What do I Need to know before I buy/Install aftermarket Radio

[Shana7711]

I am looking into getting a touch screen radio/dvd/GPS to replace my stock cd player/radio in my 2004 envoy SLT since i recently learned they are pretty cheap now! What do i need? I would like to get a double/2 DIN so i dont have extra space, but im not sure how that works and what dimensions i need to know? I want it to have an auxillary port too
Can i get a GPS unit and will it work? (my envoy has onstar, not subscribed, Bose sound)
Is there certain radios that will fit better than others?
Where/how do i go about buying the "stereo harness"?
Will i need any extra wires?
Can I do the install myself? or is it pretty complicated? (i do not know anything about the inner workings of cars or electronics)
Any certain kinds that are better than others? like the ones where the screen slides down to insert dvd vs just having a dvd slot visible.
I am totally in the dark here! Any help is appreciated, Thanks!

PS. i found this really cool phone/misc mount for inside the car that i am about to buy, once the amazon seller gets back to me.
Amazon.com: Black OEM ExoGear Universal ExoMount Suction Car Mount, EXO-MOUNT-BK: Cell Phones & Accessories
Has anyone seen this, or have it? The youtube videos are pretty sweet. and its only $20. I do not like dashboard or vent mounts, so i looked for alternatives and this one mounts anywhere(flat surface required)!

Thanks, Shana

 

[Shana7711]

in my research i have come to find that my 04 envoy may or may not have a lux amp, which makes quite a difference in upgrades. How do i know if i have a lux amp or not? without taking apart my car to find out. and i do not know if it was built before 11/03, where could i find this info?

 

[NewfieEnvoy]

If you go here and enter your VIN number it will list off all your RPO codes, their the build codes in your glove box, one or maybe two will describe your audio system that was originally in the vehicle.
Comprehensive Chevrolet, Saturn, GMC, Hummer, Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Geo, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, Chrysler, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda Truck, Mercedes VIN Decoder

 

[NewfieEnvoy]

Here's a very common online site for automotive audio equipment used around here:
Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, LCD TV, Digital Cameras

Also, its on the highend but several members use the Kenwood 6160, its been discontinued and replaced with the 6190. Pricey but again that's the highend for you to compare features with.

 

[Shana7711]

