I recently took delivery of my new Av (2002 model) and wish to upgrade the audio system with aftermarket components (am/fm/cd/mp3 head unit, xm satellite and changeout speakers). I purchased the vehicle with the standard am-fm-cd with ONSTAR. I have been to 8 or 9 audio installation shops as well as the delivering Chevy dealership and I am being given various explanations ranging from "we wont even touch a vehicle with onstar" to its a simple install.
I would like to list some of the issues below that I would like to clarify before proceeding with the project. I would be greatly indebted to anyone wishing to comment on the issues listed.
1 THE INTERFACE - some dealers would not even touch the installation. Some told me that the original radio would have to be mounted under the dash somewhere with additional auxillary speakers even with the onstar interface module to make onstar function properly. I got prices for the module ranging from $100 to $150. I assume that the module made by PAC which retails for $99 in most catalogs is the only one made. One dealer said he had some type of "plug" for $14.95 to accomplish the interface. I found this one hard to believe, can anyone explain how the module works.
2. ONSTAR - a couple of dealers said I would have to select a head unit that had an auxillary mode because I would have to toggle over to AUX to call Onstar or use the personal calling function once the interface is wired in. In this case what would happen if the vehicle was involved in an accident and the airbags deployed before the driver had the opportunity to toggle to AUX? Would the system still dial out to onstar to notify of the deployment?
3. INTEGRATION - Couple of the dealers plus the service manager at the delivering dealship said there is a separate data line running into the radio that controls the various chimes (warning for lights on, etc...) Does the interface module take care of this? or will I lose these features? Another dealer said my keyless remote and the factory car security will not function if I remove the factory radio? Anyone with answers, please comment.
Thank you all for your patience in reading all this material.I realize that it is lengthy as I have become very frustrated so far in my research of this project. I am relying on all you kind, fellow owners for some good advice. Any information that you provide to enable me to go forward with the project and further enjoy my new Av will be greatly appreciated
I would like to list some of the issues below that I would like to clarify before proceeding with the project. I would be greatly indebted to anyone wishing to comment on the issues listed.
1 THE INTERFACE - some dealers would not even touch the installation. Some told me that the original radio would have to be mounted under the dash somewhere with additional auxillary speakers even with the onstar interface module to make onstar function properly. I got prices for the module ranging from $100 to $150. I assume that the module made by PAC which retails for $99 in most catalogs is the only one made. One dealer said he had some type of "plug" for $14.95 to accomplish the interface. I found this one hard to believe, can anyone explain how the module works.
2. ONSTAR - a couple of dealers said I would have to select a head unit that had an auxillary mode because I would have to toggle over to AUX to call Onstar or use the personal calling function once the interface is wired in. In this case what would happen if the vehicle was involved in an accident and the airbags deployed before the driver had the opportunity to toggle to AUX? Would the system still dial out to onstar to notify of the deployment?
3. INTEGRATION - Couple of the dealers plus the service manager at the delivering dealship said there is a separate data line running into the radio that controls the various chimes (warning for lights on, etc...) Does the interface module take care of this? or will I lose these features? Another dealer said my keyless remote and the factory car security will not function if I remove the factory radio? Anyone with answers, please comment.
Thank you all for your patience in reading all this material.I realize that it is lengthy as I have become very frustrated so far in my research of this project. I am relying on all you kind, fellow owners for some good advice. Any information that you provide to enable me to go forward with the project and further enjoy my new Av will be greatly appreciated
