NO-FRILLS AUX. input for $3.00

[Jaywyatt]

I have a 2004 with the Bose system with on* and XM. Wanted an aux. input for my cheap MP3 player and Garmin GPS to play them through the factory system. I was not interested in the artist/title display or the steering wheel controls like the Ipod adapters provide. I started looking at the wiring diagram for my radio and noticed that the XM receiver (Digital Radio Receiver as the diagram calls it) was separate from the head unit. I found the left audio,right audio,and common wires from the XM receiver to the head unit and it seamed that if I cut the left and right audio wires and installed an 1/8" stereo switching jack between the Xm receiver and the HU , that it just might work. It does  . I went to radio shack and found the jack that I needed Part# 274-246. Here are some pics of the installation.




Here are the two connectors form the HU. The wires you want are in the black 12 pin connector.


Here are the 3 wires you will be working with. The Brown/White is the left audio, the Green/White is the right audio, and the Black/White is the common. You need to cut the BRN/WHT and GRN/WHT wires but not the BLK/WHT. leave enough wire on the radio plug side to be able to splice into. I have already cut the wires in this pic.


Here is a diagram of the wire connections that you need to make


Where I mounted the jack.


My MP3 player connected and working through the system.

Just put the radio on XM1 or XM2 and when something is plugged into the jack it disconnects the XM and plays whatever is plugged in. The radio still displays the name of the XM station that it was tuned to but that does not bother me at all. I am very satisfied with this mod and thought that some others might be interested in a low cost alternative to the aftermarket adapters.
Any questions just let me know.
Happy Modding

[MS03 2500]

How does it sound

[Jaywyatt]

Sounds Great (well as good as the factory Bose system is gonna sound)
Much better than FM modulation. 

[Web]

Can you tap into those wires at the xm unit instead of pulling the radio? I wanted to add something like this, but didn't want to go through the hassle of pulling the radio.

 Thanks

[danlwil]

nice job

very clean mod 

[Jaywyatt]

Can you tap into those wires at the xm unit instead of pulling the radio? I wanted to add something like this, but didn't want to go through the hassle of pulling the radio.

 Thanks

Yes that would work also. The radio is very easy to pull out though.

[MS03 2500]

Sounds Great (well as good as the factory Bose system is gonna sound)
Much better than FM modulation. 

I kinda of figured that would work, when I added a external 6 cd player that's how it's tied in.

Good Mod

[MS03 2500]

Web what kind of XM radio do you have that's easy to get to

[Web]

Stock..But it's behind the glove box... thought that would be easier to get at...

[Jaywyatt]

Probably easier to pull the radio.

[MS03 2500]

XM is behind the glove box but way behind the glovebox against the firewall.

Much easier to pull the radio.


(1)   Instrument Panel (I/P)
(2)   Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM)
(3)   Cellular Antenna Coax
(4)   VCIM Connectors
(5)   Navigation Antenna Coax
(6)   Digital Radio Receiver (U2K/U2L) XM/DAB

[Jaywyatt]

That thing is buried in there. The radio can be pulled in 2 minutes or less.

[Web]

Guess I'll be pulling the radio....

Thanks for the write up.. didn't want to put in something expensive I would only use occasionally...

Too many FM stations here to use one of those hookups also.. I've tried 2..

[Chief]

Will this work on other 03+ GM vehicles with XM - are you looking for the same color wires?

I would LOVE to do this on my GP!

[Jaywyatt]

I'm not sure. You would have to look at the wiring diagram for car. I assume that the colors would be the same but I could be wrong. I could check the wiring diagram Monday when I go to work and let you know. Anybody have a radio diagram for a '05 Grand Prix?

[Jaywyatt]

Guess I'll be pulling the radio....

Thanks for the write up.. didn't want to put in something expensive I would only use occasionally...

Too many FM stations here to use one of those hookups also.. I've tried 2..

Let me know how it goes Web. If you have any ?'s just ask.
I like your avatar
Happy Modding

[PUNISHER]

   i think i will do this mod in the AV and Trailblazer.  the wife has been wanting to play her MP3 player in her truck.  i just was not crazy about the idea of unplugging the radio to install the adapter, and have the Theft-Lok come on.  this is a cheaper/ easy alternative.

[PUNISHER]

   what is another alternative if the vehicle is not XM equipped?  the Trailblazer is not equipped with XM.

[MS03 2500]

Even if you do not have XM the plug is still there.

[MooseAlanche]

   i think i will do this mod in the AV and Trailblazer.  the wife has been wanting to play her MP3 player in her truck.  i just was not crazy about the idea of unplugging the radio to install the adapter, and have the Theft-Lok come on.  this is a cheaper/ easy alternative.

I just added an I Pod adapter to my AV this past Friday. I would have done this mod if I knew about it,  it would have saved me $146. Although I do have radio and steering wheel control for play, skip forward and reverse, fast forward and reverse, and charging of the I pod, I would have liked to do a $3 mod instead of a $149 mod.
Oh even thought I had to disconnect the radio harness plugs to add the adapter,  I didn't have any issues with the "Theft-Lock". I guess I was lucky 

[MS03 2500]

You won't have a problem with theft lock I had my HU out many times, as a matter of fact my old 6 CD HU was out of my AV for 6 months and I gave it to another member he had it unlocked and it still had my radio presets in it.

[Jaywyatt]

You won't have a problem with theft lock I had my HU out many times, as a matter of fact my old 6 CD HU was out of my AV for 6 months and I gave it to another member he had it unlocked and it still had my radio presets in it.

