Aftermarket bluetooth suggestions?

[Joel Ragan Young]

I have 15 years in automotive electronics aftermarket, but I still allowed the tech at Best Buy to do the free installation of the dbl DIN Pioneer head unit and front separate speakers in my '05. Now I have full bluetooth, awesome sound and a back up camera. Like others have mentioned, you must purchase additional interface gear to delete the Bose circuitry and retain steering wheel controls. Free, warranted installation is extremely valuable if you don't DIY.

I now use voice activated calling, too. As a bonus, many retailers have generous credit available. For example, same as cash that extends out far enough to make payments manageable and painless. I am extremely pleased with my modern audio and communication electronics in my classic truck.

 

[bonegunner]

I uses this thing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F2RTN5Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's inexpensive, and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

 

[89Suburban]

Put what will it attach the phone to?

From the aux jack to the right of the radio to the headphone jack on your phone or using a headphone to lightning cord adapter if your phone doesn't have one. (I am assuming you have an iPhone.)

 

[89Suburban]

It's inexpensive, and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

It works good and I really like it! AND ITS CHEAP.

 

[Caligirl]

From the aux jack to the right of the radio to the headphone jack on your phone or using a headphone to lightning cord adapter if your phone doesn't have one. (I am assuming you have an iPhone.)

No aux jack by stereo. Only sockets and a headphone jack for middle console radio for 2nd seat (behind me, so not sure how that would work and not sure if headphone jack same)

I really don't mess with this stuff much at all, a bit of a luddite lol. Not opposed so much, just my whole philosophy is less is more, minimalist mentality. I like quality and reliability, not the latest and greatest. Means I don't stay up to speed unless I need it. Have ability and all that, but do I WANT to take the time to do more research on the different type of devices?

 

[Caligirl]

It's inexpensive, and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

For the price, I may try it, (first time I space and leave it in and if drains battery, not gonna work!). I still don't understand the difference between FM and Bluetooth. Why can't socket units have Bluetooth and rely on FM? Dumbed down science lesson, anyone?

 

[PatDTN]

FM is to work with the radio. You'll tune the radio to hear the unit and connect your phone to the unit via Bluetooth. If your car is newer than 1960 and has a radio it will work.

 

[89Suburban]

Not opposed so much, just my whole philosophy is less is more, minimalist mentality. I like quality and reliability, not the latest and greatest. Means I don't stay up to speed unless I need it.

I am with you on this. K.I.S.S.

Keep
It
Simple
Stupid

here is a pic of mine

 

[89Suburban]

Off, On, cable routed behind bezel to magnet mount.

 

[Caligirl]

FM is to work with the radio. You'll tune the radio to hear the unit and connect your phone to the unit via Bluetooth. If your car is newer than 1960 and has a radio it will work.

So how did the old school bluetooth earpieces work? They weren't hooked up to my stereo....why can't I get something that is similar to the earpiece, but plugged in to the socket?

 

[89Suburban]

Sync your cellphone with the Bluetooth in the truck...

Yeah I tried this mine won’t do it.

 

[George B]

Yeah I tried this mine won’t do it.

do you get any response? Mine had the fuse pulled. added fuse, paired it, noticed clipping, unpaired it.

 

[Jimmyy]

I have used 2 of the Bluetooth to FM adaptors. On both my GM car and SUV if I left the unit powdered on it would interfere with my key fob for opening the doors. They do work good for music, pad casts and so so for phone calls due to the mic/power plug being low on the dash. For calls get a quality Bluetooth ear pice. Your talking $40 - $90 price range. You can use Google or Siri to place a call. You can always get a head band for hands free talking. Little tuff making calls but legal in my state.

 

[Caligirl]

I have used 2 of the Bluetooth to FM adaptors. On both my GM car and SUV if I left the unit powdered on it would interfere with my key fob for opening the doors. They do work good for music, pad casts and so so for phone calls due to the mic/power plug being low on the dash. For calls get a quality Bluetooth ear pice. Your talking $40 - $90 price range. You can use Google or Siri to place a call. You can always get a head band for hands free talking. Little tuff making calls but legal in my state.

That's just way too much hassle for the amount I drive... if I really need to call during that time, I will stealthily dial and do speakerphone or stop and call so that I'm not holding the phone while driving. Just sounds like way too much complication for something that really is a convenience; if I was someone who did phone calls all the time while on the road, then that might be something I should do... Actually my husband says sometimes on his hour drive to work he's putting out fires on the phone and I know he is doing speakerphone/holding the phone while he's driving. HE would be a good candidate for one of these gadgets on his older GMC truck IF he can hear/be heard.

 

[Jimmyy]

You can always buy this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254885020407

 

[Sobro]

Caligirl, I know you want the functionality of Bluetooth earpieces in a two-way speaker so you can dial and talk on the phone hands free and receive calls over the Bluetooth speaker.

Here is one of those fake review sites that has a list of exactly what you want, all of which have affiliate links to Amazon so the fake reviewer makes money if you buy through their link. It's up to you to do your research and figure out which one works best for you.

https://decibelcar.com/best-bluetooth-car-speakerphones/

 

[89Suburban]

do you get any response? Mine had the fuse pulled. added fuse, paired it, noticed clipping, unpaired it.

Yeah it responds, just won't let me do the "pair" option. Just asks for a phone number to call.

 

[George B]

Yeah it responds, just won't let me do the "pair" option. Just asks for a phone number to call.

push and hold the button?

 

[89Suburban]

push and hold the button?

I'll try again tonight.

 

[petethepug]

GM started adding BT (voice) to the trucks in 09. Prior to that, an OnStar subscription provided the option of making/taking calls through the OnStar VIM (voice integration module). It’s pricey and requires the OnStar subscription and then minutes have to be purchased from OnStar (Verizon). This feature can be trialed for free by pressing the blue OnStar button and asking the rep for a free trial. Attempting to sync a BT phone to a 07 or 08 truck is futile as there’s no BT electronics in the VIM.

Another option is to purchase and add a OnStar VIM from another 09 vehicle. The VIM carries the BT electronics inside and separate from the OnStar circuits. This method seamlessly integrates BT into the truck via the steering wheel controls and displays the phone numbers / data in the center console display and full voice control. This method makes OnStar see the truck it was donated from, not yours if you activate the OnStar account. Since some never active OnStar they don’t care because they only want the integrated BT. Expect to pay $25-$55 for a used VIM off eBay. OnStar subscription not needed.

Yet another option is BluStar by CoStar that replaces the OnStar module.

http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html

Another option is iSimple module but your truck must have XM radio to use this option.

https://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/e...&ds=0&t=1557026814000&ver=0&oversion=4f2cacd9









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