Need help with Deck Install.
 

OK so maybe someone can help me out with this. I purchased a deck at Best Buy for my truck. I didnt care to much how good it was or anything like that BUT i wanted a little more out of my deck regardless. My truck is a 2002 GMC Sonoma SLS. After i bought the deck because it was after 8pm they said they couldnt do an install until a later date. So 2 days later (Saturday) I started calling the Best Buys trying to find one that had an open appointment for the install. After 6 locations I gave up except I gave two of them my number in case they had an opening. About 1pm I got a call from one of the locations and they explained to me that I needed extra hardware which they hadnt told me about previously. APPARENTLY, and this is where my problem lies, in 2000 GMC began outfitting their vehicles with some sort of relay which ultimately ties some of the stereo wiring into the other modules and relays. They are basically telling me that without this 150-200 dollar relay harness a deck install would ultimately render some of my trucks other functions dead. They told me my cluster may not work my door chime maybe even my headlights and ignition.

Now I use to install stereos a lot way back when and havent since except the one in my Acura, so this is all news to me. I wasnt prepared to drop 3-400 dollars into an install and NOW im pretty damn petrified to attempt it on my own.

Has anyone heard of this item they are discussing. Or heard of anything remotely close to what it is they said? I mean to install a head unit and have some of the major functions of my truck go dead is pretty hardcore. If you have or had a GMC sonoma or have had this same statement made to you PLEASE help me out on this one. Im pretty confused to say the least, and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks...Cheers!

It is likely you will have to buy an adapter, GM has integrated alot of functions witht he stereo including door chime. I hope you do not have On-Star, It use to be that you actually had to relocate the deck somewhere in the car but I think that is gone. Look up some of the companies that make the adaptors and see, ie Perhiperial electronics or Scoche (im not sure of the spelling.)

David

Yes this is true, you will need to buy either a gm chimes module or a relocation harness. The chimes module is more expensive but a lot less hassle on the install. The relocation harness basically keeps your factory deck wired in but you have to relocate your radio somewhere else in the vehicle. By the way take it to an audio shop not best buy or Future shop.

if u take it 2 fs/bb there gonna say

"bypass module, 150$, basic deck install, 50$"

or u can use the t-harness and keep ur factory radio in the trunk

if u have onstar ur f*****

some car audio stores just use a regular harness and prey u dont tamper with the harness by urself or....BOOOM THERE GOES YOUR AIRBAGS!:|

On a 2002 Sonoma, It is a class 2 system, There is no air bag tie in...... The harness they are trying to sell you just gives you the warning chime, you can use a regular harness....

you dont need any of that crap, all you need is a basic gm wiring harness. dont buy the relocation kit or the chimes module. the class 2 wiring doesnt have a 12v acc wire, thats all. to fix that you need to run a fuse tap (5 bucks at canadian tire) to the wiper fuse in your fuse box. run that wire to the red wire on your deck harness and there you go. you will lose your door chimes, that is all. airbags and dash will work fine. if anyone tells you differently, they are just trying to make money.

to be exact you'll need the wiring harness for a 2000+ chevy metro/prizm/tracker
scosche GM05B

It's not about making money, it's about doing it right. Your way will work but if he ever gets a check engine light come on you can't clear it unless you have the factory deck plugged in. So if you want to go through that hassle, the cheaper way will work.

you do not have to have the stock deck installed to clear the check engine light. i am not the only person to have done this and NO ONE has ever had any issues with this (engine light, airbags, dash lights, etc.)
like i said, all you lose is the chimes.
if the chimes are important to you then get the relocation kit...if they aren't, just do what i said above.

*edit*
some gm cars do use the stock deck for servicing, some don't. i know for a fact sunfires and cavaliers don't, as for the sonoma, i'm not 100% sure but it has the same class 2 system as j-bodies.

You know what despite ALL your help which I appreciate SO much, ive decided to return the deck and do without. Im sure there is easy ways and hard ways and sure fire ways to make this work. But for what its worth to me at this point in time I could care less. The factory deck plays well and has a fair sound range, ill just tap in an RCA port splitter into the factory speakers and toss in an amp and sub. I have my '98 Acura Integra ill just toss all my stereo money into that as its a pretty simple install for everything in that car. Thanks again for all your help. To set the record straight I would never go to Best Buy or Future Shop if I had the choice, the deck was a present for my birthday on Friday. Im just glad I got it early and had time to return it and wash my hands clean of it.

Thanks again.

Cheers

2000 or newer for GM, and thats what you have to do..

DOes your car have this?

turn your car off, is your stereo still on and when you open door the radio shuts off? Yep, you have it.. Just a quick tip for anyone with this situation in the future....

OoooooooooooK!

ok, so you defined class 2...that was already established tho.

Thats what I thought that and the fact the i returned the deck and i posted like what? 7 days ago?

If you want to keep your door chime, than install the module. If you don't care for it, just grab a regular harness. Do not trust Best Buy of Future Shop, they know nothing. I am an installer and never use this by pass module unless the customer request it.

wait...how much was your deck? cause if you bought it over 149.99, then its a free install.. and by you attempting to install it yourself you void the warrenty.. sooo dont bother trying to return it.. if you really want it done, call the newmarket store (949) @ 905 954 1262 ext. 2150. Im there right now so if anything, ask for Jamaal. but make sure your deck was or over 150 and you have proof of purchase from the best buy you bought it from.. otherwise it'll b 44.99 for instal. Hope that helps you out.



ps to Christosv.. I believe its against the law to remove a safety feature from a car.. soo i wouldn't do that if i were you.. Talk to a MECP Installer.