Yep. The only thing you have to reset is the clock. 
Not like some vehicles that if you disconnect the battery you have to recode the radio

[Jaywyatt]

I just added an I Pod adapter to my AV this past Friday. I would have done this mod if I knew about it,  it would have saved me $146. Although I do have radio and steering wheel control for play, skip forward and reverse, fast forward and reverse, and charging of the I pod, I would have liked to do a $3 mod instead of a $149 mod.
Oh even thought I had to disconnect the radio harness plugs to add the adapter,  I didn't have any issues with the "Theft-Lock". I guess I was lucky 

You will probably be a lot happier with your adapter.
It's nice to have the steering wheel controls and iPod charging if you have an iPod and use it a lot.
I only have a $25 MP3 player that I only use occasionally so I could'nt see paying that much

[Jaywyatt]

Will this work on other 03+ GM vehicles with XM - are you looking for the same color wires?

I would LOVE to do this on my GP!

Hey Chief,
I checked the diagram for your '05 GP and the wire colors and positions are the same. Get To Work

[Jaywyatt]

Guess I'll be pulling the radio....

Thanks for the write up.. didn't want to put in something expensive I would only use occasionally...

Too many FM stations here to use one of those hookups also.. I've tried 2..

Hey Web
Did you do this mod?
If so how did it turn out?
I wanna know

[Web]

Not yet... Radio Shack here didn't have the part...will try another one today..

If I get the part I'll try Monday night at Trannyman's garage...He has nice heated floors...

[SpottyJ]

Great idea, and nice work Jaywyatt 

[PUNISHER]

Even if you do not have XM the plug is still there.

   gotcha.  i was thinking only from the point of view from the wire/ harness coming from the XM tuner. 

[PUNISHER]

I just added an I Pod adapter to my AV this past Friday. I would have done this mod if I knew about it,  it would have saved me $146. Although I do have radio and steering wheel control for play, skip forward and reverse, fast forward and reverse, and charging of the I pod, I would have liked to do a $3 mod instead of a $149 mod.
Oh even thought I had to disconnect the radio harness plugs to add the adapter,  I didn't have any issues with the "Theft-Lock". I guess I was lucky 

   so maybe Theft-Lok is only if the radio if disconnected, and the re-connected to a different vehicle?  i guess i will give it a try.

[PUNISHER]

You won't have a problem with theft lock I had my HU out many times, as a matter of fact my old 6 CD HU was out of my AV for 6 months and I gave it to another member he had it unlocked and it still had my radio presets in it.

   good to know.  i have my OEM radio sitting in the closet for about a year now.

[moosc]

 sounds good guess ill give it a try

[Web]

Got my plug today.. connected  the wires to it...tested out the connections...now I just need this foot of snow to miss us tonight so I can pull the radio...

[Web]

MichiganSilver03....  thanks for the diagram... before it got dark here, I went out and looked for the XM module. The glove box has a lock tab on the right side, push it it to the left.... the glove box falls down and the XM module is sitting right there with all the wires right in front of you..(boy am I lazy)..... so maybe I won't be pulling the radio...

I'll peel back the tape on the wires there tomorrow to see if there is enough to work with in that area...

[Web]

Jaywyatt... Thanks alot. This is the best $3.00 I've spent on the truck..

I cut the wires in the back of the glove box, connected my home made harness, an wow...
 it worked.. 

So if anyone is lazy like me, and don't want to take the dash apart to pull the radio.. the XM module is sitting right behind the glove box, just push the right side of the box in to release the tab...and the box falls out of the way.   

[moosc]

Jaywyatt... Thanks alot. This is the best $3.00 I've spent on the truck..

I cut the wires in the back of the glove box, connected my home made harness, an wow...
 it worked.. 

So if anyone is lazy like me, and don't want to take the dash apart to pull the radio.. the XM module is sitting right behind the glove box, just push the right side of the box in to release the tab...and the box falls out of the way.   

what type of harness did you  make more info pics  etc

[Web]

Just soldered 5 - 3 ft wires to the mini plug,then marked the wires 1-2-3-4-5, so when I  cut at the XM plug  it was all ready to be soldered there.

Guess harness might have been the wrong wording ....

[jonny5]

I have an 04 w/XM   was wondering can you hook the wires up to the button that says CD/AUX on the HU. . . ??

What wires would those be. . . . . if not the other way will work.  

Thanks

Jonny5

[Jaywyatt]

Jaywyatt... Thanks alot. This is the best $3.00 I've spent on the truck..

I cut the wires in the back of the glove box, connected my home made harness, an wow...
 it worked.. 

So if anyone is lazy like me, and don't want to take the dash apart to pull the radio.. the XM module is sitting right behind the glove box, just push the right side of the box in to release the tab...and the box falls out of the way.   

That's great Web.
Glad you got it done
Where did you mount the jack?
Got any pics?

[Web]

That's great Web.
Glad you got it done
Where did you mount the jack?
Got any pics?

Jack is in same place as yours,,, just had to shave a little thickness off around the mounting hole.. my screw was a little short. Thanks again.... 

Played a Zune on a trip today,,, sounded great   

[Jaywyatt]

what type of harness did you  make more info pics  etc

Here are some pics of the wires soldered to the jack.
Sorry they are not very good.
Click on the thumbnails to expand.

[CaptDeth]

Just a little note for anyone thinking of doing this.   I just tried it on my 05 that has the Bose system but DOES NOT have the xm module.   It doesn't work.   Your deck doesn't recognize it, there is no way to switch to XM1.   Just FM1, FM2, AM and CD.

