GMC stereos and I-Pods

bigjon525 · July 10, 2005

Hey everyone,

I am new to this site, I was just searching on the Net trying to get some help. I see I'm not along when it comes to frustration with the GMC stereos! I have a 2005 Envoy with the standard stereo with one CD input on it. It has XM and On-Star - neither of which are active or do I plan to use - which is of course leads to my problem.

I bought an FM adapter which was TERIBLE! Now, I went to Circuit City and looked at the GMIP-01 which from what I read on this board, is the way to go. I was looking for a little advice...

Since I don't plan to use the XM, can I instruct Circuit City (who I'm paying to install the unit) to do it through the XM unit, rather than the CD changer part, that was I get the text display, right? There's no additional hardware needed, right?

Did you guys who use this system mount on your dash, vent, or???? I was thinking about having it in my glovebox, since the controls will be on the factory stero, right?

Please respond, or email me at [email protected]

I plan on purchasing this soon, so look forward to hearing from someone!

roden001 · July 10, 2005

Welcome to the forum!

First of all, you don't have to use the CD changer installation version in order to preserve XM. Also, OnStar doesn't enter into the picture with the GMIP-01.

If you wanted to do the XM version of the install, and still wanted to preserve XM, you'd just install the switch and the relay that are required (these extra instructions are included with the adapter). I think it would be good to have them do this, since you may want to activate XM in the future, and it would be good to get this done while the dash is torn apart. Also, if you sell the vehicle, you could advertise that XM has not been disabled to make way for this adapter.

Now, to answer your question more directly: yes, you should tell them to do the XM version of the install, since you want text on the display; and no, there's no extra hardware required (unless you want to preserve XM, in which case you'd have to pay for a simple switch, a relay, and a few feet of wire--all of which can be purchased for under $20 at any auto parts store).

The kit comes with a little cradle for the iPod, but I don't think any of the guys here are using it. Since you can't control your iPod directly, there's no sense having it out in the open. Some guys run the wire over to the glove box--I ran mine to the center console in my '03 fullsize.

Lemme know if you have any more questions. Also, there's at least two threads about this product that have been active in the last few months. If you haven't found them, you might want to do a search, because they'll probably be helpful to you as well.

Jon