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Factory HU compatibility ?

damascus maker

Full Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2021
Messages
72
Location
N. E. Tennessee
In another thread here I found out my new to me (2 days) 2008 LTZ isn't bluetooth capable. So the question is: If I find a wreck 2009 or newer what would be the chances of a painless swap? Or would I be asking for a large headache with the theft detergent and plug matching?
 
When you say Bluetooth capable are we talking about streaming music or just adding the phone?

I have a 2007 LTZ and it has Bluetooth for the phone but it can not stream music.

How much do you really want the OEM factory look? I think GM did a really good job with the design.

It still looks good 14 years later imho. minus the fingerprint smug

I really want the functionality & look of the 2021 Chevy screens...

A volume knob is a must for me
 
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Sorry, I'm old and a little digitally challenged. I think I meant to be able to use the phone through the radio. I can't hear my wife on my phone even on speaker setting when I'm on the road, have to pull off every time. I want to be able to turn her up through the radio. The after market in my old Ranger had a usb port that connected my iPod and it worked great. Stopped my books on tape with the ignition and restarted automatically in correct place when starting up next time as well as charging the iPod . Aux port won't do that.
 
Did you turn your phone volume up? If your phone is paired and you just don't hear the call then check the "phone" volume is all the way up and then control the volume with the knob.
There is no bluetooth or usb streaming music even if you switch to a 2009 head unit. I think usb came in 2011 models and bluetooth streaming
starting when Chevy Mylink was put into vehicles
 
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Yeah, The radio won't pair with my phone. When I would say pair it would respond with AM radio. If yours is 2007 maybe I need to have someone else ask it to pair. Things I found online indicated GM didn't add bluetooth radios until 2009. The voice button on my 2008 seems to only respond to request to operate the radio. That's why I was thinking a 2009 or newer HU might work for me. I would like to keep the factory look as well, but it's looking like an aftermarket HU is in the near future. I hate those high end custom audio shops but it looks like I'll be visiting one of them soon.
 
I'd like to take back some of what I said. you are correct 2009 came with bluetooth "phone". My 2007 doesn't have that and I use Isimple via the line input.
 
As recommend in many older threads, the easiest way to get good info and service is to contact Crutchfield customer service for info on what adapters or parts you need to get the system you want.....
 
I went ahead and installed a new head unit in my 07 Avalanche in December last year. I didn't have bluetooth or phone connectivity with my factory radio but now I do. My new head unit came with a mic for handsfree calling and has android auto, bluetooth, and apple car play. I had to buy the installation kit, antenna adapter and wiring harness in order to do the swap. The only thing I lost was the steering wheel controls but buying the wiring harness to add that capability would solve the issue.

It was fairly simple installation for me due to my background in electronics engineering but anyone could do it with just a little bit of research and some elbow grease. There are tons of youtube videos to show how to get it done. If you can't find avalanche videos, try tahoe or suburban videos as they are very much the same.

If I can figure out how to add pics I'll add them...
 
I'll add my very biased opinion here.
If you've an Android phone, there's a developer option that disables the Bluetooth absolute volume. It can help with lack of control from your current head unit. Can't say if Apple has this option.
Bluetooth is a must for me too but so isn't sound quality and functionality so I use the Kenwood excelon series head units. It has the wireless and wired options for both apply play and android auto.
With my 02, there's no vehicle management integration so I can't use those features, but the Bluetooth feature for my phone is crystal clear. The HU allows for the call to be sent through either the driver's side speaker only or all four speakers. It also has multiple volume controls for all the different input/outputs so my radio van be low while my calls can be at a higher volume as well as dual zone controls for the rear radio or video output if used.
It also comes with the camera connections for dash, rear and front, but more importantly the internal amplifier is very clean which helps with the BT clarity.
 
I'll add my very biased opinion here.
If you've an Android phone, there's a developer option that disables the Bluetooth absolute volume. It can help with lack of control from your current head unit. Can't say if Apple has this option.
Bluetooth is a must for me too but so isn't sound quality and functionality so I use the Kenwood excelon series head units. It has the wireless and wired options for both apply play and android auto.
With my 02, there's no vehicle management integration so I can't use those features, but the Bluetooth feature for my phone is crystal clear. The HU allows for the call to be sent through either the driver's side speaker only or all four speakers. It also has multiple volume controls for all the different input/outputs so my radio van be low while my calls can be at a higher volume as well as dual zone controls for the rear radio or video output if used.
It also comes with the camera connections for dash, rear and front, but more importantly the internal amplifier is very clean which helps with the BT clarity.
I have had a few avalanches and the stereo Bluetooth thing has been an issue. I had a 2013 for a while and traded it. I forgot that the earlier years did not have Bluetooth phone and purchased an 08. When I couldn't get the Bluetooth to work and went to the dealership they reminded me that 08 did not have Bluetooth except for onstar. I checked into a newer model GM radio thinking that would solve the problem but it did not because there is no microphone. I wound up finding a 2013 and sold my 08 and now I have Bluetooth back but still you have to plug in your phone if you want to stream music... so frustrating. They make a Tesla type screen that goes upright where the stereo is and also replaces the AC knobs but it seems a bear to program and from what I saw you lose functionality of rear entertainment. Do your homework before you buy.
 
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