Aftermarket stereo installation, heads up!

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 12:36 am

I have seen this in a post before and dismissed it until I put in my new stereo. I bought my wiring harness this weekend for $80. The reason is that Pontiac made the stereo a part of the Vibe's computer system. If the stock stereo is not installed (I'll get to this in a second) the airbags will not go off and the doorchime will not work (I firmly disagree with the doorchime thing because the chime comes from inside the dash and did go off without the radio in. But the wiring harness included a few things: 1. A long wire to keep the stock stereo attached somewhere in the car (I took out the glove compartment and stashed the radio under the dash, there is enough room back there) 2. A speaker for the door chime, of which I refuse to install because my door chime works. 3. A small metal piece that you have to use to get power to your aftermarket stereo by tapping into an auxilary fuse. The harness was from Metra and said right on the package that it was for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. I did the whole installation because I don't want to be in a wreck and be surprised that my airbags did not work. Can someone please shed some light on this subject as to what the heck is the story here with Pontiac doing this? I'm sure someone has had some experience with this besides me. Anyone know someone with Pontiac that they can ask?

slbpsi63 · Post by **slbpsi63** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 3:33 am

If this is true, I'm pissed. I just put a new head unit in this weekend. Now what you are telling me is that my air bags are dead? Damn it!!! I just put in a Sony CDX810. Perfect match to the red display and the metalic finish in the interior. It looks like it was made for the Vibe/Matrix. Oh well if its true then I'm gonna buy a new steering wheel to replace the Vibe's steering wheel.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 3:35 am

Very strange, putting the air bag system through the head unit. I doubt it works that way. What happend if the stock head unit come out of order and you get into an accident??? If it realy works that way, it is not very safe. I changed my head unit and used the same wiring harness as my Montana (paid $10). So if your statement is true, it means my air bag won't pop out in accident. I doubt the air bag won't pop out if the stock stereo system is not in or out of order, but all is possible.

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 3:35 am

Just get the expensive wiring harness, it may be difficult to find though. Better safe than sorry. I was a little sceptical until I saw that it said right on the bag that it was for the Vibe. And since it was made by Metra (a lot of people use, and like Metra equipment) I considered it to be true.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 4:02 am

quote:Just get the expensive wiring harness, it may be difficult to find though. Better safe than sorry. I was a little sceptical until I saw that it said right on the bag that it was for the Vibe. And since it was made by Metra (a lot of people use, and like Metra equipment) I considered it to be true.But how the Metra wiring harness can bypass the stock head unit and make as it is there? If the air bag system pass through the radio, it should mean it manage something. If you remove it, the head unit cannot manage it anymore and I doubt the wiring harness will do it.I know there's some communication between the stock head unit and the ECU but I'm still sceptical about the link between the haed unti and a so important thing as the air bag.

Post by **NSimkins** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 4:26 am

quote:I know there's some communication between the stock head unit and the ECU but I'm still sceptical about the link between the haed unti and a so important thing as the air bag. I agree here, but from what I have read about my head unit in my Cavalier, the door chimes were the only major function controlled by the head unit... but this is not the case with the Vibe. I'm pretty sure you should have no issues.Also, if the head unit was such a vital component of the air bags, the Air Bag light should illuminate on the dash to indicate a malfunction, right?

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 4:39 am

quote:I agree here, but from what I have read about my head unit in my Cavalier, the door chimes were the only major function controlled by the head unit... but this is not the case with the Vibe. I'm pretty sure you should have no issues.Some other GM vehicule has more then that in the head unit. If you remove it, it can cause check engine light on or splutering engine but I never heard about air bag failure.quote:Also, if the head unit was such a vital component of the air bags, the Air Bag light should illuminate on the dash to indicate a malfunction, right?Yes it should. We you start the car, the air bag light flash in the dash, advising us about the air bag system test. If the light does not turn off, it means there's a possible trouble with the air bag system.I my Vibe, it turn off every time. This should mean all is ok with the air bag system.

