Aftermarket radio questions

[Jwilliam98]

Sorry about all the questions, but this is the first Pontiac Montana that iv owned. Iv installed quite a few radios, but I'm a little puzzled about this one. Iv got a double din Boss touch screen radio with GPS, Bluetooth, etc. That I had installed in our ford E350 for a few months before we sold it. I want to put it in this van, but iv had trouble with GM's radios before. I know that the chimes and OnStar run through the radio, but On our new 2013 Chevy express van and my 2014 Silverado the Turn signals and quite a few other things go through it also. What else goes through the radio in my van than the chimes? And can I just install a speaker or something behind the dash for the chimes because I don't want to pay an extra 40 bucks for an interface to keep that stuff. I found a dash kit I like and the harness that does not keep the chimes, OnStar, etc. And that I have to run an accessory power wire to and it comes with the antenna adaptor and plastic surround brackets. Is that all I need or do I have to have more stuff? Thanks.

 

[melsg5]

with all the different aftermarket radios out there it is hard to answer what you need or dont need with a particular radio. I would go to www.crutchfield.com to check what you need for the radio you are trying to install.

 

[EaOutlaw]

I agree with melsg5, Pay the piper or leave the stock radio alone.
Many new cars have options where the audio gets louder or quieter depending on speed.

One missed connection or crossed wire can mean expensive repairs and a non running car. if you only need a 40 dollar interface and do not have the extra money wait till you do.

I worked on a Mitsubishi Montero that had shifting issues and erratic cruse control and seemingly possessed speedometer all because the owners child fed the factory CD player pennies and other coins.

the coins short circuited the main module in the radio, which burnt a driver circuit in the PCM if I remember correctly.

My only point is that when you do not know what circuits are effected you either need to get service manual with a wiring diagram and find out what is effected by the radio or just buy the interface which still may require a service manual.

 

[Jwilliam98]

Wow. My van does have that option where it gets louder or quieter depending on speed so I guess I'll wait and buy the interface. Thanks.

______________________________

 

[04_GrAm-SE1]

I agree with melsg5, Pay the piper or leave the stock radio alone.

Well put EA, and very wise. The only time I would upgrade a car stereo these days is with another stock unit (like std to Monsoon system). The high-end factory stereo systems have separate amps, plenty of power, & speaker systems optimized for the interior of that vehicle. And they look stock: Fit, lighting, knobs.

Even home audiophiles reach a point where money is better spent improving the acoustics of the room (sound absorbing, etc.)

GL

 

[Macarchie]

works better with the right equipment.

I just went through this exercise and put a nice bluetooth JVC unit in the wife's Montana. Only issue was hooking up and programming the steering wheel controls but the manufacturer help desk was helpful and problem was resolved. Crutchfield provided everything needed for the job. Sometimes you just gotta get the right stuff and get it done. Many times I've wasted hours and hours trying to figure out a way to save a few bucks… not anymore, my time is too valuable.
She loves being able to answer the phone and talk hands-free and also to listen to hundreds of songs on a USB flash drive. Happy wife = happy life.
Good Luck! Jimmy

 

[04_GrAm-SE1]

She loves being able to answer the phone and talk hands-free and also to listen to hundreds of songs on a USB flash drive. Happy wife = happy life.
Good Luck! Jimmy

Hands-free phone is the best & safest way to go, for sure. I had it on the last car with Onstar. Glad the job went well & wife happy.

Just a note for the record (HA!): As a temp (cheap) upgrade, I found that a tape/CD adaptor works very well when you attach it to an .mp3 player's headphone jack. There's no static, sound is good. You can set your player to shuffle & have gigabytes of music. I used this one on a car that had combo CD & tape, so as not to lose the CD function. I tried the FM transmitter type, but had trouble finding open frequency/channel. Aux port input add-on also possible.