Bad news for anyone thinking of installing an aftermarket head unit

[fastball]

I just got done watching the Chevy dealer training video on DIC functions, and if you were thinking of replacing your headunit, you will be dissappointed to find out that would be a very bad thing to do.

Vehicle operations are controled through the DIC, and since there are so many, sub menus are controled through the head unit. So, for changing the lighting sequence when you operate the remote locks, if one door or both doors unlock when you hit the unlock button, if you want auto locking and/or unlocking, and other vehicle operations are performed through the factory headunit.

You adjust the length of your headlamp delay through it, if you have remote start, you adjust how long you want the engine to run in the head unit (up to 10 minutes).

You select the main menu in the DIC, and then it transfers the sub menu into the head unit, and from there you make your adjustments.

All of this would not only be lost if you removed the head unit (which, since it's integrated into the climate control functions I don't know if you could do anyway), but could cause computer and DIC malfunctions if you go into the DIC and it's missing a few parts.

[LS3SSRS]

I'm sure there will be a way... I've heard of install shops relocating the factory head unit to the trunk and running aftermarket up front. If there's a will there's a way.

[Sctrjn21]

do you have a link to the video? I would like to see. I am sure someone will find a hack some time or another.

[rmyers]

I'm sure someone will figure it out....but at least its a capable unit in the area of connectivity. ie...bluetooth, ipod, usb.

Cadillac's CTS still has the coolest feature I think for a factory unit...."Pause"

[Dave McFly]

MOST if not all OEM radios in GM cars/trucks are so integrated into the car's systems its not funny. in Monty I have to change settings like how long the lights stay on when i hit the unlock on the keyfob or if i want to disable the 'chirp' from the lock/unlock etc using the radio buttons. I am glad my head unit has AM/FM CD built in and the speakers sound so good i have been holding off on putting in my 6.5" and 6x9" Pioneer speakers I pulled out of my Dodge Stratus.

[Camarino]

Originally Posted by Sctrjn21

do you have a link to the video? I would like to see. I am sure someone will find a hack some time or another.

[Chewy]

Originally Posted by LS3SSRS

I'm sure there will be a way... I've heard of install shops relocating the factory head unit to the trunk and running aftermarket up front. If there's a will there's a way.

people have done the exact same thing with their E39s, just extending the wiring of the head unit to the glove box and wiring the new head unit through an input in the original

everything is possible.

(anyone know how to get a hold of the wiring diagrams?)

[Rogue Leader]

When I worked in Car Stereo shops in the late 90's early 00's I believe it was the Honda Civic we first had to do this with, the door locks wouldn't work if you disconnected the factory stereo or something like that. So we would splice the new HU into the wiring but leave the factory unit in there and powered up hidden in the bottom part of the dash or console ( I dont even remember...)

[fastball]

Originally Posted by Rogue Leader

When I worked in Car Stereo shops in the late 90's early 00's I believe it was the Honda Civic we first had to do this with, the door locks wouldn't work if you disconnected the factory stereo or something like that. So we would splice the new HU into the wiring but leave the factory unit in there and powered up hidden in the bottom part of the dash or console ( I dont even remember...)

Yeah, they put the remote lock receiver in the head unit. Taking out the factory head unit dissabled the power door locks completely.

The way things work in the Camaro is a little more complicated - the head unit is now integrated with the car's body control module computer. Besides important vehicle operation controls, there's no telling what else you might loose if you remove it.

If someone is going to come up with a "hack", it's going to me more than jumping a few wires - it will have to have some software codes and menu operations.

[LT1Jeep]

wern't the H2's like this when they first came out, and stereo guys figured out a way araound it then. i think its nice that they tried to incorporate so many cool featured into the car, but why design it in ta way to prevent easy customization ??? the dash layout is so odd that i dont even know if you could easily put a nice unit in there (like my Alpine w205 double did dvd screen that fits so awesomely in my jeep now and when it goes back won;t have a new home) haha

[num1panthersfan]

Damn!! Thats pretty disappointing cuz they don't even provide a navi system in the deck. I want something aftermarket cuz they provide more power to the amps and I don't plan on buying the boston acoustic setup they offer.

[SummoneR]

Originally Posted by Rogue Leader

When I worked in Car Stereo shops in the late 90's early 00's I believe it was the Honda Civic we first had to do this with, the door locks wouldn't work if you disconnected the factory stereo or something like that. So we would splice the new HU into the wiring but leave the factory unit in there and powered up hidden in the bottom part of the dash or console ( I dont even remember...)

Yep, I had a 98 Honda Civic, I had to tie the factory head unit off behind the dash, fortunately there was room.

Personally I am getting to the age... or desire to no longer install aftermarket stereos anymore, I have done it with every vehicle I have owned... the last being the FJ of course... ugh it took forever (to do it right) I think if I do anything to my CAMARO I will maybe replace the factory paper cone speakers and maybe add an aftermarket sub box. Nothing outlandish... I'm already losing my hear... LOL Maybe a solid sounding 8 or 10" in a box, just enough to get a decent thump, nothing to set off alarms... been there done that...

But as Nexus states add to it not replace (except the paper cones if that's what they end up being)

[Nexus6]

I only plan on adding to it,not replacing it

[Tal]

Originally Posted by LT1Jeep

wern't the H2's like this when they first came out, and stereo guys figured out a way araound it then. i think its nice that they tried to incorporate so many cool featured into the car, but why design it in ta way to prevent easy customization ??? the dash layout is so odd that i dont even know if you could easily put a nice unit in there (like my Alpine w205 double did dvd screen that fits so awesomely in my jeep now and when it goes back won;t have a new home) haha

More and more cars are integrating the factory stereo with the rest of the car as a cost cutting measure. It allows for some nice things, until it comes to upgrading the head unit.