PAC AUX-BOX -- direct input to Vibe factory stereo

nola_ness · Post by **nola_ness** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 11:24 am

I'd checked this forum some time ago when I was trying to figure out how to get my mp3 player hooked into the factory stereo. PAC recently put out a product that makes it possible to do a direct input (no transmitter or modulator). I had it installed today and am soooo thrilled. No more CDs. For iPods (includes power source): http://www.cardomain.com/item/PACAUXPODFor other inputs: http://www.cardomain.com/item/PACAUXBOXI purchased a Male RCA to Male 1/8" adapter and had the 1/8" plug fed into the storage space below the gearshift. It works great.Thought I'd share. Vanessa2004 Base VibeBlue w/ monotone paintMoon & Tunes w/single CD17" Alloy wheels

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 11:44 am

Not bad...and you say it works? If so, this'll make a lot of people happy..

wicked1981 · Post by **wicked1981** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 1:49 pm

Nice. Post some pics.. By the way welcome to the forum.

Vibration · Post by **Vibration** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:16 am

If this works that would nice thing, except for the price. I am a little concerned that they seem to think that models years 2000-2002 exist. "Accessories . . Toyota Matrix 2000-Up"Also, it would disprove the theory that the ROM in the 2003-2004 models do not support the AUX button.

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:25 am

Awesome. Hope it works on a 03 as well. If anyone tries this on a '03, let me know.Quote, originally posted by Vibration Â»If this works that would nice thing, except for the price. I am a little concerned that they seem to think that models years 2000-2002 exist. "Accessories . . Toyota Matrix 2000-Up"I think what they mean is that it works for GM Vehicles / Hummer H2 / Toyota Matrix vehicles from 2000 and up, not nessesarely (sp?) matrix 2000-up.when you look at the details it says:Quote, originally posted by CarDomain Â»Pontiac Vibe 2003-2005 Toyota Matrix 2003-2005

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 3:12 am

wow! you hooked this up to the stock single disc head unit?!?! No moons and tunes/no DVD navigation....just the plain jane single CD unit?!?!?If this is true and it works then I will have to seriously discuss naming my first child after you with my wife! just noticed your signature says: "Moons and Tunes".... it won't work for me!

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 4:32 am

thank you so much for posting, but i and many of us here just MUST know: are you using a single CD radio ? or the 6 cd ?

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 4:41 am

PONTIAC 1995-1999 radios with built in CD player (Except Corvette) are NOT compatible. 2000-2004 radios with built in CD are compatible. Separate OEM CD (1995-2004) or OEM Cassette (2000-2004) must be disconnected to use AUX-BOX. Year 2003-2005 vehicles with XM, if you want to use XM mode, then you must disconnect the factory harness from the XM receiver, not the 12pin connector at the radio.

Vibration · Post by **Vibration** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 4:43 am

From what this looks like, I might work with either, because I think the connections are the same out of the 6 and single CD units.

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 4:46 am

they are the same on almost all the Gm vehicles, alot of them use the same conncetor from Pac, but how do we know if it can fake the aux in the same way Plug Part#AB-GM12

russ257 · Post by **russ257** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:08 am

whats wrong with a fm modulator.?

Vibration · Post by **Vibration** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:13 am

Quote, originally posted by russ257 Â»whats wrong with a fm modulator.?The sound quality is not as high as a direct input due to the limitaions of FM reception.

russ257 · Post by **russ257** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:17 am

this is true but isnt it better than nothing

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 6:17 am

i have an fm modulator and am f**ing with it right now, no matter what i always hear a constant "shhhh" in the background, i just took it all apart for the second time to get it to shut up, i really hate the damn thing. a line in would make me so happy lol i have one on the other car and the sound is just 10000 times better than the crappy fm modulator, though it is atleast better than an itrip.

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 10:40 am

if anyone finds out that this thing will work with the 1CD or not, please please, leave a post. thx.

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:35 am

Quote, originally posted by platinum_ Â»if anyone finds out that this thing will work with the 1CD or not, please please, leave a post. thx.I emailed the company asking for a clarification of which models they support. I'll let you know when i get a reply.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:42 am

Everyone keep in mind that a M&T-equipped vibe and a non M&T vibe use THE SAME RADIO.The only difference is what happens when the signal hits the wiring harness.In a M&T car, it hits the amp, then the speakers.In a non-M&T, it hits the speakers direct.

