2003 Sunfire radio replacement problem?????

[Dan4444]

Hi all you experts on Pontiac Sunfires.

I have a question if you don't mind. I have a 2003 sunfire (manual) and wanted to replace the cheap factory radio with a good radio/ CD combo. However I was told it "could be" a problem because GM ties the radio into the dome light, chime and engine warning light. They said on that year and model (depending on features) it could stop these features and make resetting engine warning light impossible. Some say there is a interface module to overcome this...and some say there is but it may not work.

Do anyone know anything about it and how I can tell if mine is one of the ones it will be a problem on?? Or what I can look for to tell if its affected??

I appreciate any info you can provide.
Thank You,
Dan

[Brandish]

The "safest" way to do this is to get a relocation harness and mount the factory radio in the trunk. This usually keeps all the factory features still working, and keeps your local dealership happy. Other harnesses I've seen eliminate the radio and instead have a separate chime module that mounts under the dash, or wherever. You can buy a regular harness and eliminate the radio altogether, but that means losing door chimes and I think dome lights as well. As far as other things go (airbags, diagnostics, check engine lights, etc), I haven't heard of any issues arising, but I'm not gonna say for sure whether those things are affected or not.

[Dan4444]

Thanks for your reply. I spoke with someone at Metra about a "Metra VT-GMRC-01" interface. They say the radio can be removed because this module fixes everything. I'm a little hesitant to rip out old radio unless I know it will work and fix all problems stated.
?? Anyone tried it on the same car and year??