02 Factory Amp Bypass/Once and For all

[arkansas_avy]

Okay, everyone, I'm new here and all, but I've done this procedure and I thought I'd try to lay it out really simple for everyone to do, once and for all.  I know I have a hard time searching and searching through all the lengthy posts sometimes.

The procedure is pretty simple.  You're buying a plug that says it's for a 2000 model Saturn car.  I know this sounds crazy, but all you really want is the plug's shape, not necessarily the pin configuration.  You'll be changing this around, anyway.  Once you buy the plug, the only tools you'll need are a set of pliers to pull out the pins and reinsert them in the proper locations, some way of holding the new connections together (be it electrical tape, solder, butt splices, etc.), and a little bit of time.  Since most of these types harnesses come with the wires already stripped, there shouldn't really be any need to do so.  

After reading through this thread and all of the information posted, I thought I'd combine the efforts of all of the members who have posted here already.  Sorry if anyone feels like I'm stepping on their toes by not giving them credit, I just can't remember who posted on what page of what thread.  Thanks so much, though.  

All that out of the way, here's what you'll be doing.  If you think of the amp as a break in the wire from the head unit to the speakers, then it's easy to understand that what modifying this plug so that input and output connect is doing is merely reconnecting the hole that the "factory amp" once created.  After creating the plug and putting it inline where the amp was, there is no further need to splice any wires.  

So, without any further delays, here's the process I used.
2002 Avalanche Factory Amp
Input plug wire colors
Note: You will need to purchase a Metra 70-2002, Best Kits BHA2002, or some other plug that is rated for use on a 2000 model Saturn car.  I know it says Saturn, but trust me, you just want the shape of the plug.  You’ll be rearranging the pins, anyway.
A1 Dk Grn RF Speaker -
A2 Lt Grn RF Speaker +
A3 Lt Blu RR Speaker -
A4 Dk Blu RR Speaker +
A5 Orn Amplifier feed (Pwr Ant signal. Use this wire to turn on your amp)
A6 Ppl Amplifier gain control (not used with aftermarket amp)
A7 - A8 Not used
A9 Lt Grn RF Audio -
A10 Lt Grn RF Audio +
A11 Blk RR Audio -
A12 Dk Blu RR Audio +

B1 Gry LF Speaker -
B2 Tan LF Speaker +
B3 Yel LR Speaker -
B4 Brn LR Speaker +
B5 - B8 Not Used
B9 Dk Grn LF Audio -
B10 Tan LF Audio +
B11 Brn LR Audio -
B12 Brn LR Audio +
-----------------------------------------------
*** To bypass the factory amp while retaining speaker input from the factory head unit or an aftermarket head unit without the use of an external amplifier, the pins will have to be rearranged and the following connections made:
A1 RF Speaker – TO A9 RF Audio -
A2 RF Speaker + TO A10 RF Audio +
A3 RR Speaker - TO A11 Audio -
A4 RR Speaker + TO A12 RR Audio +
B1 LF Speaker - TO B9 LF Audio -
B2 LF Speaker + TO B10 LF Audio +
B3 LR Speaker - TO B11 LR Audio -
B4 LR Speaker + TO B12 LR Audio +

*** If, however, a new head unit is installed and you wish to use an external amplifier to provide the speaker input to your system, simply run a set of RCAs to the amp, then run the amp outputs to the SPEAKER (not, I say again NOT AUDIO) pins on the new plug.  This sends the signal straight through the existing wires to your door speakers.

Once the plug is completed, simply unplug the lower plug from the "factory amp", and plug the modified Saturn plug onto the wire from the radio where the amp once was.  The upper plug on the factory amp is just its power leads, so if you don't want to unplug it, or can't reach it, the only disadvantage is, as someone earlier stated, an unnecessary power drain on your truck.  

I hope this has helped out any other Av owners as much as it helped me out.  I know I hate to cut any wires if I don't have to, and the thought of being able to take it back stock without a trace is kind of nice.

