Can anyone direct me on the cleanest want to gain access behind the dash and remove the radio? I am trying to reach the antenna tuner (where ever that is!)

Can anyone direct me on the cleanest want to gain access behind the dash and remove the radio? I am trying to reach the antenna tuner (where ever that is!)

I have no instructions on how to remove the radio, however I do have one HUGE request...PLEASE TAKE PICS OF THE BACK OF THE RADIO ONCE YOU REMOVE IT! It would be VERY beneficial to the board! Thanks and sorry that I cant help you remove it...

Depending on the relationship you have with your dealership, you might go and try talking to one of the mechanics. Before a new owner came in and fired everyone and replaced them with MORONS... :banghead:

I had a pretty good relationship with a mechanic, and pretty much anything I needed, he told me, don't even go inside cause they'll try and charge you. Just come and find me. And something like this he would print up some GM sheets for me telling me with some cheesy pictures on how to do the job.

I did a google on Holden console removal. Try removing the 3 screws along front bottom of radio first.

Link:
http://www.users.on.net/~nweber/commodore/tech/index.html

Removal of console in VP Commodore
From: Pete

To remove the entire centre console assembly do this.

Remove the ashtray in the centre console. Grab the panel around the gear lever and yank it upwards from the rear (note it clips in at the rear and hinges up at the front - be careful)

Remove glovebox - RHS at the back is a black hinge pivot. Slide this left and unclip box. Remove inspection panel beneath steering wheel by removing clips on front and the hinge pin in a similar manner.

Remove 3 screws along front bottom of radio/storage cup etc facia. Pull it out bottom first. Unplug harnesses for AC/driving lights etc. Remove 3 screws either side of the shroud surrounding the radio etc assembly. LOOSEN the two screws at the leading edge (front) of the console until the console drops down from the radio assemble shroud (what a silly name I gave it eh?). Should unclip at the back and remove.

There is a security screw on the radio that needs to be undo as well as the rivets on the front bracket. Remove radio. Remove climate controls.

To remove console, lift carpet at bottom of centre console storage bin and remove two screws below. Unzip hand brake. Lift rear of console and remove window harness etc. Remove console with heaps of swearing and argueing.

Thats about what I can remember. Some things may be in the wrong order.

If you need more help just yell!

Cheers, Pete!

BTW when you reassemble a good idea is to put a drop of glue (not too much, just a drop to stop any lateral movement) on the mating surfaces of the plastic panelling as it has a habit of squeaking and creaking if it has been removed several times. I use 3M 4475-multipurpose adhesive. Careful, its gets the mozzarella cheese effect happening easily!

OK...thanks for the responses. Car #6 of 888 is going to get it's dash removed shortly.

You do realize that your climate control is connected to your radio right?

Yes, I do. I am trying to reach the antenna tuner...do you know where that is?

Did you get that radio out? :popcorn2:

Antenna tuner? :confused:

I believe he's going to install a FM modulator folks

there was a post from someone from Oz that said the panel on our passenger side of the G8 can be removed to gain access to the back of the radio, the panel on the side of the console/radio area that is.

The radio in my G8 has two hard-wired aux inputs - one in front and one in back.

Whatever you're doing will sound a lot better if you just run into one of the aux inputs.

The radio in my G8 has two hard-wired aux inputs - one in front and one in back.

Whatever you're doing will sound a lot better if you just run into one of the aux inputs.
I think that is the point of this tread. Most everyone has heard about the rear aux, but no one can confirm that it actually exists.

there was a post from someone from Oz that said the panel on our passenger side of the G8 can be removed to gain access to the back of the radio, the panel on the side of the console/radio area that is.
I tried removing that panel. But it looks like as a minimum you also have to remove the glove box and the cover.

I don't plan on doing that until someone can confirm the rear aux actually exists and can be used on a radio built for the US market.

I think that is the point of this tread. Most everyone has heard about the rear aux, but no one can confirm that it actually exists.
Well, I did confirm the front one during lunch. I'm assuming that the rear one is located on the back of the center console somewhere in the vicinity of the rear A/C vents.

It says its in the back of the radio, but we still wait for someone to pull the darn thing to see what it looks like

If you pull it don't you have to go to the dealer to get the code put back in so it will work again?

Well, I did confirm the front one during lunch. I'm assuming that the rear one is located on the back of the center console somewhere in the vicinity of the rear A/C vents.
Nope not there. Somewhere on the back of the radio? Who knows...

If you pull it don't you have to go to the dealer to get the cose put back in so it will work again?

I dont think you do. I had an 03 Silverado and I the factory head unit pulled in favor of an aftermarket. Sold the truck 6 months later and put the factory headunit back in. Worked just fine...The factory in the truck was a "security coded" radio too.

Nope not there. Somewhere on the back of the radio? Who knows...

The rear aux hook up is not the un-used connectors on the box mounted to the top of the trunk or they? This was discussed in another thread. I'll look it up and paste the thread on here...

The unit in the trunk doesnt appear to be an amp to me. Pretty sure it is OnStar related. maybe someone can tell by these...

http://g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=571&stc=1&d=1206464197
http://g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=572&stc=1&d=1206464197

this is the post from another thread talking about the box in the back of the trunk...mounted just ahead of the trunk lid. The to plugs marked "J1" and "J2" (white ones) are not being used on our cars. maybe they are the rear aux hook ups?

