Question On Replacing An Alero Stock Stereo

[xenon_19]

Hi everyone,
.
I have a 2002 Alero Coupe, and would like to replace the Stock stereo with an MP3 player that I had from before. The Alpine CDA9807 to be exact.
.
I bought the "Faceplate" that will let me install the new stereo properly ... I have the GM connectors as well. And I have done stereo replacements before.
.
So before I take out the Stock stereo this weekend; do you know if there is any kind of "module" in the stock stereo that the Car actually needs ... to say store different settings ? Or for example, produce the warning through the stereo speakers, if you leave your keys in the ignition (or leave headlights on) and open the door ?
.
I heard someone say a long time ago that I may need to buy some module from GM before going ahead with my MP3 player ... I wanted to check with someone whether this is true.
.
For example, if anyone had replaced an Alero stock stereo, ... is there anything special you had to buy and connect ? Or just the usual ... Power, Speakers, Control, Antaenna ... ?
.
Please let me know. Thank you very much.

[sound_xtreme]

next time search, yes. the chimes are through your radio. thats all tho. so to keep those you either have to relocate the stock one to trunk with the relocation harness, or buy the harness with the chime module attached.

[acold7dusta]

yea, and also you will have to run your own ignition wire for it to turn on, depending on the year you have

[xenon_19]

Originally posted by acold7dusta@May 3 2006, 04:12 PM
yea, and also you will have to run your own ignition wire for it to turn on, depending on the year you have
Quoted post


Ok, so I found the BHA2004T Relocation Harness at BestKits.com, which supposedly let me put the stereo in my trunk for a damage of 62 dollars. If I purchase this, do I still need to worry about running my own ignition wire for it to turn on ? My car's year is 2002.

Also, if I decide to skip the whole relocation harness, or adding a chime module; is the Chime warnings the only thing that is affected ? For example, would check engine light come on or Airbags not work ... things like that.

Thanks

[sound_xtreme]

just the chimes, the lights will come on and the airbags will be fine.

[_01Alero_]

Im also wondering about the ignition wire. I have an 01 and plan on replacing the factory HU soon, and I plan on getting the kit with the sound module on it for the chimes, but I dont understand about the ignition wire. What do you mean it won't turn on? Do you mean that it won't turn on at all or that it won't turn on when you turn your key on? Cause if it doesnt turn on automatically when you turn your key, then I could care less, but if it won't turn on at all, then that is a big problem.

[acold7dusta]

yea lights would go on fine, you just wont have the annoying dinging, which is acctually an added bonus if you asked me. unless it bothers you, just wire it up normally. if the cd play does NOT turn on, you have to run ur own ignition. i think 01-on you have todo this. (i ran it from the ignition harness about 6 inches away (pull back the tape, its one of the 2 red wires, do a voltage test tho to make sure it turns on with the key is on the 1st and 2nd position, also make sure you fuse this ignition wire with the same rating as the fuse on the back of your cd player) Also, if you listen to your radio at all you can buy an antenna adaptor, or do as i did and stuck it in there and taped it so it didnt move, but then again i havent listened to the radio yet.
hope this helps and feel free to ask any more questions

[xenon_19]

Thanks a lot for your help. I just have a few more questions ...
.
I am thinking of replacing the head unit this weekend. If I get the relocation harness sometime later ... and then put the stock stereo at the trunk ... do you see any problems with that ?
.
As soon as I disconnect the stock stereo ... it will go into the "Theftlock" mode right ... and then I have to do *something* to get it unlocked ?

[acold7dusta]

if you have a theftlock headunit, you have to do some code of turning the ignition on and off like 5 times or something ud have to check on the internet, but on my 2002, i took it out, and connected it back up just to make sure, and it was fine, no theft lock on this one. but as far as unlocking a locked headunit, i think you have to take it in to the dealer and tell them that it was in your car and that it wasnt stolen, and ask them to unlock it for ya, but if you arent sure, id do all the steps you find, just to be sure

[xenon_19]

Ok, thanks a lot. Hopefully the new stereo works smoothly the first time ... so even if the stock one is locked ... I don't have to worry about unlocking it for now.

