Potential Solutions to Radio Problems - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

*The_Blur* · 06-08-2009, 08:33 AM

Feel free to post permanent solutions to radio problems in this thread. In addition, to the solutions to radio problems, we should also address the pitfalls of these solutions. I provide an example below.

Solution: Install an aftermarket head unit using a specific wiring harness that fits the 2010 Camaro. Scosche may make one in the near future.

Pitfall: This solution may render steering wheel buttons useless.

Additional Solution: Find an aftermarket steering wheel without any buttons. [Indpower, can you make one?]

I thought I'd make this thread because I don't want to have significant problems with my radio as I really appreciate car audio and would be furious to find that I can barely use my iPod. After extensively updating my audio systems, I'd hate to find it repeatedly fail on me upon delivery of my Camaro.

UCF w00t · 06-08-2009, 08:35 AM

Unless GM has provided some detailed information on the radio design, I doubt anyone is going to be able to make a replacement. And I highly doubt GM would provide the level of detail needed to do this. Tons of stuff for the rest of the car is controlled through the radio interface.

*The_Blur* · 06-08-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCF w00t

Unless GM has provided some detailed information on the radio design, I doubt anyone is going to be able to make a replacement. And I highly doubt GM would provide the level of detail needed to do this. Tons of stuff for the rest of the car is controlled through the radio interface.

Traditionally, Scosche has been able to make a wiring harness for about $15 for every car. My Cobalt harness cost over $100 in order to allow functionality of all door chimes and other equipment. It was a pain, so I'm wondering if any electronics experts, GM insiders, or knowledgeable persons could propose a solution. I understand how the radio is a functional piece of equipment for the car, but if I can't listen to music then it isn't doing its job.

Chewy · 06-08-2009, 09:24 AM

i plan on seeing what i can do with it once i get my car. going to be a pain in the ass w/o a wiring diagram but i'll do some tracing and metering to figure out as much as I can.

UCF w00t · 06-08-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Blur

Traditionally, Scosche has been able to make a wiring harness for about $15 for every car. My Cobalt harness cost over $100 in order to allow functionality of all door chimes and other equipment. It was a pain, so I'm wondering if any electronics experts, GM insiders, or knowledgeable persons could propose a solution. I understand how the radio is a functional piece of equipment for the car, but if I can't listen to music then it isn't doing its job.

This problem will require MUCH more than a wiring harness. The Camaro deck actually has a full interface to adjust settings for the rest of the car. I don't know why they didn't just put this in the DIC with the other stuff. Now, maybe these settings are just modified by the head unit and are actually stored in some other part of the car's electronics? If that's the case (unlikely) you could potentially replace it.

I think the only person who could really shed much light on this is codeman71.

codeman71 · 06-09-2009, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCF w00t

I think the only person who could really shed much light on this is codeman71.

I'm not gonna say it's impossible, but it would be extremely difficult to replace the headunit. The only solution that I've seen is to leave what's already in the vehicle intact and just add on to it. I know that's not the most elegant solution, but I don't know of another way short of replicating all of the software that's running on the headunit and have the replacement be able to respond to all of those commands.

*The_Blur* · 06-09-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman71

I'm not gonna say it's impossible, but it would be extremely difficult to replace the headunit. The only solution that I've seen is to leave what's already in the vehicle intact and just add on to it. I know that's not the most elegant solution, but I don't know of another way short of replicating all of the software that's running on the headunit and have the replacement be able to respond to all of those commands.

Would a CleanSweep unit be able to improve functionality? I'm just trying to figure out a way to improve audio quality by making sure that my music plays, displays titles, and sounds better than stock.

UCF w00t · 06-09-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman71

I'm not gonna say it's impossible, but it would be extremely difficult to replace the headunit. The only solution that I've seen is to leave what's already in the vehicle intact and just add on to it. I know that's not the most elegant solution, but I don't know of another way short of replicating all of the software that's running on the headunit and have the replacement be able to respond to all of those commands.

Pretty much what I was thinking. And unless GM releases some sort of tech doc on what commands those are it would be a pain in the ass to reverse engineer all that. This is MUCH more than just a simple door chime heh.

