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'04+ Aftermarket Radio Swap


unclejohnny_69
06-11-2008, 12:44 PM
What you will need before beginning:
Parts:
1.) Aftermarket radio
2.) Aftermarket radio mounting kit
3.) Interface adapter (to hadle functions of factory radio)
4.) Antenna adapter

Tools:
1.) Phillips (4-way) screwdriver
2.) Flat screwdriver (for prying the trim bezels off with)
You could use a trim removal tool, but I find a flat screwdriver with a little electrical tape around it works just as well.

You can get the mounting kit and antenna adapter from most any car audio retailer for fairly cheap. The interface, on the other hand, can be somewhat expensive ranging anywhere between $65 to $100+. The cost all depends on what setup you have (base radio, bose, monsoon, etc) and what options you have/want to keep (On-Star, navigation, etc). Using the interface offers you the option of not having to relocate your factory to the trunk. It also retains most of the factory chimes. The only ones I've noticed that no longer happens are the "chirps" from enabling/disabling the cruise system and traction control. Also music to the front left speaker will stop while there is a chime, and music will return after the chime has ended. With the factory radio the music will continue to play while chiming.

It should be noted that the factory radio handles the date function on the DIC. To my knowledge there is no interface available that will replace this. The date function should be the only function lost. I have a 3-button DIC and all the other functions work (mileage, trip1, and trip2). The same should be true for a 5-button DIC.

1.) Remove the ignition trim ring.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/2.jpg

2.) Remove the center bezel. I find it's easier to start just to the right of the vent and work my way around counter clockwise.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/3.jpg

3.) Unplug the connector from the DIC. Be careful because there isn't a lot of slack.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/4.jpg

4.) Remove the 2 screws securing the tray. Move it down and out of the way for now.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/5.jpg

5.) Remove the 2 screws securing the climate control. Also unplug the connector from the rear. Once you have removed the climate control unit you can remove the tray.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/6.jpg

6.) Remove the 4 screws securing the radio. There should be a dowel on the rear that holds it in place, but keep the radio supported as you remove screws.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/7.jpg

7.) Pull the radio out and disconnect all connectors. Depending on trim level and options, your radio may look slightly different.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/8.jpg

8.) This is what you should now have.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/9.jpg

9.) Set everything in the passenger seat (a helpful suggestion). Go ahead and connect the interface wires to the appropriate aftermarket radio wires (if not already done so) and connect the antenna adapter. I used insulated quick disconnects, but you can use any method you're comfortable with. The interface will come with instructions one exactly what wires to connect (for speakers, power, navigation, etc). Follow the instructions and you will have no issues.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/10.jpg

10.) Plug the interface connectors into the factory harness and connect the antenna (hopefully you will have enough slack in your wires).
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/13.jpg

11.) Mount the aftermarket radio into the factory location. You will notice slots on either side which are for the center trim bezel to be held in place, as well as a hole at the bottom on either side. The holes are guide hole for the below part. Align the mounting kit so that there is a clear view through the slots and holes (no obstructions). Once properly aligned you may tighten the screws
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/15.jpg

12.) It is a good idea to test your radio to make sure all your connections are secure (and correct).
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/18.jpg

13.) If everythign checks out you are ready to put everything back together. If your radio has RCA plugs hanging down from the rear you will want to route them so they are out of the way and you can mount the climate unit.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/21.jpg

But first put the tray in and move it out of the way.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/22.jpg

14.) Connect the connector for the climate unit and install it You can now install the tray and tighen all screws.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/23.jpg

15.) You can hide the interface behind the dash.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/25.jpg

16.) Now you are ready to put the center bezel trim on. Remember to plug the connector back into the DIC. Starting at the top and sides snap the bezel trim back into place. Also install the ingnition trim ring.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/27.jpg

17.) Check everything for proper function (radio, DIC, climate unit, etc).
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/unclejohnny_69/05%20GP%20Radio%20Replacement/29.jpg

Enjoy your new radio.

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