Can’t Adjust Chime Volume with Aftermarket Radio and Metra Axxess Harness

[mattjones]

In the process of installing a Pioneer 1300NEX and I’m using the Metra Axxess GMLAN29-SWC harness to retain steering wheel control. I’ve got everything hooked up but the volume is extremely high. The radio volume goes up to 40 but I’ve got to keep it under 10 for a reasonable volume.

The door chimes are what’s driving me crazy though. This is what the instructions say about adjusting the volume:

I’m following the directions exactly yet the volume of the chimes doesn’t change at all. Tried to adjust the radio volume as well with the same result. Did I just get a defective Axxess interface with a nonfunctional potentiometer?

Edit: I also just realized I’m not getting audio to any of the rear speakers. I’ve double checked the instructions and the wires appear to be attached correctly. The fact that it’s both the left and right side rear speakers makes me think there’s an issue with the Axxess unit. I connected my factory head unit without the Axxess harness and all of the rear speakers work correctly.

Anyone else experienced any issues like this?

 

[iamdub]

In the process of installing a Pioneer 1300NEX and I’m using the Metra Axxess GMLAN29-SWC harness to retain steering wheel control. I’ve got everything hooked up but the volume is extremely high. The radio volume goes up to 40 but I’ve got to keep it under 10 for a reasonable volume.

The door chimes are what’s driving me crazy though. This is what the instructions say about adjusting the volume:

I’m following the directions exactly yet the volume of the chimes doesn’t change at all. Tried to adjust the radio volume as well with the same result. Did I just get a defective Axxess interface with a nonfunctional potentiometer?

Edit: I also just realized I’m not getting audio to any of the rear speakers. I’ve double checked the instructions and the wires appear to be attached correctly. The fact that it’s both the left and right side rear speakers makes me think there’s an issue with the Axxess unit. I connected my factory head unit without the Axxess harness and all of the rear speakers work correctly.

Anyone else experienced any issues like this?

It's been a while since I was researching all of this. But I think I recall reading something about Axxess having two different models of interfaces- one for the cars with the LUX amp and another for the ones without and that using the wrong one will cause the symptoms you're experiencing.

Also, I think there are two sets of connections, one for amplified and one for non-amplified, and connecting the line-level speaker outputs from the HU to the low-level (equivalent to the RCA inputs on an amp) will cause an excessively strong input volume.

I'm not saying you don't have a defective interface, though.

 

[mattjones]

It's been a while since I was researching all of this. But I think I recall reading something about Axxess having two different models of interfaces- one for the cars with the LUX amp and another for the ones without and that using the wrong one will cause the symptoms you're experiencing.

Also, I think there are two sets of connections, one for amplified and one for non-amplified, and connecting the line-level speaker outputs from the HU to the low-level (equivalent to the RCA inputs on an amp) will cause an excessively strong input volume.

I'm not saying you don't have a defective interface, though.

The directions give steps for amplified and non amplified systems so I followed the amplified steps. I have a 2011 Tahoe with the Bose system. Do you know how I would be able to tell if I have the LUX amp?

 

[iamdub]

The directions give steps for amplified and non amplified systems so I followed the amplified steps. I have a 2011 Tahoe with the Bose system. Do you know how I would be able to tell if I have the LUX amp?

Check your RPO codes. I think the regular Bose system is UQA and the LUX amplified system is Y91. @swathdiver can confirm

 

[mattjones]

Check your RPO codes. I think the regular Bose system is UQA and the LUX amplified system is Y91. @swathdiver can confirm

I’ve got UQA but not Y91. I managed to find this list of codes:
http://d354nuoz4t18d4.cloudfront.ne...89e6/images/custom/rpoCodes.pdf?cb=1497380755

The main difference between the instructions for amplified vs non-amplified is to attach the blue/white wires if the Tahoe has the amp. I tried disconnecting that wire and didn’t get any sound so that seems to confirm there is an amp.

Hopefully I’m not missing something simple but I’m leaning towards thinking the interface is defective or shorted out or something.

 

[swathdiver]

Check your RPO codes. I think the regular Bose system is UQA and the LUX amplified system is Y91.

I’ve got UQA but not Y91. ...there is an amp.

The LT trim level will have the dumb amp, not the one that includes the center speaker on the dash.

If you pull out your cup holder and tray you can see the amp underneath along with the subwoofer and old french fries, sesame seeds, dried up coffee...

If interested, post up your "U" RPO codes and I'll decode them for you.

 

[mattjones]

The LT trim level will have the dumb amp, not the one that includes the center speaker on the dash.

If you pull out your cup holder and tray you can see the amp underneath along with the subwoofer and old french fries, sesame seeds, dried up coffee...

If interested, post up your "U" RPO codes and I'll decode them for you.

Thanks!

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks!

 

[mattjones]

View attachment 224493

Thanks man!

Any idea what that UPF "wireless interface short range" could mean? It almost sounds like bluetooth but my truck doesn't have bluetooth. Maybe the headphones for the rear seat entertainment?

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks man!