If anyone has any questions at all about this, please feel free to send me a message.  Once again, I hope this helps.  It only took me about 10 minutes from start to finish.  I'll post pics on this thread, or maybe even start a new one since this one's gotten a bit lengthy, as soon as I can get to my digital camera.

Until then, Happy Modding!!!

[sose]

So you don't actually have to remove and relocate pins right?  Just connect the ones together as you have listed them here...

[ElixiR]

Same question here.   I'm kinda lost as to what actually happens with the pin "re-arrangement"  I understand the concept that both the "from radio" and "to speakers" wires are on the same factory harness that plugs into the bottom of the amp.  Can you go into further detail as how to modify the Metra harness.

sose,  have you had any luck ?

Thanks!

[ElixiR]

Ok I have figured it out.

I have made this webpage with pictures to help others out.  If you have any questions post them on this thread.

I'll add more text to the page later.

http://teamwasp.netfirms.com

 

[Av-n-Taz]

Will bypassing the factory amp, and not installing an aftermarket, improve the sound from the factory speakers?

Also, does this mod have any effect on the chimes (door, seatbelt, etc.)?

[ygmn]

Will bypassing the factory amp, and not installing an aftermarket, improve the sound from the factory speakers?

Also, does this mod have any effect on the chimes (door, seatbelt, etc.)?

Yes to a degree it does sound a bit better.....If you look way back for some posts by TIMCOSCO...he used a scope to watch the speaker signals with this amp....well...when done he called it a DE-amp...as it basically would limit signals to the speaker.....

No effect on chimes AFAIK...and I did this about 2 years ago.....

[Av-n-Taz]

Thanks, ygmn. I'll check TIMCOSCO's posts and see about doing another mod, on the Av. I'm still in the middle of the EZ Slider build.
Boy, time certainly is at a premium lately.

[boxapizza]

Ok I have figured it out.

I have made this webpage with pictures to help others out.  If you have any questions post them on this thread.

I'll add more text to the page later.

http://teamwasp.netfirms.com

 

Thank you very much for this on point step by step. I think i can finally tackle this Mod. 

[timstew]

It definitely improves the stock system bypassing the amp. The sound is much better with the stock HU and speakers with no factory amp.

[ultraBADBoy]

where is the best cheapest place to get the plug?

[Av-n-Taz]

I found my plug at Best Buy. Be sure to take the part number with you. Trying to get it by application. will only complicate things.

More info here.

[fraz43]

Thanks to everyone for the detail for this mod! The summary and pics especially made the job an absolute breeze, and the sound quality is much improved. Best Buy is not the cheapest, but it's the most convenient. I had to go out to the install shop before I found someone who could understand what I was looking for, even with part number in hand, so bear in mind that the folks inside the store might not have much of a clue.

Now... on to a new hu/spkrs and the cool av faceplate from humount.com! Thanks again to everyone - this club is fantastic! 

[Hugz]

Well worth the effort..     

[ultraBADBoy]

how much did best buy charge for the plug?

[ItsStopher]

I paid $18.18 (with tax)for mine.

ItsStopher

[Zoojelly]

OK now what about a 2004 model?

[audavo]

Ive got a 03 AV - is the procedure the same?

[ygmn]

Ive got a 03 AV - is the procedure the same?

NO....

2003 and above are completly different as they have different radio and internal communication computer bus....

This only works on 2002 model year avys...

sorry....

[Airwolf]

Did I just read the above posts right?!  Are you saying that by simply removing a component (amp) from the stock system, it will sound better?  Why is it there in the first place then?

[ItsStopher]

It sure does

[yndio]

who will do this for me??  I'll buy ya a 12 pack??

[ygmn]

who will do this for me?? I'll buy ya a 12 pack??

buy connector and come on by...

I like Sailor Jerry Rum....in lieu of 12 pack....

and yes...it does improve sound....ecspecially if you add an amp to stock HU.....