Does any of this tell me which amp i have lol? Although im pretty sure non-lux

RPO Description
UA6 THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT(UA6)
UB1 RADIO AM/FM STEREO, SEEK/SCAN. AUTO REV MUSIC SEARCH CASS, CD, AUTO TONE, DATA SYSTEM, CLOCK, ETR STEREO W/CASSETTE,CD,AUTO TONE(UB1)
UE1 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM VEHICLE, G.P.S. 1 GPS 1 VEH COMM SYS(UE1)
UG1 OPENER GARAGE DOOR, UNIVERSAL UNIVERSAL GARAGE DR OPENER(UG1)
UK6 RADIO CONTROL REAR SEAT & EARPHONE JACKS RR ST AUDIO(UK6)
UQA SPEAKER SYSTEM PREMIUM PERFORMANCE ENHANCED AUDIO PREMIUM SPKR SYSTEM(UQA)
UY7 TRAILER WIRING,7 WIRE,2 LEAD FRONT HARNESS,5 LEAD REAR HARNESS 7 WIRE TRLR HARN(UY7)
U68 DISPLAY,DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER INFO DISPLAY(U68)
U73 ANTENNA,FIXED FIXED ANT(U73)
VXS VEHICLE - COMPLETE
V1K BAR LUGGAGE CARRIER,CENTER CROSS LUGGAGE CARRIER(V1K)
V40 PROVISION OPTIONS ULTRA SEATING PKG - POWER ADJUST, RECLINE, LUMBAR PWR SEAT ADJ(V40)
V73 VEHICLE STATEMENT - US/CANADA US/CANADA VEHICLE STATEMENT(V73)
YC6 DECOR PACKAGE/CL/SLE,#6(LUXURY) DECOR PKG #6/CL/SLE(YC6)
YD3 AXLE FRONT (BASE EQUIP) FOR SCHEDULING GVW PLATE FRT AXLE(YD3)
YD5 SPRING,FRONT(BASE EQUIPMENT) FRT SPRING(YD5)
YD6 SPRING,REAR(BASE EQUIPMENT) RR SPRING(YD6)
ZQ3 DRIVER CONVENIENCE PACKAGE II(MERCHANDISING OPTION) DRVR CONVENIENCE PKG(ZQ3)
ZW7 CHASSIS PACKAGE,PREMIUM SMOOTH RIDE PREMIUM SMOOTH RIDE CHAS PKG(ZW7)
ZY1 COLOR COMBINATION SOLID SOLID PAINT COMBO(ZY1)
Z88 GMC TRUCK G M C(Z88)
1SC PACKAGE-OPTION 03 (1SC)
1SZ PACKAGE OPTION- (1SZ)
41U EXTERIOR COLOR,GRASS GREEN (41U)
EXTERIOR COLOR,PRIMARY (41U)
EXTERIOR COLOR,PRIMARY,BLACK (41U)
6HR COMPONENT FRT LH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (6HR) SUSP(6HR)
7HP COMPONENT FRT RH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (7HP) SUSP(7HP)
8EX COMPONENT RR LH COMPUTER SEL SUSP(8EX) SUSP(8EX)
9EX COMPONENT RR RH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (9EX) SUSP(9EX)
92I INTERIOR TRIM SHALE/PEWTER (92I)
922 TRIM COMBINATION LEATHER, SHALE/PEWTER (922)
AAB MEMORY DRIVER CONVENIENCE PACKAGE CONVENIENCE PKG(AAB)
AJ1 GLASS,DEEP TINT(REAR SIDE WINDOWS AND REAR DOOR WINDOW) DEEP TINTED GLS(AJ1)
AJ7 RESTRAINT SYSTEM FRT SEAT, INFLATABLE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER, FRT & SIDE INFL RST FRT & SI(AJ7)
AM9 SEAT,REAR,FOLDING SPLIT BACK FLDG SPLIT BK R/SEAT(AM9)
AP9 NET,CONVENIENCE CONVENIENCE NET(AP9)
AR9 SEAT,FRONT BUCKET,DRIVER,PASSENGER,MANUAL RECLINING(EUROPEAN STYLE) MAN RECL FRT BKT ST,DELUXE(AR9)
AU0 LOCK CONTROL,REMOTE ENTRY(KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM) REMOTE ENTRY LK CONT(AU0)
AXP VIN IDENT POSITION, MULTI- PURPOSE VEHICLE MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLE VIN POSITION(AXP)
BVE STEPS RUNNINGBOARD, SIDE RUNNINGBOARD SIDE STEPS(BVE)
B30 CARPET,FLOOR AND WHEELHOUSE FLR CPT(B30)
B32 COVERING,FLOOR MATS,FRONT AUXILIARY FRT AUX FLR MATS(B32)
B33 COVERING,FLOOR MATS,REAR AUXILIARY RR AUX FLR MATS(B33)
B42 MAT,LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR COVER(FITTED) LUGGAGE COMPT FLR MAT(B42)
CF5 ROOF,SUN,GLASS SLIDING,ELECTRIC ELEC SUNROOF(GLASS)(CF5)
CJ2 HVAC SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONER FRT, AUTO TEMP CONT, AUX TEMP CONT A/C FRT AUTO/AUX CONT(CJ2)
C49 DEFOGGER,REAR WINDOW,ELECTRIC ELEC RR WDO DEFG(C49)
C5N GVW RATING 5750 LBS 5750 GVWR(C5N)
DAY PLANT CODE MORAINE, OH, GM T&B MORAINE,OH PLANT CODE(DAY)
DD7 MIRROR,I/S,R/V,LT SENSITIVE,COMPASS I/S RR VIEW MIR(DD7)
DH2 MIRROR,INSIDE, ILLUMINATED,LH & RH,WITH DUAL SUNSHADE ILLUM S/S MIR(DH2)
DK7 CONSOLE ROOF INTERIOR,CUSTOM,COMPASS & OUTSIDE TEMP RF CNSL(DK7)
DS3 MIRROR O/S LH & RH, REMOTE CONTROL, ELECTRIC, HEATED MANUAL FOLDING, TURN SIG IND, COLOR BODY COLOR ELEC HEATED O/S MIR(DS3)
DT4 ASH RECEPTACLE AND CIGARETTE LIGHTER ASH TRAY & C/LTR(DT4)
EVA TEST DVT, EVAP EMISSION REQUIREMENT EVAP EMISSIONS REQUIRED(EVA)
FE9 FEDERAL EMISSION CERTIFICATION FED EMIS(FE9)
GT4 AXLE,REAR,3.73 RATIO 3.73R(GT4)
G80 AXLE,REAR,POSITRACTION,LIMITED SLIP POSITRACTION L/SLIP R/AXL(G80)
JF8 BRAKE VAC POWER, 4 WHL DISC 4 WHL DISC BRK(JF8)
JJB PT DRESS SUBASSEMBLY NOT INSTALLED (MODULAR OPTIMIZATION METHOD ONLY) PLANT OPERATION(JJB)
KG4 GENERATOR 150 AMP 150 AMP GEN(KG4)
K18 REACTOR SYSTEM AIR INJECTION, ELECTRIC ELEC AIR INJECTION REACTOR(K18)
K34 CRUISE CONTROL,AUTOMATIC,ELECTRONIC CRCONT(K34)
LL8 ENGINE,4.2L,DOHC,L,MFI,ALUM, 6 CYL 4.2S(LL8)
M30 TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED,4L60E,ELECTRONIC 4-SPD A/TRANS(M30)
NP8 TRANSFER CASE ACTIVE, TWO SPEED, PUSH BUTTON CONTROL TRANSFER CASE(NP8)
NT7 EMISSION SYSTEM FEDERAL, TIER 2 TIER 2 FED EMIS(NT7)
N40 STEERING,HYDRAULIC(NON-VARIABLE) NON-VARIABLE P/S(N40)
N79 WHEEL SPARE FULL SIZE, STEEL FULL SIZE STEEL SPA WHL(N79)
N80 WHEEL 17 X 7, ALUMINUM, PREMIUM, CHROME ALUM WHL(N80)
QTE TIRE ALL P245/65R17-105S BW PE/ST TL OOR TIRE(QTE)
RYJ COVERING,CARGO AREA,RETRACTABLE RETRACTABLE CARGO CVR(RYJ)
R6J CONTROL - SALES ITEM NO. 10
SLM SALES PROCESSING - STOCK ORDERS
STW STEERING WHEEL LEATHER WRAPPED WITH REDUNDANT CONTROLS LEATHER WRAPPED STRG WHL W/REDUNDANT CONTROLS(STW)
TB4 LIFT GATE LIFT GATE(TB4)
TFE SALES INCENTIVE - COMMITMENT PLUS
TGA LANGUAGE CONTROL ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH ENGLISH-FRENCH-SPANISH LANGUAGE CONTROL(TGA)
T61 LIGHTING,DAYTIME RUNNING DAYTIME RUNNING LGT(T61)
T96 LAMP,FRONT FOG FRT FOG LP(T96)

