I have been looking into replacing the stock head unit on our 2000 Monte Carlo. It seems many of the functions of the car itself are tied to the factory radio. These include door and warning chimes and reset of oil change, tire pressure monitor, key fob programing, etc. I have found info on how other have replaced the factory setup using adapters, add-on wiring harness, etc. but nothing from a place that I trust like AVS.

Has anyone done this on a similar GM, and if so how, and what were the results??

Thanks

I have worked with this in the past. Originally when GM came out with this radio interface, wiring harnesses were used that made you re-locate the factory head unit to the trunk of the car. This way one could replace the stereo but maintain all of the factory functions.

More recently, the new harnesses have circuitry built in that no longer requires the continued use of the factory radio. (However I would always keep the original available in case you need some crazy service or for re-sale.)

Most harnesses have a lifetime warranty and should never fail. If you pay the $50 to have it installed professionally, that should also have a life time warranty. Then you should not worry as it is someone elses problem.

I agree that this is the best tech A/V website around, however always take what you read with a grain of salt, most of it is just opinion.