Bose Radio Removal / Installation

[GMJosh]

I bought an Ice Link module to connect my iPod to the factory radio and will need to remove/reinstall the radio to connect to the external CD changer port. I've done similar work (years ago) but never on a system with security codes. From reading through other posts it looks like the radio uses the VIN as the security code and looks for it on power-up. Does it retain the code if disconnected? Any words of wisdom before I break out the screw drivers?

Thanks!!

[GMJosh]

FYI - I pulled the radio and it retained the code without any problems. Very easy too.

[kipbenson4]

What factory radio do you have? You must have had one without the built-in changer. I've been looking for a aux input adapter for my Bose unit...

[GMJosh]

It's the factory Bose with in-dash 6-disc changer. The radio did not rercognize it after installation but Dension insists that it should work. I'm waiting on a replacement - we'll see.

If you're looking for aux input, not specifically IPod, check out Soundgate http://www.soundgate.com/consumer.htm or PIE http://www.pie.net/index.htm. ...and you can buy most of this stuff from logjam http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/auxinpconv.html.

[kipbenson4]

I'll be interested to see if your replacement works or not.

I bought an aux input from PAC Audio, but the Bose unit did not recognize the device. Specifically, their support engineer said my TB (as well as some other models) did not allow the selection of an AUX device. Does this sound similar to your problem?

Has anyone had luck with ANY aux or ipod input devices in their TB (especially a '02)?

[GMJosh]

Interesting. That sounds about right. The radio is supposed recognize it as a Sirius Satellite Radio but that's not happening. I'll let you know if I can get this thing to work...

[GMJosh]

Well, it looks like I have the same problem. Dension sent me a new unit but my radio still doesn't recocnize it. Bummer. I was really looking forward to it.

[Bullethole]

I was faced with the same problem. The in dash cd changer radio has an "aux" button but I was told it works only with the DVD player for the back seat. I wanted to run my XM straight thru instead of using the FM mod.

[kipbenson4]

Perhaps it would be possible to replace the factory head unit with a newer version, one in which the aux button could control an actual auxiliary device (makes sense, right?). I really don't want to use the FM mod anymore, but I really don't want to do too much tampering with the audio system.

[candycane]

I am in this same boat. I have a 04 TB headunit with XM and am wanting to hook up my portable mp3 player (Dell DJ) to it. I have found this product http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piegm12aux.html , but am a little confused about it. Is this product going to allow me to keep my XM or am I going to have to go with one or the other?

[neversatisfied]

I have been trying to figure out this problem for over six months now. I have tried the PAC, PIE and Soundgate aux input adapters to no avail. I have the Bose 6 disc in dash w/ OnStar. My TB is a 2003 w/o Video Entertainment System. I want to add my Ipod so bad to my vehicle, but would like a direct signal instead of a degraded FM Modulator signal.

Just to clear up some things that I have found along the way:
1. You cannot use another radio from a different platfrom for the 2002 and 2003 TrailBlazers. The only vehicles that share this platform are the Trailblazer, Envoy, and Bravada. If you do try and use a radio from a different platform the dealer may be able to get it to work, but they will not be able to calibrate it. This means that for every truck it is used in, it is calibrated to work acoustically in that vehicle with the given amp installed in that vehicle.

2. In order to use an aux input adapter you need to have a XM ready radio, which from what I understand would mean that you would have a Band button instead of the AM/FM button.

3. The 2004 Trailblazer radio has been chnaged and is now the same as all other platforms, so these can be interchanged.

I tried to put a Bose 6 disc from an Avalanche which worked with the aux adapter into my Trailblazer and the dealer could not get it to calibrate, therefore not working properly. I have searched for a XM ready radio from the dealer and they said they found one and installed it and it would not pick up the aux adapter.

If anyone has a part number for the XM ready radio from a 2002 or 2003 Trailblazer that would be helpful?

Has anyone gotten an aux adapter to work in their 02/03 Trailblazer?

$600 later and no clean signal for my Ipod!

[trazam1986]

Did anyone locate the part number for the XM radio that works in 2002 and 2003 trailblazers? Just bought the truck and I need my XM!!!! thanks!

Jim

[trazam1986]

I would not let me edit my last post. fyi, my truck does not have the bose system, does have onstar, plays chimes through the front speakers. thanks! Jim

[markbair]

I have been working on this problem forever as well. Apparently the BAND button is the thing causing our problems. You need the BAND button, not the AM/FM that all of us seem to have.

I talked to Soundgate tech support, and they said their engineers were tinkering with the trailblazer radios and found out that the cd/aux button doesn't do anything. It doesn't send any type of signal to the databus at all. Weird...how does the factory dvd player work?? Anyone with an 03 have the dvd player? How does it work? You press the aux button??

I WANT AN AUX INPUT!