Oh well. . . . just pushed me to install my alpine deck that has a iPod input. . . much better now  :D

[Jaywyatt]

sounds good guess ill give it a try

Did you do it? Huh? Huh?

[moosc]

Did you do it? Huh? Huh?

nope havent been home long enough and its to dang cold outside ill get it done in about 6months

[jonny5]

Done. . . .  :D   Sounds just like CD sound or IPOD sound anyway.  I still think CD 's sound is still a little better.  But it's so close now who cares.  

Anyway Have an 04 w/XM and went behind the glove box.  Cost me about $23 because I needed a new solder Iron, mine was well, old.  

If you dont need all the extra goodies then this is by far a great mod.  And cheap.  
 
 :thumbsup: 

[Jaywyatt]

Done. . . .     Sounds just like CD sound or IPOD sound anyway.  I still think CD 's sound is still a little better.  But it's so close now who cares. 

Anyway Have an 04 w/XM and went behind the glove box.  Cost me about $23 because I needed a new solder Iron, mine was well, old. 

If you dont need all the extra goodies then this is by far a great mod.  And cheap. 
 
  

Sounds better than FM modulation doesn't it?
And less expensive.

[Avalanche208]

hey guys, just to let yal know of a VERY easy way to do this, i bought a 6 ft ethernet (cat-5e) cable from walmart for about 5 bucks, and cut both ends off of it, and used it for the wire rather than running 5 seperate wires... it makes it cost a lil more, but you may have a spare laying around somewhere... hope i helped 

[Dune]

Great idea. However, I don't think this mod works unless you have XM. Otherwise, where would it play through? (ie XM1, XM2)

[MS03 2500]

It's there buddy and will work, the HU will sense there is a input and add it.

When I added my external 6 cd player it saw it and was plug and play

[Dune]

It's there buddy and will work, the HU will sense there is a input and add it.

When I added my external 6 cd player it saw it and was plug and play

So you are saying my single disc Cd player would recognize that? The plug is still there? Do you happen to know which wires?

[MS03 2500]

Check with JPCustoms they sent me a harness with all the splices done

[Dune]

Check with JPCustoms they sent me a harness with all the splices done

I looked there just briefly and they are all mostly over $36.00.

[cpoplayer]

Sorry to dig up an old post but, I have an 03 with base single cd player without XM......Can this mod still be done??

Again....I apologize for resurecting this!!!

[Web]

See reply #40... didn't work for no xm.......

[PEZman]

Well I added this jack in my AV and I love it !!!  Works real good and the sound is awesome.   My MP3 is a microsoft Zune.   
Thanks for this awesome mod 

[ozzy]

My av is an 06' w/o xm. So this harness won't work on my factory stereo. Is there a way u know of to hardwire into the auxillary on the rear of the factory unit?

[gilkman]

just added this input to my '04 BOSE w/ XM.  Worked great!

[MS03 2500]

Congrat's nice clean looking install.

[gilkman]

Thanks.  I was really unsure where to put it.  I found that there is a small gap between the center console and the dash bezel.
just enough room to put the plug where it is.
I'll have to remove it if I ever need to pull the dash off, however I don't see doing that much, now that I can play MP3s this way.
Thanks again for a great Mod!

[goom49]

Finally got around to doing this mod after buy the parts after seeing this post in January.

So far I love it!

Great job Jaywyatt!

[Jaywyatt]

Finally got around to doing this mod after buy the parts after seeing this post in January.

So far I love it!

Great job Jaywyatt!

Thanks
Glad it worked out for you
Got any pics?

[av111]

Quick question - if you do this, will all functionality of the XM be maintained? ie, Song/Artist/Station info shows up while you're listening to XM, etc.

[MS03 2500]

Yes but don't have the player plugged in at the same time you want XM

[goom49]

Thanks
Glad it worked out for you
Got any pics?

I get some pic, didnt take any during the install though.

Quick question - if you do this, will all functionality of the XM be maintained? ie, Song/Artist/Station info shows up while you're listening to XM, etc.

Everything works as normal on the XM channel, except when you have a plug plugged into the port.  Then it disconnects the audio for the XM and allows the audio from your mp3 player through.  (still displays the XM info..... IE mine still says preview since I dont subscribe)

[Chief]

I'm FINALLY doing this mod to my Grand Prix today.

[Chief]

Well gosh darn it, this didn't work.  Here is where I'm at.  I have auxilary playback from the 1/8" stereo jack through the left channel, I have stereo playback from the 1/8" stereo jack AND XM Radio through the right channel.  I got a brilliant idea, I'll just set the channel to Radio ID and solve that problem.  On that channel I do have the MP3 player through both channels but I have what sounds like a ground loop hum coming from the right channel with the stereo.  I've triple checked my connections.  When I unplug the 1/8" stereo plug XM radio works fine though both left and right channels.  Any ideas greatly appreciated!

[Chief]

I figured it out.   

I thought that it was possible that pin four and five had gotten soldered together since they are so close, so I went in with a razor blade and shaved away.  At first I thought problem solved, suddenly the XM playback in the right channel went away and the MP3 playback was there.  But then it went away again, then it came back, then it went away.  Ahhhh, when I jumped 4 and 5, for whatever reason, it works.  Got my handy dandy solder gun, soldered the two together and ha, now it works.

Drilled the 1/4" hole to discover, the plastic on the dash is too thick to allow the 1/8" stereo jack to stick out!   

About 30 minutes with a razor blade shaved down enough plastic, maybe 1/16" that I was able to get the ring to bite on the threads, got it on aobut 1-1/2 turns and I put it all back together.  So major kudos for confirming this can be done on other GM products!