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:54 am

thats a good point, but the person with the M&T amp could have a 6 cd or a 1 cd, so we are still stuck wondering if it will work with the 1 cd. And i too have emailed the company asking if it will work with the 1cd, i'm hopeful.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:56 am

Quote, originally posted by platinum_ Â»thats a good point, but the person with the M&T amp could have a 6 cd or a 1 cd, so we are still stuck wondering if it will work with the 1 cd. And i too have emailed the company asking if it will work with the 1cd, i'm hopeful.That is true...Keep us posted...had such a device been available before, I likely would've not gone aftermarket on my HU...i love my pioneer...but i would've felt less vulnerable with a delco radio...

millster · Post by **millster** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:04 pm

Come one someone. Don't make me be the pioneer here. OK, let's go with this. Is there anyone out there who will buy it from me if I buy it and it doesn't work?

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:11 pm

if you offer at a discount someone with an 05 vibe or a 6cd will lol

millster · Post by **millster** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:13 pm

Quote, originally posted by platinum_ Â»if you offer at a discount someone with an 05 vibe or a 6cd will lolWell, there might be a SLIGHT discount, but if I buy it trying to help the community, somebody would have to be willing to back me up, right? I might just have to try this. I was planning to try to hack my HU, but this would be easier if it works.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:39 pm

There's ALWAYS ebay!

millster · Post by **millster** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:41 pm

This is true. Well, we'll see what happens. Payday's on Friday. I may just give it a shot.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 1:56 pm

Sorry, I got my aux-in already by making my payments higher with the NAV.

nola_ness · Post by **nola_ness** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:18 pm

Wow, I didn't realize this'd generate so many responses.What the AUX-BOX & AB-GM12 cable do is enable the AUX button on the factory unit. I have the single CD headunit. Before you go ordering, though, there's been a slight glitch I didn't notice until this morning...I heard some data noise (very slight whirring and clicking in the background) when listening to some quieter music. I drove back to the installation shop and they checked it out. They tech called support at PAC, and the concensus is that I might have gotten a poorly insulated unit.They took the box out and I've shipped it back to CarDomain.com, which is overnighting a new one out to me. I'll let y'all know what happens.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:42 pm

Does this disable this internal CD player? Or can you still use both internal CD and AUX input?

platinum_ · Post by **platinum_** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 12:20 am

so it DOES work on the single cd unit, but we jsut have to wait untill tommorow to see if its 100% functional

millster · Post by **millster** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 8:09 am

And just to let everyone know, I have decided that I am going to order one to try with the single CD in an '03. If it doesn't work, at least we'll know.

nola_ness · Post by **nola_ness** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 2:13 pm

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP Â»Does this disable this internal CD player? Or can you still use both internal CD and AUX input?Nope... AUX, CD, and radio all work. More details in another post.

nola_ness · Post by **nola_ness** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 2:24 pm

Copy of an email sent to Joe Riggs at PACFrom: VanessaTo: Joe RiggsCc: Werner, CarDomain Customer CareDate: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 00:09:39 -0500Subject: AUX-BOXHi Joe,Thank you so much for your help with the issues on installing the PAC AUX-BOX and AB-GM12 in my 2004 Pontiac Vibe (factory single CD headunit, amp, and upgraded speakers).The second unit (FW VER 04.09.05-M128), replaced with awesome expediency by CarDomain.com (order JRR040925T), is still having some of the same issues with data noise as the first unit they shipped out. However, it's not as bad, and it's certainly much better sounding than an FM modulator.The data noise sounds like faint whirring and clicking. It's not noticible with louder music, but it does present a problem when I'm listening to more subtle / quiet music. It's obvious when the AUX input is on without music playing, not that I'm planning on doing that much. The noise is a little worse after the headunit is bolted back in and the dash reinstalled than it is when everything's pulled out. Based on your conversations with me and the installers at XXPlosive Audio (www.xxplosiveaudio.com), here's what we tried: * Toggle switches 1, 3, and 8 set to ON (down) * Cut and grounded purple wire to frame on AUX-BOX end * Insulated data (green) wires with electrical tapeThanks for letting me know that it's not just me and that you're going to keep working on the AUX-BOX issues re: the Vibe and other GM cars. I believe the Toyota Matrix is essentially the same car as a Pontiac Vibe. Have you received any feedback about the AUX-BOX in those? I'm glad PAC will be working out the kinks on the AUX-BOX, and I really appreciate knowing that you're willing to replace the unit once it's all worked out. Thanks much,Vanessa[contact info snipped]P.S. I'd made a couple of posts to a GenVibe forum (http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=12880) about getting the AUX-BOX and the subsequent problems. I'm posting portions of this email as a follow-up.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:42 pm

Is the purple wire a way to ground the Aux Box? Try making sure ALL your power sources come from the radio. On my X3 aux-input for the nav, I actually grounded to one of the screws holding the radio to it's brackets (not the brackets to the dash, the radio to the brackets), and that cleaned up a LOT of noise.

