2002-3 GM head units

[Ken Cunningham]

I 've got a nearly new GM cd head unit from 2002 or 2003 when someone was upgrading. The connections are quite different from earlier units and a tech I spoke with from Delphi was skeptical that this could be made to work in an '87 Regal. Does anybody know if the new head units can work with our 16 year old wiring? It seems that there has to be 12vdc, ground, and 4 speaker connections in there somewhere.

 

[whitess]

Ken,
Try the car stereo stores for a wiring adapter. Metra is one brand.
Make sure that all the wires that are supposed to be there on the
new radio end of the harness are there. The one I got was missing
2 of the wires, though I haven't heard of anyone else having had
this problem. You'll also need an antenna adapter, from '89 on they
used a smaller pin on the antenna lead. I have a '01 Monsoon in my
85 SS and only needed to modify the radio brackets(stock and monsoon)
a little. By the way without the external amp the power output is 54
watts per channel if it's a Monsoon.
If you have any questions about what wires go where try
http://www.installdoctor.com for the stock diagram and http://ls1.com
in the "Electronic/Radio.." FAQ's for the newer style('00 +) radio wiring. The "install doctor" wiring diagram for the later model radios is different than what you are going to have on the '02+ radio (more wires on the '00 and newer).
HTH.
Larry.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

Thanks for the tips, Larry.

The problem with the Metra adapters is that they are designed for installing after-market radios into a car, so they have universal ends at the head unit and custom wiring at the car end. I need to install a factory radio into a car, so I need factory wiring at the head unit and factory wiring at the car end. Actually, the wiring into the car doesn't worry me, I can whip something together to plug into the Regal harness. But the wiring from the head unit is the problem. And my info from Delphi and others makes me pessimistic that I can work it out.

Delphi actually has the plug for the 2002 head unit, so if I had a wiring diagram for the newest cars I could see what I'm up against. The installdoctor web site is impressive, but unfortunately I can't find any info on the 2002+ GM units.

 

[whitess]

Ken,
Metra does have the correct factory plug for the newer radios, it's what I used in mine. It's a MALE plug #265-607. The adapter for the stock wiring is is Metra #265-601. Go to http://partsexpress.com
in their Car stereo section and do a search for those numbers for pictures. It is a FEMALE plug. Both of these plugs have open leads that you splice together. Here is the wiring diagram for the newer radios along with the stock one. It's about halfway down the page. http://iroczone.com/newindex.htm
You may also want to try http://jaysgn.com they're supposed to have a harness too for this swap.
Larry.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

I checked out the links, thanks.

What has happened is that GM changed their radios in 1989/90. Then again in 2002. I actually have an adapter to put the 1990's head unit into the 87 Regal -- plug and play. I have run one for years with no problem, that's why I assumed that the 2002 GM head unit would be a cinch to install. But the plug in the back is entirely different from the 2001 and earlier units.

A tech advisor from Delphi told me that there are circuits going thru the newer radios that aren't present in earlier units. Just what those circuits are he didn't know (security or computer data, he guessed).

Still trying to find a pinout for either the 2002 car or the 2002 stereo...

 

[whitess]

Ken,
Now that you mention it I remember seeing something about the computer interface with the radios on the 02+'s. I'll see what if anything I can find out at ls1.com for you.
Larry.
p.s If you still need the plug for the newer radio you might try
http://www.fparts.us/
or
http://tacreationsusa.com
They both have used later model stereos, maybe you can get
a plug/pigtail from them. I got the monsoon amp pigtail from fparts. Guy has always been real helpful.

 

[whitess]

Ken,
Ok, here's what I've got so far. The regular and Monsoon HU's
are the same as before '02. The others( some Cavaliers) which it sounds like you have, contain a "databus" system. These systems can and do have functions that control airbags, OnStar and the display for engine/diagnostic codes. I haven't come across wiring diagrams for these units yet but a Service manual(on CD's now I believe at the dealers) will be a good bet. Sounds like a fun project.

If I get anything more I'll pass it along.
Larry.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

Thanks for all your help. I tried this thread about a year ago when I first got the HU, but everyone drew a blank. Too new at the time, I guess.

As I recall, the HU came out of an Oldsmobile van (musta been one of the last).

 

[whitess]

Larry.