What happens with the security system when you change the radio?

[Xbox2202]

I've read up on the security system that our cars have installed, and all of the stuff I've read about it says that you control it with the radio, so if you buy an aftermarket radio, does that pretty much disable the security system?

[89IROC&RS]

there is a security feature of the radio that prevents it from being used if stolen. It is a security feature that is linked to the total vehicle security systems, but also stand alone.

What you have read about in regards to the system no longer functioning is the radio its self. The radio locks up to prevent it from being used in another vehicle. The rest of your security system should operate just fine with an aftermarket radio installed.

[92rs25th]

Some vehicles , Like a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am I installed a aftermarket sterio into had a little harness that you need to plug into your factory stereo harness plug and that still allowed it to function properly with the aftermarket..But for some reason the radio also controlled the air bag sensors and crap so it if was removed and the battery hooked back up with out the factory stereo or the plug , the air bags would go off.

[justlearning]

yeah thats why i hate tryin to put stereos in my friends new cars cause air bags freakin hurt i was worried my friends galant might have it and he didnt have a haynes manual or anything but we chanced it and i got lucky

[89IROC&RS]

lol, stop doing it with the battery connected, that way you finish the install, and are under the hood when the airbag goes off and you are reconnecting the battery

however, ive never heard of this problem in the camaros. The radio in the camaro is not a class 2 data link module like the BCM or airbag system. the corvette on the other hand is a class 2 data system and ive seen plenty of aftermarket installs, pretty ugly ones, that ive had to try to fix that didnt set off the airbags. so i dont know.

[92rs25th]

Haha , I've never had it happen to bme before but I knew this filipino kat that it happened to. It's a wise idea to ask on newer models , anything 94 + from like the car audio shops when you go to buy a stereo harness plug in.