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Thu Oct 07, 2004 2:57 am

Here is what i got from Joe Riggs at PACQuote, originally posted by Joe Riggs Â»Magnus,The Aux-Box will work on All 2003-2005 Vibes no matter the version of Vibe. If the Vibe has XM you must use GM Class 2 settings if you want to retain the factory XM. If the vehicle has XM but is not activated then youÃ¢Â€Â™ll need to unplug the tuner and set the Aux-Box to XM mode. If the Vibe doesnÃ¢Â€Â™t have XM you can set the unit to XM mode also.Thank you,Joe RiggsTech SupportPacific Accessory Corp.

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 12:19 pm

Quote, originally posted by millster Â»And just to let everyone know, I have decided that I am going to order one to try with the single CD in an '03. If it doesn't work, at least we'll know.any news on this yet, millster?

millster · Post by **millster** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:03 pm

Sorry. I've hit a small funding snag and I'm not going to be able to accomplish my mission for the time being.Hopefully I'll still be able to try it, but it's not likely to be any time soon.

tboynes · Post by **tboynes** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 11:15 pm

I installed the Pac Aux box and am experiencing the same problem. When listening to the xm radio or ipod you can clearly hear the clicking and whirring as previously described. To me it seems as if the radio is trying to get the non-existent cd changer (which the Pac Aux box is mimicking) to change discs. Going to send off an e-mail to Pac to ask if any resolve is in the works. To be honest with you it is very annoying and I will be looking for an alternative.Tom

4wdloop · Post by **4wdloop** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 5:45 am

There seem to be another product to do the same:http://www.autotoys.com/x/cata....htmland: http://www.installer.com/aux/ (look for GM12)All it means that the spare connector on the rear of our OEM radios is for misterious 'AUX' device, and the AUX button is not fake. I bet if we had wiring diagrams we could do it ourselfs for Knowledge is power!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 5:51 am

Quote, originally posted by 4wdloop Â»All it means that the spare connector on the rear of our OEM radios is for misterious 'AUX' device, and the AUX button is not fake..Umm...no.The "mystery" harness is for mute control. It either has something to do with hard-wired "car phones" or the amp. In any case, it is NOT tied to the AUX button.

4wdloop · Post by **4wdloop** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 6:04 am

I kinda want it to be true

This pic siggest they do hook it up to the 12 pin connector:http://www.installer.com/photos/gm12-aux-diag.jpgDoes anybody have a wiring diagram? I have seen a picture of M&T amp setup somewhere here....Best yet would be Delco radio schematics, but this is too much to hope for...Michal.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 6:12 am

Other delphi radios that have the same 12-pin connector use that harness for other features, which in this case, could lead to enabling that button.In our case, however, that harness is, as far as we know, a dud, and worthless.Our radios, AFAIK, are not Class II, and that is what that is designed for.Also has to be XM ready.No one has schematics of the internals of either the head unit or the amp.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 9:43 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»Umm...no.The "mystery" harness is for mute control. It either has something to do with hard-wired "car phones" or the amp. In any case, it is NOT tied to the AUX button.Ummm.... NO! Ragingfish is dead wrong on this one, the 12-pin is where the AUX inputs are. The PAC Audio boxes connect only to this connector- and they aren't getting sound in through the MUTE control!I have the service manual, and understand that the non-navigation connector diagram for the 12-pin only shows "Mute Control" and all other pins as "Note Used". However, this is NOT because these pins on the radio do nothing, but because they are, as stated, not used in the factory wiring of the vehicle.Also, wiring diagrams won't help you use the AUX input. The radio talks over a serial databus to either a remote CD changer or XM radio module, and must see it to enable the AUX input.This is what the AUX-BOX and AAI-GM24 boxes do- they pretend to be the XM module and/or CD changer to the radio.This is why the AAI-GM24 allows 2 aux inputs with the single-CD, one in place of CD Changer, one in place of XM. This is also why the in-dash 6-CD only allows one AUX, since the internal CD Changer is connected to the serial bus as such.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 1:32 pm