[acold7dusta]

yea since you have a 2002, i probably wouldnt be worried, cuz i think that was 99-00

[xenon_19]

Cool ... thanks. Will let you know how it goes.

[Cliff8928]

The newer Aleros with the Class-2 radios query the BCM for the VIN upon turning the key to the "On" position for their theftlock. Basically if you put the radio in a different car with obviously a different VIN, it will say "LOCKED" on the screen.

The GXs with the base radio do NOT have their chimes through the drivers side speaker, but i don't know if they work with the radio removed either. (it's like that on a friend's car, mine has the uplevel radio)

[Menace]

You dont need the chimes for 65 bucks they are worthless. Buy a wiring harness from walmart for 5 bucks.

[xenon_19]

You mean a Wiring Harness so that I can relocate the stock stereo to the back of my car ? The relocation harness I saw in BestKits.com, BHA2004T, which is supposedly compatible with my car, is 62 dollars:

http://bestkits.com/i/BHA2004T.jpg

Not sure if they have these in walmart.

[acold7dusta]

just go to best buy, go towards the back and tell them you need a 2002 alero wiring kit for an aftermarket cd player and theyll hook ya up. should be 5-10 bucks

[Mischief007]

I did mine about 2 months back. I have a 2002 Alero GL2 Coupe. My harness cost me $130 CDN but I wanted to keep the chimes. With the harness that I have I don't have to relocate my stereo. My stock head unit is sitting on a shelf next to me ;).

Do you know if you have the Monsoon setup?? If so you will have to wire all the Blue/White (I think) wires together. This is the amp turn on wire.

[xenon_19]

I was wondering, where did you buy your harness from ? Would you please be able to provide an online link where I can view the description.
.
I am not sure if I have the Monsoon setup. I guess i will find out after I take out the Stock stereo.

[Mischief007]

I bought my harness from a local shop here in town so there is no link or anything. Basically it has a speaker box attached to the harness.

You can check if you have the Monsoon setup by peeling back the trunk cover on the left (Driver) side. You should see an amp with Monsoon written on it. If you don't, then no worries for you.

[xenon_19]

I checked the trunk ... there is no Monsoon Amp. I am going ahead and sacrificing the Chimes for now. I will get a proper harness later and put the Stock stereo at the trunk.

[Menace]

chimes are for fagz just buy the 50 cent harness and get it done, you dont even need the harness actually its pretty damn easy to hard wire it.

[Cliff8928]

:badidea:

At least get the harness if you're not going to use your chimes. Not only can you revert to stock easily, but it's so much easier to do the splicing out of the car, and if you ever want to change the radio again it won't be a nightmare!

[xenon_19]

I have a harness that I used in my previous car, a 95 Dodge Intrepid . I am hoping to be able to use the same Harness. Since they are both GM, hopefully the fitting is the same. Otherwise, I will stop by a local stereo shop, or BestBuy to get a harness that fits an Alero 2002.
.
You think the harness that fits a 95 Dodge Intrepid will also fit my Alero ?

[sound_xtreme]

Originally posted by xenon_19@May 5 2006, 07:17 AM
You think the harness that fits a 95 Dodge Intrepid will also fit my Alero ?
Quoted post


haha.....NO

[FormulaNERD]

i agree with joel, a stratus maybe, but not an intrepid :emotlol:

[dt_freak1]

Listen to your warning chimes, if you dont have the uplevel stereo, then you probably DONT have the class 2 databus system. if you do the warning chimes will be coming thru the driver's side door speaker. if they are NOT coming thru the driver's side speaker just buy a cheap ass scosche wiring harness from walmart and call it a day. if the warning chimes ARE emanating from your driver's side door speaker then you DO have the class 2 databus and you WILL either need to relocate your factory headunit OR buy the GMRC01 wiring harness. youll keep your warning chimes and have no worries wiring the aftermarket headunit cuz the GMRC01 also has the power, ground and 12 volt constant lead. Alpine CD players are top notch stuff. i got my GMRC01 for $59.95 cuz i have a good friend at a stereo shop who ran me a dirty deal on that thing, its normally $99.95. just check for your warning chimes and youll find out what you need

