Hi all,

First post here. I just bought my HHR after trading in my Yukon about 2 weeks ago. So far, so good with the HHR.

Last week I read a thread on here about installing a GM Parts Personal Audio Link to use with an iPod into our HHRs. I was at the dealer today getting remote fobs programmed, and stopped by the parts counter. I'm sure that for most this is already common knowledge, but I was told that GM doesn't make a PAL for the factory stereos in 2009+ model years. I can only assume that this is because the most uplevel stereo available from the factory has a USB jack already on the face (for my 2011 anyways).

I should note that I have factory Bluetooth and OnStar. I won't be using OnStar following my 3 month trial period, for what its worth.

My question is, for owners like me that have a later model HHR and want to add PAL-type integration, what are my options? What do fellow owners have out there?

Thanks in advance...awesome forum and community.

Matt

 

Hello,
I had a PAL in my HHR and took it out. It was to slow and combersome.

I put in a stock radio in with the USB port....loaded my music (MP3) on a
USB 32GB pico drive and it is 100 times faster than the PAL was in loading and scrolling threw songs. Displays music just like PAL. You can do sub folders too...read the manual.

I will proly get flamed by PAL owners here :)

 

Thanks for the reply. Pretzel, where did you get the radio, and is it a deal where all I have to do is take it to the dealer to flash the BCM with the new radio?

Also, I am getting free XM and OnStar for the balance of the next 3 months. Would I be able to transfer that to the new stereo in your scenario? Plus, I have factory Bluetooth as well.

Matt

 

Helllo,
I put 2 USB radios in a 07 and 08.

I got them off eBay..search HHR USB RADIO.

The 07 had to be flashed to relearn the VIN# as it was used. The New one I put in the 08 did not. It grabs the vin when installing.

Your onStar or Bluetooth will not be effected. Thats a seprate module.

Remeber not all USB drives will work in the port. The radio is picky. The Pico hasnt failed me going on 4yrs. I have several Picos.
I tried a Maxell Onyx which is super tiny and it wouldnt work after the second start and the drive got hot too.

 

Good information! Thanks for it....

However, if I didn't want to go the new radio route, is there an GM/aftermarket PAL type option out there that someone can recommend?

Matt

 

Maybe?