ZENX · 08-27-2009, 04:33 PM

I suppose this is the best place to ask this question:

Do you guys know of any wiring harness that would work with the 2010 Camaro in order to install the Parrot MKi 9200 bluetooth kit such that the audio from the Parrot can be channeled through the car's speakers and the parrot and mute the audio when there is a call coming in.

Steve@Subthump · 08-27-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman71

I'm not gonna say it's impossible, but it would be extremely difficult to replace the headunit. The only solution that I've seen is to leave what's already in the vehicle intact and just add on to it. I know that's not the most elegant solution, but I don't know of another way short of replicating all of the software that's running on the headunit and have the replacement be able to respond to all of those commands.

I was thinking the same thing... Like where in the car can I stash a kenwood deck so it doesn't look silly and still be able to access it.

PolishMike · 08-27-2009, 08:25 PM

Too much is controlled by the head unit to replace it. I doubt anyone will ever be able to do it and if they do you will most likely lose a LOT more than radio controls.

The easiest option is to add a head unit somewhere else, run new wires to the speakers (or most likely RCA's to the amp and speaker wires to the amp. Not a big deal.

Rogue Leader · 08-28-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZENX

I suppose this is the best place to ask this question:

Do you guys know of any wiring harness that would work with the 2010 Camaro in order to install the Parrot MKi 9200 bluetooth kit such that the audio from the Parrot can be channeled through the car's speakers and the parrot and mute the audio when there is a call coming in.

If the parrot has a miniplug you can use that to the audio jack for the factory PDIM. As for having it mute the car's audio when a call comes in, good luck....

Hess RS · 09-19-2009, 01:45 AM

im doing a double din conversion right now, so stay tuned, and check out the double din post. steering wheel controls, onstar, door and light chimes will all still work. Someone had to do it :-)

jayson71 · 09-19-2009, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCF w00t

Pretty much what I was thinking. And unless GM releases some sort of tech doc on what commands those are it would be a pain in the ass to reverse engineer all that. This is MUCH more than just a simple door chime heh.

Sometimes it's good to be tone def. Never though it would make my life easier.

Good luck guys keep us posted.

bhamze · 09-19-2009, 08:53 AM

Hello all,

We are currently developing two fiberglass enclosures for new Camaro , and part of our research is to analyze the factory audio system. From that research we will determine the best approach for integrating aftermarket electronic equipment utilizing the factory head unit. If its anything like the Corvette audio system, there will be no need for audio correction (CleanSweep) as the audio signals present a flat full-range frequency response. We have Camaro scheduled for audio testing in two weeks. We will be completing a full install including components speakers, amplifiers, and one of our Stealthboxes. We will post pictures and results.

Bill Hamze
JL Audio

Hushhush · 10-02-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Blur

Feel free to post permanent solutions to radio problems in this thread. In addition, to the solutions to radio problems, we should also address the pitfalls of these solutions. I provide an example below.

Solution: Install an aftermarket head unit using a specific wiring harness that fits the 2010 Camaro. Scosche may make one in the near future.

Pitfall: This solution may render steering wheel buttons useless.

Additional Solution: Find an aftermarket steering wheel without any buttons. [Indpower, can you make one?]

I thought I'd make this thread because I don't want to have significant problems with my radio as I really appreciate car audio and would be furious to find that I can barely use my iPod. After extensively updating my audio systems, I'd hate to find it repeatedly fail on me upon delivery of my Camaro.

There are seriously a LOT more problems than losing your steering wheel buttons. Basically without a new head unit that has a lot of specialized programming to do what the Camaro's does you will never be able to replace the head unit. It will always still have to be in the car until (and that's a big if) that happens.

rambunctious · 10-04-2009, 08:00 PM

does anyone have pics or instruction to get the center stack bezel off and get to the radio harness ( without scratching or breaking anything)
thanks

working on a project too

Ramb

G Fo12ce · 11-10-2009, 10:23 PM

If companies like Metra ECT do make an integration kit for aftermarket stereos this is the device you would use to retain steering wheel controls:

http://www.pac-audio.com/Products.aspx?CategoryId=29

Made by PAC. There are different models depending on what brand stereo you use.

I hope they figure it out, it would be nice for those that want Nav and Bluetooth in models not equipped with it.

Hope that helps.

