Info Needed: Trailblazer Radio Installation

I have an 02 TB and I want to replace the factory radio. The radio is not BOSE or a 6 disc changer, but it does have Onstar and the RDS.

Do I have to leave the factory radio hooked up...maybe under the seat? I've been told that you can get special harnesses that will allow you to install a new radio, but also leave the factory hooked up in another location...but I can't find them. If it doesn't have to be hooked up, then is there a special wiring harness to keep all the bells and whitsels working?

But....if its too much trouble changing out the factory radio,can I hook up an AUX input(maybe a PS2) to the unit(it does have a AUX button on the front that allows you to select another source). Do I need an adapter for this or does the factory unit have RCA jacks in the back for the Aux input? Plus if I do this I want to add an AMP too, but the factory unit doesn't have the blue pwr switch wire...so what do I use?

I'm sorry I have so many damn questions but any help would be appreciated.

thanks nathan

Reply to
nathan
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Nathan

This subject may have been covered in a TB forum. Get on over to

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and find your answers in a TBforum.

And yes I believe in order to contunue to use some of the TB enhancements you have to relocate the factory radio. But check out the forum for yourself, you'll be glad you did. We are all TB owners there.

Good Luck Bill '02 TB EXT LT

Reply to
Bill

On this same issue: How do you "unlock" a radio from another T-Blazer? I just bought a 6-disk from a friend to replace my stock single disk and it says "locked".

My "friend" insists that he didn't lock it, and doesn't know how to unlock it. Any help?

Ron Hubers "Bill cogeco.net>" Nathan

Reply to
2001gpgt

bring it to the dealer. They can unlock it.

--

---------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Murray Certified Locksmith My Enthusiast's Website:

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enhancements

Reply to
Crooked-Ridez

so no one knows?

Reply to
2001gpgt

Hi!

I'll give you some thoughts--but I don't know what your original query really *was* other than you wanted to install a six disc changer from another vehicle into your current vehicle and found that the new radio had activated its Theftlock feature.

Basically--not knowing the year of your T-Blazer (trailblazer?)--all I could say is that the radio probably locked up because it has a VIN-based Theftlock.

Other stuff I found in the posting--and some answers:

RDS is a feature integral to the radio itself. There is no other module in the vehicle that sends RDS data to the unit for display--it's done right onboard in the tuner. If you wanted to keep this feature, your replacement radio would simply need to have support for it. In most of the US, this feature really does not matter. It isn't used or incorrect info is broadcast over the airwaves, which can cause your factory radio to act funny.

I do not know if Onstar has its own onboard speaker or if it uses the vehicle's audio system. If it uses the vehicle's onboard speakers you may have to hook up the factory unit in a new location. If not, you can probably jerk the radio out no problem and Onstar will still work. Or you could just pull it and not worry about Onstar if it does require the factory radio to be in place.

*Only* in the case that your radio is used to change certain vehicle settings might you have to leave it attached somewhere else. I know that the Impala has this "feature", but I'm not sure about other vehicles. My '03 S-10 does not and its radio came out very swiftly for a cassette player-equipped replacement.

Perhaps you do not need such a thing. Have you tried to see if you have any "bells and whistles" that might depend on the factory radio being in place? If the manual mentions changing settings with the radio, if Onstar uses the radio, or if you have personally changed vehicle settings with the radio, you might have to relocate it.

For the best answer (and really, I do mean the best answer) call Crutchfield or visit their website. They can tell you what you need, and even sell you the whole nine yards even if you already have another radio you wish to use. This is what I did and the $30 for the wiring harness (so you don't have to clip the factory plug off or otherwise maim it), instruction sheets, and mouting panel were well worth the money.

Take a look at my install for some thoughts:

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This isn't as simple as it looks. There is an AUX input, but it is tied into a serial bus of some kind. Converter boxes exist to let you do this, but the price will knock you over. You could buy a nice replacement radio for that money!

See above paragraph. It isn't that easy.

You could use a power antenna wire, if you can find it. Finding a line level output signal for your amp would be the hard part. You might need to use your amp with speaker level inputs or converters to line-level input levels if you elect to keep your head unit installed.

The power antenna wire does have its current limits, but if your vehicle doesn't have a power antenna this should not be a problem. Even if you DO have a power antenna you could probably still get away with it just fine.

Hope this helps you out. If you elect to replace your factory radio (a good idea if you choose a good replacement head unit, as the radios are known) you will be rewarded with better sound, more flexibility and the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself, if you decide to do so. If you still have questions, take it from a very satisfied customer and call Crutchfield. They'll help you out and get you what you need. (I have no relationship to them besides being a very satisfied customer!)

William The Guesser

Reply to
William R. Walsh

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