[moosc]

 thats cool yopu got working i still need to wire my Av up

[Trey]

Fantastic Mod!   I just got an LG Chocolate 3 phone, and it has an FM transmitter for playing MP3s through the radio.  It doesn't work very well in my AV; the signal has a lot of static, and it goes in and out.  I guess it has to do with antenna placement.  So I did this mod and connected the phone to the new socket in the dash with a 3-foot stereo cord.  It sounds great.  Thanks for the advice on getting to the XM radio receiver behind the glove box.  I never knew that!    Just open the glove box and push the little stop to the left to get the whole glove box down and out of your way.

[Todd400]

Great site and simply a great mod, I stopped by radio shack and picked up the jack and a 3ft cable to connect the ipod and with-in 45 minutes I was in buisness, I wired mine in at the xm unit behind the glovebox and mounted the jack in the lower corner of the console cubby hole and man I am inpressed, Thanks again! 

[oh4z71]

quick question. ok i understand the cutting of the brw/white and darkgreen/white but it says not to cut the black white you are just to like t-tap into it correct?

[Web]

yes... that stays connected... I just skinned that, wrapped a wire around it and dropped on a little solder....taped it up...

[oh4z71]

yes... that stays connected... I just skinned that, wrapped a wire around it and dropped on a little solder....taped it up...

sweet im doing this mod tomorrow, ill try to take a bunch of pics and do a detailed how to write up.

[oh4z71]

just got done doing it. not that hard. just a lil frustrating due to the small wires and little room on the factory harness, but i got it done.  i took the advice of another member and used CAT5 cable and it worked GREAT! here are the install pics.

[MS03 2500]

Great pic's

[moosc]

 im nervous to try this mod since i did the lux upgrade my onstar doesnt seem to be rite at times

[MS03 2500]

im nervous to try this mod since i did the lux upgrade my onstar doesnt seem to be rite at times

No issue moosc that part is the same.

[manofdos]

If you do not have something plugged into the aux does the XM still work?

[Web]

Yes, just like it wasn't there....

[GregR1]

just marking for future reference 

[postmoves]

Thanks Jaywyatt-
Saved me hundreds - half an hour was worth the clean install, when all I wanted was this aux input.

[Jaywyatt]

  Glad it worked for you

[endo]

I did it!

Happy and not happy with it though.  On the positive side, it looks OEM and works perfectly.  I broke into the XM behind the glovebox.

On the negative side, not happy with the cleanliness of it behind the scenes.  I've got a network cable soldered to the switching headphone jack, and it strikes me as being way too fragile.  I looped the wires through the tiny holes on the jack and soldered them in.  All of the wires face the same direction except for "#5" which I put backwards to avoid contact with number 4....those are *REALLY* close together.  Put electrical tape between them as best I could and then wrapped the whole works in electrical tape (fairly hideous, but at least it offers more protection to it than without).   

Additionally the headphone jack wouldn't quite poke through the two-cubby panel in the center console far enough to screw on the retaining ring.  Wound up using some LocTite-brand superglue to affix it.  I'm assuming this is *NOT* going to be a long term solution as superglue tends to break in applications like this, correct?  I did rough the back of the plastic a bit first. Can anyone recommend a good glue to hold that thing on? 

Will say that the sound quality is surprisingly perfect though.  No pop-hiss when plugging into the jack.  And shockingly no interference from the iPhone that's connected (which is a device that is notorious for interference).  Even listened to Pandora over 3G through it and didn't see interference.  No alternator whine either.  I'm stunned.

Thanks much for the write up!

[Web]

I had the same problem with the retaining nut... shaved the plastic around the hole (from the back) to make it thinner...got it to screw on...

[endo]

Awesome, may well just do that then....I started to shave it a bit but didn't have anything except sandpaper and a flathead.

[Trey]

I took a dremel to the back side of the panel to thin it out, so the jack threads would stick out the front.  The dremel cut it down quite a bit to get it thin enough.  Supe Glue will probably not hold up to continuous pushing in of the plug.

[endo]

Thanks, yes the superglue will be evicted soon, once I get moved back down to Cali in a couple weeks (where I know several people with dremel tools  ).  It's also somewhat held in by friction of the threads as well though, so hopefully it'll survive for a bit.

[Houdini]

I just did this to my Avy yesterday.  As it has already been said, the absolute best $3 I have ever spent.  I went in behind the glove box and was done within 15 minutes.  It threw me off at first seeing two black wires with white stripes at the XM module, but figured out pretty quickly that it was the black and white wire that was grouped with the brown and green wire.  I just didn't see it until I cut away some tape.  Thanks again for the great idea, I am absolutley loving the ability to just plug and play!!! 

[Manbearpig]

I did this mod yesterday, and it seems I'm having a problem.

Whenever I plug my cable into the adapter only the left speakers work, when I pull it out about half way, both sides work.

My wiring looks good. 

[Web]

Check your cable your plugging in... I thought I had one extra at home.. but it was for video also, so only worked like you stated...plugged in part ways...

The correct one should have 3 metal contacts, separated by 2 insulator bans...

[Manbearpig]

Hell that was my problem

I bought this cable
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102950

instead of this one
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102949

Looks like I need to go get the appropriate one now. 

[Web]

I like easy fixes....

[Manbearpig]

Me too! 

[chevy_guy1]

I assume that the volume button on the steering wheel will still control the volume since it is played through the head unit? The Aux input is for MP3's only? is there a Aux input for IPOD?