06-08-2009, 08:33 AM	#1
The_Blur Moderator, USN Drives: 2000 Firebird Formula NHRA SE Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Officer Candidate School Posts: 12,713	Potential Solutions to Radio Problems Feel free to post permanent solutions to radio problems in this thread. In addition, to the solutions to radio problems, we should also address the pitfalls of these solutions. I provide an example below. Solution: Install an aftermarket head unit using a specific wiring harness that fits the 2010 Camaro. Scosche may make one in the near future. Pitfall: This solution may render steering wheel buttons useless. Additional Solution: Find an aftermarket steering wheel without any buttons. [Indpower, can you make one?] I thought I'd make this thread because I don't want to have significant problems with my radio as I really appreciate car audio and would be furious to find that I can barely use my iPod. After extensively updating my audio systems, I'd hate to find it repeatedly fail on me upon delivery of my Camaro. __________________ Get a good deal on your purchase. Read this. 117:123 RESPECT ALL CARS. LOVE YOUR OWN. newborn gifts

06-08-2009, 09:24 AM	#4
Chewy My boredom isn't safe Drives: 2010 SS Camaro Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,255 View My Garage	i plan on seeing what i can do with it once i get my car. going to be a pain in the ass w/o a wiring diagram but i'll do some tracing and metering to figure out as much as I can. __________________

08-27-2009, 08:25 PM	#11
PolishMike Drives: 2010 2SS RS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tracy/San Diego CA Posts: 224	Too much is controlled by the head unit to replace it. I doubt anyone will ever be able to do it and if they do you will most likely lose a LOT more than radio controls. The easiest option is to add a head unit somewhere else, run new wires to the speakers (or most likely RCA's to the amp and speaker wires to the amp. Not a big deal. __________________ IOM w/ White Stripes 2SS RS M6 #17772 Now - Stainless Works 2" Headers, Intake, Cam, tune, ect And shepherds we shall be, For thee my lord for thee. Power has descended forth from thy hand, that our feet may swiftly carry out thy commands. So we shall flow a river forth to thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be.In nomine Patri, Et Fili, Spiritus Sancti

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06-08-2009, 08:35 AM	#2
UCF w00t Geek Drives: IOM 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orlando Posts: 4,456	Unless GM has provided some detailed information on the radio design, I doubt anyone is going to be able to make a replacement. And I highly doubt GM would provide the level of detail needed to do this. Tons of stuff for the rest of the car is controlled through the radio interface.

08-27-2009, 04:33 PM	#9
ZENX Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City Posts: 6	I suppose this is the best place to ask this question: Do you guys know of any wiring harness that would work with the 2010 Camaro in order to install the Parrot MKi 9200 bluetooth kit such that the audio from the Parrot can be channeled through the car's speakers and the parrot and mute the audio when there is a call coming in.

09-19-2009, 01:45 AM	#13
Hess RS Account Suspended Drives: 91 Camaro RS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Anaheim Hills, CA Posts: 324	im doing a double din conversion right now, so stay tuned, and check out the double din post. steering wheel controls, onstar, door and light chimes will all still work. Someone had to do it :-)

09-19-2009, 08:53 AM	#15
bhamze Drives: nope Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: florida Posts: 15	Hello all, We are currently developing two fiberglass enclosures for new Camaro , and part of our research is to analyze the factory audio system. From that research we will determine the best approach for integrating aftermarket electronic equipment utilizing the factory head unit. If its anything like the Corvette audio system, there will be no need for audio correction (CleanSweep) as the audio signals present a flat full-range frequency response. We have Camaro scheduled for audio testing in two weeks. We will be completing a full install including components speakers, amplifiers, and one of our Stealthboxes. We will post pictures and results. Bill Hamze JL Audio

10-04-2009, 08:00 PM	#17
rambunctious Drives: F250 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Holland, michigan Posts: 22	does anyone have pics or instruction to get the center stack bezel off and get to the radio harness ( without scratching or breaking anything) thanks working on a project too Ramb

11-10-2009, 10:23 PM	#18
G Fo12ce Drives: M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 1	If companies like Metra ECT do make an integration kit for aftermarket stereos this is the device you would use to retain steering wheel controls: http://www.pac-audio.com/Products.aspx?CategoryId=29 Made by PAC. There are different models depending on what brand stereo you use. I hope they figure it out, it would be nice for those that want Nav and Bluetooth in models not equipped with it. Hope that helps.