Radio Died

[gulfgears]

My standard issue am/fm/single cd radio just died this morning.

 

I decided to replace it with an aftermarket unit, but one of my fellow emplyees said it could'nt easily be done because the computer and stuff goes through the radio.

 

Is this true?

 

I have aftermarket XM radio and it seemed to hook right up without disturbing anything.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

[carneyman]

I replaced mine with an aftermarket head unit and had no problem. Just be sure you get the right wiring harness or else you will be splicing some wires.

[mmmikkke]

On GM trucks, the radio is not an integral part of the automation. I replaced my factory head unit with a Pioneer with no problems.

 

If you want your chimes to work, though, for things like the headlights-left-on reminder, or the low fuel reminder, you will have to purchase a $80 kit to listen to the data bus and announce the chime. The Metra GMRC-01 is what I prefer for this purpose. Once you've swallowed that additional expense, you're cut free from the mediocre reception and sound quality of the factory unit. You'll be glad you broke free once you make the switch.

[carneyman]

On GM trucks, the radio is not an integral part of the automation.  I replaced my factory head unit with a Pioneer with no problems.

 

If you want your chimes to work, though, for things like the headlights-left-on reminder, or the low fuel reminder, you will have to purchase a $80 kit to listen to the data bus and announce the chime.  The Metra GMRC-01 is what I prefer for this purpose.  Once you've swallowed that additional expense, you're cut free from the mediocre reception and sound quality of the factory unit.  You'll be glad you broke free once you make the switch.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I didn't have to do that on my '02...is that just with newer trucks?

[BlackLT06]

On GM trucks, the radio is not an integral part of the automation.  I replaced my factory head unit with a Pioneer with no problems.

 

If you want your chimes to work, though, for things like the headlights-left-on reminder, or the low fuel reminder, you will have to purchase a $80 kit to listen to the data bus and announce the chime.  The Metra GMRC-01 is what I prefer for this purpose.  Once you've swallowed that additional expense, you're cut free from the mediocre reception and sound quality of the factory unit.  You'll be glad you broke free once you make the switch.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I didn't have to do that on my '02...is that just with newer trucks?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

yes, i had a 2000 blazer that didnt require that either

[J45p3r]

On GM trucks, the radio is not an integral part of the automation.  I replaced my factory head unit with a Pioneer with no problems.

 

If you want your chimes to work, though, for things like the headlights-left-on reminder, or the low fuel reminder, you will have to purchase a $80 kit to listen to the data bus and announce the chime.  The Metra GMRC-01 is what I prefer for this purpose.  Once you've swallowed that additional expense, you're cut free from the mediocre reception and sound quality of the factory unit.  You'll be glad you broke free once you make the switch.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I didn't have to do that on my '02...is that just with newer trucks?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Yes, it's on the 2003+ trucks. On these trucks all dings and DIC sounds come through the radio speakers. Very annoying because it's really freaking loud and it's an additional step when replacing the HU.

[kdm101]

Not to forget that OnStar is also piped through the factory head unit. That adapter should keep that functioning too if you have it.

 

Sometimes old (low) tech is indeed better. Less costly, less to go wrong, less annoyances.