Can I Remove XM Receiver and Install CD Changer???

[stevo2000]

I've read and heard about so many technical limitations since I purchased my Vibe 3 Months ago. The 90 day XM trial is over and I'm not impressed enough to fork over $15 a month to listen to it. The Salesman told me back then that it had a CD Changer in it, but it didn't and I didn't want to fuss about afterwards. Now I want to bypass the whole XM and install the CD Changer. I'll be leaving the XM configuration in the vehicle just in case the next owner wants it, or it eventually becomes a free service. I'd have a hard time spending even $3 on the monthly Satellite service, not seeing or recognizing any real value. I understand that the XM Receiver is mounted behind the Subwoofer somewhere, and plugs into the back of the radio where the CD Changer would plug in....Questions are: Can I use the same wires/cable going from the radio to the XM Receiver to hook up the changer? Thinking that I will install the Changer in the back somewhere, because I believe that ABS and Moon & Tunes amp is installed under the passenger seat.Is there any particular CD Changer model to use to connect into the factory radio? I would like the changer to accomodate 10 or 12 CD's, but would also like it to play other media types like MP3, CDR....Thanks for any advice. Afterwards, all I have to do is figure out how to add-on the IPOD.....

[ragingfish]

I don't even know if this COULD be done, but I can tell you this. If it is feasibe, the only useable changer would be the one that Vibes with nav systems use. And it's 6 discs with no MP3 capabilities.

[jeffgtx]

cannot help you on the wiring question, but i can say that the Aux Pod or ipod2car (whatever they are calling it now) from PAC audio seems to have a "pass through" that you could hook up the CD changer after the ipod and hook up a switch to do both.here is the TECHNICAL BRIEF from their website.

[the_nite_owl]

stevo2000, discountcarstereo.com has an adaptor that should work.It allows you to connect up a Pioneer 6 disc changer and/or XM radio.You can do both or either.Look here: http://www.discountcarstereo.c...D=424Only problem I see is that it only specifies compatability with a 6 disc changer rather than a 10 or 12 disc.

[tnpartsguy]

I'd not bother messing with the XM, but do the adapter. The XM module is back on the RH quarter panel, whereas the 6 disc changer is an indash unit.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »I'd not bother messing with the XM, but do the adapter. The XM module is back on the RH quarter panel, whereas the 6 disc changer is an indash unit.Don't forget the outboard 6 disc for the nav owners...

[GMJAP]

Your cheapest option:Get a 6CD in-dash unit from a Vibe or Matrix for ~$150 on Ebay. It won't play MP3, but can do CDR.Replace the single-CD with it and leave XM unconnected. It'll take you 20min tops.I know you want 10-12 CD changer, but it's gonna have to be remote and it's gonna be a big hassle and expense to wire it up. With the in-dash, changing CDs will be a whole lot easier too.Also, the aux adapter is gonna cost you about $100; It's unlikely you'll find a remote CD changer and control unit plus wiring harnesses for $50.EDIT: Hmmm.... noticed you wanted to hook up an iPOD. The 6CD in dash won't allow you to do this unless you want to the hardware mod to the 6CD unit - see the sticky in this forum.

[Jahntassa]

I think you'd be stuck with the Pioneer 6-disc, if you're willing to put up with the cost. Otherwise the in-dash 6-disc changer.Other than that, you could potentially get a 10 or 12 disc and use the RF Modulator with a seperate controller for that.It all depends on how much you want to spend, and how much time you want to spend trying to make it work.

[the_nite_owl]

LogJamElectronics has an adaptor to let you use Kenwood 6 and 12 disc changers and the Kenwood Music Keg hard drive based player.http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/piegm12pcknnsr.htmlCost is $99. and then you have to purchase the external device as well. But you get to control the devices through the HU with direct input into the stereo instead of a modulator and external controls.

[ZubenElGenubi]

If you're thinking of installing an OEM (i.e., Delco) 6-CD in-dash changer, then YES, it will work. I bought a used one for my Vibe, tested it, and then decided to keep my XM unit.Look on eBay; they can be had for under $200.

[Teeps]

I'm definately shopping for an OEM in-dash 6-disk.I thought the 6-disk in-dash head unit would "not" connect to a dash harness meant to connect to a standard CD head unit? Is this true?Please confirm! My wife just picked up an 03 Vibe, it has the standard in-dash CD and she really wanted the 6-disk instead. She found one with a sunroof, auto, AWD, Silver, almost everything just the way she wanted just not the 6-CD in-dash unit.Thanks in advance for any info!!!!!Donteeps@wowway.com

[ragingfish]

NO! You thought wrong. Both the standard and 6 disc units use the same GM24 connector.

[Jahntassa]

"NO!"Meaning yes, it should work fine..

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »"NO!"Meaning yes, it should work fine..What he said.

[Teeps]

I'll take that as a NO, I mean.... YES!None the less thanks very much for the information.....So now to treat the dash with kid gloves so as not to scratch it up. Crowbar anyone? :DAny tips much appreciated!

[ragingfish]

First steps here show you how to remove the trim.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5940The rest is self explanatory.

[binary]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »First steps here show you how to remove the trim.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5940The rest is self explanatory.just grab the edge above the hvac controls and give a tug. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to remove the panel.Unhooking all the harneses is a chore - but it's not rocket science.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by binary »just grab the edge above the hvac controls and give a tug. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to remove the panel.Unhooking all the harneses is a chore - but it's not rocket science.Be careful who you're replying to. I know how to remove that stuff already.

[Teeps]

First picture is all I needed, the rest I can do with my plasma cutter (just kidding), :DThanks!

[GMJAP]

Tip on the wiring connectors: make sure you find and press the little clip button on the connector while trying to pull it out.

[Teeps]

Yeah, thanks for the tip. I'm actually pretty comfortable around the rough work, its the delicate trim work that I always end up breaking or scratching.I can actually re-wire the harness and install some deutsch connectors from work, If I want to go that far. It's her car, so I'm not going to do much with it. If it were mine, I'd already be measuring the engine bay for an intercooler. :DI like your username, heh, basically it in a nutshell. Buy american, without the reliability issues, hahaha.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by Teeps »I like your username, heh, basically it in a nutshell. Buy american, without the reliability issues, hahaha.Seems fitting:My previous car was a Geo Storm, another GM brand that was really an Isuzu Impulse. I appear to have a trend going on....(Twas also a great car - had it more than 10 years )