Now that I have all the necessary gear to do the install I've run into a problem.

I want to put my Clarion H/U into my 05 Pontiac Grand Prix but 2 installers I've talked to have 2 different ideas. One says I have to relocated the stock H/U in the trunk and run some sort of wiring harness. The second says I have to buy a $120 modual that goes between the Clarion and the stock wiring harness.

Any opinions on either of these?

Is it possable to hook up my system using the stock H/U?

The stock system is not the Bose system, if that helps.

 

I have much the same problem coming up with a new monte carlo. I'm still collecting interface stuff and picking out new speakers. Need better weather for installing anyway. )
All the new cars, the stereo is much more intgrated to the electronics of the car than it used to be. GM seems to do this most.
Some models have the diagnostics built right into the radio display but i don't think so on the GrandPrix.
You probably have the chimes (lights, doors, etc.) coming through the factory radio speakers. To do this, the radio power stays on after you take out the key, until you close the door. RAP, retained accessory power. If you have OnStar, it also ties into the radio.
There are add on modules made for all this. The cheaper interfaces give you RAP and an accessory speaker for chimes. There are interfaces for steering wheel volume control as well if you have that, most use the IR remote. The good ones actually interface to the HU if it has that option.

How you and your installer do this is up to you. And it'll cost money. If you do go the interface route, i'd be very interested to know what works.

Like you said, you could stick with the factory radio and just add amps and speakers.

 

Definitely go with the module... although it does cost a little more. The two do the same thing for your vehicle but the module is much cleaner. The factory stereo doesn't look so pretty in the trunk and it takes away a little bit of space.

They also say that it interfaces with your airbag. Others say that it is just a rumor. You can decide if you want to take a risk with out either or, but no professional installer will do that for you.

 

Here is my take on this. You have one of two legal options here. Both installers recommendations are correct and accomplish the same thing. The issue here is simple. At least here in BC (and more than likely the rest of Canada), it is illegal to remove a safety device. Your chime module is classified as a safety device as it chimes when your seatbelt is not on. So, you can move the factory headunit to the back of the car, using what is called a T-harness or you can use the radio deletion harness that comes with a new chime module. The latter is definitely the better way to go, it is a little more expensive but a easier install, so you save some labour $. Do it right, use the module and go from their with the cd player of your choice. I personally hate the RAP wire in the new harness so I would wire the new cd players ignition line to the ACC or IGN wire in the main ignition harness, this might be something to talk to your installer about.

 

I agree I've played with a few of the various available modules - and have never really grown attached to any of them. I know putting the head in the trunk is crappy, but when done correctly isn't a big deal, and GUARANTEES that any features offered by the factory head will remain intact. There are separate interfaces that may allow you to retain steering wheel controls as well, but this is separate.

I've heard of dealers denying electrical warranty because the factory head wasn't there (PAC interface I think)....that alone scares me enuf to do the deck in the trunk thing....The last thing an installer needs is to spend too much time dinking with the idiots at a dealership while a customer gets more and more pissed off about having done the install in the first place

just my 0.02

bmoney

 

Great feedback guys

NOTE: If you are one to turn your key back to chill and listen to tunes, be sure that your installer is aware of it and that they hook it up to the right ign/acc wire.

 

Dealers may deny it either way. Even seeing it in the trunk, they still see that you have wired into the car. Dealers do all that they can to void warranty.

 

I had a guy come to the shop a while ago with a sony deck installed by his dealership without a "relo kit" or chime module, boy was he mad. If you look at the price differance between the "relo" and module, its not that much more for the module.You have to pay some guy an exta half hour labor to install the "relo". we dont charge to install the "peripheral GMCO',it is still considered a basic install. One thing i have noticed is that some of the chimes on these units are REAL loud.If you get a loud one put some foam tape over the chime to calm it down abit.

 

I think that one would be easy to argue tho - since they say that there are "features" in the head unit....as long as the head is still there and functioning, so are the features.

As well, the relo kits tee into the wiring, so you're not even touching the cars wiring - merely adding into it. Anytime I monkey with these new cars I take a digipic of the harness and wiring to PROVE there was no cutting/splicing of the factory wires (factory integration is nice that way).

You're absolutely right tho - stealerships will do anything in their power to avoid warranty work...

bmoney

 

they can't void your warranty, period. the manufacturer has to be able to prove in court that what you did is the ONLY thing that could have cause the problem you want fixed. that is the only way for them to deny a warranty claim. I've been through this with a few people, (thank god mitsubishi knows this and doesn't give me any grief). the dealerships will tell you that your warranty is void, and hope that you don't know your rights, so that they can convince you to pay for any repairs in the future.