OK, I just had a look and there is no AUX jack in the rear of the vehicle.

As a last resort I actually read the owner's manual. The other AUX jack is located on the back side of the radio. This jack is enabled and disabled via the radio menu.

As a last resort I actually read the owner's manual.

Oh yeah...the owner's manual! :banghead:

Oh yeah...the owner's manual! :banghead:

It's amazing what you can find in those things!

So now I guess the question is whether or not you can get to that second AUX input without ripping apart the interior of your brand new car.

see, what makes no sense about the rear aux looking just like the front aux (if indeed it is the same thing) is that it would be point less. I understand that the rear aux (cant recall where i read this) is used for controlling/using rear entertainment devices such as tv's/dvd players mounted in the back seat area of the car. and if brings up ANOTHER question...what are connectors J1 and J2 on the metal black box used for? Look at the can of worms I have just opened. Sorry.

In this car, the second AUX input would be for hooking up a Sirius/XM unit (or some other audio source - maybe a GPS unit) without commandeering the jack on the front panel.

I don't know what the unused inputs are on the unit in the trunk. I see two coax inputs and two electrical jacks. If this unit is associated with OnStar I'm guessing that some vehicles may have different or additional electrical interfaces due to having more electronic goodies that can report malfunctions to the mothership.

In this car, the second AUX input would be for hooking up a Sirius/XM unit (or some other audio source - maybe a GPS unit) without commandeering the jack on the front panel.

I don't know what the unused inputs are on the unit in the trunk. I see two coax inputs and two electrical jacks. If this unit is associated with OnStar I'm guessing that some vehicles may have different or additional electrical interfaces due to having more electronic goodies that can report malfunctions to the mothership.

Can you post a picture of the back of the radio?

Trunk box is most probably OnSTar as it will be mounted near the central core of teh car.

If instally a XM with the new wraparound antenna doohickeys can you instead wrap it around the antenna cable hidden under the dash? Or does the coax shielding prevent that?

Can you post a picture of the back of the radio?

I don't know. Mine's still fully installed and it's going to stay that way. If I can get an inspection mirror back there and illuminate the back of the radio with a flashlight I might be able to get a picture.

I'll have a look tonight.

my .02 from a 10 year plus installer. the rear aux hook up in the rear will not be like the one in the front, it will be through some sort of GM plug. the two connectors in the rear are antenna connector. both look like GPS/sat radio plugs.

my .02 from a 10 year plus installer. the rear aux hook up in the rear will not be like the one in the front, it will be through some sort of GM plug...
That's very similar to what a local car audio shop said. The tech there referred to the GM plug as a 'databuss' or something like that.

thats right, on occasion you can luck out and tap into wires that are already there or if someone from GM can get the pin out configurations then you can make your own plug assuming that the radio doesnt need to have any softwear flashed to it.

Guys, listen to me very carefully. I have pulled these radios many times, and I will tell you how to do it, because I don't want to see any of you break anything, AND YOU WILL BREAK SOMETHING IF YOU DON'T DO THIS RIGHT!

There are not any plugs on the back of the radio. All of the connections are on the sides.

To pull the radio you need to remove the side panels from the center stack area. These are all held in by white push pins. It may be easier to remove the lower side trim from the center console, and that helps hold the center stack trim in place.

Pull the center console side trim straight down, and it should come off. The pull the rear edge (toward the rear of the car) of the center stack side trim down. Repeat for the other side.

On the drivers side pull the trim panel of the lower dash down, again it is just clips - be careful of the headlight switch, I wouldn't let the panel hang by that.

Now on the driver's side of the radio is where the AM/FM radio antenna coax connector is. it is a small white connector in the middle of the radio, it has a lock on the top of the connector that needs to be pressed to release it from the radio.

On the passenger side all of the wiring is connected in a large lever lock connector. release the lever and flip it up to disconnect that wiring.

That should be enough if you want to fool with the wiring, but advise against it.

If you want to remove the radio completely grab the lower part of the radio face ( you should be able to reach under the lower edge, and pull it out. The whole radio face, about 1" thick should pull off. Then there are 4 phillips screws holding the radio case in. Remove those and the radio will slide out.

****Make sure you have the antenna coax removed, and the electrical connector on the other side removed before sliding the radio out or you will break something! Most likely the antenna connector will break off the radio!****

To reinstall, slide the radio back in, put the screws in, snap the face on.

The trick to putting the center stack trim on is to have the white clips/pins on the trim, snap the front pin (closest to the front of the car) into place while the rear of the panel hangs down, once that is in, rotate the rear of the panel up until it snaps into place.

Then slide the center console trim up until it snaps into place. then put the lower I/P trim from the drivers side into place.

Now that you know how to do it, I'd really advise you not to do it, or fool around unless you REALLY know what you are doing. This radio is not like anything in any other GM vehicle in North America.

Wow! I'd take that advice. Great info. Could you do my radio swap?

On the drivers side pull the trim panel of the lower dash down, again it is just clips - be careful of the headlight switch, I wouldn't let the panel hang by that.
Are you talking left hand drive or right hand drive?

Headlight switch? It sounds like you are referring to the vertical panels next to the radio. I'm having trouble seeing how the headlight switch figures into all of this.

