icruze or other adapter with 05 m&t stereo

[dan326]

Any feedback as to whether or not the icruze will work with the 05 m&t stereo?

[Jahntassa]

Isn't the icruize an FM modulator? If it is, then yes.

[dan326]

No. It actually hooks up to the back of the deck. It says that the stock stereo should have a cd changer button or a band button in the lower left corner of the hu. Mine doesn't have either.As I think about it, if the difference in price of both an Alpine hu and adapter and just the icruze setup is only 100 dollars, it is probably just as well to switch to the alpine. What do you think?P.s. Will the new HU overpower or affect any of the stock amps in the M&T package?

[rcasciola]

it fits all stock applications..i posted something about it a while ago but the post flopped...but the yhave a book if you go to a computer store or something like that which tell u every application..i was looking into it but im almost positive that for right o it is on all stock cars...but pretty sure it will fit with the M&T's.

[Jahntassa]

If you have the 05 with the subwoofer, I don't remember if adding an aftermarket HU will disable use of the Sub. It does on most cars, but I don't know how it works on the Vibe. If you have the 05, it should have a 'band' button instead of an 'AM/FM' button.

[dan326]

What do you think about replacing the stock HU with the HU that has the cd changer port?That HU has the port needed to hook up the Icruze adapter.Where do you think is the cheapest place to pick up the factory HU with the changer port? I was given the number for west coast audio or something like that.

[Jahntassa]

What do you mean, exactly? All of the Vibe radios have that port (12 pin on the rear), but the older radios don't have the software to handle the changer. I can't find any information on compatibility of the iCruize, so I can't really give you any information. I don't know of anyone putting an older HU in the 05' with M&T and knowing if all the stereo functionality still exists.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by dan326 »What do you think about replacing the stock HU with the HU that has the cd changer port?That HU has the port needed to hook up the Icruze adapter.Where do you think is the cheapest place to pick up the factory HU with the changer port? I was given the number for west coast audio or something like that.First off, you're ability to hook this up has nothing to do with M&T. Whether the car has M&T or not is not an issue.What is an issue is what factory head unit you have. If you have the single-CD, then it has CD Changer connectivity. I have an MP3 player hooked up as a CD changer. It is accessed by pressing the CD/AUX button, which toggles between the internal CD player and the device connected as the changer.However, if you have the 6 CD in-dash, then you are SOL.

[dan326]

So you are saying that there is a place on the back of my HU that would allow me to plug in a changer? Does the stock HU I have utilize M-bus software? The rep at monster says that the stereo needs to have m-bus and if it does, then the icruise will work.The jags at Best Buy pulled the HU but didn't go the rest of the way hooking the icruise to the actual stereo. If I am understanding what you are saying, this port does exist and the adapter will hook up.The monster rep also says that if the adapter does hook up but doesn't work no harm done. Personally, I have no clue how to do any of this or what any of this looks like. I just don't understand why the best buy guys would tell me this port doesn't exist.Anyway, I really do appreciate all of the help and input that you give me.

[dan326]

What kind of MP3 do you have? I am trying to use an IPOD and everyone at best buy is telling me there is no port. I will assume that they are telling me this because they just don't have a clue. I am hoping that when my mechanic pulls the deck and tries to hook the adapter up that I will find out if this thing is going to work or not. I'm wondering how you hooked up your MP3 player. Did you use an adapter? Is there a separate input for the adapter or does it just plug in between the HU and wires?I really don't have a clue about any of this stuff.

