Aftermaket stereo module?

[1HOT SE]

Duz our GA's require a GM Module in order to install an aftermarket stereo?
I went to different places: Future Shop, Best Buy, and Visions and I have been getting mixed answers from everyone. Some say yes, some say no, and others say maybe depends on the car and what it affects: like the chimes, airbags, and car computer. This module is $150.
On my car the chimes don't work, and there are no air bags (rebuilt car) so i was told this module is not required.
This is what I found on Grandamgt.com:

Aftermarket HU with 2001-2005 Grand Am?
Despite what you may have heard from a friend or from that 'expert' salesman from Best Buy, your car will be fine without the presence of your factory head unit. The rumors of the stereo being connected with ABS or the Airbag system are unfounded and completely FALSE. However if you replace or remove the factory head unit you WILL lose your warning chimes.
To get around this you have 3 options available:
#1. - Install a new HU using the inexpensive 70-2003 wiring harness. You will lose your warning chimes.
#2. - Install a new HU using the Metra HU Relocation Harness and an external chime speaker. This harness relocates the factory HU to the trunk to retain the warning chime functions.
#3. - Install a new HU using the relatively expensive GMRC-01 or the updated GMOS-01 Data Retention harness. You will retain your chimes as well as the Retained Accessory Power feature which will leave the radio on until the driver's door is opened.
The information you require is in those 2 links I posted for you. You will need a mounting kit to mount your single-DIN radio in the double-DIN dash opening; an antenna adapter to match up to GM's proprietary antenna, and your choice of wiring harness. You can use the inexpensive (~$10) Saturn harness listed in the FAQ along with a fuse tap if keeping the warning chimes and retained accessory power is not a concern. Otherwise you'll need the GMRC-01 module which is about $150.

[Exist2Inspire]

No, you don't need it. All that it affects is the chims and warning lights. I've had my wiring harness disconnected since the summer and all I've lost are:

Warning Chimes.

Just bewarned... the warning chime also includes the chim you hear when you are low on fuel! Definately happened to me once, lol.

If any shops tell you that the GM-Wiring harness is connected to your ABS / Air-bags, their just trying to get more money off you.


You don't have airbags? Wow...

[1HOT SE]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate the info.
P.S. I'll survive w/o the bags! But I was thinking of having new ones installed. I see them 4 sale sometimes, but I wonder how difficult it is to do this?

[Stitch]

why would you install new air bags if your stock ones have never blown? That just sounds like a waste of money and time to me.


And if you want your chimes to remain, wal-mart sells a module made by scorche that allows the chimes to remain. They might have one for your car.

[1HOT SE]

Originally Posted by Stitch

why would you install new air bags if your stock ones have never blown? That just sounds like a waste of money and time to me.


And if you want your chimes to remain, wal-mart sells a module made by scorche that allows the chimes to remain. They might have one for your car.

I have no air bags b/c they did blow when the car was originally written off by the previous owner. I bought the car from a local wrecker that rebuilt it. The car was a rebuilt car status that does not require the air bags to be replaced to be saftied. There is just a replacement cover for the steering wheel an empty compartment in the top of the dash on the passenger side under the airbag dash cover..empty space for smuggling...kidding.
There was minimal damage to the front end (left fender, L headlight, and front bumper that was replace b4 it was sold to me) But I got a fairly new car with 60,000K on it for a really really good price in 07. The car was written off b/c the previous owner had an insurance clause in ONT that if anything happened to the car w/in the first 2 years, they would pay back the cost of the car to the owner...therefore writing it off.

[Stitch]

oh ok, see i didn't know that part. but air bags are expensive to buy.

[1HOT SE]

Questions:
1) What antenna adapter do I get?
2) What wiring harness - just a saturn harness?
3) Mounting kit for single DIN > how will this fit in the double DIN space? Do you need a brace or something to fit the single DIN kit in snug?

[Exist2Inspire]

Originally Posted by 1HOT SE

1) What antenna adapter do I get?

You will need a OEM to Universal Antenna Adapter. FutureShop / Visions / Advance should have them, though you might need to ask the installers for them, and not the sales guys ( at least at FutureShop )

2) What wiring harness - just a saturn harness?

You will need the GM Harness. Make sure the one has 2003 - 2005 on it. The 1999 - 2002 model years have a slightly different wiring harness.

3) Mounting kit for single DIN > how will this fit in the double DIN space? Do you need a brace or something to fit the single DIN kit in snug?

The GM Dash Install Kit (Scorsche) will allow you to convert your double din to a single din. It add's an storage space underneath the deck.

[Stitch]

Everything can be purchased at wal-mart

[1HOT SE]

Thanks guys
Heads up for electronics , TV's and car audio for sale. The extra inventory left from Krazy Krazy is being sold at G&L sales liquidation. Apparently what is not on display is stored in a warehouse but ready to be sold also. Just ask for what you want and they will find it.
Location: Logan Ave South side, Between McPhillips and Isabel.
I'm going to find a deck! :P

[Exist2Inspire]

If you need help doing the install at all, just give me a shout!

[Videoman]

Nice to see the helping hand... That's what it's all about.

Thanks Chris

[Exist2Inspire]

Tony:

You should also check out PrincessAuto. Last time I was there they didn't have the dash kits, but they did have new Wiring Harnesses and the Antenna Adapters. Plus, if you decided on running a 4-channel amp for your speakers ( you don't have to ) they're the best place in the city to get your amp kits / welder's cable. Plus all of their Monster RCA cables, for both Home Theatre AND Car Stereo are on for dirt cheap.

[1HOT SE]

Much appreciated.
Can't wait 2 c all of you guys again 4 cruz night. I still have my stock tires on and stock bumper, until the end of this month. I am not pimpd' out for a meet just yet.! C U soon

[Exist2Inspire]

Oh Tony! Canadian Tire also has the Antenna Adapter for $8.99