I did some looking about removing the vertical panels next to the radio and it appears that the glovebox has to be removed to get the vertical panel removed on the passenger side of the vehicle.

I'm so confussed!:eek2:

Sorry, I was very tired when I wrote the above, lots of typos, and it could be clearer. This is for left hand drive, but right hand drive is very similar - the panels come off in the same way, and the connectors are in the same place.


You can remove the passenger side trim without removing the glove box it looks like it overlaps, but it is only by about 1 mm. The panel will slide around it. Reinstalling it though, you may need to take extra care to press in the top edge as you slide the panel into place to get it fully reinstalled. It may help to open the glove box door and press in on the top to remove it as well.

The drivers side of the vehicle I referred to removing both the side trim of the center stack next to the radio, AND the lower trim panel of the I/P (this is above you shins while driving, the trim just below the steering column) this lower I/P panel is very easy to remove and replace, and removing it gives you much more room to reach the antenna coax since it is up pretty high. The thing you have to watch is the narrow (1" or so) trim that wraps around the dash seperating the upper and lower halves, you may need to pull it out a bit to make room - again just clips.

When you pop this lower I/P panel off the headlight switch will come with it, but will still be plugged in. So pull the panel off, lower it a bit, and unplug the harness from the switch and you can take the panel completely out of the way.

I hope that clears things up.

But again, I think almost everyone will be better off not fooling around with the radio - fair warning. You aren't going to replace it with anything because you will lose you climate controls that are integrated into it. You probably shouldn't be trying to attach wiring to the radio to use additional inputs because that can damage things easily, and most likely the G8 radio software won't support options that are available in Australia. My advice - replace speakers, and add amps if you want, but don't fool with the radio.

I just though it would be better to lay out the tricks of doing it than have a bunch of people yanking on the radio and shearing off the electrical connectors. I have seen that too many times already.

Thank you, sir

Well, I guess my radio will stay as is. I am not really ready to break anything on my car just yet...

But again, I think almost everyone will be better off not fooling around with the radio - fair warning. You aren't going to replace it with anything because you will lose you climate controls that are integrated into it. You probably shouldn't be trying to attach wiring to the radio to use additional inputs because that can damage things easily, and most likely the G8 radio software won't support options that are available in Australia. My advice - replace speakers, and add amps if you want, but don't fool with the radio.Thanks for clearing up everything. I want to install XM Roady but I have been reluctant to attempt it. Using the rear AUX would have been ideal, but from all information here that is not a good idea. A local car audio shop wants to tap into the rear aux by soldering into the connections on the radio. Not only am I not crazy about that, they only want in charge $600 to do it!

Now that I have a good idea on how to get to the coax for the radio, I feel fairly confident (with the information you provided) I can install my Roady using the inline FM modulator.

Again thanks for all your information.

BTW you wouldn't happen to have some photos on any of this?

Andy, we all appreciate your advice and yes, with integrated AC there really is no way (yet) to replace the head units in the G8. Your advice to just add speakers and amps is well put. Question is, though, to add amps we need to tap into the speaker leads and convert to low level, since I am sure there are no RCA preouts on the stock unit. Do you have a wiring diagram for which wires go to which speakers? And also, can we tap into something in the trunk (amp?) or do we have to get behind (beside?) the head unit?

Thanks.

........ some one post pics

I can't post pics. I am reluctant to post wiring diagrams, and I have to be REALLy careful about what information I give out. I like my job! ;)

I'll see what I can do...

subscribing....would love to directly hook up my XM radio to the radio vs. using the front jack, which I'd rather use for an IPod.

does any one know if there is a way to do video on the screen? the AU car has a DVD player option....theres pics somewhere in one of these threads...any chance there is a video input in the back of the radio or screen or whatever...that would be sweet ..i duno ...anyone seen the video option on the AU cars??

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=700&stc=1&d=1207967479

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=701&stc=1&d=1207967580

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=702&stc=1&d=1207967580

wow! i have never seen anything like that! the whole face comes off of a double din unit!?

odd harness too. any sign of these rumored RCA inputs or even outputs?

That would explain the way how the Holden ver. is diffrent from a engineering point thats pretty smart

whatever holes you see on connector seen in the last picture, there are actual unused pins on the radio in those places. A lot of them too. And there is also another connector, half a size of the one shown and there is nothing connected to it at all.

I installed my Roady 2 with velcro on the dash between the steering column and the radio. I supplied power from plug inside the center console glove box and pulled the console partly apart to run the power wire. I attached the antenna on the glass just below the radio antenna and routed the wire along the back window glass over to the black roof strip, which removes easily. Wire then goes down along drivers side of front windshield and under fender and into passenger compartment. Had to pull both lower driverside dash panels off to route both wires. they come in just above Roady, and are hardly noticeable. Know hardwiring system would produce better sound, but Roady FM modulator works fine for now. Besides I move the Roady around between cars and boats. Putting everything back was time consuming because you need more than 2 hands on the pieces on the drivers side of the console. Took about 1 1/2 hrs. Using my Garmin 660 to block idiot gauges. Almost looks factory!

RRM

I would like to see some sort of video inputs setup for this radio as well.

So, we're still waiting for a kit for aftermarket head units correct? The whole climate control thing bugs me...