[Web]

All controls work the same... just the input is changed from XM to whatever is plugged into the aux. I play a ipod through it ... just use a cord like mentioned in post 89.

[PNUT_03Av]

I need some help. I've got the bose 6 disc w/o xm. I know I can't do this mod because I don't have xm, but I was thinking I could connect my jack directly into the back of the radio where the xm module is normally plugged in. What I need is 2 things:

1st, if anyone knows that this is not possible please stop me now.
2nd, if anyone has or knows where to get a diagram for those pins I would really appreciate it as I'm pretty much stuck without it.

Thanks for any help.

P.S. This is my first post so please forgive me for any forum faux pas.

[Trey]

If the wires are there, it seems like it would work to me.

[Manbearpig]

If I wanted to install a switch to switch between the two since I leave my cable plugged in all the time (its under the cupholder in the console)
Would I just install a switch across the common wire?

Im just to lazy to unplug it rofl

Thanks!

[Trey]

If I wanted to install a switch to switch between the two since I leave my cable plugged in all the time (its under the cupholder in the console)
Would I just install a switch across the common wire?

Im just to lazy to unplug it rofl

Thanks!

No, I don't think that will work.  This particular socket has two springs in it.  When you plug the cable into it, it breakes the "through" connection for BOTH wires and connects them to the two conductors on the plug.  If you leave the cable plugged in, it bypasses both wires.  You would have to install a double throw switch (switches both wires).  If you do that, there's no need for the little Radio Shack socket, which handles that for you.  You would just hardwire a new double splice across the double-throw switch.

[Manbearpig]

No, I don't think that will work.  This particular socket has two springs in it.  When you plug the cable into it, it breakes the "through" connection for BOTH wires and connects them to the two conductors on the plug.  If you leave the cable plugged in, it bypasses both wires.  You would have to install a double throw switch (switches both wires).  If you do that, there's no need for the little Radio Shack socket, which handles that for you.  You would just hardwire a new double splice across the double-throw switch.

So, I would put a double throw swtich across the L/R audio wires?

[Trey]

Yeah, it would be a sort of double splice switch.  When you throw the switch, it would change the (+) head unit connection from the (+) XM wire to the (+) new wire.  It would also change the (-) head unit connection from (-) XM wire to the (-) new wire.  The (+) and (-) wires go to the new AUX cable.  That's actually what happens when you plug the cable into the Radio Shack adapter; it takes care of that for you.  If you leave the cable plugged into this adapter, you will never get XM radio (the connection has been switched).  To do what you want, you need to hardwire the cable to a double throw switch instead. 

[PEKSAV]

Hello,
I have been reading about adding a jack to the AV radio.  Allot of great info.  From what I have read though, it does not seem that I can add this mod to my 2002 Av with factory radio.
Am I correct?  If I am, is there another route I can take?
Thanks

[PEKSAV]

SORRY
that's a jack for a mp3 player to a 2002 av factory radio with single cd

[ctrujillo45]

Hello there-

I also have  a 2004 with the Bose system with on* and XM. The only difference is that I have a factory 6 disc CD changer. Does this make a difference or can I still do this? This seems like the ideal solution since I don't care to use any of the steering wheel controls.

Do you also have a larger image of the wiring schematic?

Thanks.

Carlos-

[ctrujillo45]

Also, how do I remove the stereo? It seems as if there are 2 methods to get to the XM receiver....through the glove box or by removing the stereo. The glovebox seems to be the easiest method. How do you remove the factory radio?

Any suggestions on which way is easiest?

Thanks in advance.

[oh4z71]

Also, how do I remove the stereo? It seems as if there are 2 methods to get to the XM receiver....through the glove box or by removing the stereo. The glovebox seems to be the easiest method. How do you remove the factory radio?

Any suggestions on which way is easiest?

Thanks in advance.

radio is real easy too. thats the way i did it.

just pull off the trim around it, then there should be 2 bolts holding the HU in place.

[ctrujillo45]

So can this be done with the 6 disc CD changer model?

Also, is there a tutorial on taking off the face plate or should I just use a screwdriver and pry it off?

Thanks.

[Web]

So can this be done with the 6 disc CD changer model?

Also, is there a tutorial on taking off the face plate or should I just use a screwdriver and pry it off?

Thanks.

I have the 6 disc... works for me...

Just open your glove box...release the locking tab... the wires are sitting right there...that's an easier tutorial....

[oh4z71]

So can this be done with the 6 disc CD changer model?

Also, is there a tutorial on taking off the face plate or should I just use a screwdriver and pry it off?

Thanks.

i dont even use a screwdriver. i start around the gauge cluster and just pull it off.

[ctrujillo45]

Thanks for all of the information guys. One final suggestion...do I have to solder the connections on to the plug? I assume this is recommended.

Please let me know.

Thanks.

[ctrujillo45]

Hello there-

I recently installed the mod as described in this post. It was really easy. I don't mess with radio wiring too often, but all together it took me about 1 hour to complete. I spent most of the time learning to solder my wires to the input jack.

A few tips:

1. Use a Cat5 patch cable if you have it laying around. You will need approximately 18" dependent upon the location of your input jack.
2. Solder wires on the the input jack to ensure a clean connection.
3. Removing the radio is very simple. The is the recommended method.

I am very pleased with this mod. It's by far the best $3.00 I have spent on my Avalanche.....it sounds great too.

