Can the radio be replaced?

[zirconx]

I read somewhere that the radio in 2000+ Bonne's can not be replaced because it performs some other "brain" functions for the car? Is this true, or just true with certain options? (like HUD)

[harofreak00]

are you wanting to replace with another stock unit, or with an aftermarket deck?

[zirconx]

Aftermarket. I haven't even bought the car yet, I'm still trying to decide. It seems there is a common problem with the lighting in the stock unit, and I would probably just replace it with an aftermarket. But then I read people saying they couldn't replace the stock radio with anything else because it controls some other functions of the car.

[harofreak00]

you loose the ability to display the radio station on the HUD display, and the door chimes. I'm not sure if there is anything else.

[beachbum]

Also, the steering wheel radio controls won't work on a new radio unless it is a stock replacement. (at least without some major modification, I think )

[Hans]

Thanks to HowY



Finally got my new HU installed (Kenwood)

The ribbon adapter is a standard GM adapter which is a FEMALE
connector that clips on the ribbon leavin' a harness of wires to tap into.
http://www.scosche.com/scosche.aspx?Cat ... emID=GM07B

1'st there is no SWITCHED (red) at the adapter on unamplified systems.
Amped systems should have switched power on the third to last pin on the
bottom right of the factory ribbon plug. (A 3) - or the intent is to feed 12v down
this wire to power the rear amplifier harness - donno and dont have an amp'd car.
There is also a 12v switched in the rear harness (behind driver rear seat) Pink.
No power for me there either so you see why I can not verify this pinout.

Same power issue I had installin' my Amp. The (most convient) Lighter at the front
console is DOA on my rig (as purchased) No 12v on the wire at all so I had to tap into
the rear lighter again.... Brother....

Anyway there are 2 12v always on yellow leads I tapped both
to feed the HU (why not - they join at the ribbon) and 2 leads
are better than one right!?

Jerk the BROWNS (dimmer) out of the adapter as well

You get
3 Grounds
R-F/R L-F/R
2 12v constant
Orange (illumination) which worked!
Red (Antenna) marked 12 volt switched

Pull switched power from an accessory circuit (lighter)
but you must swap fuse positions for the circuit to die with
the ign (other option is always on) for the accessory circuits.

There are 3 ground leads the two at the speaker end of
the connector ground to the x-member at the passenger seat
(forward of the crossmember) the other ground (near the power)
is located on the lower right front 'A' pillar as I recall.

ANT enable - clearly marked on my diagrams (flat 1487) which needs
12v to enable - but punch down on the switched 12v at the adapter.
Needs the HU's antenna lead.

Ohh the big catch WAS the antenna adapter
You'll need a female to male changer for
AUDI - Volkswagon Import ! - 40-VW10 -

neither GM10 / GM20 will work Be aware of this adapter change:
http://www.metraonline.com/product.aspx?sku=40-VW10

I ended up with a install Kit for a Caddilac/Seville (Metra 99-2002)
with 1/2 din pocket (until I dig up an 1/2 din eq) There is a kit or two
for the bonnie but an installer handed me this kit and said "might require
a little modification". Told him I could handle a dremel and off I went.

http://www.metraonline.com/turbokit.aspx

Suprisingly it was a no big deal mod.
Removed the hook tabs - cut back the rear mount some and it fit.
Used the old snap clips for the factory head and secured them to the cage
- like a factory install the HU is hard fixed to the cage and the whole unit
"can" be pulled out like factory.

I say "can" because once it's in it's a huge bear to get the tabs out
- or the system in for that matter!

There is NO space back there once the adapters are plugged in and RCA's
attached to the head. VERY tight space and had to massage the ribbon
and adapter many times to get it to snap in place.

the rough opening is (it's a tape measure now....)
7 1/4" wide by 6 1/4" deep and 4 1/8" high
-- from the front face of the faceplate --
Faceplate is 7 3/4" x 4 5/16"

Sounds great but have more IGN/ALT noise using the low level feeds.
Had to throttle back the gains - have a PAC suppressor will post findings.

Conclusion:
Standard HU's are a tough fit DEPTH wise
No 12v raised with IGN on the ribbon (power for antenna)
use the AUDI / VW antenna adapter
Check your wiring before final fitment

You'll loose Door chimes
(no more loud Ding Ding - WASHER FLUID LOW!)
Power Off when door open (now it's on until ACC dies)
Wheel controls (I'll post the SWI-X info when it's in)

I USE CAPS for EMPHASIS so NO I'm not shouting...

Sorry I don't post here much anymore but wish you all well...

FWIW
HowY

[Hans]

Also the onstar capability will be lost with an aftermarket HU.

[00Beast]

Onstar doesn't work anymore on pre-03 cars, it is analog and it switched to all digital in January

[Rob S]

After replacing the OEM radio with an aftermarket unit on my wife's 01, the check instruments chime was lost. I didn't figure that this was a big deal, but my wife sure does--she has nearly run out of gas several times because she listens for the chime and doesn't pay attention to the gauge.
Un-freakin'-believable.

Rob