Want to replace HU on '05 M&T, nothing else - need advice on what's needed :)

[Kirst]

I just got a 05 base Vibe w/ M&T last week and am anxious to replace the HU to allow aux capability. I have seen the posts on here about AUX2CAR, but wanted a couple of other features that a new HU would come with as well. When I went to CC, they said (and I think there were wrong), that if I had a monsoon system, I'd need to replace the speakers and rewire the entire car if I wanted to get a new HU. Hopefully, that is all BS and there is an easier solution. I guess my questions are, do any of you recc. a certain HU (I want MP3 playback, a somewhat cool looking display, and of course AUX for my XM Sky Fi2)? What exact parts do I need to get once I have the HU? How to install once I have everything? Appreciate any advice and am glad to have found such a great forum for my first new car Tks, Kirsten

[damronjr]

Quote, originally posted by Kirst »I just got a 05 base Vibe w/ M&T last week and am anxious to replace the HU to allow aux capability. I have seen the posts on here about AUX2CAR, but wanted a couple of other features that a new HU would come with as well. When I went to CC, they said (and I think there were wrong), that if I had a monsoon system, I'd need to replace the speakers and rewire the entire car if I wanted to get a new HU. Hopefully, that is all BS and there is an easier solution. I guess my questions are, do any of you recc. a certain HU (I want MP3 playback, a somewhat cool looking display, and of course AUX for my XM Sky Fi2)? What exact parts do I need to get once I have the HU? How to install once I have everything? Appreciate any advice and am glad to have found such a great forum for my first new car Tks, KirstenHmm, I don't think you would have to replace all the speakers, but since the new HU will not work with the M&T amp you will probably have to rewire them and lose your M&T amp. The sub will have to be rewired somehow as well if you have that, and I'm sure you will lose quite a bit of sound quality even with the new HU. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. Others I'm sure will have more advice. Welcome to the site BTW!!

[GMJAP]

The M&T's system in the Vibe has an amplifier under the pasenger's seat. The amplifier runs off speaker-level outputs from the head unit, not line-level as most aftermarket amps do. If you choose not to use the factory amplifier, then you will have to replace the speakers because the M&T's uses 2 Ohm speakers, whereas an aftermarket head unit is designed to drive 4 Ohm speakers & wouldn't work with them.I believe that an after market head unit can be connected to the stock amp since it just runs off speaker level outputs, but am not clear on the details.Finally, don't let them tell you that you need a box so the door chimes and stuff will work. On many GM vehicles, there are some other car functions tied into the stock radios. However, on the Vibe this is not the case- The radio only connects to 12v power and the amplifier, and won't be missed by the rest of the car.

[jwalcik]

i've been through this myself, here's the details: http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...92271

[mcgusto82]

BS BS BS. Let's not BS Kirsten. ok. look this is what you do..go buy that sweet HU. get the wire harness for this car. you might have a hard time because best buy near me did not have it. try a stereo store. once you get it. you get a wiring diagram rfom pontiac. they can print one out for you. find the accesory/ign power for the stock amp. (don't cut any wires on the car's harness). cut a very small peice of wire. when i say small, i mean 1/5" small, remove the insulation. bend the metal prongs and connect the ign 12v to the amp radio switch. you will be able to power the amp with your aftermarket HU. there by being able to use your stock speakers and stock amp. now, about the sub.... you might not be able to power it. boo poo!. and yes, it work! after that, connect the aftermarket coonector with the HU already attached to it. and voila!!!!!

Attached files

[mcgusto82]

if you haven't bought your radio yet. mine will be up for sale with wiring, and single din adapter. basically all you need to replace the HU. it does play MP3's

[orangecrush]

My Wife has a 2005 Base Vibe with the M&T and I am an MECP certified car audio and accessories installer. When I replaced her Radio I purchased the the dash kit from Metra, I believe it is part #99-8205, the wiring harness you need will be a 70-2003 also from Metra, and as usual it will need the 40-GM10 antenna adaptor. The factory speakers and sub will still work just make sure you hook up the blue/white stripe wire on the new radio to the blue wire on the adaptor harness. I would also recommend that you also purchase part# FAI-3 made by Scosce(sp). This part will wire between your new radio harness and the adaptor harness, and will allow you to lower the output signal coming out of your radio to match closely to what the factory radio puts out. If not you will run the risk of damaging your factory M&T amp or speakers. Unfortunately the dealer will not warranty these if you have changed your head-unit. You can pick up a nice Kenwood MP3 Player with AUX In for around $200.00 The parts will run you approx. $45.00 plus $20-25.00 if you purchase the level adaptor that I mentioned.Good luck,Matt