Car stereo replacement question

[River_Rat_459]

I own a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer that I bought used, and it came with the original factory stereo. The CD player in the stereo went kaput and ate a couple of my CDs. :mad: I've been shopping around for a new one, but a couple of the shops I looked at mentioned replacing a harness that I would need for OnStar. Apparently this harness is a bit pricey.

Although my Trailblazer came with OnStar installed, I don't have a subscription and don't intend to get one anytime soon.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any idea if I still have to have this harness?

[iamthesgt]

I own a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer that I bought used, and it came with the original factory stereo. The CD player in the stereo went kaput and ate a couple of my CDs. :mad: I've been shopping around for a new one, but a couple of the shops I looked at mentioned replacing a harness that I would need for OnStar. Apparently this harness is a bit pricey.

Although my Trailblazer came with OnStar installed, I don't have a subscription and don't intend to get one anytime soon.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any idea if I still have to have this harness?

Normally all you need is an adapter that changes the stereo slot into a standard slot that recieves after market stereos. Don't know if you have to have the harness, but I would doubt it since that was early on in OnStar's entrance into GM vehicles.
The adapters normally run $15-50, so you could get the one you need, the stereo, and try it and see if it works. If not, you can pay for the harness.

[jxspyder]

Or just drop it off at Cartoys?

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[Rickety Rob]

As a prior Best Buy employee in the car audio section, you will unfortunately have to buy the aftermarket bus harness that cost's a lot of money to put an aftermarket radio in it. Or you can go to the dealership and pay a crap load of money for a factory radio. Needless to say, you will pay a lot of money for a new radio period. I'm sure the harness that cost's a lot of money will probably cost you around 120-150, and that's just for the harness, but it's well worth it because it will prevent you from having any issues with your truck. Some vehicles have its alarm or locking system connected to the same harness that you need to have installed in your after market radio. Hence why it costs so much. If you do purchase the cheap harness, you will not be able to use some functions of your vehicle. Sucks but that's what you have to deal with when you purchase a vehicle with the capabilities you have. If you have any more questions, let me know. I can lead you in the right direction if you need assistance.

[River_Rat_459]

I've found the exact model of factory CD player on eBay. Could I get that instead, and avoid having to buy another harness?

[Rickety Rob]

I've found the exact model of factory CD player on eBay. Could I get that instead, and avoid having to buy another harness?

As long as the radio is the same model and has the right fitment for your stock harness, then yes. But be careful buying peoples stock radios online. Sometimes they'll go to shit sooner then you think. If its cheap and you don't want to pay a bunch of money, then have at it.

[River_Rat_459]

As long as the radio is the same model and has the right fitment for your stock harness, then yes. But be careful buying peoples stock radios online. Sometimes they'll go to shit sooner then you think. If its cheap and you don't want to pay a bunch of money, then have at it.

I'll think about it. This particular model is a six-disc changer, but I really need to get something more from the 21st century that includes a USB/MP3 auxiliary jack.

I'll stew over it and see what comes about if/when money becomes available.

[Rickety Rob]

I'll think about it. This particular model is a six-disc changer, but I really need to get something more from the 21st century that includes a USB/MP3 auxiliary jack.

I'll stew over it and see what comes about if/when money becomes available.

If you're going aftermarket. I would recommend to either get alpine or kenwood. Both are very reliable and you can get either models that have ipod, mp3, and aux inputs as a standard feature for cheap. Good luck. If you have anymore questions or guidance, let me know.

[River_Rat_459]

Thanks for the help.:cool:

[comanche_warior]

you can also look at clutchfield heres the link. hope this helps you out

http://www.crutchfield.com/app/car/carselector.aspx?

[Port66]

You know crutch field Jvc and others now have Bluetooth for the iPod it helps reduce wires


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[Rickety Rob]

Thanks for the help.:cool:

No prob