[Doug1]

Hey Gang,

Wasn't clear on the final answer. I have a 2003 Av without XM. I have the Bose 6 CD changer, and had seen earlier posts that said it was possible to make this work, using the empty slot in back of the HU that the XM usually occupied. Then there seemed to be some contradiction. Help me prove my skeptical wife wrong... She doesn't seem to believe that this can be done for around $3-5.00.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

Doug

[Doug1]

Anybody have advice on this?

[Tango Chaser]

Anybody have advice on this?

Advise: Yes  Answer: No

MS3 is usually right on the money with his posts. 

It's there buddy and will work, the HU will sense there is a input and add it.

When I added my external 6 cd player it saw it and was plug and play

I say take the $3 and give a shot.

[Web]

See reply #40... 

[MS03 2500]

I think you need XM or OnStar(does having have to be working) for the HeadUnit to turn on the port

[Doug1]

Thanks so much guys, I appreciate it!

I think I am getting addicted to the Mod and maybe this is a good intervention!

Doug

[GRUMPE]

Can I do this with an aftermarket radio.  I have an 04 which had the boise and on star but now has a pioneer nav/dvd system.  I would really like an aux hook up to play the music off my phone.  I got the truck this way so I do not know exactly how the HU is hook up.

Thanks,
RON

[Trey]

Can I do this with an aftermarket radio.  I have an 04 which had the boise and on star but now has a pioneer nav/dvd system.  I would really like an aux hook up to play the music off my phone.  I got the truck this way so I do not know exactly how the HU is hook up.

Thanks,
RON

It will work if you have XM and the XM radio works through your head unit.

[GRUMPE]

It will work if you have XM and the XM radio works through your head unit.

I do not currently have xm.  It did years ago wwhen new with stock radio but now I have a touch screen pioneer nav/dvd HU.  Would there be any harm done if I just spent the $3 and hooked it up?  Is the worst thing that could happen is being out the $3, if so I may try it anyways.

Thanks,
RON

[goom49]

I do not currently have xm.  It did years ago wwhen new with stock radio but now I have a touch screen pioneer nav/dvd HU.  Would there be any harm done if I just spent the $3 and hooked it up?  Is the worst thing that could happen is being out the $3, if so I may try it anyways.

Thanks,
RON

For my Pioneer HU, the plug with the stock XM wiring is not connected to the HU.  Pioneer uses another it own proprietary input for its XM.  Therefore I dont think this mod would do anything for you.

[GRUMPE]

That's what I was thinking but not sure about. Thank you very much for the info. Really appreaciate it

RON

[erockem]

Thanks so much guys, I appreciate it!

I think I am getting addicted to the Mod and maybe this is a good intervention!

Doug

Doug,

Did you ever get around to trying this?  Did it work?

[D-Loc]

I want to try this out but am unclear on what cables to use exactually sincec the first post said to cut two wires but then you have to solder 5 wires..... I dont get it haha. I was going to use the CAT5 cable so does it matter what wires I use from that... probably not but when I want to splice them into the XM harness does ne one know what goes to what.... like 1 goes to brown, 2 goes to what ever you know... If you could help I would appreciate it 

[Web]

Click on the 3rd image on the 1st post... all the info is under the pic of the plug.

You get 5 wires from...

cutting one... you get 2 ends to solder
cutting second one ... 2 ends to solder
tap into 3rd  wire   1 wire to solder onto

5 wires...


 

[D-Loc]

Click on the 3rd image on the 1st post... all the info is under the pic of the plug.

You get 5 wires from...

cutting one... you get 2 ends to solder
cutting second one ... 2 ends to solder
tap into 3rd  wire   1 wire to solder onto

5 wires...


 

Ya that one doesnt work for me lol, it has an X on it, i dk y but it doesnt. Does it matter where the wires go...?? And when you say tap into it...  im sorry if the pic worked it probably would answer my question but even when I click on it it doesnt work   

[Web]

3rd pic

http://img142.imageshack.us/i/diagram1sm0.jpg/


tap in .. just skin and solder a wire onto it...

[D-Loc]

3rd pic

http://img142.imageshack.us/i/diagram1sm0.jpg/


tap in .. just skin and solder a wire onto it...

O ok, u know what I mistaken the 3rd pic with the 4th pic, the 3rd one with the diagram part was confusing but under the pic I wrote that down and will go from there, im going to use a CAT5 ethernet cable though, so I will probably just have to use quick connects (to make it alot easier) and connect the right prongs to its corresponding wire. I hate wiring!!!! I get so freaking confused all of time with somethings that other people have absolutly no probalem understanding!!!! 

But I think I understand it now finally haha, hope so, if not im pretty shure u will let me know lol

[Donnie1]

So basically all you are doing is using the plug as a splice? As in the brown goes in one prong on the plug and out of another and so on?

[Web]

The plug itself is a switch.. when you plug in a jack it disconnects the xm box and connects the ipod or whatever... in its place to the wires feeding the input to the radio...

[Donnie1]

The plug itself is a switch.. when you plug in a jack it disconnects the xm box and connects the ipod or whatever... in its place to the wires feeding the input to the radio...

Gotcha, I think. I'm sure I am making this look harder than it is.

[D-Loc]

Gotcha, I think. I'm sure I am making this look harder than it is.

No im having troubles understanding as well haha. Im using the ether net CAT5 method though becuase I want to hide the plug a little better.

[ricb]

I did this mod today. Works like a champ and looks great too

[notyme]

I have an 04 with XM, ON star,6disk in HU. There is a button labled CD/AUX is there a way to gain access to the AUX and connect there?


