Aftermarket Stereos

[bully712]

I read this somewhere and I was wondering if it was true or not.

"For those of you that like to upgrade your stereo systems after you buy a vehicle, the Trailblazer is not for you. The truck's computer actually runs off of your radio, meaning the radio can not be replaced with an aftermarket radio, CD player, etc. Your only option is to upgrade through Chevy to their BOSE system, but you better be prepared to fork out the dollars."

I want to replace my factory stereo, and I really didn't find anything when I did a search on this forum. Can anyone share there experience with this issue and suggest any ideas?

This is the unit I was actually considering: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-r9i269k...00&I=257KDAVX1

Thank you,
Marc

[balboasdelight]

I very seriously doubt it (but since I have not personally changed the radio in my TB, I can't say with absolute certainty).

You will lose the chimes (yea!); if you want to keep them, add this adapter:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7CvaT0I...sp?i=120GMRC01

If you have OnStar, you will lose the audio (I don't know if the above adaptor recovers that or not).

If your factory radio displays TB info (trip milage, oil change intervals, etc), you will lose that. I have seen adaptors on the web that come with an LCD screen you install somewhere, that purport to recover and display the text. Can't find one right now...

If you've picked out a unit, call Crutchfield and ask. They know their stuff, and are very helpful.

.

[ScarabEpic22]

That is complete BS. Plain and simple, BS.
You can replace the radio in all TBs and dont even have to use any adapters, although it is easier to use them and you can keep Onstar and the chimes.

I have the stock radio in my TB, but plenty of people at www.TrailVoy.com have replaced theirs with no problems. Good luck!

[bully712]

Originally Posted by balboasdelight

If your factory radio displays TB info (trip milage, oil change intervals, etc), you will lose that. I have seen adaptors on the web that come with an LCD screen you install somewhere, that purport to recover and display the text. Can't find one right now...

Mine doesn't show on the radio screen. Mine is within the gauges

Originally Posted by ScarabEpic22

That is complete BS.

I was thinking that also. I talked to an Agent from Crutchfield and this is what he said:

1.Agent:"You must use the recommended Crutchfield integration adapter to retain the warning system chimes."

Me:"Is it just for the door chimes or other warning systems?"

Agent:"No, it is also tied in with the air bags. that adapter is required and isn't an optional accessory." (Why is the air bags tied in with the radio?)

2.Agent:"If your vehicle has the OnStar system, the voice prompts will be lost if the factory radio is replaced." (I'm not a subscriber to OnStar so this doesn't matter to me)

Well I actually bought the unit I was considering: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-r9i269...300&I=257KDAVX1 ( got it for a lot cheaper on Ebay )
I got the chime thing adapter, and the antenna adapter.
I think I got every thing that I need.

[tom3]

Any updates? Have you installed this yet? Any problems?

[balboasdelight]

Originally Posted by bully712

Why is the air bags tied in with the radio?

It's not. There's no way a critical safety system is going to be designed to depend on a user-replaceable part. Maybe if the airbag fails a self-test, it dings the chimes in addition to a dashboard warning light? In that case you might lose the audible part of an alert of the status of the air bags, but there's no way the operation of the air bags themselves is compromised or disabled without the radio.

The Crutchfield person said the adaptor was required because his lawyer told him to say that. If some moron drives off with his doors open and an injury results, he would sue Crutchfield for "allowing" him to disable the door chimes -- so if you ask, the adptor is "required" (but they will sell you the radio without it).

Shutting up the stupid chimes is almost (not quite, but almost) enough reason for me to replace the radio! On every previous car, I just hunted down the buzzer and unplugged it.

You're set to go. Hope you enjoy the replacement unit.

.

[bully712]

Originally Posted by tom3

Any updates? Have you installed this yet? Any problems?

PAtiently waiting... They're taking their good old time shipping the stereo out to me. I'll let you know when I get it installed.

[bully712]

I just installed the stereo today. The installation went well. Just one part we sat scratching our heads. To bypass the parking brake wire (to play DVDs while driving) we were sure it had to be connected to a positive. Guess we were wrong It looks Great! Installed, and the screen is awesome. I thought a 3" screen was going to be pretty small for a dvd, but it isn't.

[markbair]

You never really said if you got the "positive" wire thing fixed or not. The panasonic DVD players just have to have that wire grounded. In other words, attach it to some screw that doesn't have any paint on it that is attached to the body somewhere. (Metal) Alpine decks (like I have) have to be deactivated by doing a parking-brake to brake-pedal "dance." A pulse timer can be used to bypass that, however it should only be used if you are installing it in something like a boat that doesn't have a parking brake and brake pedal. Atleast that is what I hear anyway!

[djmykeball]

Originally Posted by bully712

I just installed the stereo today. The installation went well. Just one part we sat scratching our heads. To bypass the parking brake wire (to play DVDs while driving) we were sure it had to be connected to a positive. Guess we were wrong It looks Great! Installed, and the screen is awesome. I thought a 3" screen was going to be pretty small for a dvd, but it isn't.

Hey dude..where did you attach the parking brake wire because I am installing something in my car that needs a connection there?

[Jethro]

Bully hasnt been on this board in almost 2 years 1/7/06. Your best luck would be to email him/her