Solution For Lost Door Chime/stereo Issue

[mtkohl]

Hi all....

I have seen a number of threads here referring to late model (2000+) calvaliers and installing aftermarket stereo equipment. The general issue is that the door chime is connected to the OEM stereo, and if you remove the factory stereo, you lose the door chime, etc. One fix is to just ignore it. The open-door chime isn't really that important and doesn't affect drivability.

I have heard of a kit that allows you to relocate the factory head unit in the trunk to keep it connected somehow to retain the chime. Unfortunately, this means that you need to keep the factory stereo and make space in the trunck (which you could use for sub boxes )

However, I stumbled onto a better one today. Crutchfield has what they call a GM Class II Data Bus Interface. If you have any familiarity at all with wiring harness adapters (if you don't just ask me) this thing is a snap to install. It installs between the factory wiring harness and the new aftermarket stereo. Basically it replaces the original door chime, but functions identically, as if the all of your new equipment (stereo, etc) was original factory equipment.

I'm not trying to sell these things.......actually I am thinking of getting one for my cavalier if I decide to upgrade my stereo......but like I said, a lot of you have been asking for advice on stereo installs and this looks like it might be the answer you are looking for. Just let me know if you have more ???'s or want to know how to get one. I can get you the part # and stuff.

Also, for those of you still fighting with splicing into your factory wiring to install new equipment, DON'T!! There is a simple adaptor that has a matching factory plug (it plugs directly into your factory harness w/o splicing or cutting) on one end and bare wires on the other. You just connect the bare wires to the harness that came with the new radio, and you have a custor adapter with a plug on one end for the new radio and a plug on the other end for the car.

Sorry so long.....

[jvfackler]

When I replace my stereo, I invested in the "easy" way and got a wiring harness that fits my 2000 cavy. It came with the door chime and I put it up under the dash between the two vents that come out right above the head unit.....I had the entire dash apart for painting so this was easy. Got it from Circuit City

Jv

[mtkohl]

I think we are talking about the same thing Its really just an adapter harness with the built in replacement chime.
I have not seen this item for sale in any retail store yet, but I don't doubt that there are some that have it in stock (like the circuit city store you shop at). I just posted this cause there were A LOT of ???'s about the chime issue, and I stumbled onto this device for the first time and thought I'd share. Good stuff