I have a 2005 SS/SC with Pioneer, but without Onstar. I have read the FAQ's and quite a few other posts, but some things are still not clear to me and I'd like to figure this out before I buy stuff I don't need. More importantly, I'd like to figure out the adapters/harnesses I need before I start tearing into the dash.

Here's the HU I'm looking at:

Pioneer FH-X700BT

Nothing special, more than enough for what I listen to. I'm getting both the Metra 95-3302 trim kit and the Metra 40-GM10 antenna adapter too, but I consider those academic. For the steering wheel controls, I'm getting the (unless someone can recommend a better one).

The only real question is, do I need both of these harness adapters, or only one:

PAC C2R-GM11B

Metra 70-2103


I don't think the 2005's need to retain the chimes, as I don't think they go through the speakers, but to be honest, I don't sit and listen to hear if my chimes are in stereo.

Any help would be appreciated, including opinions on the HU too, though I'm not terribly concerned with how loud it is, more about the bluetooth functionality.

 

Either harness will work, and no the 05's dont have chimes running through the stereo.
The PAC one is just a matter of connecting the wires and its good. The Metra you have to run a wire to the fuse box for switched power, and you have to hook up your remote wire to the factory amp wire so your speakers will work. Thats the difference really.

 

Use the 2103.
Add a fuse to your Sunroof in cabin fuse box.
You will maintain stock radio functions and save a bunch of money.

I just did mine this way last week with a x5500bhs

 

OK, I think I'll do the 2103. I'm not afraid of wiring, but I don't want a mess either.

Either of you use the steering wheel adapter? Just wondering how messy that is to install. I think one guy on here said he had to solder those connections. I'm not against it, but it makes the install less plug 'n play, if you ever want to go back to stock.

 

I used the PAC SWI-PS. The button adapters will need to have three connections made. One for the HU on the aftermarket harness, and two to the OEM hanress in the car. You need to get switched power to the buttons. I vampire tapped mine.

There is a thread about it.
I posed the colors and everything.

Should be close to the top of the audio forum.

 

Excellent, thank you!

 

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/elec...swi-ps-217095/

 

Haha, yep, that's the post I was looking at right before I made mine. It makes more sense now.

 

SWI-RC is easy on our cars. It was all accessible from behind the radio. No steering column nonsense like some of the GM cars
iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future (easy install instructions, mine was one wire which was running off the PAC harness (green i believe)

 

I pulled all unnecessary wires out of the SWI-PS, except the green, brown (loop), purple (loop), and obviously left red and black. Once you have everything working and you know you won't need the other wires, I highly recommend doing this. It saves a lot of clutter.

Thanks to all who helped me get my head right. The install was smooth and no issues. The steering wheel controls took me a second, until I realized I was making it way harder than it was.

One thing to note: the SWI-PS wires are very thin. Using a tap-in squeeze connector for these, I had to strip more wire and double-them over to make them thick enough. Otherwise, the connector would barely break through the sheathing and didn't make a consistent connection. Having a test light handy is always a good thing.