[dt_freak1]

btw, intrepid and alero are made by 2 very different companies. DaimlerChrysler and GM respectively

[xenon_19]

Originally posted by sound_xtreme+May 5 2006, 02:58 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sound_xtreme @ May 5 2006, 02:58 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-xenon_19@May 5 2006, 07:17 AM
You think the harness that fits a 95 Dodge Intrepid will also fit my Alero ?
Quoted post


haha.....NO
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

You were right. I just realized it after opening the Stock Stereo. :( What a start to my Saturday.

Well, now let me see where I can get a wiring Harness for an Alero ... as you are saying, I can get it in Walmart or BestBuy ... otherwise there is a Stereo shop about 40 mins drive from my place.

My chimes do come through the door speakers. So the GMRC01 product is looking pretty attractive right now. I will check if that Car audio place has it. If not, I will just get the scosche wiring harness to fit my Alero, and go without Chimes for now. The stereo was very easy to take out, so I don't mind if I need to open it up again to fit something like GMRC01 or put in a relocation Kit.

Will keep posted on the progress

[FormulaNERD]

man, i dont see how/why anyone would relocate the headunit to the trunk, cutelilctrygirl or whatever her name was had hers relocated, man it was ghetto.

i say go with the scosche, are chimes really worth looking for, and then paying $60+

[xenon_19]

I called 2 Audio shops that are open today ... both of them have the regular harness that will fit the 2002 Alero (19.99), and the relocation Harness (39.99).
.
They Don't have the harness with the Chime Module attached.
.
Well I did some thinking. Without the Chimes, the worst case scenario is that 1. I lock myself out of the Car or 2. leave the headlights turned on and walk away.
For 1. I can have a spare key with my friend. And for 2 ... I just gotto watch out for that one.
.
Let me check how much work its going to be to run that wire to my trunk. It just sounds wired that I have the Stock unit in my trunk just for the Chimes ... if it looks really easy I might go for it.
.
Anyways ... I will let you know how it goes. Thanks for all the help and feedback.

[Cliff8928]

Originally posted by FormulaNERD@May 6 2006, 07:22 AM
man, i dont see how/why anyone would relocate the headunit to the trunk, cutelilctrygirl or whatever her name was had hers relocated, man it was ghetto.

i say go with the scosche, are chimes really worth looking for, and then paying $60+
Quoted post


The relocation harness is really more for the W-Body cars which have the radio more integrated and use it to do things on the car like reset the oil life monitor, program key fobs, etc...

[gre0481]

I've been going without chimes going on almost 2 years. no problems.
Your warning lights still work.

Mounting your original stereo in the trunk or console is just a hassle.

If you do need those chimes, get the chime module. Your audio place should have told you about it. Circuit city and best buy carry it, as well as most car audio shops.

Last i checked the module came with the wiring harness, all one piece. about 60 bucks.

Also, I went through 3 wiring harnesses. They make several that are similiar, but not the same. don't forget to hook up your power antenna. The rear window antennas have a built in booster. alot of people don't think about that being a power antenna.
I also had to switch around to right, left, rear channels. it wa sawhile ago, just depends on the quality of harness you get. skosche is a good brand (may have mispelled it)

Your accessory wire will need to be run to the driver side fuse box. you can get a brass clip that connets the wire over one of the mini fuses. It'll share the connection with that fuse.

All the info is available on here, check out the search function...

