"Programing" GM Radios

[DKS]

I hope this does not break rules, but it is a question I asked my tech. I have an 03 Envoy SLT with the Bose/6 Disc Changer. It has AM/FM and CD/AUX buttons. Several electronics stores sell interface parts that will allow me to hook my XM into the radio directly if, as they always say, "The radio is programmed to use the aux button." If this is so, how do I find out if the radio is programmed to do that or not? If not, can I get some type of programming done to it, so it will accept the XM input on the aux button? My radio was built in December of 2002. I tried one unit that was for 2004-2005 Envoys and it would not work. If I cannot get this radio programmed, can I use a newer model radio in the truck? I ask that question as I have read that GM changed the electronics and programming considerably in 2004. When I asked the tech at my dealer about this he said that the button was just put on there to have something besides CD on it. I really don't think that is true.

[TonyMazz]

Others can chime in, but what I did was use a sirrius sportster with an FM connection. I wanted to have the radio stay on after the ignition was turned off but it can't be done..not with out a RDS module that cost $275. Far as a direct connect and basic radio...there is no AUX connection on a regular radio....the best way to determine if your's has one, is go to the parts counter at your dealership, provide the VIN number and they can print a build sheet with your RPO codes. Some radios are XM ready and just need the XM or Sirrius box installed and you are good to go...

[DKS]

Thanks for the info. What I want to do in actually use the aux on the radio as an input. There are components out there that allow ipods, xm, or anything that can have headphone jack plugged into them to be connected to any 2004 or newer radio. The question, it seems, is whether 2002-2003 radios can do this. That is where the "programming" comes in. I cannot find if mine has the programming or not. I have been able to get the add on xm to stay on with the RAP circuit by running its power from the wire in the rear fuse block that controls the relay for the sunroof. I just want to run it directly into the radio without using the Delphi box that requires me to put it into the antenna line. That really messes with am reception when I want to use am for news/sports/etc.