I was looking into getting a new head unit, since I am obsessed with my ipod and my ss does not have the mp3 radio or the aux jack, but everyone told me I would have to get a 300 part to have the head unit work with the instrument cluster, and the steering wheel controls... I had never heard of something like that, so can anyone explain this to me? I ended up getting a d-lo ipod fm trans. thing.

I know that the 07 comes with aux jacks and getting that radio probably would have been easier (maybe, i have no clue) but it is black and would not look right with the silver out line in my car...

 

You should just get a alpine that suports the ipod. Will make for better once you want to upgrade the audio later.....

 

i had an alpine in my last car, they still said i would need the 300 piece to make the cluster and steering wheel controls work

 

They are pulling your leg, this is a common misconception that unexperienced installers make. The cobalt does not require the $300 piece that the Malibu does. You can use the $20 double din adapter, $10 harness, and the $50 steering wheel control adapter and you are set. Unless, of course, you have onstar, if thats the case you will need to take additional steps.

The installer is most likely talking about an adapter that is intended for use on the Malibu, etc. The Malibu has the DIC located on the stereo unit instead of on the instrument cluster like on the cobalt, and as such when you put an after market radio in the car you loose the DIC on the Malibu. This is solved by installing a double din adapter that has the lower part cut off with a LCD screen just for DIC use. You DO NOT need this part in the cobalt because it is on the instrument cluster.

As for your final question about using a 2007 Radio on a 2006 cobalt, this has been done. However, due to updates in the CAN bus and computer system, the unit does not operate properly. Also, they do make a silver 2007 radio model on the SS cobalts (However, they only use black on the G5 GT)

 

Orr ones that want to really rip you off....

But what smartmlp said is very good info. I would go with Alpine or Pioneer as far as being able to use your IPod. IMO they are the top 2 as far as ease of use is concerned. I love my Alpines IPod control. My friend has a Pioneer in-dash with the nav and all...correct me if im wrong but I think its the D1 or N3? And the IPod control on his is similar and again IMO competes with the Alpine units ease of use.

Goodluck with your choice! Let us know how it goes!

 

yeah thats what i found out too. i went to best buy and they told me it would be 200 for something to make the controls on my steering wheel work. but then i went to a stereo place around here n they told me about 80 all together. im still not sure, i havent decided to change mine yet

 

Who gives a **** about the stearing wheel controls anyways !!! Just get a new Pioneer headunit. Most of the 2007 models have a ipod direct jack. All you need to do is get a 5$ cable to connect it to your radio and your all set.