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=700&stc=1&d=1207967479

Wow, wonder if everything is connected behind that metal plate, or is it just holding everything in place.

If it's just holding things in place, then a new one would be easy to fabricate, but would require a new HVAC control.

Wonder if Crutchfield is working on this.

Tear it apart so we can see everything!

Wow, wonder if everything is connected behind that metal plate, or is it just holding everything in place.

If it's just holding things in place, then a new one would be easy to fabricate, but would require a new HVAC control.

Wonder if Crutchfield is working on this.

Tear it apart so we can see everything!The 6 disc changer is behind the second plate, along with all the wiring connections and antenna connections.

The 6 disc changer is behind the second plate, along with all the wiring connections and antenna connections.

So, to change the head unit out, we will need a seperate HVAC controler, which I'm assuming has to be made by Blaupunkt?

Looks like the aftermarket stereo shops will have their hands tied on this one.

Anyone in Texas? Hit up Custom Sounds and see what they suggest.

Depends on how that all interconnects. Just from looking at these images, it appears there are three separate units involved. The electronic HVAC controls, the CD changer/stereo, and the LCD/control panel faceplate.

Again, just from eyeballing these pictures, it seems that the HVAC controls aren't integrated into the stereo, rather the stereo and HVAC controls integrate into the faceplate controls and LCD screen (or the HVAC controls are contained in the electronics for the LCD screen unit and the stereo connects to it, either way the stereo components are seperate from teh HVAC system except in the control circuitry).

Assuming that's how it's actually wired up, it should be possible to replace the CD changer/stereo with an aftermarket unit that's been wired to jack into and accept control functions from the factory control/LCD faceplate.

That would make replacing it a hell of a lot easier than if the entire thing was one massive stereo/CD/HVAC/LCD/control unit.

Would just need someone to come up with a hideaway headunit that would accept controls over the control mechanisms built into the LDC/control faceplate.

Change out a portion of it, rather than replace the entire mechanism. In that case it's just a matter of knowing which wiring points control the CD/stereo and coming up with a headunit that can interface with that control mechanism.

which ones fit in fine..?

IndyG8,

I think you will be hard pressed to find a manufacturer to build a specific headunit for a relatively low volume car. Currently I think the best solution (if you are set on tinkering) is use the OEM headunit as a signal generator only and use aftermarket amps to power aftermarket components. Personally I don't have too much of a problem with the OEM upgraded system aside from no "kick" from the subs.

USCGTO,

None.

Oh sure, didn't say that would be easy, just speculating that it was possible. A lot of it depends on the wiring. But now I want to see how this thing is laid out.

But adding amps for aftermarket components is the best bet, unless someone was desperate to get rid of the OEM unit for some reason. I'll probably just leave the entire thing stock as is once I finally get mine. Unless there's just not enough low end for me. I don't need it to rattle windows as I drive by, but I do like to feel a little 'oomph' from the system.

Hey Guys,

Ok thought I may aswell post some pics and info for the what all you guys seem to be after :)

Have been doing the VE Commodores over here in Australia since they were released, they do have a rear audio and video input that can either be tapped into or we have actually made up a little kit to allow you to just plug and play - takes 5min!

There is no need to remove the radio to get to any of the wiring - simply just remove the side panel - just clips down.

Now this will allow you to have audio/video through front screen but video will turn off when you start driving. We also have a little module to get rid of this :)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/DSC00470.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/DSC00468.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/DSC00469.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/12032008183.jpg

Cheers,
Adrian :)

is there a reason my post was deleted?

ok, might as well share some info with you all that we know.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/DSC00470.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/DSC00468.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/DSC00469.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/12032008183.jpg

Feel free to email for more info!
adrian@nolimitelectronics.com.au

Hope im allowed to say that, as last post was deleted....

Cheers,
Adrian :)

is there a reason my post was deleted?

Apparently, on this fourm, any talk about any product that is not offered by a site sponsor is not allowed. At least now we know where we (members) stand in the eyes of the admins, Way to look out for your members guys! :nonono:

Maybe if dede posts about it first it would be OK? :barf:

:The_Villagers:

Sweet,

So to make sure I'm following, those are the inputs to the "rear aux"? So if someone made up some proper connectors like in your pics between those pins and a set of RCA jacks, you're basically just plugging in from a RCA input on your connectors, and when you switch to rear aux, you'll be pulling the video and audio. Nicely done!

Sweet,

So to make sure I'm following, those are the inputs to the "rear aux"? So if someone made up some proper connectors like in your pics between those pins and a set of RCA jacks, you're basically just plugging in from a RCA input on your connectors, and when you switch to rear aux, you'll be pulling the video and audio. Nicely done!

I really hope this is the case with the G8's as well. That would make things SOOO much better :thumbsup:

Maybe if dede posts about it first it would be OK?



did i post ANY non sponsor contact info ???

No, you didn't.

It was a joke.

NoLimit can not try to offer group purchase or post his contact info - its not fair for the vendors and is a violation of the rules here. If anyone can come here and offer goods and services what is the incentive to sign up as a vendor?

Then why was the post that showed nothing more than plug locations deleted? Other than it was posted by No Limit.

I am glad I saved the pictures this morning.

