Looking for a head unit

[badgerbrown]

Just got an 05 Sierra with the delphi GPS head unit and honestly I just don't like it. Does anyone have experience with an A/M head unit that still allows you to use the steering wheel radio controls? Thanks in advance!

Oh, and I don't want to break the bank on this one.

 

[IamMrHart]

I have an '03 with the Bose, and OnStar, which just for the hell of it I decided that I didn't want to chop up, and do it right for the steering wheel buttons to still work after installing a new head unit, the head unit has to have the inputs for it, and you need an adapter the one I bought was the better one of two I was able to find

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_22808_Axxess-ASWC.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=product_ads&gclid=CL7S7fbcz64CFQdoKgodemJ1kw

and to make the radio work with the trucks "dinger" as I call it A.K.A. chimes, you need the harness

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_12901_Axxess-GMOS-04.html?SearchClickout[query_id]=7121847&SearchClickout[Ignore]=1

but it makes a difference what options your truck has... OnStar, Bose, etc. The GMOS-04 harness that I had to buy was about $100, and the Metra ASWC steering wheel adapter was about $50, then the radio. Usually the mid-range to high end radios have the steering wheel inputs, overall my setup works pretty good, and I was able to put in a pretty nice deck that I'm happy with, and if your thinking that your just going to negate using the harness adapter, I would strongly reconsider. These vehicles aren't like the old school vehicles of say '80's vintage, the vehicles computer ties right into the radio in some of today's vehicles, and in some cases, I have heard its possible to prevent some vehicles from running by removing the radio, and in others, causing the check engine light to come on.

 

[IamMrHart]

Hello, I had attempted to answer this about a week or two ago, but it never posted, all I got in return was that it was being reviewed, I assume because I posted links?

I have done this on my '03 with OnStar & Bose. What you need first is a head unit that has inputs for steering wheel controls, the deck I have (JVC KW-NX7000BT) has them in the form of a plug out of the back, then you'll need a controller box that can interpret the signals from what the truck is trying to tell it, and for that I used the Metra Axxess ASWC for about $50. Based on reviews it performed great compared to the other one on the market that I found. Please keep in mind that you are going to need a rather expensive harness adapter! You cant just go in there and start splicing wires together like in the old days. Since I have a Bose system in mine with OnStar, I had to get a certain kind of adapter to keep chimes, and if I ever want to use OnStar, it keeps that working too, that module is the GMOS4/GMOS-04 also by Metra for $109, but it was worth it. Your chimes aren't going to sound the same as before, but they will work, and more importantly your radio will too

 

[Mydixiewrecked]

@iammrhart.

Great post!

I used to work at Metra years ago, and still have good friend who works there in R&D. I asked him the same question for my 2012 Sierra. He confirmed what you posted below. He did, although, recommend a Pioneer head unit as they have some models that are marketed for use in GM vehicles. I plan to take my truck to him in the next week or so for an install. I'll keep y'all posted.