[yndio]

Can you mail rum by mail???  YGMN, you live to far for me to come by.   

[ygmn]

Can you mail rum by mail??? YGMN, you live to far for me to come by.

look in some of the older threads on this subject....maybe someone nearby has done it...

It really is not hard....

[yndio]

Patience is what it takes and I have slim to none especially for all those little holes!!  OK, know a bunch of jokes are gonna come on this. 

[ygmn]

not hard...

all you do is empty glove box..

push in the glove box stop so it can open up all the way...

then reach in and un plug the connector...(hardest thing right here)

then take the connector you buy....

move pigtail wires to apporpriate positions per some old post on here and solder the correct ones together...

then plug this connector into truck harness.... and secure with DUCT tape... or whatever ya have....

then shut glove box and put junk back in it...

and ya done!!!

easy

[ardavis78]

WOOOOW!!!   It sounds sooo much better since I bypassed that stupid amp.  I'm still using the stock H/U for the moment.  I can't believe the difference in sound quality!!!  Thanks a lot!! 

[sperry]

For some reason, they limit a lot and manipulate the audio in that "amp". It was certainly a good find and fix, for an 02.

Too bad it's more of a hassle & $$ to upgrade the premium sound to Lux, in an 03+. Even though, it's still worth it.

[yndio]

Anyone up to doing this for me and mailing me the finished product??  I tried it and made a huge mess of the adapters I used so I'm still stuck with the stock amp!!  Willing to pay (but not too much!! )  for your help. 

[ardavis78]

I'll wire one for ya yndio... $30.00 shipped to ya...lemme know

[paul_376]

I need oen done for me as well

[yndio]

Where are you located, if anyone could do it locally I can feed ya and give you drink also

[ardavis78]

I'm located in Northwest Ohio.  Anyone let me know.  My email is ardavis78@cityofbryan.net .  Get at me if you want one of these made.  They work great.  I just installed my Clarion VRX935VD last nite...works great!!  Sounds awesome with Kenwood Excelon components.  Thanks a lot guys.

[TMAV]

Arkansas_Avy,

This is an excellent thread you put together on bypassing the factory amp for an '02AV.  Is there any info that shows the procedure for an '05AV.
I have a 6cd bose with no xm, rsa, and onstar.  I would like to bypass the factory amp, and connect a 4ch aftermarket amp to my front and rear speakers. Can I keep my chimes, rsa, and onstar? If there is a method, can someone explain it in detail like Arkansas_Avy did in his thread. I have searched and read other threads, but I still need some clarification on the '05 sound system.

 thanks,
 from a 2time Avalanche owner
"No other truck for me but the A.V."

[TMAV]

I realize there is a lot of info (threads) on this topic, but everything I was finding was for an '02, '03 and some '04 AV's. I purchased the OEM-GM24, and  was just trying to minimize some troubleshooting time before I started my install on my '05.
Thanks for the overwhelming responses!

[jlupien502]

I realize there is a lot of info (threads) on this topic, but everything I was finding was for an '02, '03 and some '04 AV's. I purchased the OEM-GM24, and  was just trying to minimize some troubleshooting time before I started my install on my '05.
Thanks for the overwhelming responses!

You might have more luck if you started a new topic.

[TMAV]

Thanks for the advice.

[buffalotr8]

I just tried to put in an aftermarket HU into my 02 Av and everything powers up but no sound.  Do I now have to bypass the amp with this new harness fix to get this HU running? 

Thanks in advance and what a great site.

Bob

[ygmn]

I just tried to put in an aftermarket HU into my 02 Av and everything powers up but no sound. Do I now have to bypass the amp with this new harness fix to get this HU running?

Thanks in advance and what a great site.

Bob

No...Amp bypass should have nothing to do with HU....

I suggest starting a new thread and describe details....

[buffalotr8]

Thanks, I will start a new post.