[FormulaNERD]

Originally posted by Cliff8928+May 6 2006, 10:39 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cliff8928 @ May 6 2006, 10:39 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-FormulaNERD@May 6 2006, 07:22 AM
man, i dont see how/why anyone would relocate the headunit to the trunk, cutelilctrygirl or whatever her name was had hers relocated, man it was ghetto.

i say go with the scosche, are chimes really worth looking for, and then paying $60+
Quoted post


The relocation harness is really more for the W-Body cars which have the radio more integrated and use it to do things on the car like reset the oil life monitor, program key fobs, etc...
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]


i can imagine that a few years ago there wasnt a cable alternative, and the only way to keep the chimes was to relocate the radio, that's prob why it has been done in an alero. that or a poopty installer.

i konw relocation in the n-body isnt a requirement, that's why i said dont do it.

[xenon_19]

Well .... Good or Bad, I finished installing my Alpine:
http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~kkamal/images/alpine1.jpg

Yes, the stock stereo sits in the Trunk, powered by the relocation Harness.

http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~kkamal/images/stock.jpg

So the Alpine is producing good sounds ... and the Stock stereo produces my dear Chimes ...

Couple of comments :
I also had to get the GM Antaenna adaper ... it cost me 14 bucks.

Then, I had a hard time fitting all the wires at the back of the Stereo ... especially because the relocation harness added a set of extra wires as well. On top of that, it took me a while to run this monster cable through the side panels, underneath my backseat ....

The I started to enjoy the Alpine and naturally I turned up the volume; now I heard some interference type "noise" coming from the front Left Speaker. It turned out that because the Stock stereo also is connected to the Front left speaker (for Chimes), it was somehow causing some interference, especially when the volume is high,

So I disconnected the Left Speakers from the Stock Stereo anyways for now ... I might get a little separate speaker later just for the Chimes. Oh well ...

[Mischief007]

Looks good. You always need to buy the antenna adapter no matter what.

And yes, it is a bit tight in the dash for an aftermarket setup. Took me about 20 minutes to line it up correctly with the aftermarket harness that I had.

[xenon_19]

Originally posted by Mischief007@May 7 2006, 09:14 AM
And yes, it is a bit tight in the dash for an aftermarket setup. Took me about 20 minutes to line it up correctly with the aftermarket harness that I had.
Quoted post


It took me a while as well, and my hand is all scratched around my knuckles now. The wires are squshed in there really tight. I hope this won't cause any problems. I didn't solder the connections (as I used to do in the past), but just used standard connectors.

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

heh...I picked up YoungBlood's pioneer head unit and I still have the chimes and the stock deck isn't even in the car.

That said, If you DON'T have the monsoon amp in the trunk, then you don't need to worry about losing the chimes if you're just switching out the head unit.

[dt_freak1]

yea yea yea, yuck it up cuz you didnt get the factory upmarket stereo where they want $100 for 1 6x9 replacement. whatever anyways. my system still screams now :D

[natedawg9640]

aw man... too bad i didn't read this post earlier... i'd have told you to PM whiteliquid ... i think he said he had like 2 or 3 of the harnesses that are used to keep the chime and not relocate the stereo for like 25 bucks... he said they were 110 new...

[xenon_19]

Yes, $25 for a chime module harness would have been pretty good. But things are working pretty good with the relocation done ... so I am happy.

[acold7dusta]

Originally posted by Mischief007@May 7 2006, 09:14 AM
Looks good. You always need to buy the antenna adapter no matter what.

Quoted post



not ALWAYS, i just taped the small antenna into the big hole, because A) havent listened to the radio yet in my car and B) it takes in the stations if i ever do need to, maybe in the future i might do it right and just buy an adaptor, but it definately isnt on the priority list haha

[halfJ99]

on my 99 i changed the raido and the chimes are still there...glad 00 was the class 2 change if i remember right

[rocker_boy55]

go to walmart they have one with the chimes for 45 dollars with tax...nvm what un trained future shop/ best buy people tell you.

[Valley olds]

^ Hate to break it to you, but this thread is more than 2 years old, and the guy probably already installed his stereo.