Any idea what that UPF "wireless interface short range" could mean? It almost sounds like bluetooth but my truck doesn't have bluetooth. Maybe the headphones for the rear seat entertainment?

I have that code too and do not have a rear DVD system. I believe it is Bluetooth, you have it to connect your phone to the vehicle's communication system so you operate your phone through the steering wheel controls and onstar voice commands. Our radio/navigation units also have voice recognition but I've never figured out how to use it or even if it is active. Bluetooth was added in 2009.

 

[petethepug]

Not sure when OnStar started voice interaction feature it’s OnStar navi system. Once you call and the rep inputs the address for u, there’s limited interaction available w/ Navi. Someone correct me if I don’t remember correctly, but I believe on our ‘06 Denali, a live OnStar rep stayed w/ you the entire way to your destination.

Now, all the directions and prompts show up in the DIC, the Navi screen has nothing. Since it’s all software in the OnStar unit, it means non Navi equipped vehicles have virtual Navi access.

I was going to add the BT feature from an 09+ but stopped until I realized CoStar might replace it. Now that CoStar is obsolete, I’m considering one of the name brand [emoji520] CarPlay head units w/ a good harness to integrate it into the rear controls w/ factory features. The CarPlay units resolve all the leaps in technology and exceed what’s currently offered in current models.

The only feature to consider now is if you need GPS Navi like oem. Not sure if we will. In areas w/o cell service, CarPlay needs cell signal to operate google maps to get u around.


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[Doubeleive]

Thanks man!

Any idea what that UPF "wireless interface short range" could mean? It almost sounds like bluetooth but my truck doesn't have bluetooth. Maybe the headphones for the rear seat entertainment?

UPF Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system
1 - Deleted when (UE0) OnStar delete is ordered.

 

[mattjones]

Update:
The Metra Axxess interface was defective. The potentiometer would turn endlessly and not adjust the chime volume. Ordered a new one and the potentiometer had a limited amount it could turn before stopping. It adjusted the chime volume just fine.

Also something I figured out is the Tahoe seems to have an analog amp. I knew the Bose system had an amp so I followed the directions for digital amp and got no sound out of the rear speakers. Checked the instructions again and realized there were also directions for analog amp, and that took care of the rear speakers issue.

 

[iamdub]

Update:
The Metra Axxess interface was defective. The potentiometer would turn endlessly and not adjust the chime volume. Ordered a new one and the potentiometer had a limited amount it could turn before stopping. It adjusted the chime volume just fine.

Also something I figured out is the Tahoe seems to have an analog amp. I knew the Bose system had an amp so I followed the directions for digital amp and got no sound out of the rear speakers. Checked the instructions again and realized there were also directions for analog amp, and that took care of the rear speakers issue.

Glad you got it sorted out! I knew there was something distinct about the two amps. I have the analog "dumb" amp as well. It works like a regular amp and just amplifies the low-level signal coming into it from the HU. The Lux amp receives a digital signal from the HU and adjusts the volume from that. I believe this is why some companies say you will lose front and rear fading capabilities with their interface if you have a Lux amp cuz their simple solution is to combine the fronts and rears.

 

[Doubeleive]

Update:
The Metra Axxess interface was defective. The potentiometer would turn endlessly and not adjust the chime volume. Ordered a new one and the potentiometer had a limited amount it could turn before stopping. It adjusted the chime volume just fine.

Also something I figured out is the Tahoe seems to have an analog amp. I knew the Bose system had an amp so I followed the directions for digital amp and got no sound out of the rear speakers. Checked the instructions again and realized there were also directions for analog amp, and that took care of the rear speakers issue.

does your truck have ANC? (active noise cancellation) if it does you will see 3 little mic grills in the headliner, it will look like there is 2 above the driver but one is a environmental sensor, there will be one above the passenger and one above the second row seats in back on passenger side

 

[mattjones]

does your truck have ANC? (active noise cancellation) if it does you will see 3 little mic grills in the headliner, it will look like there is 2 above the driver but one is a environmental sensor, there will be one above the passenger and one above the second row seats in back on passenger side

No I haven’t noticed any mics like that except for the Onstar mic above the driver

 

[Doubeleive]

No I haven’t noticed any mics like that except for the Onstar mic above the driver

the small speaker looking grill above the head of the driver isn't for onstar that is basically a temperature sensor it has a small fan inside, the onstar mic is in the console in the headliner above the rearview mirror is has little slots in it on drivers side

 

[B2sdad]

great, now i need to find out if I have the analog or digital amp in my ride. My OCD won't let me not find out.

 

[NotQuiteanSS]

great, now i need to find out if I have the analog or digital amp in my ride. My OCD won't let me not find out.

Good luck to you, its a little of a pain to get to. This is under the factory console.... check your glove box tag

 

[B2sdad]

Good luck to you, its a little of a pain to get to. This is under the factory console.... check your glove box tagView attachment 246337 View attachment 246338

Looked up the RPO codes in the glove compartment, took 3 minutes to find out. No need to dismantle anything. [emoji1360]


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