New Aftermarket head unit kit option

[Low Saturn]

Originally Posted by MyLocalDJ

I thought bcm had nothing to do with drivetrain and engine working. I thought bcm was more lighting controls and sensors

The BCM controls a lot of stuff, including the cars immobilizer system.

[Beast6162]

Install and component details:
PAC Audio RPK5-GM4101
Kenwood DDX9903S
Kenwood CMOS-320 front facing camera, I had to cut the lower grill to get the camera to fit but the end result looks great. I chose this camera because it has 4 different views (normal, wide angle, split right and left, and downward). The right and left views allow you to see right and left down the road when at an intersection.
GM factory rear camera
Gen5DIY camera re-location (moving camera signal from the mirror to the new Kenwood HU
GM Frameless mirror (plug and play for the 2012 model)
Installed earlier this year (for total sound system install context):
JL Audio HD900/5 Amp
JL C5-650X coaxial speakers in door (with imaged C5-075x tweeters in stock location
JL C2-350x coaxial speaker rear
JL Audio Camaro Convertible Stealthbox with two 10” 10W1v3 subs
PAC dash kit Pros:
1. Factory Look
2. All needed parts were included (chime module was missing but PAC sent it out within a day after noticing that it was missing from the kit)
3. Instructions well written and easy to follow
4. Easy install of all provided components.
PAC dash kit Cons:
1. Unable to get the main control module into program mode for the Steering Wheel Controls (SWC), although the provided loaded program for SWC works. I have not yet contact PAC yet about this issue but based on my past contact with them I would expect a quick solution to this issue, their customer service has been outstanding so far.
2. Hazard and door lock and unlock buttons feel cheap, they work but could have been better designed (this, in my opinion is not a show stopper I would buy and install the kit again in a heartbeat considering I don’t use the buttons anyway)
3. Chime module sound is a bit annoying, again not a show stopper

Suggested Improvements (in order of my perceived importance):
• I would extend the wires on all connectors at least 6” so that the control module can be located in an area behind the radio, so radio removal would not be needed for any planned firmware updates of the control module (which almost always happens)
• Redesign the chime module tones (maybe design multiple sounds for different actions (key in ignition with door open should be different tone than the backup sensors etc)
• The Hazard and lock/Unlock buttons should be improved
Overall Impression
I love this kit and the install was fairly simple and the instructions were easy to follow. I would purchase this kit again and I am very pleased with the overall end result. I wanted to change out the stock radio for some time and when I saw this kit I had high hopes that it would be as good as it looked…I was pleasantly surprised at how well it looked and how everything has performed. In my opinion this is a full thumbs up if you’ve been on the fence for updating the radio and keeping as much of the factory look as possible.

[JCunningham]

Originally Posted by Homeless Man

I may sound like a retard but what exactly is the point of changing out the faceplate and radio? What is the upgrade other than a touch screen. I hear people say better quality or whatever but I don't understand this mod.

so you can watch porn with surround sound in your car (if you install a dvd head unit) + nav and better sound quality.

[MyLocalDJ]

Originally Posted by Low Saturn

The BCM controls a lot of stuff, including the cars immobilizer system.

*******************
Wound up being a bad Hazard switch on the new PACS panel. The tech had caused the BCM to set the Flashers on and the new panel would not turn them off. Plugging in the old panel allowed the tech to turn them off. Tech contacting PACS to find out what to do next to fix switch.

[rydahog]

Originally Posted by MyLocalDJ

*******************
Wound up being a bad Hazard switch on the new PACS panel. The tech had caused the BCM to set the Flashers on and the new panel would not turn them off. Plugging in the old panel allowed the tech to turn them off. Tech contacting PACS to find out what to do next to fix switch.

excellent,,contact pacs..i am installing mine soon,,if same issue i will contact them too... and steering wheel call OUT button,,needs to be addressed..

[MyLocalDJ]

Finally have everything installed. Hazard button did not work. All else great!!!

[Beast6162]

Install looks good :-), hopefully they will sort out the hazard button. Did you try (or did your installer try) programming the controller for the SWC setup listed in the manual or did you leave the SWC control program stock?

[MyLocalDJ]

I would bet stock

[rydahog]

Originally Posted by Beast6162

Install looks good :-), hopefully they will sort out the hazard button. Did you try (or did your installer try) programming the controller for the SWC setup listed in the manual or did you leave the SWC control program stock?

i think there has been a SWC update ..as was also for clock and compass..
i am going this week and will see if they can fix swc if its still an issue..

[patternpilot]

I have identified and additional problem with my PAC unit. They provide an antenna amplifier with the kit and mine seems to not be working. I cannot get AM at all (just static) and only Non HD FM. If I unplug the factory antenna from the amplifier it makes no difference in reception. It would seem that the signal is not passing through the amplifier. I contacted PAC who said I probably did not have the power wire connected from my head unit. But it is connected. I have not heard back from them since I informed them. I will pull the head unit again and check to make sure power is coming out of the wire from the head unit that powers the amplifier.

[MyLocalDJ]

Originally Posted by patternpilot

I have identified and additional problem with my PAC unit. They provide an antenna amplifier with the kit and mine seems to not be working. I cannot get AM at all (just static) and only Non HD FM. If I unplug the factory antenna from the amplifier it makes no difference in reception. It would seem that the signal is not passing through the amplifier. I contacted PAC who said I probably did not have the power wire connected from my head unit. But it is connected. I have not heard back from them since I informed them. I will pull the head unit again and check to make sure power is coming out of the wire from the head unit that powers the amplifier.

************************
I had purchased another antennae amplifier some time back I think they used the one I had. I had the same problem when with no reception when I tried the Scosche and also the Metra. With the PACS, seems great. Same radio.

[GoldCartridgeGamer]

So I'm looking at the following receivers to use with this kit. Any feedback? I plan on playing with them at a local stereo shop this week, but wanted to get some feedback in case I miss something.

Kenwood DDX9703S
Kenwood Excelon DDX9903S
Pioneer AVH-4200NEX

[Beast6162]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

So I'm looking at the following receivers to use with this kit. Any feedback? I plan on playing with them at a local stereo shop this week, but wanted to get some feedback in case I miss something.

Kenwood DDX9703S
Kenwood Excelon DDX9903S
Pioneer AVH-4200NEX

I have the Kenwood Excelon DDX9903S installed with this kit and love it. The install was pretty straight forward and the HU is great. The User interface is really easy to use and simple to setup. If you use Apple Carplay it works great (I can't speak to android auto but a couple of friends have chosen this same setup that use android auto and can comment about it, I havent heard any negatives) I look at the pioneer and kenwood systems and I prefered the kenwood (I installed a DDX9902S on my other car last year and love how that system works, the DDX9903S is even better).

[rydahog]

Also if it matters...2yrs warty,,on kenwood,,,only 1 on pioneer, also buy from authorized retailer near you or internet, as they may not cover you,also for any updates etc..