i am reading the manual on the outback to see whats what. the Auto climate control took some reading, some neat features, then there is a page about all these settings the dealer can change for you, but only the dealer can do.

 

i am sure this is not a freebe.

 

Anyone know of any software to avoid the dealer?

Most probably need SSM3.

What kind of goodies are there to change?

Looks like changing the timer on the defrosters, lights, alarm etc

The FSM, of course, only shows how to do it with a dealer scanner. Since the communication protocol is standardized, maybe aftermarket professional-level tools will work as well, but I'm afraid you'd have to pay one way or another.

On the upside, you can run both the instrument cluster and the HVAC control through really neat self-diagnostic sequences without a scanner, just turning the key and pushing some buttons.

Well i know I am going to swap out the head unit / hvac from a 2009 so I can get my blue tooth to work again. That is good to know if I screw up my swap.