Moreorles · Post by **Moreorles** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 5:25 am

I had a VW Passat, and there were all kinds of issues if you replaced the original HU. VW was unable to do diagnostics on my car, and was unable to reset the ECU. They gave me so much crap. I could'nt take it and traded it in for my Matrix.

cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 5:41 am

I find it VERY hard to believe that the stock radio would have anything to do with the airbags. I think whoever came up with this connection between the two should be given a good whack up against the side of his head. Does this mean I have to have the radio on to activate the airbags?Sorry, I had a bad day.Later,Carl

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 5:50 am

Instead of speculation, why don't we contact Pontiac and find out the truth. All I know is, I got the wiring harness and I am not going to risk the air bags not going off in a wreck, until I hear from a reliable source (not saying that you guys and girls are not reliable) I am keeping the stock HU in. I don't even know who I would contact to find out the whole story.

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 6:00 am

OK, I called Pontiac, they referred me to my local service department and they had no explanation, all they said is that the stock HU has to be there. I am going to do some detective work to get to the bottom of this crap, WISH ME LUCK!! I will get an answer if it kills me.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 6:20 am

I have an apointement on next thurday to fix few trouble on my Vibe. I'll ask the svc dept guy about the air bag and HU.

DopeVibeGT · Post by **DopeVibeGT** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 7:04 am

quote:Some other GM vehicule has more then that in the head unit. If you remove it, it can cause check engine light on or splutering engine but I never heard about air bag failure.Yep. I know GA's and Alero's have to keep the factory stereo for the lights and engine. I didnt think the Vibe had this radio problem.

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 10:15 am

Yep. I know GA's and Alero's have to keep the factory stereo for the lights and engine. I didnt think the Vibe had this radio problem. [/QUOTE]What ever $%^&*#@ idiot designed that should be shot !!

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 1:51 am

quote:Yep. I know GA's and Alero's have to keep the factory stereo for the lights and engine. I didnt think the Vibe had this radio problem. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Blazer and the Cavalier- Sunfire duet has those feature too.

Pawel · Post by **Pawel** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 1:58 am

Are you guys joking? That sucks.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 2:07 am

quote:Are you guys joking? That sucks.Up to now, this is only speculation. None of us was able to get a proof for that. The only thing I know, me and many other Vibe owner have an aftermarket HU and none of them have had any trouble related to this.But it does not mean it cannot happend.

cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 4:15 am

quote:Are you guys joking? That sucks.From what I've read, some gm products (cavalier, sunfire, etc) integrated the door chime (lights on, keys left in ignition, etc) into the factory radio. The e.c.m. for the engine was a totally different unit. Lets remember the Vibe is basically a Toyota. If in fact ( ) the airbags are compromised by removal of the stock stereo (there are no warning labels on the radio regarding removal), please let me know so I can sell the story to CNN.

jdackert · Post by **jdackert** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 7:53 am

The wiring diagram for the Vibe doesn't show any connection between the stereo and the airbag system.

dawg_peterman · Post by **dawg_peterman** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 1:25 pm

On my GT, there is a module under the driver's seat and one under the front passenger seat. The front passenger seat module is the amp for the Moon and Tunes package - factory Toyota amp with Toyota part numbers.I am assuming the module under the driver's seat is the car's computer!

Post by **NSimkins** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 8:10 pm

quote:I am assuming the module under the driver's seat is the car's computer!I believe that was concluded to be the power inverter for the plug on the dash.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1731

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Fri Feb 21, 2003 12:28 am

My previous Montana has HU connected with the ECU and the door chime. I changed the HU for a Panasonic (had few trouble to fnd out the 12v from the ignition but this is a different story) and I never ever had any problem. The only feature I lost it is the radio on once the key is no longer in the ignition and no door open. it was working like other "normal" HU.

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Fri Feb 21, 2003 12:49 am

After much work, I have only been given the runaround. I am still waiting for a response from a few GM departments. Just keeping you posted.

2fatty · Post by **2fatty** » Fri Feb 21, 2003 9:50 am

I have no techincal proof for this, but when I picked up my vibe my salesman told me the following:The vibe doesn't have everything wired through the stero like the sunfire (and other gm cars). My dealership likes to sell an after market alarm system (engine kill). They said it was a breeze to install because to the toyota wiring.Maybe you sould try calling my dealerships service department. Sunrise Ottawa.Late,

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Fri Feb 21, 2003 12:47 pm

quote:Yep. I know GA's and Alero's have to keep the factory stereo for the lights and engine. I didnt think the Vibe had this radio problem. Um...my sister had a Alero with a Pioneer HU and everything worked fine. Circuit city installed it, so mabey you guys need to ask some stereo pros about any problems they may know of.

mitro · Post by **mitro** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 10:20 am

GAs and Aleros DO NOT lose anything other than the chimes. I'd know

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 5:15 am

I have a friend who works at Delphi and he said that the Airbag system is completely seperate from the Radio.

