03 Tahoe Install ???'s

[esu78]

Hi

Currently laying the groundwork to do self install stereo in my 03 Tahoe

Current stock set up:

No Bose

No ON-Star

Basic GM Radio currently, AM/FM Clock Seek. It does -NOT- say RDS on it. (UM7 Radio)

I hear chimes from front left speaker

The Radio Does stay on after I remove key- Retain Access. Power.

 

So my question/dilema is:

What harness do I need?

I would like to retain the Chimes using my aftermarket radio.

Retain Access. Power looks like something I like too

 

I have seen the PAC Module http://www.go2pac.com/products/onstar.htm

 

Is this what I need ? I suppose I also need CM 1 for Chimes....

 

I have read thru some of the postings here and the PAC page and i think my brain is a bit fried. I just want to make sure that I am getting the correct wiring harness before the work begins.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice, comments..

 

John

[03CarbonDog]

I went throught the same thing dude. Are you wanting to replace your factory radio? Or add something like a changer or something? I replaced mine like two weeks ago myself. You need a "T-Harness". I bought mine from a local audio shop for like $70! Yes it's high I know but it's almost 10' of wires. It's a "Best Kit" http://www.bestkit.com. Vist their website or better yet get their phone number from the site and call them and tell them what you need. When you get the kit you call them back and they will pretty much tell you how to install it. They were really nice when I called and I had a minor prob. All the kit does is run a separate wire to your factory radio. Mine's sitting under my seat.

[esu78]

Ok..

Well I did an install using the regular Metra Wiring Kit 70-2003.

I lost the Chimes, and I lost the RAP to radio- only I can still do the windows.

 

I thought the chimes would be great not hearing them, until I left my headlights on for about 20min when I jumped out of the truck.

So, I suppose Im a bit of a worry wart, so I need the chimes. I ordered the BHA2004T remote kit. I have reviewed other sites and read up on Class 2, and I feel this is the safe way to go, i.e. retain factory radio/controls/chimes and whatever else the lil' ol radio controls !

You dont have to get best kit. There are others by Metra, (70-2003T) and Soche? (GM-06). The best kit one seems to be the most 'neat' organized bundle of 17' wires vs. the others when you go to relocate the stock unit, prob under a seat as CarbonDog recommended.

I will advise when I get the kit and install.

Thank you to those for your recommendations.

 

Just FYI supposedly Peripheral Electronics makes a harness ($150) as well that 'copies' the stock radio- where you do not have to relocate the original head unit. Do your research and see what best suits your needs.

Good luck- let me know if I can help you in anyway !

 

John

[BTW574]

Hey guy if you go to a dealer that carries Peripheral product thay have a interface that will get your chimes back and give yoy a retained ignition output for your radio. Any delear that carries Stinger and Best kits should haveit. It sure beats having to hide the radio.

[MrQuadrasteer]

esu, do you have the steering wheel stereo controls, too ?? Is there a way to retain those with an aftermarket unit ??

 

Thanks.

Smokey

[BTW574]

Peripheral makes a device PSWIX if I remember that should allow you to keep the steering controld as long as you new radio has a infared remote.

[lrymal]

I can't answer about ONSTAR and all of that, but installing an aftermarket radio in an '03 GM truck is easy using the Metra VT-GMRC-01 GM Class II Data bus Interface harness. It includes a small speaker that is part of the brains that allows all this stuff to work and you don't have to relocate and keep your OEM radio in your vehicle.

 

Problem: Installing an aftermarket receiver in many late model GM vehicles means losing the chime that warns the door is open.

 

Solution: Metra's VT-GMRC-01 GM Class II Data Bus Interface lets you replace the factory receiver in these vehicles and keep the door chime.

 

Hook the VT-GMRC-01 to your aftermarket radio, mount the module in a location where the chime can be heard, and plug it into the existing factory plug. Get the great sound you want, and keep an important safety feature intact. 1-year warranty.

 

Note: The VT-GMRC-01 will not work with OnStar equipped vehicles.

 

Here is a link to it from Crutchfield: http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-qCEfE...a=0&cc=01&avf=N

 

The chime and power retention works great, along with your aftermarket radio. I just installed one today and it flawlessly did its job.

 

If the chime is TOO LOUD, just pop open the plastic speaker box, and you'll find a link that you clip to lower the volume. It is a no-brainer. Works very well.