Looking to get a PAL for my new HHR to hook up my iPod in the upper console so I don't have to leave it out in the open.

I asked the dealer about it and the salesman had no idea, said I didn't need one because it had the auxiliary input on the front, and then when I showed it to him he said it didn't fit the 2007.

What's up with that? It works with the 2007 right? I don't have XM in the car.

 

Personal Audio Link
Part Number: 19201522



Link Your Apple® iPod® w/ Your Factory Radio (w/ RPO Code US8, US9, w/o RPO Code U1C)

 

Is it easy enough to install myself? Or should I have the dealer do it?

It will work with the 2007 LS, right?

 

Easy to install? No

Dealer do it? Yes

It will work as long as you have the option codes US8, US9 and don't have option code U1C. Spid label is in your glove box.

Simple way to know is if you have a radio with a CAT button on the right hand side it should work.

The part number is for a 2007 LS or LT. I have it in my 2007 LT

 

Darn, it's a U1C radio.

Guess I'm stuck with the cord in the front, huh?

 

i would stick with your AUX input. there are a few reviews on here for the PAL and not many of them seem positive. I was thinking about it at first as well...

I would opt towards finding a radio out of an 09 with the USB port either on ebay or in a junkyard. That way you gain your ipod control through the USB port, and although it wouldn't be easy to route to the storage bin, it could be done.

 

I have a 2007 LT2 with the PAL installed. Yes I did it myself. No, I would never do it a second time. Have to reflash the car and everything - Big PITA. Mine has had a few persistent problems and in November the dealer ordered a new one for me (per a TSB that I read about in this type of forum) - it has not come in yet. The issue bothers me so much I have seriously considered trading off the car. Knowing what I know now - I would have saved my $160.

 

I have it-did it myself. Not particularly difficult if you are comfortable with some basic taking stuff apart/wiring. I wouldn't do it again-its really a crap unit. The only positive is that it is clean/out of site and always charged. The UI is terrible-very clunky. This lack of proper functionality on any other piece of electronic gear you own would never be acceptable.

 

Right before I put my PAL unit in, a friend bought a Periphial Unit from Best Buy or Circuit City for his 2006 Impala. The thing that took me longest was trying to figure out where to put the iPod. My car had XM, which would not have worked with that unit (I think) - but it was way easier to install. With the factory PAL - you have to cut a wire out of the main fuse block - solder it into the PAL, then go to the dealer (unless you have one on your bench) and have them re-flash the cars computer to accept the PAL with a TECH2 controller. Whomever designed this thing should be killed, or at least beaten severely. When I got mine in March it was not ready for prime time - judging by what I read here - it still isn't. If you don't have XM, and you are OK with aftermarket - go to Circuit City or Best Buy and look at those units....

 

Well, it looks like the Aux input it is. Just gotta take the iPod with me when I go.

Slightly disappointing, but not enough to keep me from loving the new ride.