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Changing Head Unit In 2010 Gmc Sierra.


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Posted

Hello!  I purchased a 2010 GMC Sierra with stock factory radio ... just radio, on Friday. I take possession tomorrow. I wasn't about to pay 300 bucks for the factory CD player, so I decided to save my 300 bucks, and put a full system in. So, after surfing Crutchfield (with no specific choices yet, so fire away opinions,) I discovered that I need a $130 accessory for my doors to ding when open and my blinkers to make the blinker sound? Seriously?

Posted

That is correct. This is nothing new, the vehicle uses CAN bus (GMLAN) to communicate between the modules in the vehicle, and thus an adapter is required in order to retain functionality of other features when installing an aftermarket stereo.

 

I think you'll find that most manufacturers' vehicles are similar in this respect.

Posted

Look on craigslist or ebay for an OEM radio with a CD player, I imagine you could find one for under $150

Posted

you can find these modules on Ebay at a decent cost savings. Just make sure they are new. I bought one from Best Buy Clearance on Ebay and it was fine.

 

If you have steering wheel controls you will have to go with one of the PAC modules though to make everything work.

Posted
I have an OEM CD player pulled from an '07 Sierra (should work in the '10s??) that I'll sell you for $90 shipped.

 

Yes, it'll work in the 2010, the only thing it won't do is have the USB input, but this guy's truck wouldn't have come with that anyway if it is a W/T.

 

One caveat: it probably will need to have the dealer program it once installed to unlock it, and there's no telling what they'd charge (unless it can be parlayed into the purchase agreement -- it's literally 5 minutes worth of work for a service tech)

Posted

It's half price with a head unit

 

Just wanted to make sure you saw it, I too was mad that I have to get this dumb adapter. But if you get a head unit over $100(might be over $110 i selected one that was $119), then the Adapter is half price. Ya it's still outrageous, I'm sure like most cables it cost $5 to make.

Posted
I'm sure like most cables it cost $5 to make.

 

You're sure wrong, then. These adapters aren't just cables; they are an electronic module that interfaces with other advanced electronic/computer systems in the vehicle in order to allow things to function properly. This is the modern age, not everything is just wires, transistors, and tubes anymore.

Posted

Just a little warning if you decide to buy an OEM radio with CD. I tried to do this on my 2010 work truck, which only had AM/FM as delivered. I bought a used OEM head unit with CD from a guy on this forum and it only cost $65. I took it to the dealer for reprogramming the VIN into the new head unit and that cost $100 by itself. Then the radio worked but didn't have any volume. Turns out some head units are built for trucks with a separate factory amp and they won't work worth a damn in the work truck, since it doesn't have an amp. So I lost $165 learning all this.

 

I had a local car audio shop install a Kenwood AM/FM (HD-FM)/CD/USB head unit that is satellite ready. They had to install the adapter harness with the LAN module to retain the chimes and turn signal clicker. It works perfectly plus now I have an upgrade path if I want to put in a sub or stand alone amp. Total cost was $400 not counting the $165 I wasted on the take-out OEM head unit that didn't work.

Posted
Hello! I purchased a 2010 GMC Sierra with stock factory radio ... just radio, on Friday. I take possession tomorrow. I wasn't about to pay 300 bucks for the factory CD player, so I decided to save my 300 bucks, and put a full system in. So, after surfing Crutchfield (with no specific choices yet, so fire away opinions,) I discovered that I need a $130 accessory for my doors to ding when open and my blinkers to make the blinker sound? Seriously?

 

 

I might do an aftermarket radio in my 2007 work truck also!! I have been looking at a pioneer double din model FH-P800BT. they sound awesome, have three sets of rca's if you ever want to amplify, start around a couple hundred dollars and they even appear stock to someone who does not know jack!!! there is also a JVC that looks pretty nice too.

  • 4 months later...

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