[yndio]

OK, so who's doing the amp bypass for my 02?

[ItsStopher]

OK, so who's doing the amp bypass for my 02?

Do you you still have the connector? If you do mail it to me I will fix it and mail it back.

ItsStopher

[yndio]

no, threw it away, kinda guy that I am.  Once I get frustrated things get hurled.   

[ItsStopher]

If you get another one, the offer is still good.

[emac39]

OK i am up grading my door speakers in my 02 to mb quart dsf 213 in all four using the stock hu and am going to do the amp bypass. 

1. is the stock hu going to be enough to power the speakers?

2. do i NEED to install an am amp?

3. how are the front oem speakers crossed over?

4. with an am amp do i still do the bypass

any help will be appreciated

[ygmn]

1.  Yes and no...  Enough to sound OK

2. It will sound much better as the bass will be more pronounced...

3. Little capaciter soldered onto tweeter as bass blocker...no crossover anywhere

4. YES it makes it easier to get the signals and the benefit of bypassing the stock De-AMP

[emac39]

one more question... if i run new speaker wire to the doors-from what i have read- i do not need to do the by pass on the factory amp just use one of the adapters.  is this correct?  Which adapter oem-1 or os 1 or another.   i am so confused...and not very bright on top of it   

how about if i also want add xm or Sirius

thanks.  I'll stop now

[ygmn]

one more question... if i run new speaker wire to the doors-from what i have read- i do not need to do the by pass on the factory amp just use one of the adapters.  is this correct?  Which adapter oem-1 or os 1 or another.   i am so confused...and not very bright on top of it   

how about if i also want add xm or Sirius

thanks. I'll stop now

Here is what I did...

Bought new speakers...mounted into doors...used existing speaker wires as it is good enough...

then did amp bypass...

then later on added an amplifier under rear seat and I ran wires from the amp bypass under dash all the way back to amp...where I mounted a high level input to lo level input thingy...and then connect that to Amp...

then ran more speaker wires bacn up to the amp bypass thingy...

Many ways to do it...

All depends on which way you wanna do it...

I should have put the high level to lo level behind glovebox but I added this later and was easier for me near amp...

[yndio]

Thanks to ItsStopher, I finally got the amp bypass.  Was a bugger to wiggle the lower harness out but luckily I'm hard headed!!!!  I put it in right, right??

[ItsStopher]

Well... was it worth it 

[yndio]

Yes, tons clearer, I used to not be able to get over 30 without some major nasty sound.  I just cranked up the Pioneer to 50 and sounded good up until maybe 49 but that is probably due to the paper speakers.  Now I gotta go out and find some decent speakers so my baby will sound better.  Ho hum, do one mod, then need to do 2-3 more after.  Good thing the wife loves me!!!!!!

[lbingman]

I have a few questions for this.  I have a 2006 Avalanche with Premium Bose.

1.  What does this mod accomplish?  I understand that it bypasses the amp, but why do some people do this mod?

2.  Can this be done for my Avalanche?

3.  If I did this mod, will my door chimes and OnStar still work?

4.  If this mod does work for my Avalanche, how would it?  I'm told that all the fading and bass/treble controls are dealt with in the amp.  The head unit just sends signals to the amp.  Is this correct?

[ygmn]

I have a few questions for this. I have a 2006 Avalanche with Premium Bose.

1. What does this mod accomplish? I understand that it bypasses the amp, but why do some people do this mod?

2. Can this be done for my Avalanche?

3. If I did this mod, will my door chimes and OnStar still work?

4. If this mod does work for my Avalanche, how would it? I'm told that all the fading and bass/treble controls are dealt with in the amp. The head unit just sends signals to the amp. Is this correct?

