Antenna Wiring - Outback 2020 - A Useful Find

[WSEN940]

I scoured the net and found that the general consensus is that there are few ways to get an antenna into the cabin of a Subaru without inflicting some damage to grommets, bulkheads and the like.

Just for reference, I did discover that above the wiring grommet on the passenger side front door there is a bung. It sits below the upper hinge and above the wiring harness. I popped it off and shoved an inspection camera snake in there and found that there is also a hole into the cabin about 2" below it. Mine was partially obscured by insulation, but, with careful work with the inspection camera snake, I managed to get it in behind the glove box.

I won't go into all the gory details, but this turned out to be a really great way to get cable access. I now have a Ghost antenna mounted on a ditch light mount on the passenger side and it's cable runs neatly through the fender into the hole.

I mentioned in a previous post about using the DB20-G for when we road trip together in the two cars, now, I can drop that into my lady's rig when needed and it's a clean plug and go! No mag mount and dodgy wiring needed.

Hopefully useful info for folks that are considering routing options for the Subaru.

 

 

[Socalgmrs]

You had me untill the ghost antenna down low.   But good on you about not molesting the car.  Most cars that have roof racks have holes under the feet of the rack.  

[WSHH887]

If you do use one of the under body car plugs to route wiring, silicone the underside at least to seal out water and dust.  If access is possible do the inside as well.  If water migrates into the vehicle, rust and possibly mold will occur under the carpet.

[WSEN940]

10 minutes ago, WSHH887 said:

If you do use one of the under body car plugs to route wiring, silicone the underside at least to seal out water and dust.  If access is possible do the inside as well.  If water migrates into the vehicle, rust and possibly mold will occur under the carpet.

Yep, I'm aware. but thanks for the reminder.

 

[The219]

Grommet and some silicone on my forester. Survived the great California storms of 2025 with zero water intrusion. Easy to plug if i ever need to remove the antenna. Wire then runs under the factory roof rails.

[WSHH887]

I was going to use an underbody carplug but it was a hassle to get to, not to mention pretty close to the exhaust.  I found my Tacoma has three holes in the rear of the cab that have rubber plugs.  Pretty much made for an antenna wire.

[WSEN940]

11 hours ago, WSHH887 said:

I was going to use an underbody carplug but it was a hassle to get to, not to mention pretty close to the exhaust.  I found my Tacoma has three holes in the rear of the cab that have rubber plugs.  Pretty much made for an antenna wire.

What year Taco? I was looking around the rear of the cab on mine and have not seen anything of interest yet, but then, I've not pulled the internal trim either.

I have a 2020 Model year Gen 3 and it's actually got pretty good access through the front bulkhead on the drivers side. While I was at it, I pulled a snake line through the passenger side for a later addition

[WSEN940]

12 hours ago, The219 said:

Grommet and some silicone on my forester. Survived the great California storms of 2025 with zero water intrusion. Easy to plug if i ever need to remove the antenna. Wire then runs under the factory roof rails.

Nice. I had to find a 'no drill' solution. The Subaru is the ladies car, and I'd be in trouble if I started making holes in it!!

[WSHH887]

1 hour ago, WSEN940 said:

What year Taco? I was looking around the rear of the cab on mine and have not seen anything of interest yet, but then, I've not pulled the internal trim either.

I have a 2020 Model year Gen 3 and it's actually got pretty good access through the front bulkhead on the drivers side. While I was at it, I pulled a snake line through the passenger side for a later addition

2020 double cab short bed.  I spotted them on another thread about sound deadening.  You do have to remove the storage trays on the rear cab wall.  But those are only held in by a few bolts.  The is one on the driver's side, one in the middle and one on the passenger side.  Interestingly enough on  the driver's side the storage tray has a depression that is thinner than the rest of the plastic.  It looks tailor made to drill out and route the wire through.  I'm going to get the size and buy a rubber grommet or car plug to seal the opening. That an bit of silicone should do.