• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

USB on factory stereo?

R

Rayne

New Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2023
Messages
2
I have a 2003 avalanche (Canadian) with a factory stereo. I want to keep the factory stereo, but I also want to move with the times and have a place to plug in a flash drive with all my music on it.

I saw a video on YouTube where a guy soldered some connectors to some wires that went to his satellite radio box behind the glove box, but I do not have the satellite radio option.

I have tried the FM transmitter route, and it sucks! If it has a low signal or some kind of interference I get static and crackly music, and I am tired of driving down the road and picking up someone else's crappy music because they have an fm transmitter that's set to the same channel as mine.

Like I mentioned earlier, I do not want to lose my factory stereo. We have the know how to send people to the moon, surely there has to be a way to alter or add something onto the factory stereo so I can hook up my flash drive direct and not have to worry about my FM signal.

So if anyone has a trick or the knowledge of how I could integrate a USB port into my factory stereo, I would love you forever.

Many thanks in advance!
 
You can't without the satellite option to provide a way to input into the radio, and a device to convert the MP3s to audio signal. I have a device that added bluetooth, USB, and a microphone/phone support - but I have the satellite radio for it to plug into. The brand was i-Simple.
 
Last edited:
There's a place on the circuit board where the output from the cd player connects to it so that you can solder L+, R+ and speaker ground to from a usb female extension lead. The sound quality will still remain poor because Delphi uses low quality parts and poor circuit designs in there radios. Your quality of sound will improve GREATLY by replacing the unit with a simple Pioneer, JVC, Sony, etc.. reputable head unit which will already contain a usb, BT & back up camera. All can be had for less than $150
 
You MUST have the Xm radio as an option or you must have a remote DVD player that goes in the roof or the Auxilary CD player/changer that was available in the center console. I have NEVER seen the changer in the center console (That is what the lower slot is for under the top one that has the ports on either side.).

The low level input into the radio is NOT active if you do not have one of these systems and there is no way to include it. There is an Aux Input kit available that basically tied into that port and allowed you to have 2 inputs with a toggle switch between them and the normal low level input. I had it on my truck and it was not bad. Was better sound than any FM radio station.

So if you do not have one of those systems (And if you don't have the XM option I HIGHLY doubt you have either of the others) the FM Module is the only way you can inject music into your radio. You need a different one.

If you are THAT desperate I have two radios I have taken out of my trucks and replaced with new after market radios. Both have that mode turned on and I still probably have the Aux input module around here somewhere. Id probably let both radios go for like $100 just to get rid of them. They would have to be unlocked as they are VIN tied.

Your best bet is to just get a PAC GM1A-R (Or equivelent) adapter and an Amazon double din Android unit. I am in the process of installing one now. I had a 10" but that sticks out and every time I shift the gear shift I hit the station scan button. Very annoying.
 
2004Slickside said:
You can't without the satellite option to provide a way to input into the radio, and a device to convert the MP3s to audio signal. I have a device that added bluetooth, USB, and a microphone/phone support - but I have the satellite radio for it to plug into. The brand was i-Simple.
Click to expand...
Slickside, do you have a link to exactly what you have installed? I've been using an Bluetooth FM transmitter in a cigarette port for years, I did not know there was such a thing that hijacked the satellite radio, and I don't see something like that on their website? But I like the idea of a cleaner looking install.
 
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-ISGM.../dp/B00B54SJIK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pb_opt?ie=UTF8

ISGM655 by ISimple. Looks discontinued as it only works for a few years of select GM vehicles back in early 2000's. Probably you can find one New Old Stock somewhere like Ebay or elsewhere if you want one badly enough. You could also call the company or distributor.

My install is completely hidden with USB flash drive port recessed in the console cubby and the microphone out at my speedometer above my steering column. Everything is controlled through the radio buttons and display on radio. Of course you have to remember which button does what in what mode. The stock satellite function of the radio is retained as well. I was really impressed. Have used mine for 5 years.

PS really doubt that any USB streaming from a phone still work with todays modern phones - but I don't know. I just use it for Bluetooth music/calls from phone - or MP3s on a USB flash drive.

Here's a place that is supposed to have three. Careful - could be a scammer.
https://autosparty.com/isimple-blac...iphone-or-ipad-android-and-other-smartphones/
 
Last edited:
20streetrod06 said:
Slickside, do you have a link to exactly what you have installed? I've been using an Bluetooth FM transmitter in a cigarette port for years, I did not know there was such a thing that hijacked the satellite radio, and I don't see something like that on their website? But I like the idea of a cleaner looking install.
Click to expand...
Want this? I don't need it. $30 and its yours. Including shipping.

It goes between your radio and the XM radio. Has 2 RCA outputs as you can see. Has a switch that allows you to switch between the two aux inputs or the factory. It works. I can't remember what the brown wire is for. Think it was a ground but you should be able to pull up a manual for it.

PAC AAI-GM12 unit. Works for any 2003-2006 truck. If yours is different you may have to look on PAC's website to see if it works for you. Just been sitting on my desk since last year.



20240217_112708.jpg
 
Last edited:
2004Slickside said:
That one is an auxiliary input through 2 RCA jacks.
Click to expand...
Yes but if you notice there are two sides. You can do two different inputs. There is a port on the back of the radio that accepts low level audio and has a class2 bus. The buss talks to the devices which are piggy backed all on the same input port to a stereo input.

This allows you to connect to the back of your radio between the radio and the normal connection to those other devices. You can still change channels etc on the XM Radio etc but the audio will come from one of these pairs of RCA's or from the devices hooked to the radio (XM, DVD Screen overhead, 6 Disc changer in console) depending on where you have the toggle switch set. Middle is factory, one way is 1 the other is 2.

Adapters are plentiful for whatever you want to connect to the aux ports.

Should have looked them up before. $30 includes shipping just PM me for details.
I am enclosing the install page so you can see how it works.
 

Attachments

  • Pac AAI-GM12 Aux input. .pdf
    318.3 KB · Views: 1
Last edited:
Thought original poster asked for USB input. But this would work with an older cell phone with headphone jack and a simple adapter.
 
Last edited:
redheadedrod said:
Yea he wanted the radio to read a USB drive which is not going to happen. Then it shot off into adding an Aux input.
Click to expand...
I see! Did you notice that mine does read USB as well as Bluetooth. Only problem is finding one.
 
Last edited:
Thats an after market unit that plugs into the digital port on the radio right? I never even knew those existed. Not that I would have probably gotten one anyway. The Aux input is a lot more flexible.
 
It goes in series with the satellite stuff like yours. In addition to taking a USB flash drive it has the high level input (mini phono jack) as well as bluetooth input and a microphone. Controls through the radio buttons and displays info/folders/files on the radio display. Not sure how that is less flexible but if you say so... Yes it is aftermarket.
 
Well with all that information I would say yea that would have been a nice unit to have. I was picturing it needing its own display etc but if you were able to control it through the radio that would be a much better option. Never did see why they have an Aux button on the display when there isn't an Aux input.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top