Stereo Question

ebod · June 5, 2003

After reading the "Are these speakers" thread (great thread by the way), I have a couple of Stereo questions.

Some posters alluded to the fact that all sorts of important functions are tied to the stock head unit. Can anyone please describe this in more detail? What functions are affected (I wouldn't care about door chimes, but engine management seems to matter (duh))? Why in the world would GM tie major functions to the stereo?

I'm about to buy an '03 Tahoe and I want to know how my Stereo options will be limited.

Taaaaaaahoe? · June 5, 2003

It is my understanding (about 95% sure here) that may items run through the radio on the 03's. I am told that the stereo must stay IN the vehicle. They make an aftermarket harness which allows the radio ro remain powered and stay in tact as to what ever wires do need to remain hooked up, and it allows you to relocate it under the seat, behind a compartment etc. (not sure where would be best) and then gives you the flexability to add your own unit.

In order to have your chimes, (lights on-low fuel-doors open etc...) on an aftermarket radio they also make a intergration kit (metra makes both of these....well one of the many people who probally do) As to what would happen if you removed the radio...Im not sure. I have HEARD things such as the truck may not even start, to the airbags and ABS not working. True? I can not confirm. But if they make a wire re-location kit there must me some truth to the fact that the radio must remain connected. Fortuantly for the 01 I had the ONLY issue I had to deal with was the onstar, which could have been a whole lot worse than it was!

Maybe someone with an 03 can help better than myself, but should be a little more info for you!

Mike

Dihappy · June 5, 2003

That is just ridiculous!

Are you guys serious?

Another reason not to buy an 03

Firetiger(MN) · June 5, 2003

Yeah, you pretty much summed it up. I can't comment on the Tahoe, but in my truck the chimes run through the radio. I guess I'm happy that's all it is compared to the radios in some of the GM cars which control headlight timers, door locking, and a host of other items. My mom has this in her Cavalier and my sister in her Impala.

I was surprised they didn't do this for the truck, but they moved most of that to the Driver Information Center which is much handier to view and set.

Still a pain they have to do this.

mark w · June 6, 2003

check this site out. if you can't find what you need here it probably doesn't exist.

by the way, i think they have a kit that will solve your problem

http://www.go2pac.com/index.asp

lrymal · June 6, 2003

That is just ridiculous!
Are you guys serious?

Another reason not to buy an 03

No, this ain't true. You just lose the chimes. The truck runs just fine. At least on mine it did, during this moon phase, in this part of the U.S.

While trying to get the DIC to be fully functioning by a modification, I had my radio disconnected for a couple of days. The truck gave no service messages, no DIC errors, no air bag error messages. It just "boringly" worked like a truck.

Sure was nice and quiet, though.

lrymal · June 6, 2003

...by the way, i think they have a kit that will solve your problem

Yup, here it is:

CM1 chime module for use with the OS-2 or OS-2Bose® interfaces only. The CM1 retains the warning chimes when you replace the factory radio that have the warning chimes built into it. Keeps seat belt, low fuel, parking brake, memory seats, security, low brake fluid and other chimes.

2000-2003 Monte Carlo

2002-2003 Trail Blazer

2003 - Avalanche, Savana, Sierra, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SLT.

Keep checking JP Customs and eventually, it will be available. Metra also makes a similar kit, although I can't recall the model number.

And there is nothing to the older hide-the-radio-thang. That was a kludge that probably is not offered anymore.

GDN · June 6, 2003

ebod - Are you planning on replacing your stereo with an aftermarket? If you are - there are concerns that several of the posts address - as to how to keep your chimes working, etc. OnStar also plays through and is integrated in the radio as well.

My comment - if you don't know for sure you want to replace with an aftermarket - and might be happy if the factory system was pretty good - go listen to one of the new Bose Systems. They are pretty impressive compared to stereos of just a few years ago. Yeah - GM charges too much for it as an option - but depending on the trim level of the vehichle you buy - there is a good chance the Bose stereo is already in most of the vehicles you'll look at. I've got the Bose - 6 CD and XM. I'm not a super stereo nut, but I really enjoy good quality - and on occasion really want to crank it up. So far this stereo has exceeded all expectations I could put on it.

If you're ready to drop a few thousand on aftermarket - it won't compare - otherwise, go listen - you might be surprised. Take your favorite CD's along and if the vehicle has XM - the XM will play without being activated - only a few channels at a time - but it is the real channel - so you can give it a try.

If you want to see all the options you might have in the Tahoe - go to GM BuyPower.com and you can see all of the options available.

kinzerhaus · June 6, 2003

I had a similar post running in another group. The info there was that in order to keep your factory chimes you would need a module like the one from PAC. I think it was the CM1. They have a lot of different modules listed to retain factory functions. The idea of moving the large factory radio is kind of un-appealing to me. You would think that if there were more functions involved in the radio GM would have to tell you in owners manual. I mean come on stereo upgrades have to be the most popular upgrade out there! GM is not the only company to go with a data bus for their vehicles. This is the way of the future, now as Americans it is o ur resposibility to find a way around it.

ebod · June 6, 2003

I'm kinda coming from GDN's view. I'm not an audiophile, but I do like to crank it every now and then.

I'll probably keep the stock head unit and perhaps, later on, upgrade the amp and maybe speakers. It just struck me as odd that any non-music-related functions would be tied to the head unit. I'm sure there is a reason for this, but it's not obvious to me.