removal is often the trickiest, as the bezel can be quite firmly attached. While we can’t provide specific bezel removal instructions for every Liberty model (always consult your vehicle’s service manual if available), we can offer some general tips.
For a less damaging approach, consider using plastic trim removal tools inserted through the air vents. Wedges made from credit cards can also be carefully used between the dash and bezel, but avoid the corners where damage is more likely. Protecting your dashboard is crucial. Test a high-quality, low-tack masking tape in an inconspicuous area to ensure it removes cleanly without leaving residue or pulling away the dash finish. If it works well, line the dashboard aperture surrounding the navigation unit to guard against scratches. Have a soft towel ready to protect the dash surface from the sharp edges and mounting points of the navigation unit frame during removal, as space is tight and wiring looms can be short. Take your time and avoid rushing this step!
Liberty navigation systems generally fall into two categories which impact your hack options: C1 and C2 types. Identifying your nav type is key.
C1 Navigation Systems: These are typically found in earlier models and are characterized by having the DVD map drive located in the glovebox. Crucially for our purposes, C1 units often possess a video auxiliary input. This is usually a yellow female RCA connector located near the reverse camera input at the back of the unit. This video aux-in is your gateway to expanding your nav’s capabilities.
C2 Navigation Systems: C2 units, common in later models, have the DVD drive integrated directly into the head unit itself. Unfortunately, they typically lack a dedicated video auxiliary input. While adding video input to a C2 unit is more complex, it might be achievable via specialized JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) TV adapter looms or potentially by repurposing the reverse camera input with a switch. However, for simplicity and directness, the C1 system is much more straightforward for this type of hack.
Now, let’s get to the core of the “hack” – adding modern smart features. The most effective method involves using an Android TV box connected to your stock navigation screen via the video auxiliary input (available on C1 units).
Here’s a breakdown of the setup:
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Android TV Box: Choose a compact Android TV box. Look for models without a physical power button (they will power on automatically when power is supplied) and equipped with a 3.5mm AV/audio output jack. Older models like the TX2 are mentioned as reliable, but newer equivalents like the TX9 or similar are readily available. Consider models with good community support and custom ROM options for optimized performance.
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Power Supply: You’ll need a 12V to 5V DC-DC converter to power the Android TV box from your car’s 12V electrical system. Use a fuse tap to safely draw power from a suitable fuse in your fuse box. Terminate the converter output with a barrel plug compatible with your chosen Android TV box.
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Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Integration: To get smartphone mirroring, add a wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay dongle that connects to your Android TV box via USB. This dongle will handle the communication between your phone and the Android system, projecting Android Auto or CarPlay onto your navigation screen.
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Audio Output: Connect the 3.5mm audio output from the Android TV box to your car stereo’s auxiliary input. This will route the audio from the Android system through your car’s speakers.
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Addressing Audio Noise: A common issue with this setup is audio noise or interference. This often stems from ground loop issues due to the TV box’s power supply. A galvanically isolated DC-DC converter is the ideal solution to eliminate this noise. These converters provide electrical isolation between the 12V car power and the 5V output, breaking the ground loop. Alternatively, a USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) can be used to bypass the TV box’s internal audio output and provide cleaner audio.
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Input and Control: For interacting with the Android system, consider a mini keypad/mouse combo. This offers tactile control. Alternatively, leverage voice control features available within Android and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. For a more integrated touch experience, a 7-inch USB touch screen overlay could potentially be placed over the stock navigation screen (or substituted if you are not using the original navigation discs).
OBDII Scanner Integration: This is where we connect to the “Hack Liberty Obdii Scanner” keyword. With an Android TV box running on your navigation screen, you gain access to the vast world of Android apps. This includes OBDII diagnostic and monitoring apps like Torque Pro or Btssm (Btssm is specifically recommended for Subaru SSM protocol logging on turbo and H6 models, while Torque Pro is a more generic OBDII app suitable for naturally aspirated 2.0 and 2.5 Liberty models).
By pairing a Bluetooth OBDII scanner (like a clear blue case ELM327 or VAGCOM for SSM) with your Android TV box and installing an OBDII app, you can display real-time engine data, monitor performance parameters (like boost, coolant temperature, etc.), read and clear diagnostic trouble codes directly on your stock navigation screen. This transforms your “hacked” navigation system into a powerful information and diagnostic center.
Budget: The cost for this upgrade can be surprisingly reasonable. Budgeting around $100 to $150 should cover the Android TV box, power converter, OBDII scanner, and necessary cables. A basic ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII scanner can be found for under $20, while higher-quality options or VAGCOM cables may cost slightly more.
Conclusion: By strategically “hacking” your Liberty’s stock navigation system, you can significantly enhance its functionality without the expense of a complete aftermarket replacement. Adding Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and OBDII scanner integration brings modern convenience and valuable vehicle data directly to your factory screen, extending the life and usefulness of your original car electronics. With careful planning and execution, you can enjoy a significantly upgraded in-car experience.
