Replacing stereo in late model vans?
#1
Replacing stereo in late model vans?
Hi All,
I was going to replace the stereo in my 2009 Express LT but while adding parts to my cart on Crutchfield, I noticed you can not buy the direct-fit harness adapters for this year. In searching the web, I did find a couple aftermarket stereos that mention they are compatible with this year express van, but they are $500 bucks! Has anyone had success with a stereo replacement? I don't care if I have to just hardwire the positive, ground, lights, etc. and cut wires (i.e. no wiring harness) but I'm a bit worried after hearing that I might loose door chimes. Any ideas or experience?
I was going to replace the stereo in my 2009 Express LT but while adding parts to my cart on Crutchfield, I noticed you can not buy the direct-fit harness adapters for this year. In searching the web, I did find a couple aftermarket stereos that mention they are compatible with this year express van, but they are $500 bucks! Has anyone had success with a stereo replacement? I don't care if I have to just hardwire the positive, ground, lights, etc. and cut wires (i.e. no wiring harness) but I'm a bit worried after hearing that I might loose door chimes. Any ideas or experience?
#2
CF Pro Member
Hi All,
I was going to replace the stereo in my 2009 Express LT but while adding parts to my cart on Crutchfield, I noticed you can not buy the direct-fit harness adapters for this year. In searching the web, I did find a couple aftermarket stereos that mention they are compatible with this year express van, but they are $500 bucks! Has anyone had success with a stereo replacement? I don't care if I have to just hardwire the positive, ground, lights, etc. and cut wires (i.e. no wiring harness) but I'm a bit worried after hearing that I might loose door chimes. Any ideas or experience?
I was going to replace the stereo in my 2009 Express LT but while adding parts to my cart on Crutchfield, I noticed you can not buy the direct-fit harness adapters for this year. In searching the web, I did find a couple aftermarket stereos that mention they are compatible with this year express van, but they are $500 bucks! Has anyone had success with a stereo replacement? I don't care if I have to just hardwire the positive, ground, lights, etc. and cut wires (i.e. no wiring harness) but I'm a bit worried after hearing that I might loose door chimes. Any ideas or experience?
#3
Thanks for the info! It was sounding so much more complicated when I looked it up, and I was shocked to have trouble finding compatible wiring harnesses; maybe it's just because the Express is a less-than-common vehicle to modify.
I don't really care about chimes or turn signals, but I just wanted to make sure that disconnecting it wasn't going to screw up other stuff.
I don't really care about chimes or turn signals, but I just wanted to make sure that disconnecting it wasn't going to screw up other stuff.
#4
CF Pro Member
The wiring schematics and harness adapter are common to all GM's in that wiring period. It doesn't boil down something that is Savana/Express Specific. I can tell you what each wire is for, but I can't post any files small enough kb wise into this post. I don't have anything handy. You should easily find information online.
Oh, you will lose RAP if you take the radio out. Retained Accessory Power. It's controlled via the radio. I don't know why GM did that, but they did.
Oh, you will lose RAP if you take the radio out. Retained Accessory Power. It's controlled via the radio. I don't know why GM did that, but they did.
Last edited by dberladyn; October 16th, 2015 at 10:47 PM.
#6
Thanks for that diagram!
Yeah, I really don't mind about loosing the RAP; I'll just turn the key to ACCY if I need to roll the windows back up or listen to the radio, however some of the 3rd party "chime" modules say they also issue a "healthy status" message to the vehicle computer. That seems weird/false, but with modern car electronics, I guess it wouldn't surprise me.
Yeah, I really don't mind about loosing the RAP; I'll just turn the key to ACCY if I need to roll the windows back up or listen to the radio, however some of the 3rd party "chime" modules say they also issue a "healthy status" message to the vehicle computer. That seems weird/false, but with modern car electronics, I guess it wouldn't surprise me.
#7
CF Pro Member
You'd be surprised how much you are going to miss RAP. Mine has been disconnected for a month and half and not having it drives me nuts. Once you are used to something you miss it more than you know.
The Chimes, to me they are important. I often have a turn signal blinking without knowing it, my Parking Assist doesn't work, I am confused when I hit the lock button with the door open -> there's no 3 chime telltale letting me know delayed lock is activated. The only message I have on my dash, is a constant one. Park Assist Disabled (the BCM knows there's no chime module). Oh, if you have Onstar, kiss that goodbye too.
The Chimes, to me they are important. I often have a turn signal blinking without knowing it, my Parking Assist doesn't work, I am confused when I hit the lock button with the door open -> there's no 3 chime telltale letting me know delayed lock is activated. The only message I have on my dash, is a constant one. Park Assist Disabled (the BCM knows there's no chime module). Oh, if you have Onstar, kiss that goodbye too.