Adding an aftermarket radio to 07-14 FAQ

[PatDTN]

This was a love/hate thing. My phone was paired with the Tahoe's OnStar for phone calls since I bought it. The truck pairs up before the new radio so when the radio activates the phone it goes to that. Simple fix was to unpair the truck. Love that it was an easy fix, hate that I made that stupid mistake.

Next up is to look at the backup camera issue. See what I can figure out about powering it.

 

[iamdub]

Next up is to look at the backup camera issue. See what I can figure out about powering it.

If the new HU doesn't have a power circuit for the camera when you press the camera button, then it sounds like it needs the camera on at all times and it just switches the input as requested. If you're using the factory camera, it's only gonna be on when you're in reverse gear, which is also when the HU switches to camera mode. Since your HU is already connected to the camera's signal circuit, couldn't you just find a switched power source for the camera to keep it on at all times? Or, replace it with an aftermarket one. There are plenty that mount in the factory cam's spot. BTW, I think I read that the factory camera is 5VDC and has a transformer somewhere odd, like under the passenger seat. Or maybe I'm mixing this up from something else as well. Old age is a mofo.

 

[PatDTN]

Yikes. I hadn't considered that the camera could run on less than 12v.. I was thinking about using the power and switch for the rear wiper which I partially removed (with my garage door). I'll have to check.

 

[PatDTN]

Okay, got things going. Found a wire description for the six wires into the camera. Jumped thr pink switched full time pink to the dark blue reverse trigger and it works as long as the camera doesn't fry with full time triggering.

I did cut some plastic out of the radio housing to gain depth. The radio looks like it belongs. I really want to make a much nicer harness though.

Before:

After

And the readywire harness from Crutchfield.

 

[PatDTN]

Oh yeah, thanks for all the help.

 

[justchecking]

I cut my dash just like that, then I wanted more room and cut out the rest. I also have my camera powered full time for last year + with no issues.

 

[jrobie79]

I'm in the middle of installing the Pioneer AVIC-W8600NEX in my Tahoe. The radio came with a GPS antenna but my Tahoe has navigation and thus has one in a perfect location with the wire running to the stock radio. The connector won't fit the Pioneer. Does anyone know if it's compatible?

I retained GPS with my Alpine X208u in my 2011 escalade. I just used the maestro and GM5+

 

[PatDTN]

I retained GPS with my Alpine X208u in my 2011 escalade. I just used the maestro and GM5+

Moot point now. Threaded their GPS over and up the right side A pillar, across the front edge of the headliner and hung it next to my mirror. I was going there anyway for the mic.

 

[Kapitein]

Will the latest units from Phoenix install without the need for adaptors etc? Sorry if its been asked before....

 

[Trilla_one]

 

[blackelky]

View attachment 415070

I like it but feel like some kid will think it's a ipad a break in to take it.

 

[PG01]

View attachment 415070

Looks good, not so big and gaudy looking, looks like the new model cars on the road today. Nice…

 

[Trilla_one]

Thanks! I've wanted one ever since I first saw them. My only gripe is missing actual volume buttons or a knob and having to look to adjust. it's amazing other than that (especially the larger back up cam view) and gives the dash a sleek and modern look.

 

[Dngrmse]

Okay, got things going. Found a wire description for the six wires into the camera. Jumped thr pink switched full time pink to the dark blue reverse trigger and it works as long as the camera doesn't fry with full time triggering.

I did cut some plastic out of the radio housing to gain depth. The radio looks like it belongs. I really want to make a much nicer harness though.

Before:
View attachment 390159

After
View attachment 390160

And the readywire harness from Crutchfield.
View attachment 390161

Hey Pat, I'm going through the same problem now- I installed a new radio, everything is working except the backup camera. Would you happen to remember where the pink and dark blue wires you jumped are? Are they in the brown plug in your pic? I have the same plugs in my 2011. I'd rather not have to run a new camera all the way to the back if i can avoid it. Thanks

 

[PatDTN]

I was just looking back through this thread and didn't see the picture of the jumped wires. The wires are in the tailgate at the rear wiper.

The red wire is my jumper.

 

[Dngrmse]

Awesome, thanks! Ill give a try tomorrow am and let you know how I make out. - Dan

 

[Dngrmse]

I jumped the cables as pictured, but still had no video. Taking a closer look at the adapter provided, I saw that it had the 2 pins opposit of where they should have been. I backed out the pins and put them in the right place, and that worked, so now the camera is working. Thanks again for the help!

 

[kurwarex]

View attachment 415070

What head unit is this? just curious. Planning on doing similar install with WT3800NEX.

BTW: anybody know about utilizing the factory XM satellite antenna with an aftermarket?

Just joined, just picked up 2012 LTZ.

THanks!

 

[jrobie79]

What head unit is this? just curious. Planning on doing similar install with WT3800NEX.

BTW: anybody know about utilizing the factory XM satellite antenna with an aftermarket?

Just joined, just picked up 2012 LTZ.

THanks!

I've had my alpine x208u installed for over a year with no problems on the XM antenna. I used the maestro kit and it works as is.

 

[kurwarex]

I've had my alpine x208u installed for over a year with no problems on the XM antenna. I used the maestro kit and it works as is.

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wait, so the maestro GM5+ or the crutchfield iDatalink HRN-HRR-GM2 plugs into the radio and then the satellite XM receiver will get a satalite signal through that?​

it's an external XM tuner that plugs into the radio so hence the confusion.