 

[Shana7711]

UQA SPEAKER SYSTEM PREMIUM PERFORMANCE ENHANCED AUDIO PREMIUM SPKR SYSTEM(UQA)
and envoy built 02/04.
I am completely confused as to which amp i have I would like to just "visually inspect", but removing the panel is a bit of work.
What should i do?

 

[NewfieEnvoy]

Does any of this tell me which amp i have lol? Although im pretty sure non-lux
RPO Description
UB1 RADIO AM/FM STEREO, SEEK/SCAN. AUTO REV MUSIC SEARCH CASS, CD, AUTO TONE, DATA SYSTEM, CLOCK, ETR STEREO W/CASSETTE,CD,AUTO TONE(UB1)
UK6 RADIO CONTROL REAR SEAT & EARPHONE JACKS RR ST AUDIO(UK6)
UQA SPEAKER SYSTEM PREMIUM PERFORMANCE ENHANCED AUDIO PREMIUM SPKR SYSTEM(UQA)
STW STEERING WHEEL LEATHER WRAPPED WITH REDUNDANT CONTROLS LEATHER WRAPPED STRG WHL W/REDUNDANT CONTROLS(STW)

Wait until someone else chimes in to confirm but I believe you have the Bose system, without the CD changer. Looks like you have the steering wheel controls that you'll definitely need an extra adapter to make work with a new HU.

 

[Shana7711]

HAHAHAHA! I did it, took a while and a few pictures, but i was able to get my iphone up into the compartment where the amp is and snap a picture of the label on it!
pretty proud of myself lol, didnt break anything either Now the question is....Lux or not?
View attachment 24438

 

[Denali n DOO]

Not sure about the "LUX-NON LUX" thing. Clarion makes some nice units too, I wouldn't mind one of these NX702 Clarion Canada | NX702 , a lil pricey but looks nice, works with an iphone too. I'm sure you'll be getting lots of replies here.

 

[Shana7711]

Not sure about the "LUX-NON LUX" thing. Clarion makes some nice units too, I wouldn't mind one of these NX702 Clarion Canada | NX702 , a lil pricey but looks nice, works with an iphone too. I'm sure you'll be getting lots of replies here.

Hahahahaha! I wish I could afford that lol, maybe in a few years after grad school.
I don't need anything that fancy, it had too much going on and stuff I wouldn't use, nice tho

Btw...PLEASE someone put an end to my suffering and just tell me lux or not! If its not then no new touch screen probably

 

[Shana7711]

Wait until someone else chimes in to confirm but I believe you have the Bose system, without the CD changer. Looks like you have the steering wheel controls that you'll definitely need an extra adapter to make work with a new HU.

