So I ordered an Alpine headunit from Crutchfield with the recommended GM harness they sell which is supposed to maintain the DIC. What a mess. The install was easy, unfortunately I threw just about every CEL there is from loss of engine power, power steering, to finally engine disabled. I really freaked out when I went to shut off the car, removed the key and the motor kept running. WTF is going on I'm thinkin!!
Called Crutchfield to see what's up. First of all, we do NOT need any special kit to keep the DIC in tact. The Crutchfield guy goes on to tell me I have to cut all the wires under the driver dash that go to the Pioneer amp. Mind you, I'd been at this for over an hour now and had everything really nice according to their install instruction.
Long story f'in short, I pulled the unit and am sending it back.
Has anyone with an 05 SS/SC had similar problems replacing the factory radio.

 

Sorry no problems here.I have an 05 and an Alpine head unit with the wiring harness and I had no probelms with it except the loss of steering volume and changing the channel.

 

Bad things can happen if something is wired wrong. We all could have told you that you didnt need the harness and kit that relocates the DIC.

 

Sounds like a problem my brother had, when a live wire was connected to the cruise control wire. Turned off the car, car kept going... unplugged the battery (We were young, didn't realize the alternator would power the car for hours at end) and nothing happened. Pulled the plug on the headunit and it died.

The only cars I know of that need the DIC kit is the G6's and possibly the malibus, but i am not sure on the malibus. Honest to god all you need is the $20 wire harness from your local pep boys that is the female end of the stock harness. The harness plugs into the stock radio harness and has color coated wires that will match your aftermarket headunits harness. Just wire them and solder them sturdy, then hook the two ends up to the harness and the radio and put it all away.