Products will exist for these cars from vendors that have no real incentive (small market) to pay for sponsorship. We should still be able to talk about their products especially if it is something not covered by current vendors.

I don't think it would be so bad if you allowed us users to put together our own group purchases. Again, I am only talking about for things that are not available from your current pimps.

What does anybody else think about user organized GPs?

I wonder if the other board has the same restrictions?

If the paying vendors are the best place to get items them by all means they deserve our support. However, judging by how quick they are to complain about "rougue posts" leads me to believe they are more worried about free market competition.

I have quotes from JHP, they are no deal I will look elsewhere. Pedders is asking "Koni" prices for "Monroe" quality and is extremely light on the "tech" behind their product, no thanks.

The most informative and popular boards I visit look out for their users first, vendors second.

Ok, so its ok for one member to gather orders and money from other members for the purpose of a GP? I'm sorry guys... the other sites I've ran we've had people skip out on people with thousands of dollars involved. The scenarios have differed - but seriously I havn't been doing this for 5 years as a failure.

For the most part, late model v8 based forums work very similarly. The hard part is that we are in the infant stages here. LS1tech, LS1GTO, etc .... work all the same way.

I don’t know how you guys figured G8 radio is capable of playing video. It is not the same unit and is not programmed to play video. And the programming has to be adapted or rewritten to work in the G8 unit...

I am being told in will work with a programming "module." I am awaiting specific details from Adrian @ NoLimit. I am not sure if we are able to talk about it though because it is not sold by one of the paid sponsors.

DY,
Yes, members should be allowed to collect money from other members for the purpose of a GP. We are all adults. vBulletin has a "user rating" feature that could be turned on. There is also ebay feedback that can be used as meter.

The pictures that were deleted for some odd reason (or overzealous moderator), for the record, these pictures were posted by one of the Aussies and they are of a Holden dash which may or may not match our Pontiacs:

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=758&stc=1&d=1208385047

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=759&stc=1&d=1208385047

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=760&stc=1&d=1208385047


http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=761&stc=1&d=1208385047

I am going to the dealer tomorrow to look through the wiring diagrams they have. How closely they match what is here, if at all is up in the air.

ok guys, 2nd time a post was deleted for no reason.... i only showed pictures to help forum members out......

Anyway my main forum im on - ls1.com.au under "vxclubby85"

No restrictions there to what i post!

Im sure this will get deleted to for some odd reason.....

Thanks G8Board...

DY,
Yes, members should be allowed to collect money from other members for the purpose of a GP. We are all adults. vBulletin has a "user rating" feature that could be turned on. There is also ebay feedback that can be used as meter.


Not here. No... not everyone is an adult, not everyone is in the USA. Things work quite differently than you imagine they do. You have no idea who is behind each username or their current condition, I've had plenty of reputable vendors or members turn south during hard times.

There is practically a reason for each rule or policy I've set and I can back it up with an experience or two.

ok guys, 2nd time a post was deleted for no reason.... i only showed pictures to help forum members out......



You posted contact info. Please refrain from that as its a violation of our rules.

Your site, your rules, fine, whatever.

Personally I will still browse here time to time but will spend more time posting at ls1.com.au and g8gt.com

Let your advertisers know you are driving your users to other forums I am sure they will appreciate it :)

I am being told in will work with a programming "module." I am awaiting specific details from Adrian @ NoLimit. I am not sure if we are able to talk about it though because it is not sold by one of the paid sponsors.


And I can tell you right now that the programming will not work in the G8 unit. Our controls are mirrored and if you flash it, the best case scenario is that you will have the whole thing reversed including the climate controls and radio controls. That's why I said that the programming needs to be changed to work with G8. The G8 unit is also programmed to accomodate Onstar which is not the same as Holden Assist in Australia which they don't use anyway.

The differences are supposedly being accounted for. I have been going back and forth with Adrian @ No Limit quite a bit this week. The units I am looking into would be made to work specifically with the US spec G8. If you want more details I will be posting and updating a thread over at www.g8gt.com (http://www.g8gt.com) and/or www.ls1.com.au (http://www.ls1.com.au). I am not going to waste my time posting something here that would probably get deleted anyway ;)

Right, I don't believe he has a G8 radio or programming for G8 to make changes to it. Also, he was only offering a change to make video visible while driving. That's assuming video would work in a car while it's parked. I think it's all a bunch of crap from a person who just wants to collect the money and not even trying to understand that it's not the same unit. There are physical differences, not just on programming level.
The differences are supposedly being accounted for. I have been going back and forth with Adrian @ No Limit quite a bit this week. The units I am looking into would be made to work specifically with the US spec G8. If you want more details I will be posting and updating a thread over at

Pontiac will supposedly offer a rear seat dvd system for the 2009 MY, maybe they will offer a plug in to the screen at that time.

Pontiac will supposedly offer a rear seat dvd system for the 2009 MY, maybe they will offer a plug in to the screen at that time.

The rear seat DVD system can be connected even right now, but it only transfers audio to the unit, not the video. The video is what the whole deal is about....

I understand the skepticism. I wouldn't send any money to a guy half a world away without doing a little bit of my own legwork first. My plan so far is to get ahold of some wiring diagrams from the dealer today. See if there is any mention of the "video - in" pictured. Then pull the dash panels and hook up a video source and see what happens. If it works, cool, if it doesn't then, we know.

