I'd like to put in my Sony MP3 CD Car Deck (CDXGT610UI) to replace the factory deck that I have (no mp3, just cd and radio).

My questions are:
1. What features will I lose in the car?
2. Is there anything in the factory stereo that effects the engine or computer controls?

My guess is that the obvious things I would lose are the theftock and automatic volume/tone control.

So to those of you who have replaced their factory decks, can you throw some knowledge my way

Also, I've had two stores already tell me that I'm going to need a $300 installation kit to put in an aftermarket deck. Is this installation kit so special because it will keep ALL of the balts features intact?

Thanks again everyone

 

there are a few threads about this already. search button would help alot. i would post some links for you but i am signing out for the nite

 

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/electronics-audio-video-49/general-stereo-faq-read-21371/

 

actuaslly here is one link i had saved dont know how much will help bu good luck. like i said if you search for some thing radio wise up there in the search button you probably would find better info. but sorry i dont have more links for ya
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums//showthread.php?t=58395

^^ oops got beat to putting up a link

 

Tell us what year and model your cobalt is, and whether or not it has onstar/xm and/or the pioneer sound system with the sub. We can't help you more unless you post that.

 

Just upgrading the stock HU will net you better sound. The factory HU is weak. I also agree with Silv3r, we need to know what model you have and whether or not you have onstar/XM or pioneer with the sub. If I had to to guess I would say you dont have those. You do not need the 300 kit. I got my harness for free from crutchfield when I ordered a radio from them. So I got radio, harness, and the new radio center section to help install the radio.

Art

 

I own a 2006 Cobalt LT Sedan 2.2

The stereo consists of just a CD player and radio. Two 6 1/2 in the doors and two 6x9 in the rear. No Pioneer system, no On-Star, no mp3 capability or anything like that.

I've read the faq at the beginning of this thread but there's no questions about what happens to the TheftLock system and the automatic volume/tone control. I didn't want to read everything that other have posted after the faq, so I was just trying to save some time. I'll try the search and see what comes up.

But any input from you guys here would be greatly appreciated.

So none of the balts original features were lost when you upgraded? Still have the TheftLock and auto volume/tone control? If you didn't lose anything then this eases my mind a lot more.

 

both theftloc and auto volume are features of the stock deck... taking it out takes them out.

you will also lose steering wheel controls unless you get the interface from pac audio

 

Noted. I was told what Theftlock is and that won't be a big loss to me, same with the auto volume/tone control. No big loss. Car security/alarm? Will this be affected?

I don't have any stereo controls on my steering wheel, just cruise control.

Wow, now I'm starting to feel more at ease about upgrading my stereo system. Just to let you guys know...I drove a '92 Geo Metro for 8 years. So getting a 2006 Chevy Cobalt was quite a big change for me Hahahahaha!

 

The Theftlock just makes the factory radio not work in a different car. It's just protection from someone stealing your radio, which is pointless since you're replacing it.

The regular car alarm will not be affected. On a 2006 without the Pioneer system or XM/Onstar, you will not lose anything by upgrading the head unit.