I am looking to put in a aftermarket double din radio with gps. What are some problems I can encounter? I am concerned about steering wheel controls etc
2008 hhr lt

 

I moved the thread into the "audio and video" area.

I bet that either using the search or scanning through this area you will get your questions answered.

 

Whichever unit you decide on (I went with Pioneer based on the features I wanted), youll will have to purchase a matching steering wheel controls "module" so as to maintain functionality of the buttons. About $50 -75. Plugs into head unit. Also will need a module for your directionals "clicking", as your blinker audio noise runs through the radio. About same price.

 

I think there is a post I made about how I installed my Pioneer X950BH head unit over a year ago when I bought my HHR, a 2007 LT2 model. The basics are:
- Find a dealer/shop you can trust and be comfortable with.
- Get all the necessary modules at once. These include the LAN adapter, the steering wheel/on star module, antenna adapter and a reverse camera if wanted.
- Get something to cut out the back of the "box" the stock unit sits in. You will probably have to do this unless the adapters have been changed. I used a "hot knife".
- Find the AVIC web site that covers the Pioneer head units to find out about the "bypass" so the display will work when moving.
- Kill power to the car before starting.
- Once everything is hooked up, test all functions including steering wheel controls before you close things up. It helps to have someone hold the stereo while you drive as things bounce around.

Good luck and I really love my X950BH with the videos. I have a solid state hard drive hooked to the USB connector with about 4,000 MP3 songs and 500 music videos on it. Never seems to run out!

 

I replaced my stock unit with a Kenwood DNX 891HD. Expensive but is the latest with everything I needed. Go through Crutchfield. They have everything you need and great tech support. Wireman