I would be suprised if there is any real physical difference between the G8 unit and the Commodore other than the reversed front plate. Programming could very well be different, a software flash is cheap and easy from an OEM point of view. The Aus forums are full of threads showing guys that hooked video to their Holden dash screen.

I haven't had a whole lot of time to chime in here, and I still don't, but I wanted to add a couple of quick things.

I can't put up wiring diagrams for speaker wire colors, but I would suggest this. If you are upgrading the system as I suggested, check to color to your speakers as you replace them. That would tell you the wire colors at the head unit.

The system is set up as follows; The head unit puts out 5 channels, left front, center front, right front, left rear, right rear. The center front output goes to the center I/P speaker. each of the other front channel outputs goes to a front door speaker and a I/P tweeter. The rear channels each go to a rear door speaker, and if you have the uplevel system those rear door speakers are in parallel with the inputs to the amp for the rear deck sub on that side. - So look at your door speaker wiring colors for the wire colors to use at the radio.

If you want wiring diagrams, they are usually available for almost every vehicle at Helms Inc for a reasonable price, although it looks like they don't have the G8 diagrams yet, only the entire service manual.

Next on wiring, DO NOT RELY ON THE AUSTRALIAN COMMODORE INFORMATION! The G8 radio is wired differently. It is close, but there are differences. The G8 radio needed to be modified to add the wiring needed for compatibility with Onstar and XM radio. As a result the pinouts for certain things were changed because there were only a certain number of available terminals on the radio without a costly redesign. The basics such as speaker outputs are likely the same, but auxillary stuff that might have been available for the luxury Australian VE vehicles have likely been changed for Onstar and XM use. I don't have a whole lot of time to compare Commodore to G8 to find them all right now. As an example, I know of one case where a power output from the radio had been changed to an audio ground reference for XM. In short, using Aussie wiring info may possibly let the smoke out of a few things...

I will say there are audio inputs on the radio, these are for the GM XM receiver that is to be added for 2009 G8's. You cannot use them without the 2009 radio software to allow you to switch to that source. Even if you were to do that, you had better make sure any aftermarket device matches those inputs as far as signal levels, and impedance. That still most likely not work because with the 2009 software the radio is expecting two way communication with the XM tuner to command channel, and receive text. If it does not get that from the XM receiver, It will most likely not make those inputs available. It "thinks" the vehicle does not have the XM option.

Next, the HVAC controls are not seperate from the radio. The faceplate has controls for the radio, and HVAC. the buttons and display information are multiplexed and sent through a connector to the radio where the radio uses the radio information, and the relavent HVAC information is encoded and sent out on the vehicle data buss for the HVAC controller to receive and decode. You cannot seperate the radio from the HVAC physically at all.

I can guarantee Blaupunkt does not and will not make a stand alone HVAC controller. Again, don't fool with the stock head unit - unless you feel up to engineering and retrofitting your own HVAC system from end to end.

So,

1. Forget about replacing the head unit unless you have LOADS of cash and time to redesign half the vehicle.

2. Replace speakers and amps if you want, and feel comfortable doing so.

3. There is a possibility of adding the regular GM XM system to the car at some point in the future, though I can't say how involved it would be. At a minimum you would need to buy the right kind of OEM XM receiver and wait for the 2009 software for a few modules to become available, and be able to get it (I don't kow if the dealers will be able to do this) into your vehicle. You may also need to add some wiring, depending on how the 2008 G8's are being built.

4. If you really want the video and all the other things the Aussie cars have, you are better off moving to Australia. You would need to rework a lot of the electrical system and buy a lot of imported modules for it to work on a G8. See the above statement on cash and time.

Thanks for putting sand in my vasoline.

Thanks for putting sand in my vasoline.

HAHAHA :slap:

Thanks for putting sand in my vasoline.

:gr_jest:

I understand the skepticism. I wouldn't send any money to a guy half a world away without doing a little bit of my own legwork first. My plan so far is to get ahold of some wiring diagrams from the dealer today. See if there is any mention of the "video - in" pictured. Then pull the dash panels and hook up a video source and see what happens. If it works, cool, if it doesn't then, we know.


Were you able to get anything useful out of the dealer?



If you want wiring diagrams, they are usually available for almost every vehicle at Helms Inc for a reasonable price, although it looks like they don't have the G8 diagrams yet, only the entire service manual.

Next on wiring, DO NOT RELY ON THE AUSTRALIAN COMMODORE INFORMATION! The G8 radio is wired differently. It is close, but there are differences. The G8 radio needed to be modified to add the wiring needed for compatibility with Onstar and XM radio. As a result the pinouts for certain things were changed because there were only a certain number of available terminals on the radio without a costly redesign. The basics such as speaker outputs are likely the same, but auxillary stuff that might have been available for the luxury Australian VE vehicles have likely been changed for Onstar and XM use. I don't have a whole lot of time to compare Commodore to G8 to find them all right now. As an example, I know of one case where a power output from the radio had been changed to an audio ground reference for XM. In short, using Aussie wiring info may possibly let the smoke out of a few things...

