Help with Stereo, 2010 LT HHR
 

Hi everyone,
I think this is my first (maybe 2nd?) post, although I've haunted this forum for years, and learned a lot from everyone here.
I did a little digging around here on this topic before this post, so I know most people said that you had to go see Chevy even after installation?

Anyway, I'm having the same issue as a thread I read here, stereo has been going in and out, along with the "no sound" of the blinkers when
she's doing this. Then a few hrs later, it magically returns, and works. Well, today it just died. So now I am forced to replace it.

I am looking at:

Planet Audio P9640B Car Audio Stereo System - 6.2 Inch Double Din, LCD Touchscreen, Bluetooth Audio and Hands-Free Calling, CD Player, DVD, USB, SD, AUX in, AM/FM Radio Receiver

(seen here: )
I've asked the store selling it if it fits or not, waiting for a reply.

My main question is, if it fits, and I can have it installed, do I have to go to Chevy to "reset" it? I am not subscribed to Sirius, nor do I want to. I just want it to play my cd's.
If anyone knows of a work-around the Chevy Dealership issue, I'd be grateful.
Thanks, Nicci :)

PS: Your suggestions on models that will fit are appreciated too. I don't want a used radio/cd player. The warranties are too short, and I could end up back in the same boat. Thnx

If you'd done much digging on this site you'd know that most of the audio failures you describe are caused by bad speakers, not a bad radio.

Not Pioneer Premium speakers, right? (No subwoofer behind a grille in the cargo bay?)

The easy fix is to just replace all 4 door speakers. 6-1/2". Even cheapie will be an improvement over the original junk. Use adaptor for easy instal.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...d99ab1181.jpeg



PS - I have no idea why my comment is coming out in italics.

Sorry, I must have missed that thread.
No, all speakers are factory.

Here is the thread that seemed most like my issue:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/audi...metimes-51549/

I edited my first comment.

No need to apologise. I didn't mean to sound cranky.

Not hard to test by connecting a known good speakerr. Do it at the door.
"Pioneer Premium" was a factory speaker upgrade, better door units, a subwoofer in the cargo bay, along with an amp to power them all. They hold up better. Required one ofcthe better radios, too, maybe.

I've replaced these speakers on a couple of these cars and like the Kickers I picked up at Walmart the best

The speaker wires could be a little bigger too.

Don't expect to crack it unless you add an amp. Underpowered amps blow speakers.

Thank you very much for your intuition on this issue. I'll try that first.
Years ago I had a good friend who was a Whiz on anything cars, and he told me,

"Always start with the smallest, cheapest, easiest thing first. You don't want to just end up changing parts."

It had never occurred to me that speakers could cause this problem.
Thank you for the Amazon link as well.

You must have only read the first post, maybe the second, too.

Speakers, at least 90% of the time.

The stock stuff actually sounds great if you hook them up to an amplifier or DSP! even a head unit with time alignment and an amplifier to separate them all will sound a lot better!

If by stock stuff you mean the speakers, yeah, that will make them sound better, in the unlikely event that they’re still working. Or lipstick on a pig. If you care that much about sound quality to make system improvements, don’t put in cheapie speakers. Make them good ones. BTW, the stocks have such weak magnets that they can’t possibly be efficient.

Well, I just bought the speakers (4) and the brackets you suggested. I think it's Monday before the speakers get here.
Hopefully I can get them installed by Wednesday, I hate not having music in the car.
I'll come back and post how everything goes. Thanks again for your help, I'm looking forward to sound again. :)

You didn’t say if you tested any of the speakers, but it’s prolly 99.9% the right move.

What did you get?

I replaced all 4 speakers in one car, driver doesn’t work again, except it might for a second if I jiggle the grommet at the hinge. Wires.

Don’t try to use the car’s connectors. They’re prolly corroded. Just cut them off and solder to the nice pigtails that come with the adaptors. And keep track of polarity.

Remember to stick some foam on the perimeter of the speakers.

Good luck! Hope it works!