Thanks

[D-Loc]

So I was going to do the mod today... I dont have a saultering gun though. Anyone have luck with just using a lighter?? Ive seen it done before but not with this part. Let me know, Thanks!!

[D-Loc]

Well I tried it... it didnt work. I would have to get sooo close to the part and it would melt the plastic What I did do though was string the wire through that little hole and then twist it on and wrapped some electrical tape around the posts. I also did the splicing behind the glove box becuase the xm wire harness doesnt give you much slack to pull it out!!! Ive had some problems though.

I turn on the truck and then XM, plug my MP3 in and it plays for a little but really low. It plays for a couple seconds but then cuts off!! the truck shuts down, sometimes displays XM ERROR but still wont work.

It might be becuase its not getting a good connection on the part so I NEED to saulter it but have no gun 

Anyone know wuts up?!?!?!?!?!? Thanks!!!

[Trey]

A soldering iron only costs $8 at Radio Shack.

[D-Loc]

Alright so im having trouble. I borrowed a saultering iron from someone and did what I had to do but when I plug it in it makes a loud crackling buzzing frilly noise. If I leave it like that it cuts out and then sais XM ERROR and turns off. I made all of the nessasary connections but i dk. Has anyone else had this problem!?!?!?!?! Please help meeeeeee, Thanks!!

Now it doesnt even want to play at all, just the frills and buzzes

[Trey]

Does it play XM radio when your Mp3 player is unplugged?  If not, then you soldered the wrong wires together or you shorted some of the solder joints together.

[D-Loc]

Does it play XM radio when your Mp3 player is unplugged?  If not, then you soldered the wrong wires together or you shorted some of the solder joints together.

Ya XM plays perfectly when its not plugged in. And none of the prongs on the back of the part are soldered together.

[Web]

If your sure you have the correct wires soldered in the correct positions... then make sure you have the correct plug between the mp3 player and your jack.

The correct plug is discussed somewhere in these pages...you need a 3 contact stereo plug...     tip, insulator,small barrel, insulator, long barrel on both ends...

[D-Loc]

If your sure you have the correct wires soldered in the correct positions... then make sure you have the correct plug between the mp3 player and your jack.

The correct plug is discussed somewhere in these pages...you need a 3 contact stereo plug...     tip, insulator,small barrel, insulator, long barrel on both ends...

Ya I have the right one. Ive used it to connect my mp3 to my amp and BOSE wave system. Nothing else you can think so that went wrong???
I used wire nuts to splice them together so I think anohter day I will sauter it all together instead.

[Trey]

If I recall correctly, there are two black wires to choose from on the XM harness.  Maybe you chose the wrong one to splice into.  So with the MP3 unplugged, the XM wires would be spliced back correctly through the plug.  But maybe you are pumping music into the XM box ground wire or something when you plug in the MP3.

[D-Loc]

If I recall correctly, there are two black wires to choose from on the XM harness.  Maybe you chose the wrong one to splice into.  So with the MP3 unplugged, the XM wires would be spliced back correctly through the plug.  But maybe you are pumping music into the XM box ground wire or something when you plug in the MP3.

Ya I was confused when I saw the two black/white wires (I dont know if i mentioned im going from behind the glove box) but when I was connected to the wrong one I didnt get sound from the passenger speakers, switched to the other black and both worked. But still this isnt working. Well I guess I just need to confirm all of my connections are solid so ill just try to salter them to inshure it. HOPE IT WORKS!!!

[D-Loc]

This is really bugging me now 

So I have these wires from the part to the XM. Im using an ethernet cable if you are wondering.

Post 1- Green/White  into   Black/White
Post 2- Blue/White     into   Brown/White
Post 3- Orange          into   Brown/White
Post 4- Brown/white  into   Green
Post 5- Green             into   Green

I still have these in the harness untouched- Black/white, Green/white, and orange. The instructions stated that 4 and 5 go into "dark green" but I have a dark green/white and a lighter green, I used the solid lighter green. This is starting to loose its fun 

[Web]

You used green... it's suppose to be dark green and white....

the diagram says white tooooooo....... on the left side...

[D-Loc]

You used green... it's suppose to be dark green and white....

the diagram says white tooooooo....... on the left side...

HAHA ya after I wrote my last post I looked over the first post in this thread and saw it said green/white... i was like WTF!! haha, I think since I was looking at the diagram and on i belive its prong 4, it sais to use dark green no white, so I probably just went with green on both... I think he ran out of room to put white. What is really agravating though is that I cut the green/white first then said DAMN thats the wrong one and spliced it back together HAHAHA, now I can laugh about it. Ne ways I got it in and fixed and working now.

Two things Im not too happy with about it though 1.) When I was installing it I made a little burr on the outside that is uneven  my fault though. 2.) It is reallly low, you have to turn the volume all the way up on the MP3 and then up more than usuall on the HU so if you were to unplug it XM would play LOUDDD, same with everyone else??

Thank you sooooooooooooooooooo much Web and Trey for all of your help tring to figure out my stupidity HAHAHA. Thanks agian!! If you want pics i cat put them up... just have to go take some pics wich im going to do and put on my cardomain ne ways 

[Web]

Glad you got it in...

My ipod has to be turned up as well, but I set the eq setting to Classical, and it boosted the sound louder,  so I don't have to turn up the volumn on the radio...My Zune plays louder on it than the ipod, but I still need to turn up the volumn on it, but not on the radio..

[D-Loc]

Glad you got it in...

My ipod has to be turned up as well, but I set the eq setting to Classical, and it boosted the sound louder,  so I don't have to turn up the volumn on the radio...My Zune plays louder on it than the ipod, but I still need to turn up the volumn on it, but not on the radio..