The 12 pin is where they would be, but we've been told that Delphi never enabled the aux inputs on the Vibe's stereo to begin with. I'm under the assumption that the radios in the Vibe are non-standard to the rest of GM equipment as far as hookups are concerned. Nobody's been able to answer that straight up, though. And up until recently, I think we've only had one successful aux input done with the single disc radio.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 3:42 pm

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa Â»The 12 pin is where they would be, but we've been told that Delphi never enabled the aux inputs on the Vibe's stereo to begin with.If Delphi never enabled the AUX inputs on these stereos, then you couldn't get a vibe with XM or the remote 6-disc changer.Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation that continues to get repeated on this site about the Radios. They are standard GM Class II radios. The 12-pin is for aux inputs and serial data, (among others) not just mute control. AUX inputs are enabled, but require hardware responding as XM or CDChanger to work.Per postings in the following thread, both Brett and Joe Riggs of PAC Audio have confirmed that their AUX-BOX and AAI-GM24 will work on the Vibe's single-disc and in-dash changer units. (Which they wouldn't, if they weren't Class II)http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=13049If anyone is determined to continue spreading unhelpful misinformation, I suggest they contact PAC audio. They have a wealth of factory radio knowledge and can help set you straight.PS - on the Class II bus issue (because I know someone's gonna bring it up, they always do):YES, the Vibe is not a Class II bus vehicle. This bus is not used anywhere in the electronics of the vehicle itself.The Class II bus, however, is used by the radio for the sole purpose of talking to the XM and remote changer modules. Through this bus the head unit detects the XM/changer modules, and allows them to be controlled through the head unit. It doesn't give a crap about the rest of the Vibe's electronics, and the rest of the Vibe's electronics feel likewise.Thus, you can power your Class II radio directly from a battery on your kitchen table and it will still work, and you can put an aftermarket head unit that doesn't use any bus in your Vibe and it will work. (Though not with the factory XM or changer modules).

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 10:12 pm

I'm curious about that, because the XM module wasn't available in 2003, and the only in-dash unit that you even had the option of adding a changer to is the Nav system, which automatically comes with a changer. Now, are you saying you've actually installed this box, verified it's operation? Other than calling the manufacturer who i'm sure has not tested it on every GM vehicle they say it's capable of working on?

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 1:24 am

Have you not read the rest of this thread, inluding the original post? Two people posted they have successfully installed this product with the factory radio.Also, it is possible to get the remote changer with the Moon & Tunes package.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 2:38 am

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP Â»Also, it is possible to get the remote changer with the Moon & Tunes package.In what year? And where does it go? In the 03/04 the changer sits where the M&T amp is mounted. I've never seen that option available on the spec sheets.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 11:00 pm

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa Â»In what year? And where does it go? In the 03/04 the changer sits where the M&T amp is mounted. I've never seen that option available on the spec sheets.You are correct about never seeing that. I misread it and wrongly stated that. One can get the in-dash changer instead of the single-cd with M&T, is what that really is. Suppose it's just karma I'd get that wrong after ranting on.As a note of trivia on the indash changer though, it is internally connected to the stereo electronics via the bus and an AUX input, much like a remote. Hence, why the single-cd has 2 AUX inputs, and the in-dash changer only one (for XM).

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 7:31 am

Where can I purchase one of these? I have searched through all of the online sites that PAC mentions, but it doesn't seem like anyone carries it.Also, have we ever established if it works with 2003 Vibes? After all my experiments with factory XM boxes and my friend from Delphi telling me that the AUX wasn't turned on, I would like some confirmation.Also, GMJAP, the vibe radio and the normal Class-2 radios are different. They have different guts. The radios in the 2003 vibes are older technology than the ones in normal GM vehicles because GM didn't want to share high end technology with toyota. Plus that toyota pretty much designed the electronic system in the car except for the radio system.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:33 am

Quote, originally posted by johnsoax Â»Also, have we ever established if it works with 2003 Vibes? After all my experiments with factory XM boxes and my friend from Delphi telling me that the AUX wasn't turned on, I would like some confirmation.Likely not. XM wasn't an option, so none of the radios were "XM ready." But if you have a BAND button, and not an AUX button, you have a shot.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 12:36 am

Quote, originally posted by johnsoax Â»Where can I purchase one of these? I have searched through all of the online sites that PAC mentions, but it doesn't seem like anyone carries it.It's now called the "AUX2CAR", not AUX-BOX anymore.

PAC AUX-BOX -- direct input to Vibe factory stereo

PAC AUX-BOX -- direct input to Vibe factory stereo

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