[MattHelm]

Are you sure about this? I have the 2004, and so far, everyone has said "No, that will not work" on any of the Aux stuff, except the simple one that just gives you the stero port. No CD changers or iPod controls would work. I'd LOVE to add this if it will work, but can't afford to waist that much money if it does not.BTW, I work for Delphi, and pulled the schematic for the radio in my car, and the port is there, and is hooked up. If the software will turn it on, I haven't the slight idea, as I don't have access to the software guys.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by MattHelm »Are you sure about this? I have the 2004, and so far, everyone has said "No, that will not work" on any of the Aux stuff, except the simple one that just gives you the stero port. No CD changers or iPod controls would work. I'd LOVE to add this if it will work, but can't afford to waist that much money if it does not.BTW, I work for Delphi, and pulled the schematic for the radio in my car, and the port is there, and is hooked up. If the software will turn it on, I haven't the slight idea, as I don't have access to the software guys.Yes, I'm sure about this. dan326 got his icruze and got it working. Here's his post:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=16177

[Jahntassa]

Dan had emailed me saying it was giving him problems, and he had to unplug the XM module if he could find it..

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Dan had emailed me saying it was giving him problems, and he had to unplug the XM module if he could find it..Yeah, I wouldn't expect it work at the same time as the XM module, especially since it uses the BAND button to select the iPod. In fact, I recall his post saying XM wasn't working, but still showing stations on the display so it's probably wisest to unplug it. All the external sound boxes for GM OEMs I've seen say you can't use them with XM or a remote changer. Anyone seen one that will?

[dan326]

The icruise did work for a very short period of time. What happened was that when the ipod was recognized by the icruise, the pod stopped working. We think that there were two problems. The first problem was that the xm tuner was not disconnected. Seeing as how we did not know where it was even located, we couldn't disconnect it. The second problem is more severe.We think that the mbus adapter (this is what translates between the pod and HU) got fried because it was hooked to constant 12v power as directed in the manual. To add to this theory, I did smell what I thought was electrical burning. This could have been imagined, but I doubt it.We are going to try to hook up the Peripheral adapter this weekend. We are going to hook it up so that it is only hot when the radio is operating. We think that this could prevent too much power constantly running to the adapter.By the way, if it works, it will be about 300 dollars cheaper than the icruise.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by dan326 »The first problem was that the xm tuner was not disconnected. Seeing as how we did not know where it was even located, we couldn't disconnect it. I believe the XM tuner plugs into the 12-pin connector. The icruze and other AUX adapters connect to this same connector - so just unplug the factory 12-pin and don't reconnect it to the adapter.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by dan326 »We are going to try to hook up the Peripheral adapter this weekend. We are going to hook it up so that it is only hot when the radio is operating. We think that this could prevent too much power constantly running to the adapter.By the way, if it works, it will be about 300 dollars cheaper than the icruise.PS- I and a couple other members have Peripheral AUX2CAR adapters hooked to 12v constant and haven't had a problem.....

[jeffgtx]

i hooked up my ipod2car and powered it off the am antenna adaprter which i believe i switched.

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »I believe the XM tuner plugs into the 12-pin connector. The icruze and other AUX adapters connect to this same connector - so just unplug the factory 12-pin and don't reconnect it to the adapter. He also mentioned he has OnStar, and would like to keep it. Onstar also goes through that 12 pin connector, and the XM Tuner loops through the OnStar. So unless you want to lose XM and Onstar, you need to find the XM tuner itself.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa » He also mentioned he has OnStar, and would like to keep it. Onstar also goes through that 12 pin connector, and the XM Tuner loops through the OnStar. So unless you want to lose XM and Onstar, you need to find the XM tuner itself.Ah so...... good catch, Jahntassa. Makes me wonder though if maybe OnStar isn't interefering too, or if the adapter would prevent OnStart from working either.

[Jahntassa]

Possible..but I think the OnStar is a whole seperate part of the radio, that doesn't use one of the 'slots' like XM. In fact, the way i've heard it, this adapter basically 'spoofs' the radio into thinking the XM adapter is there.. So interference isn't too surprising. It's very likely that the XM and Onstar modules are back in the rear quarterpanels. You might be able to see them if you pull off the access panels to the taillights and peer forward with a flashlight. I guarantee the Onstar modules will be larger than the XM.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »It's very likely that the XM and Onstar modules are back in the rear quarterpanels. You might be able to see them if you pull off the access panels to the taillights and peer forward with a flashlight. I guarantee the Onstar modules will be larger than the XM.An excellent guess. Per the service manual, the XM receiver module is indeed behind the rear quarter trim panel. It's on the passenger side.The keyless entry receiver is also over there, but higher up. You can differentiate the 2 because the keyless entry receiver has one connector wired up while the XM receiver has 2.The OnStar module is somewhere under the driver's seat. (Also, it doesn't look like XM goes through OnStar, but it's hard to tell....)