Me toooo!!!! 

Hmm, maybee ill mess with the EQ then. Its not that big of a deal to turn my volume all the way up on the zune but I just have to rmember to turn it down b4 I unplug it haha.

[Trey]

Glad you got it fixed.  I have to turn up my LG Chocolate 3 phone MP3 player and then turn up the HU a little more as well.  Just have to remember to turn down the HU before unplugging the phone.

[D-Loc]

Glad you got it fixed.  I have to turn up my LG Chocolate 3 phone MP3 player and then turn up the HU a little more as well.  Just have to remember to turn down the HU before unplugging the phone.

Thanks!! It was just a stupid mistake on my part haha. And im glad to hear that everyone has o do the same thing for the volume 

Thanks again!!!

[durell81]

Is there any way to get this mod to work if you have the HU w/o XM?

[D-Loc]

Is there any way to get this mod to work if you have the HU w/o XM?

A little earlier in this thread some stated that it could, then someone said it couldnt. At the back of your HU if you have the little black harness that is meant for XM then it should, but since you have no XM i dont know if it will be.

[ny_in_tx]

just chiming in with my experience.  I've had this $2.49 part sitting in my dash cubby for a while now.  I use an FM modulator for listing to my ipod/BOLD but the channels in my area have become so packed that I can't get a signal now.  So I figured I'd take the plunge.  I followed Jaywyatt's original posting instructions to the letter and it went flawlessly.

Avalanche208 had suggested a Cat 5 cable which I thought was a great idea. I decided to make my cable before hand so that I could just snip and solder inside the dash. 

You will have to thin down the dash plastic to get the nut to install, but other than that there were no surprises.  I used a dremel with a cutting wheel attachment and slowly shaved away the plastic on the baskside. 

THE best $2.49 you can spend

Thanks so much for everyone sharing their knowledge!! 

Neil

04 WBH XM Onstar 6 disk in dash



 

[MS03 2500]

Yep it is a cool $3.00 mod.

[D-Loc]

I had trouble with it at first but I dont know much about electrical so thats a big reason y. After I got it and did it I loooooove it!!!!!

[jstatham]

Hello everyone I was surfing the web and came across your post on how to add the ipod connection to the Avalanche. Awesome job!!  I have a couple of questions.  I have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe.  It only has the CD radio with the external tape deck, and onstar which I don't use and no XM satellite that option was not available until 2003.  I read over your post and looked at my wiring diagram and I am wondering if I could just splice in the jack at the tape deck or just unplug the tape deck and connect the harness to the jack.  I have attached the diagram of my Tahoe and would love to hear your opinion.  I think it should splice fine and if I switch the radio to cd or Aux and have the ipod plugged in I should her the ipod, if I have a tape in I should hear the tape.  I have had the car 5 years and never used a tape haha.  Anyway if you see an easier way let me know.  I have attached my wiring diagram.  Any help will be greatly appericated.  Thanks again.

[MS03 2500]

I believe it you splice it in it will work for you, don't disconnect the tape deck.

[jstatham]

Thanks.  I will give it a try and let you know what happens.

[jstatham]

I wanted to give an update in case there is another 2002 tahoe owner out there who wants to do the mod.  I wired everything like shown above but I used the wires coming from the tape deck instead of the XM (2002 did not come with XM).  It will only work if I put a tape in the tape deck.  Which is no big deal to me.  I just put an old tape in the deck and plug in the ipod and everything works fine.  There seems to be a communication wire that goes from the tape deck to the stereo to let it the steror know there is a tape and to start picking up the input.  Anyway it sounds good.  If I unplug the ipod I then hear the tape.  Thanks again for all the help.

[GoldBowTie]

I wanted to give an update in case there is another 2002 tahoe owner out there who wants to do the mod.

I'm a 2002 Av owner curious about how you made that work.
I added the external cassette deck to my Av a while back and maybe some day I'll move out of the 80's and start using an Ipod.


edit:
  I just noticed you are new here. 

[jstatham]

How did you add to the cassette deck?  Did you radio have the button for aux?  Do you know what radio your car came with.  I have access to the wiring diagrams and I see three different options.  Base, Premium with rear seat and without.  Let me know which one you have and I may can help.  If you had the base it may not be possible.

[GoldBowTie]

I'm pretty sure in 2002 the Avalanche had only one radio option.
A single CD head unit, no XM, no Bose.
Radio does have Aux button.
No rear seat controls in 2002 Avalanche.

When I bought my Av, the dealer told me the external cassette deck was not an option in the Avalanche although I saw it in a Silverado.

I ordered my parts from radiosandmore.com in May 2002.

LD-0014 Y adapter (needed because my Av had OnStar)  $20.00
15312903 harness  $12.50
15068081 remote cassette player  $150.00

[harleyt26]

This mod worked out great on my 06 Avy. I also have an 05 Infinity G35 that I would like to do this to but the wires coming from the XM unit to the head unit have an extra ground. It has a positive and a negative for each channel instead of one ground and two positves as on the Avy.
The ground at the switching jack seems to only be grounding the MP3 unit so what would any of you recommend. Maybe connect it to only one ground from the XM or should I jump the two channel grounds together to tap the switching jack to,would this create a feedback? Should there be a diode/or two installed somewhere? Or will this not work at all?

[bassbuff]

Got mine done today! Thanks for posting this mod!! I had to get a new soldering iron, solder, and wire too. Total cost was $25! Works like a champ! I put the jack in the blank panel next to the Traction Control button.