I will say there are audio inputs on the radio, these are for the GM XM receiver that is to be added for 2009 G8's. You cannot use them without the 2009 radio software to allow you to switch to that source. Even if you were to do that, you had better make sure any aftermarket device matches those inputs as far as signal levels, and impedance. That still most likely not work because with the 2009 software the radio is expecting two way communication with the XM tuner to command channel, and receive text. If it does not get that from the XM receiver, It will most likely not make those inputs available. It "thinks" the vehicle does not have the XM option.

So,

1. Forget about replacing the head unit unless you have LOADS of cash and time to redesign half the vehicle.

2. Replace speakers and amps if you want, and feel comfortable doing so.

3. There is a possibility of adding the regular GM XM system to the car at some point in the future, though I can't say how involved it would be. At a minimum you would need to buy the right kind of OEM XM receiver and wait for the 2009 software for a few modules to become available, and be able to get it (I don't kow if the dealers will be able to do this) into your vehicle. You may also need to add some wiring, depending on how the 2008 G8's are being built.

4. If you really want the video and all the other things the Aussie cars have, you are better off moving to Australia. You would need to rework a lot of the electrical system and buy a lot of imported modules for it to work on a G8. See the above statement on cash and time.

Thanks for the info, I know a few of us are waiting on the Helms manual to actually be available, so ditto on the diagrams. Until then, I definitely see where they'd make some minor changes to accomodate things not used in the Holden version - namely onstar and xm.

However, I don't see where either of those would require them to use the video input. But until we actually get RSE next year, I'm not sure of a way to tell whether ours will allow front display when stopped like the Aussie version, or if we really get no video to the front screen like they do.

Also, we already have the "rear aux" available for selection (so I hear, this whole discussion would be much easier if my car would ever arrive). So if that same input is going to be-labled as "xm" for the 09s, I'm not sure if that means the 08s might actually have an easier time switching to rear aux since the code isn't looking for xm there as opposed to the 09s, or if those are actually a different set of inputs (again, if XM and RSE will be available together). Alas it's all moot until I get my hands on one, so just my rambling thoughts...

Yes, I was able to get wiring diagrams from the dealer for the audio system including the amplifier and onstar system. No pinouts for the HU yet though. I was also able to get the work instructions for removing the HU.

I guess an overhead flip down screen would also work ;)

I believe that the 09 RSE is headrest-integrated from the marketing materials I've seen. I believe the Oz version had the flip down and the headrest (not sure if that was model dependent, year, or related to the headunit though), but I know that even with that, it also showed on the front screen when stopped - and I believe both had the ability to play audio through the factory stereo, not just the headphone type...

I guess an overhead flip down screen would also work ;)

Yes, I was able to get wiring diagrams from the dealer for the audio system including the amplifier and onstar system. No pinouts for the HU yet though. I was also able to get the work instructions for removing the HU.

Excellent, hope to see something postable on them if you find them useful. I was hoping for something on the HU, but certainly not surprised it's still a mystery at this point...

Well, since the face plate separates from the radio itself, there might be a way to relocate the face plate somewhere (glove box, center console...). Hopefully someone will figure it out. I have a Pioneer AVIC-Z2 that I don't want to live without.

This is the only thing that is really making me 2nd guess the car, my music is important to me.

has anyone looked into possibly trying to get their hands on a holden head unit and seeing if it will work in a g8? just a thought.

aslo, if there is a way to play video on the thing, sure enough one of the electronic companies that makes picklocks for everything else is working on it. two of my best friends are installers/owners of a car stereo shop. they have installed countless units on the rest of gm's new headunits that are causing the same kind of problems the g8 headunit is. so it will be available, you just might have to be a little patient.

aslo, a little idea i had, replace the oil and voltmeter gauges with a separate retractable lcd screen to play your video and move those horrendous gauges to a pillar pod. and option i have in my head if i get tired of waiting on a picklock...

I thought about trying to get a Holden unit. But my guess is it would be very expensive.

The Mazda3 guys have a neat aftermarket screen available similar to what you are talking about.

I found it on www.mp3car.com (http://www.mp3car.com) yesterday:

http://thexenonstore.com/Images/mazda3screen3_lg.jpg

From here. (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show-off-your-project/111120-2007-mazda-3-dash-screen-looks-oem.html)

thanks for that link rustang, looks like a pretty good idea to put in that spot. kinda makes me think pontiac was expecting us to do this and thats why they left those gauges in there like that....


hmmmm....

Andy, we all appreciate your advice and yes, with integrated AC there really is no way (yet) to replace the head units in the G8. Your advice to just add speakers and amps is well put. Question is, though, to add amps we need to tap into the speaker leads and convert to low level, since I am sure there are no RCA preouts on the stock unit. Do you have a wiring diagram for which wires go to which speakers? And also, can we tap into something in the trunk (amp?) or do we have to get behind (beside?) the head unit?

Just to echo Will75's excellent question that got lost in all the argument (and add to his question)...

Which wires do we tap from the HU to go to a line converter?
Any idea what the filtering is on the speaker-level signals?
There is a boot-mounted sub-amp. Is there another external (to HU) amp for the other speakers?

I am ready and willing to have a go at this.
If somehow forum restrictions prevent this info from being posted freely, feel free to pm me...

V8Mac - Where abouts do you live in Spring?

V8Mac - Where abouts do you live in Spring?

