Stereo Swap in 1998 Z71

DanMan_S · August 16, 2003

Hey guys. The stereo in my 1998 Sierra is dying out on me, plus the theft protection code was lost by the last owner. I wanted to throw in the stereo unit out of another sierra and was curious about whats the newest model that can be shoved into the dash. It appears to be the same stereo as the one in my dads 2001 Yukon XL (with the exception that the newer units have the cd player built right in). I was curious if I went to the junk yard or any parts wreckers and managed to salvage the intact stereo unit out of a 2003 Sierra/Silverado/SUV with the 6 cd changer, if I'd be able to fit it in my truck. How different would the wiring be? I need to replace the speakers in my truck anyhow so rewiring it isn't too big of a concern, but would it physically fit in the dash without problems? If the only obstacles are taking it to GM with the documents showing I obtained the stereo legally so they can reprogram it or whatever is needed to transfer it to another vehicle then I'd be more than willing to go through with the swap. Any ideas or opinions on trying to pull this off?

tmf6902 · August 16, 2003

goto Crutchfield

You can look up on there what stereos whill fit by the year. But they have a good selection and send you the proper harness to just basically plug and play. THey have great tech support too if you need help....that's if you want a new aftermarked.

good luck

MountaineerTom · August 17, 2003

As far as getting one out of an '03, you may have some problems. I don't know the specifics, but I know that the radio's in the '03 are integrated into other components, or something like that. Someone else will be able to help you out more than me on that.

If you get one out of an '02 or older, it should be pretty much a direct swap.

DanMan_S · August 17, 2003

Thanks! Thats mostly what my curiousity was focused on. Does anyone know if those components that are integrated into the stereo be bypassed simply by failing to hook them up in the receiving truck?

PSWired · August 18, 2003

The 03's are a totally different animal. In addition to the wiring harnesses being different, they look for the VIN# of the truck that it is installed in on the data netowrk within the vehicle, and only if it matches the numbeer in the radio will it operate. You're probably better off going aftermarket, or getting a delco radio from 95-02 and adding the 6-disc CD changer out of a Denali or Escalade. Good luck!

99-2door · August 18, 2003

Aside from the wiring issues the 2003 stereo will not physically fit into your 98's dash. You need a stereo from a 95-02. The wiring harness is the same for all of those years.

k1500chevy97 · August 18, 2003

Ok heres a stereo related question for yall

If you get a delco deck that has the SCV on it and your original did not will it work ???

DanMan_S · August 18, 2003

Thanks for the responses guys! That was the stuff I needed to know. I didn't have the info, or the resources to tear apart a 2003 gm to figure out what would work so I was in the dark about it. As well, I don't have the bloody code for the theft protection in my stereo....I don't have a manual for the truck either (Got to pick one up from gm asap). How do you guys recommend I solve this dilemma? Can I take my truck to the dealership and get them to flash the stereo, or something along those lines to clear the lockout or to reset the code? Because I have no idea if the theft protection was even enabled, so am abit apprehensive about unplugging the battery or pulling the stereo and killing the unit completely.

silverado man · August 18, 2003

Thanks for the responses guys! That was the stuff I needed to know. I didn't have the info, or the resources to tear apart a 2003 gm to figure out what would work so I was in the dark about it. As well, I don't have the bloody code for the theft protection in my stereo....I don't have a manual for the truck either (Got to pick one up from gm asap). How do you guys recommend I solve this dilemma? Can I take my truck to the dealership and get them to flash the stereo, or something along those lines to clear the lockout or to reset the code? Because I have no idea if the theft protection was even enabled, so am abit apprehensive about unplugging the battery or pulling the stereo and killing the unit completely.

If when you shut off the truck there is a little light on the dash that is blinking than your anti-theft is on. If its not you should have to worry about the anti-theft.

99-2door · August 18, 2003

If you get a delco deck that has the SCV on it and your original did not will it work ???

Yes the SCV will work, even in the Cheyenne trucks.

MountaineerTom · August 18, 2003

If the Thef Loc is activated, here's how you unlock it.

1. Press and hold presets 2 & 3 for about 10 seconds until the first 3 digits of the display code are displayed

2. Write the numbers down.

3. Press the AM FM button, write down the next 3 numbers

4. Call 1-800-537-5140, when asked, enter 202107, press * and enter the 6 digit code from the radio, you will get an unlock code, write it down.

5. Go back to the car, press the HR button and set the first 2 numbers, then press minute button and set the next two last numbers, press AM FM button, SEC should be displayed, turn on radio To remove customers code, repeat step 5. you should see --- on radio face, the code is now out of the radio.