so i am considering getting an AVIC D3 for my SS, and was wondering if anyone with the premium sound package has installed one. if so, what is needed for a complete install, including steering wheel controls, harness adapter, and mounting bracket? i also have OnStar and XM, and wish to retain both. any suggestions as to what to get and where to get them will be greatly appreciated. i really don't feel like paying someone big bucks to install the thing, unless i go to Best Buy where it's free install with purchase of the unit. i think i can find better prices for it online though.

 

You will need a GM-LAN harness. I think the harness is is Metra "GMLAN-OS4". It is the "new" style plug (the two smallish black plugs). The kit is a 95-3302 Metra double-DIN kit. And you will need a Chrysler antenna adapter, part CHY-10. You will not be able to integrate the factory XM tuner to the AVIC D3. You will need the Pioneer XMDirect adapter and a universal XMDirect tuner. You can have then account switched over from the factory XM ID# to the Pioneer XM tuner XM ID#. The OS4 harness is a OnStar retention harness, so no worries there. The steering wheel controls are an easy adaptation. You will need a part from PAC parts. Part number is "SWI-PS" and it works Pioneer and Sony. The integration wire is in the factory plugs behind the radio.

NO store will install a navigation, or DVD player, for free....no one. Even BestBuy has a waiver in their ads saying free "basic" installation only applies to single DIN CD players and some parts and additional labor may apply.

Expect to pay at least $250 for the labor for the installation of a Pioneer AVIC-Anything in an HHR since the VSS wire is only found at the left front wheel speed sensor at the brakes. Also, the GM-OS4 harness is roughly $200. The kit is about $20 and the antenna adapter is around $12.

Add about $75 labor for the steering wheel control interface and programming.


My suggestion? The Pioneer is an average radio....
Get a Kenwood 8120. It doesn't need to have a map disc in the unit EVERY TIME you want to access the address search or POI's, it has a better processor for tailoring the sound. It has a better Bluetooth option. IT DOESN'T NEED A VSS CONNECTION SINCE IT'S GARMIN BASED!!!!!!!
You don't need to void the warranty to bypass the video "lockout". It has a 7" screen vs. a 6" All parts listing still applies except the steering wheel interface box is a "SWI-JACK" for JVC, Apline, Clarion, and Kenwood ans you will need the XMDirect interface cable for Kenwood. Retail is slightly higher, but the installation costs are lower and the unit is better. If cost is an issue...get the Kenwood 5120...it is the same as the 8120 featue-wise, but has a 6" screen and costs about the same as a D3.

 

cool, thanks. very detailed and informative. i will have to look into the Kenwood units. so to clarify, will the factory XM still have to be replaced with the Kenwood like you described for the AVIC? and all the other adapters are still needed, antenna, OS4, etc. with the exception of a different part number for the wheel controls, correct? i'm trying to get an idea of exactly what i need, and to see if it is something i think i could tackle myself, instead of having to pay someone else to do it. not needing to get to the VSS sounds real nice, as i've read in other D3 threads that it is a total pain.

again, thanks for all the really good info.

 

The harness is a Metra GMOS-LAN-04. I got mine through Amazon.com from a company called pricepiggie.com for $110. They are $179 through retail.

 

I am 51 yo and I got the first HHR SS on the forum at the end of Jan 2. I already owned the avic-d3 and loved it in my avalanche. I have the Blue Tooth, xm and ipod adapter. I took it to a local stereo group that did the install in my Avalanche. They did a half ass job and wanted 500 bucks to take it out of my truck and put it in my ss and put my stock radio back in the avalanche. Since it was during the holidays and since I have a 4 car garage, I did th entire install myself. I had to cut a bit of the area behind the radio out in order for it to fit comfortably. I mounted my xm and blue tooth adapter on the left of the steering wheel . There is a plastic composite panel that is used for support. I attached both units to the back side and slid them back into place, totally hidden. I pulled the box from above the radio to drill a small hole to run my IPOD cable. I also hooked up the adapt. to use the steering wheel controls. I also programed the radio so the buttons match chevys green tint. Also, I adjusted the screen to match the red in my seats. Also, if you go to www.avic411.com and you can wire it so you can watch video while you are driving.

If you have any questions send me a message.
JV

 

Thats alot of also's in there. :) The only gripe I have about my D3 is that the vollume through the stock amp isn't that great. I would definatly do a whole sys replace with an after market HU.

 

well, currently i am now leaning more towards the Kenwood 8120, and can get a deal from a friend who works at best buy and gets stuff at cost, so he's going to hook me up with the unit, and various harnesses so i can do it myself, or he even offered to install it for me on the cheap, possibly free if i help out, which i'd like to help anyways. so whenever i get ready to do it, i'm going t hit him up. thanks for all the replies though!

 

The yellow tag doesn't carry the harness that you need to adapt to the factory harness. You will have to have to order it online.

 

good to know. he said he could get all the harnesses, maybe he knows someone who works at a specialty audio/video place too, no idea. i'll ask him about it when i decide to drop the cash on the deck.

 

If you go into the menu of the D3 there is an area that will increase the outputs of the D3 so you can make the system louder