Imperial Oaks

wow, I live in Spring Creek Pines just a mile or so down Rayford. I'm surprised I haven't seen you're car on Rayford yet.

Just to echo Will75's excellent question that got lost in all the argument (and add to his question)...

Which wires do we tap from the HU to go to a line converter?
Any idea what the filtering is on the speaker-level signals?
There is a boot-mounted sub-amp. Is there another external (to HU) amp for the other speakers?

I am ready and willing to have a go at this.
If somehow forum restrictions prevent this info from being posted freely, feel free to pm me...

Yes, thanks for bringing this back...I had forgotten about it and moved on with life...for now, lol.

this is the post from another thread talking about the box in the back of the trunk...mounted just ahead of the trunk lid. The to plugs marked "J1" and "J2" (white ones) are not being used on our cars. maybe they are the rear aux hook ups?
Oh, that thing! That is the box full of Semtex A that the finance company sets off if you miss a car payment. :p (Don't hit it too hard).

Which wires do we tap from the HU to go to a line converter?
Any idea what the filtering is on the speaker-level signals?
There is a boot-mounted sub-amp. Is there another external (to HU) amp for the other speakers?



The diagrams listing pin location and color codes are in the forums.

Just to echo Will75's excellent question that got lost in all the argument (and add to his question)...

Which wires do we tap from the HU to go to a line converter?
Any idea what the filtering is on the speaker-level signals?
There is a boot-mounted sub-amp. Is there another external (to HU) amp for the other speakers?

I am ready and willing to have a go at this.
If somehow forum restrictions prevent this info from being posted freely, feel free to pm me...

I tried to answer Will's, and your questions the best way I can.

Again, the headunit drives all of the speakers, except the woofers in cars with the uplevel radio, where the woofers are driven by the remote amp in the trunk.

The remote amp inputs are in parallel with the rear door speakers. Find your wire colors for the rear door speakers, and you should have the same ones going into the amp in the trunk. Tap into those and you have right and left (rear) outs from the radio.

Personally I would tap into all of the outputs near the radio (check for your wire colors when you swap out the door speakers, or check the wiring diagrams posted on this site already...) so you get all 5 individual channels - front R&L, rear R&L and front center. That way your fade controls still work from the head uinit, and you keep your center channel.

About the center channel, I would keep that in the system, It helps a lot to bring the sounds tage up front, and it isn't nearly loud enough with the stock system.

About the filtering I beleive the outputs from the radio are all full range. there are filters on the tweeters, which are in parallel with the front doors, and filters in the remote amp for the subs. So anything you tap into should be full range, except the outputs from the remote amp to the rear deck woofers. There may be some EQing done to the outputs, but I don't think so.

About the audio inputs. They are there for XM, you need a way to switch to them. Again the 2009 software will do that for an OEM XM module. If someone is brave there may be a way similar to the old GTO radio Aux inputs by hardwiring a switch etc...

I don't know if the thread just took a turn or if I somehow missed it but I still cannot find anything showing the physical location of the "rear aux jack". I would love to have Sirius put in but don't wish to use the front aux jack. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks!

There isn't a "rear aux jack" in the same sense of the front 1/8" phono plug. There are pins on the side of the headunit that will allow the input of both audio and video. That info is in one of these threads.

There isn't a "rear aux jack" in the same sense of the front 1/8" phono plug. There are pins on the side of the headunit that will allow the input of both audio and video. That info is in one of these threads.

I did see something that talked about that. Was hoping I had misread and/or missed something about a regular aux jack. Thanks much for the reply.

this is the post from another thread talking about the box in the back of the trunk...mounted just ahead of the trunk lid. The to plugs marked "J1" and "J2" (white ones) are not being used on our cars. maybe they are the rear aux hook ups?


That is probably OnStar because cellular devices have an "ESN" that identifies them. Second, the GPS would be the only GPS device in the vehicle in 2008, I think.

Andy, we all appreciate your advice and yes, with integrated AC there really is no way (yet) to replace the head units in the G8. Your advice to just add speakers and amps is well put. Question is, though, to add amps we need to tap into the speaker leads and convert to low level, since I am sure there are no RCA preouts on the stock unit. Do you have a wiring diagram for which wires go to which speakers? And also, can we tap into something in the trunk (amp?) or do we have to get behind (beside?) the head unit?

Thanks.

audiocontrol makes a couple pieces i believe the LC6 and the LC8 which are made for tapping in and balancing the signal before the aftermarket amp

What good would an IPOD be if you had to plug it in within the trunk? That's crazy unless someone wanted to permenantly install the IPOD as a fixture of the car.

this is the post from another thread talking about the box in the back of the trunk...mounted just ahead of the trunk lid. The to plugs marked "J1" and "J2" (white ones) are not being used on our cars. maybe they are the rear aux hook ups?

What good would an IPOD be if it is in the trunk? That's crazy unless someone wanted to make the IPOD a permenant fixture in the car (which is also crazy).

The diagrams listing pin location and color codes are in the forums.

I've been looking for the diagram, can you tell me where in the forum I can find them, or can you re-post a picture of them? Trying to install aftermarket amp for Subs and need the remot turn on, RCA HI/LO converter, etc.

Thanks,

Sean

where's the rear aux input on the single disc radio?