Oops, I thought I put my car specs up there. Well,
2004 envoy slt
Bose and onstar
Steering wheel controls
Cd/cassette player, not 6disc changer
Leather/sunroof/power everything...only thing missing is heated seats and remote start

 

[Black LT]

99.9% sure it's non-lux, which is the same as 05 on up.
Here's a pic of mine from an 05 - the pic wasn't for the label, but you can see it looks like yours the lux amps I think were smaller and silver.
View attachment 25322

And which amp only decided which adapter to use. I used a GMOS-04.


EDIT - Hmmm, seems I was wrong on the color but I still think I'm right. This pic (not mine) is of the side we don't see. But you can see the non lux mounting feet are part of the casting. Also there is a third wire plug for the lux that we don't have.
View attachment 25323

 

[Shana7711]

Sad I dont know how an 04 envoy built in February is considered "late 04", i guess thats why im still holding onto what little hope i have left.
So, if it is non-lux, what are my options for plug-n-play? I want a touch screen cd/dvd player with aux port and such, Nav would be nice but not necessary.

 

[Black LT]

Not sad. You buy the radio you want and use the GMOS-04 to plug it into your factory harness.

 

[Shana7711]

ok so let me see if i understand a few things lol
1. If i want nav i have to get a non-lux nav system, which are hard to find, and i can live without it
2. I can buy and easily install any other touch screen/dvd/radio
3. Will i lose my "chimes"? (i guess that is what the noise is called while your door is open?)
4. what about still being able to use my steering wheel controls?
5. I have no idea what size screen/unit to get so i know that it will fit.
6. the "faceplate"? black edge piece that fills in gaps, are there all kinds? will i have to custom fit something?
7. (last one lol, sorry) Is it feasible that i will be able to do this on my own, i dont want to pay for install, but dont have much knowledge about cars or electronics...And on a tight budget?

Thank you everyone for helping me, without this forum i would be lost and end up at best buy or something :/ !!!

(oh and i have the bose/onstar, this is ok?)

 

[Black LT]

ok so let me see if i understand a few things lol
1. If i want nav i have to get a non-lux nav system, which are hard to find, and i can live without it
2. I can buy and easily install any other touch screen/dvd/radio
3. Will i lose my "chimes"? (i guess that is what the noise is called while your door is open?)
4. what about still being able to use my steering wheel controls?
5. I have no idea what size screen/unit to get so i know that it will fit.
6. the "faceplate"? black edge piece that fills in gaps, are there all kinds? will i have to custom fit something?
7. (last one lol, sorry) Is it feasible that i will be able to do this on my own, i dont want to pay for install, but dont have much knowledge about cars or electronics...

Thank you everyone for helping me, without this forum i would be lost and end up at best buy or something :/ !!!

(oh and i have the bose/onstar, this is ok?)

1. & 2. You were asking about aftermarket radio's. Lux and non-lux has nothing to do with that (that is the type of Bose amp in our trucks and determines the adapter needed).
You can buy an aftermarket (Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, ...) double din radio with whatever features you want (nav, dvd, ipod hookup, ...)

The easily part is a matter of opinion. You buy the radio you want - wire it to the GMOS-04 - take your dash apart - take the factory radio out and plug the new one in. If you never did something like this - find somebody to help. If you buy from Crutchfield, they bundle everything you need plus give some instructions (at least they used to).
3. The GMOS-04 will retain the chimes and retained accessory power.
4. adapters are available to keep the steering wheel controls. Again, some installation required.
5. Double din - or single with an adapter.
6. No
7. Ask in #2.

 

[Shana7711]

are there really only two size stereos? 1 and 2 DIN? Im trying to figure out if all of the units have the same dimensions even though screen size varies. so that the metal box that the OEM radio fits in i can use for the replacement

THANK YOU Black LT for all your help btw

 

[Blckshdw]

are there really only two size stereos? 1 and 2 DIN? Im trying to figure out if all of the units have the same dimensions even though screen size varies. so that the metal box that the OEM radio fits in i can use for the replacement

THANK YOU Black LT for all your help btw

The DIN sizes are industry standards, so that's what you're predominantly see. There are a few manufacturers that use 1.5 DIN, like some Chrysler/Jeep vehicles (I've owned both) . Those are usually listed on sites like Crutchfield and SonicElectronix as 'special fit'. The only dimension you may have to worry about is depth. For some models, you may have to cut out the plastic rear support bracket that's behind the stock radio, to allow the new one to slide in all the way. If you use the Crutchfield website, put in your vehicle info, then when you look at each head unit, they will tell you if it will fit directly, or if you require a 'modified fit' and have to cut out that bracket.