You need to look for this mod for 2003 and later...as 2002 is specific for that model year only

[KDIXER]

I am installing a Sony HU, RF HE10 sub, and an MTX 4 channel amp to run all speakers. I purchased a generic wiring harness for GM cars at Autozone for $9.99. The only thing is, it has fewer wires than the Saturn harness, which is fine for me because I am going to remove them all except the eight I need for the speakers. This is where I will attach the speaker wires from the amp. Just thought I would mention the cheaper solution for those who are going to power their speakers with an amp and not big on hacking factory wires.

[KDIXER]

I also think it is not necessary to disconnect the top connector from the amp because the remote wire is located on the bottom (A5). Someone let me know if I am wrong.

[universalCarClub]

hey all,

Now that i got the new HU in, looking to do this bypass. Is this the right type of Saturn wiring harness??


changed to linky thingy

Thanks,
Jamie

[ItsStopher]

If it is a metra 70-2002 you may be short 1 or 2 wires.

A metra 80-2002 has 2 connectors and has enough wires.

[universalCarClub]

Wait, a 70-2002 wont work?

The original post in this thread said to use a 70. Since no one said anyting through out the rest of it, i assumed that a 70-2002 would work.

Theres no way i can use it? I already ordered it off ebay.

Thanks
Jamie

[MiksToy]

I have one already made up that came out of my old 2002 if anybody wants it.  Just thought I would throw it out there cause I don't have any use for it anymore.

[ItsStopher]

Wait, a 70-2002 wont work?

The original post in this thread said to use a 70. Since no one said anyting through out the rest of it, i assumed that a 70-2002 would work.

Theres no way i can use it? I already ordered it off ebay.

Thanks
Jamie

The newer 70-2002s do not have enough wires, you need 16 to do this mod. I donno why they changed it, but they did. PM mike929 he may have some extra pins, if not order another connector, then you will have some extra pins.

[universalCarClub]

I have one already made up that came out of my old 2002 if anybody wants it.  Just thought I would throw it out there cause I don't have any use for it anymore.

Oohh!! I'll take it!

Sent you a PM!!

[butterfingarz]

OK i went to cicuit city and they had metra 80-2002 i check and the plug fits. Is this ok? are all the wires the same color still?

[butterfingarz]

Sorry nvm i found it and answered my own question. Ill let you guys know how it sound with my aftermarket stereo.

[butterfingarz]

Finally did this mod and for the 21 bucks i spent it was worth it! Took longer to get the plug outa the internal amp than to make the plug. Dirrections and pictures were very helpful. Im learning more and more everyday about my ave from this site !!!

[sykokannon]

i did my bypass harness about 3 months ago and had to do a state inspection.  in NY they performed one of those inspections where they connect their computer to the onboard data bus (ODB) connector on the car.  funny thing is, the ODB could not connect.  they checked all my fuses and everything, still nothing.  then i remembered about the harness and plugged the old amp back in. finally the ODB connected and everything was ok.

Has this happened to anybody else?

[butterfingarz]

I dont know but the amp bypass has nothing to do with the electronics i believe everything is speakers, remote power on, and what not.


P.S. Im about to put in a 4 channel amp and wont need my amp bypass connector anymore. As you can look above ive had it about a month and loved it. Anyone need one? Since that picture i soldered all the connections also w/ shrink. PM me.

[ItsStopher]

i did my bypass harness about 3 months ago and had to do a state inspection.  in NY they performed one of those inspections where they connect their computer to the onboard data bus (ODB) connector on the car.  funny thing is, the ODB could not connect.  they checked all my fuses and everything, still nothing.  then i remembered about the harness and plugged the old amp back in. finally the ODB connected and everything was ok.

Has this happened to anybody else?

  to the club....... thats the first I have heard of that, I took out my factory amp and put my strobe controller in it place  sure hope that does not happed to me.

