This is the first in a series of posts on my aftermarket stereo install in my 07 HHR. I wanted to break them up into a few posts so they are easier to search.

For my install I wanted to put two DIN radios in the dash, one Kenwood X790 system controller that does my AM/FM, CD player, XM controller, and incorporate all audio processing functions (parametric equalizer and high/low pass crossovers). The second radio has a cassette player and CD changer controls. This radio feeds into the X790s Aux Input. Since I used a Terk XM radio tuner I lost CD changer controls in the X790.

Much has been said about losing your warning chimes and possible DIC malfunction if you replace your stock radio. A well known internet stereo store did not want to sell me any equipment because of this. All I can say is this is bunk, if you use a GMLAN adapter.

Metra makes 2 different GMLAN adapters, the GMOS-LAN-03 for stock radios and GMOS-LAN-04 for Pioneer amplified systems. Both of these modules act as a pass through for audio until it detects a chime signal from the main computer, then it produces a chime tone through your audio system. The main difference between the two is the -03 is used for speaker level signals while the -04 is used for preamp level signals. Both Metra modules plug directly into the factory connectors and provide wires to connect to an aftermarket radio. Both have a volume adjustment for the chime level.

I chose the use the GMOS-LAN-03 even though I was using preamp lines to all my amplifiers. Reason was I planned on using a small speaker mounted underneath the steering wheel for all my warning chimes. This way my audio is not interrupted when warning signals are played.

This module works great! I get all my wanring and door chimes. In order to get turn signal "click" you need to install a 30A relay per the instructions, and this works great as well.

Note, the Metra adapters do not bring out the factory wires for the steering wheel controls. I will cover how I wired this in another post.

The following pictures shows the wiring harness i created for my 2 head units, the XM tuner, the GMOS box, steering wheel control box, and the speaker I used for the chimes.

Hope this helps!

 

So... the turn signal click is the sound of the relay itself?

 

Correct.

FYI - the Metra GMLAN adapters also provide you with a Retained Accessory Power output (RAP). If you use this as the ignition input to your new radio the radio will remain on even after you turn the ignition off, just like the factory radio did.

 

wish i could use your old one with the mp3/aux input in the front

 

Do they just make a plain jane harness with the correct wiring? I dont feel like spending $100+ on a LAN module and I dont care about chimes

 

I am sure someone does. You also lose retained accessory power without the module.

 

"Retained Acessory Power" only works for 10-minutes, - or until you open the driver's door in the HHR.
For me this was a pain, not to mention the chimes.

Do your turn signal "clicks" work? I heard with the Metra kits they do not.

 

I can say no they do not make that click
But everything else does so fine

 

I learned something when I installed an aftermarket head in my 06 HHR. I used the GMOS-LAN-04 kit since I had the premium package. I always planned on either using the amp in my head or a separate amp. I figured I would have that versitility with the 04 kit. With the factory amp, I get terrible alternater whine. I had to turn the gain on the Metra way down, and don't get much volume but at least the whine is tolerable. I called Metra and they said this problem is common when using aftermarket head units with factory amps. And they said the problem is especially bad with the HHR. In order to use the internal amp, I will need to buy the 03 kit. Then, I plan on running all new wires to the door speakers.

Somehow, the factory sub gets power from the front and rear RCA jacks, leaving the sub output of my head open. So I ran it to an aftermarket amp and 10 inch sub and get terrific base. But it way overpowers the rest of my system.

 

Same here! And the 'click" is the only thing that annoyed me. Even the "old guy with blinker on" chime still works.