[Jahntassa]

If there're two connectors on the XM, then it's possible Onstar passes through that..but it doesn't make much sense... Either way, telling the difference between XM and the Keyless module is easy, the keyless module is about 2x3 inches, and the XM probably takes up 6"x12"Getting that rear panel off is no picnic either.. it's not hard, but time consuming..

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »If there're two connectors on the XM, then it's possible Onstar passes through that..but it doesn't make much sense... Actually one's a power connector, the other is the audio. There's only a databus pin on one of them. It looks like OnStar has it's own dedicated inputs to the stereo. Also, it connects to the databus pin on the 24-pin connector, while the XM databus connects to the 12-pin. (OnStar audio does go to the 12-pin, however.)Makes me wonder if the OnStar inputs could be used as yet another AUX input......

[Jahntassa]

Sure, but you'd probably have to spoof the radio into 'Phone mode'.. And i've no idea how you'd manage that.. Plus, onstar is probably a mono signal..Isn't it nice that GM makes all this so complicated for us?

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Isn't it nice that GM makes all this so complicated for us?Really. Sigh. All I want is a Delco 6CD in-dash with the BAND button, so I get a few CDs and an input for an MP3 player. But no BAND on Vibe 6-CDs, and other GM delco radios won't work in the Vibe 'cause they expect to talk to the car. Whatever happened to radios that get power from the car, connect to the speakers, and that's it?Okay, I'm done whining now

[MattHelm]

Well, I went down to Best Buy here, and they said they'd try to install it, and I'd only be out the install fee if it doesn't work. I said go ahead. I'll let you know as soon as they try (Tuesday). If they can do it, anyone can!

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by MattHelm »Well, I went down to Best Buy here, and they said they'd try to install it, and I'd only be out the install fee if it doesn't work. I said go ahead. I'll let you know as soon as they try (Tuesday). If they can do it, anyone can!Yeah, please do let us know! (& Good Luck!!)

[benwellington]

I'm confused. I have a 6CD M&T package in a 2005. Why can't I use the 12pin port to hook up ipod2car or something similar. Every one always posts that you cannot do it, but I was wondering if any one has any idea why and if that has been confirmed.

[GMJAP]

I've tried. Got it working fine now with the 1CD.Here's why:The AUX adapters work by one of 2 means: a) pretending to be a remote CD changer b) pretending to be an XM moduleThis causes the head unit to think that accessory is connected, and allow you to select it from the front panel. The adapter then pumps the audio in over the pins for the external device.It won't work with the Vibe 6CD because: a) The 6CD, even though it's all one unit, has the changer hooked up to the connection for the remote changer. Thus, it won't recognize another CD changer (including the AUX adapter pretending to be one.) b) The Vibe 6CD is not XM-ready. Meaning, it has an AM/FM button, not a BAND button. Thus, it won't recognize nor allow you to select an XM tuner (or an AUX adapter pretending to be one.)Sorry, would be awesome if it worked. The kick while we're still down, too, is that the Vibe 6CD cannot be replaced with another Delco unit that is XM-ready. Because..... the Vibe radios are somewhat unique in that they don't expect to connect to the car's Class-2 bus because there isn't one. that's a GM thing and the Vibe is a Toyota in it's guts. All other GM readios do and will get upset that they can't talk to the car (in other words, not work.)

[benwellington]

Thanks for the response. That's what I was worried about. So, my only hope is an FM modulator, right? I've seen some posts on here about them, and I'm a newbie to this stuff, but I am guessing I could install myself?