My truck had a POS aftermarket single DIN installed in it, so most of that bracket was cut out. I recently installed a double DIN, and had to cut away more of the bracket that was left behind to get mine to fit.

 

[Short Bus]

Someone already pointed you to Crutchfield, but Sonic usually beats their price, has great CS also.

Car Audio Stereo - Car Subwoofers - Car Amplifiers and Speakers

 

[Matt]

Shana,

I believe you MAY have a LUX amp. The absolute best way to tell is to take the rear panel off and look at the connectors for it. If there's 2 it's non-LUX, 3 and it's a LUX unit.

If you have a LUX amp, you'd be better off ripping everything out and replacing the lot IMO. That way you'd be able to use what you want rather than be dictated by what will work.

 

[Shana7711]

Pioneer Dvd car receiver-NO PASSWORD $100

Pioneer Dvd car receiver-NO PASSWORD

Anyone know if the whole password thing can be disabled?

 

[eutechnyx]

Just some food for thought,Crutchfield is very over-priced and all equipment on there can be had from other reputable websites for much cheaper. just my

 

[Shana7711]

I only use crutchfield to check retail price, specs, reviews, and fit lol . Other than that I plan on getting one off of eBay or Craigslist for cheap. Nothing too fancy. Still trying to decide what features I absolutely want and ones that I can live without.
I want Bluetooth, but unsure of how it will work and where I get/put a mic. Nav is not essential since I can use my iPhone, but then I need one that will work with iPhone. I don't quite understand if when it connect to iPhone what that means the HU will be able to use? Like will it show my nav on the screen? i know some say they work with pandora? either way, i can look at my phone for GPS lol.
When specs say "bluetooth optional" or "ready", what does that mean?
and i dont wanna spend $100 on a wiring harness, so i gotta wait till i can get a deal on that.
Also with the harness, gmos-04, the ones on ebay specifically say "for onstar" or "for door chimes". they are all the same right? just marketing i assume?

sorry i have sooo many questions, i am such a noob I wish i had a friend that knew all this stuff lol, i might just end up going to an audio automotive place when i get time haha. just to ask questions

 

[Short Bus]

Here's a good deal on a new JVC with touch screen, nav, and bluetooth.

JVC KW-NT300 In-Dash 6.1" Touchscreen LCD CD/ MP3/USB Receiver w/Navigation & Bluetooth

 

[Shana7711]

View attachment 25361

Not lux amp right?

 

[Ed H]

Non-LUX.

 

[jeffro312]

I only use crutchfield to check retail price, specs, reviews, and fit lol . Other than that I plan on getting one off of eBay or Craigslist for cheap. Nothing too fancy. Still trying to decide what features I absolutely want and ones that I can live without.
I want Bluetooth, but unsure of how it will work and where I get/put a mic. Nav is not essential since I can use my iPhone, but then I need one that will work with iPhone. I don't quite understand if when it connect to iPhone what that means the HU will be able to use? Like will it show my nav on the screen? i know some say they work with pandora? either way, i can look at my phone for GPS lol.
When specs say "bluetooth optional" or "ready", what does that mean?
and i dont wanna spend $100 on a wiring harness, so i gotta wait till i can get a deal on that.
Also with the harness, gmos-04, the ones on ebay specifically say "for onstar" or "for door chimes". they are all the same right? just marketing i assume?

sorry i have sooo many questions, i am such a noob I wish i had a friend that knew all this stuff lol, i might just end up going to an audio automotive place when i get time haha. just to ask questions

Just be careful with eBay and Craigslist never know what your actually getting.

When it says Bluetooth optional or ready it means exactly what is says that it has capability but you will have to purchase seperate things for it to work.

Also as for price of harness it is what it is not really going to find many deals. So if you have on star and steering controls and want to keep door chimes. You need adapter
When looking for adapter get one listed for options you have. It will stay on star with Bose or without or no on star with or without Bose depends what you have.

With this kind of things Google will be your best friend there are hundreds of others with same questions as you type them in Google and you can find any answer you want and be able to inform yourself of anything you need to know

As far as iPhone integration. Nav will not appear on radio screen just song names and controls etc. Good luck let us know your outcome

 

[Matt]

Not lux amp right?

Right. Now it's much easier for you to do what you like rather than be dictated by what you have...you have almost endless possibilities.

 

[Denali n DOO]

Right. Now it's much easier for you to do what you like rather than be dictated by what you have...you have almost endless possibilities.

One possibility is Jman423's Clarion HU that he posted he's selling last night. Might be sold tho...