23 replies to this topic

[KSpan]

Just shop around a bit first if you go with the JVC.

http://www.amazon.co...T/dp/B0079LGMYG

Things can definitely be had cheaper than Crutchfield at Amazon, Sonic Electronix, onlinecarstereeo.com, etc, but like I mentioned above Crutchfield includes any adapters, wiring harnesses, and install kits needed, which shrinks the price gap and saves some time hunting them down yourself. At that point I usually don't mind paying a little extra to a company that provides excellent service.

[Darth Biscuit]

Biscuit: I did a buddy's stereo in his 03 Explorer a couple of years back and the radio is a piece of cake to swap out. The bezel around your center dash just pops off with a little bit of prying force and the radio comes out with a couple of screws... literally a 5 minute removal. Here's a YT video showing it in action:

As far as radios go, I'll make the same recommendation to grab one with sound advanced features and see if you're happy with the stock speakers. For double-din, I am pleased as all get out with this one - I have had it in my car for over a year now and haven't regretted it for a moment. Crossovers, Pandora app control, time alignment, and 5-band EQ. If you go to the reviews, my review is actually 4th from the bottom on the last page (I'm Brian from Kansas City), and I still fully support those comments.
http://www.crutchfie...dr#overview-tab

That's excellent man, I hadn't really even considered doing it myself... not big on electronics tinkering of that kind. Doesn't look too bad. poo, it's broken now, how much more can I screw it up?

The stock speakers are fine... it's even got a small sub in the back, so it sounds ok, I just want to have some CD/bluetooth capability.

[catfang]

Things can definitely be had cheaper than Crutchfield at Amazon, Sonic Electronix, onlinecarstereeo.com, etc, but like I mentioned above Crutchfield includes any adapters, wiring harnesses, and install kits needed, which shrinks the price gap and saves some time hunting them down yourself. At that point I usually don't mind paying a little extra to a company that provides excellent service.

Question that you (or someone else in this thread) may or may not know. My car has bluetooth from the factory. Worked fine originally and then there was some glitch that kept it from pairing with devices. There was a TSB on it but I'm out of warranty now. I think the dealer wants $100 now (ridiculous for a software fix I know).

So the question is, if I were to get a new head unit with bluetooth, would the software glitch in the car keep it from working, or does the new unit provide all the bluetooth connectivity required? If I'm going to spend $100 might as well spend a little more and get a better head unit, is my thinking.

[KSpan]

Question that you (or someone else in this thread) may or may not know. My car has bluetooth from the factory. Worked fine originally and then there was some glitch that kept it from pairing with devices. There was a TSB on it but I'm out of warranty now. I think the dealer wants $100 now (ridiculous for a software fix I know).

So the question is, if I were to get a new head unit with bluetooth, would the software glitch in the car keep it from working, or does the new unit provide all the bluetooth connectivity required? If I'm going to spend $100 might as well spend a little more and get a better head unit, is my thinking.

What model and year? Generally (i daresay always) a new head unit will have its own pairing and operate independently of any OEM software.

[KSpan]

That's excellent man, I hadn't really even considered doing it myself... not big on electronics tinkering of that kind. Doesn't look too bad. poo, it's broken now, how much more can I screw it up?

The stock speakers are fine... it's even got a small sub in the back, so it sounds ok, I just want to have some CD/bluetooth capability.

If you can strip a few wires and crimp, or preferably solder, installation will be easy. There will be a harness that you wire to the new radio and snap into existing factory wiring, usually about an hour or two total from removing the old radio to having the new one installed and running.

[catfang]

What model and year? Generally (i daresay always) a new head unit will have its own pairing and operate independently of any OEM software.

Chevy malibu, 2009. I think you're right, but the more I research new head units, the ones with XM radio are damn expensive (and I really want to keep my sat radio. I guess I could do without it but I'm pretty dependent on it now - I love it) Thanks tho, I'll think about just replacing the stock speakers and see what that does.

[KSpan]

Chevy malibu, 2009. I think you're right, but the more I research new head units, the ones with XM radio are damn expensive (and I really want to keep my sat radio. I guess I could do without it but I'm pretty dependent on it now - I love it) Thanks tho, I'll think about just replacing the stock speakers and see what that does.

GM products are a bigger installation hassle because the door chimes and a couple of other small things are actually integrated into the radio -you have to buy and wire up a separate module to maintain that functionality. Sounds like you might be better off just springing for the ridiculously-priced software fix. Regarding speakers, since you will still have the low-power stock head unit, look for something with high efficiency, like 90 dba or anove. My dad and I put some Polk Dxi drivers into his 08 Silverado running off of the stock radio and it was a definite improvement.

[catfang]

GM products are a bigger installation hassle because the door chimes and a couple of other small things are actually integrated into the radio -you have to buy and wire up a separate module to maintain that functionality. Sounds like you might be better off just springing for the ridiculously-priced software fix. Regarding speakers, since you will still have the low-power stock head unit, look for something with high efficiency, like 90 dba or anove. My dad and I put some Polk Dxi drivers into his 08 Silverado running off of the stock radio and it was a definite improvement.

Yeah, I read about the module for the door chimes, etc.

Thanks for the advice on the speakers, I was looking at some Polk's for the front actually.

[Carolina Husker]

A data plan on a smartphone and an FM transmitter will run you $50 max