MiamiVibe · Post by **MiamiVibe** » Fri Mar 28, 2003 11:41 pm

so what is the final ans to this question?

viberator80 · Post by **viberator80** » Sat Mar 29, 2003 1:50 am

the answer to this question is that they are completely independant systems the airbag module/ keyless entry and many of the switches in the car are made by TRW automotive... not delphi. Lets just say i know a guy who tested this very module. I sit 4 cubes away from him!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Mar 29, 2003 2:44 am

Many Pontiacs (possibly GM cars in general) DO use the radio as the chime module...the factory radio that comes in the vibes is one of them...you can tell. Turn the car to accessory. Make sure the radio is off. Hold down the 6 program button the radio for about 5 seconds. The display will say LOUD and the chime will sound. Do it again. It will say NORMAL and the chime will sound again. HOWEVER, this being a toyota, the chime is completely separate from the radio, and that particular feature is bypassed. Now as to this rumor about the radio being interconnected with the airbag, I can't imagine anything so absurd. I mean, would a company be SO irresponsible that they would make something like a radio, which is probably one of the most commonly upgraded components in a car, untouchable? I doubt it, because it woul dhave to say in teh manual the radio can't be upgraded, and there would prolly be a tag on it when new that says do not hcange the radio, your airbags won't deploy. But to me, there is no logic in connecting the two anyway.Just my input.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Sat Mar 29, 2003 4:34 am

id have to agree with you, but then again pontiac did manufacture the aztek, so anything is possible

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Mar 29, 2003 6:35 am

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 7:15 am

quote:Many Pontiacs (possibly GM cars in general) DO use the radio as the chime module...the factory radio that comes in the vibes is one of them...you can tell. Turn the car to accessory. Make sure the radio is off. Hold down the 6 program button the radio for about 5 seconds. The display will say LOUD and the chime will sound. Do it again. It will say NORMAL and the chime will sound again. HOWEVER, this being a toyota, the chime is completely separate from the radio, and that particular feature is bypassed. This is just like the fact that the radio is XM ready, but the vibe isn't (according to the dealer). This exact radio (In-dash 6 disc changer) is used in a buick, and you can have XM in it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 12:50 pm

quote:This is just like the fact that the radio is XM ready, but the vibe isn't (according to the dealer). This exact radio (In-dash 6 disc changer) is used in a buick, and you can have XM in it.You sure about that? Did you compare model numbers? I'm not doubting you, but it just doesn't make sense that the radio is XM ready, yet they don't offer it as an option. Cause if it IS XM ready, why can't I just buy a receiver and antenna and hook them in?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 12:59 pm

Why, cause of the antenna you think?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:11 pm

IMHO, when there's a will, there's a way.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:13 pm

I think they know about as much abotu the vibe as they do about, say, a mack truck.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:56 pm

Good call. Cause if this baby is XM ready, I am SO considering getting a receiver and antenna and completing the puzzle!

bellwilliam · Post by **bellwilliam** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 4:27 pm

Poopypants, I reread your post, where does it say about disconnection of air bags? is it in the Metra installation guide? or is it some post you read?I am sure that this is just some rumors startet somewhere, I would have no problem with changing out my radio with an aftermarket one. anyone here worrying about the air bag can donate his aftermaret radio to me !!

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 11:42 pm

Its not available on the vibe because they didn't include the factory wiring harness from the radio to the right rear quarterpanel. This is where the dealer would install the xm receiver and the antenna. They wouldn't have to do anything else. But since they didn't install this harness, then it isn't xm "ready". If you can get ahold of a delphi/delco xm factory reciever box and the wiring harness from the buick, then your factory radio could use fm. I am investigating using an unactivated xm box to install an aux in on my factory in-dash 6 disk CD changer. Right now it is looking good. hopefully, I will get to test it soon.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 11:44 pm

You wouldn't happen to have a part # for that wiring harness, would you?

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Tue Apr 01, 2003 6:22 am

I'm afraid not. as I said it is installed at the factory and runs from the radio to the right rear quarter panel.