[sgly63]

Okay...try this one on for size.  If you don't mind using the factory amp (located behind the glove box) with your new HU, the procedure is WAY simple.  I found this out AFTER banging my head on the dash and anything else that was handy. I bought a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X590 (nice unit with USB input), from an on-line retailer - awesome price $165.00 to my door!  I came across the same problem that I've seen lots of others post and question about.  I hook everything up, get power and everything works but...NO SOUND!  Stumped me for hours, I took all kinds of things apart - doors, trim, you name it. I finally gave up and checked this site, finding different workarounds, including re-pinning the adapter plug and all kinds of other stuff.  My wife suggested going to one of the local car audio shops and ask the question.  We asked one of the techs and he said to just use either the amp power wire (blue w/white stripe) or use the antenna power lead (solid blue), from the HU and connect it to the blue wire on the adapter harness.  I turned the power back on and BOOM - sound!  It took a grand total of about 5 minutes to correct the problem.  I didn't notice any sound quality problems using the factory amp.  If you want to bypass the factory amp then yes, go ahead and do the re-pin procedure if you want to use the factory wiring. If using your own amp and subs then you should just re-wire anyhow.

Hope this helps...It worked great for me!  Good luck!

[ItsStopher]

Okay...try this one on for size.  If you don't mind using the factory amp (located behind the glove box) with your new HU, the procedure is WAY simple.  I found this out AFTER banging my head on the dash and anything else that was handy. I bought a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X590 (nice unit with USB input), from an on-line retailer - awesome price $165.00 to my door!  I came across the same problem that I've seen lots of others post and question about.  I hook everything up, get power and everything works but...NO SOUND!  Stumped me for hours, I took all kinds of things apart - doors, trim, you name it. I finally gave up and checked this site, finding different workarounds, including re-pinning the adapter plug and all kinds of other stuff.  My wife suggested going to one of the local car audio shops and ask the question.  We asked one of the techs and he said to just use either the amp power wire (blue w/white stripe) or use the antenna power lead (solid blue), from the HU and connect it to the blue wire on the adapter harness.  I turned the power back on and BOOM - sound!  It took a grand total of about 5 minutes to correct the problem.  I didn't notice any sound quality problems using the factory amp.  If you want to bypass the factory amp then yes, go ahead and do the re-pin procedure if you want to use the factory wiring. If using your own amp and subs then you should just re-wire anyhow.

Hope this helps...It worked great for me!  Good luck!

  to the club

I am willing to bet if you do the bypass you will be happier (unless your new HU has less than 20w per channel)

[ibshortie]

I dont know but the amp bypass has nothing to do with the electronics i believe everything is speakers, remote power on, and what not.


P.S. Im about to put in a 4 channel amp and wont need my amp bypass connector anymore. As you can look above ive had it about a month and loved it. Anyone need one? Since that picture i soldered all the connections also w/ shrink. PM me.

I'm interested, I never got around to doing that mod.  PM sent.  I still have the stock radio, I just upgraded the speakers.

[mustanglover73]

SO if i do this bypass do i need to buy the expensive on* adaptor? like this
 http://cgi.ebay.com/CHEVY-AVALANCHE-2002-99-3002-ONSTAR-RADIO-INSTALL-COMBO_W0QQitemZ350227871027QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518b353533&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

or can i get away with this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/CHEVY-AVALANCHE-2002-METRA-99-3002-RADIO-INSTALL-COMBO_W0QQitemZ400071051852QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d2617ca4c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I apologize if this is a dumb question. thanks!!

[ygmn]

Dont know as both have way more crao then required as they have trim kits and stuff..

All you need is the adpater listed in many threads here

[mustanglover73]

Dont know as both have way more crao then required as they have trim kits and stuff..

All you need is the adpater listed in many threads here

Let me clarify, I still have the factory non bose with on* in the truck. im looking to upgrade to a aftermarket h/u or single din nav unit. Which of those two kits will i need? If not those kits, what do you recommend? Thanks

[krock1]

finally finished my harness...........the metra 70 works u just have to be a litlle creative....follow the pictures they are awesome! Also Metra has a double din kit that will work dremel work will be required. Thanks to all at chevy av forum! :