My stock radio went out in my 07 2LT and I am looking at getting another stock radio put in. My question is: I found a stock HHR radio that will work with my car but there are some scratches on the faceplate, can I switch the faceplate from my old radio with the new radio and it work just fine?

 

I don't have a direct answer for you, but I do have a suggestion. Since your original radio isn't working, you should take it apart to see how it is attached. After doing that you will know whether or not you can swap the face plates. If you learn that its glued together or something like that and you can't use it, all you are out is your time. Just my two cents, for what it's worth :)

 

The faceplate has 2 screws on each side and comes right off, but there is a piece that connects the radio to the faceplate. Thats the part im worried about.

 

Nothing ventured nothing gained :) What do you have to lose from taking the old non-working radio apart? Nothing. But you do stand to gain knowledge. I say go for it!!!

 

The plates will swap over just fine, but you will have to go to your dealer to get the new head unit to sync up with your HHR.

Programming for a new/used head unit usually runs between $35-90, its a pain, but the head units are keyed to the VIN.

 

I took it apart. I am curious if the new radio I get with recognize the different faceplate. Pictures below of faceplate taken off.

 

I'm afraid your images are coming up as broken links, but assuming you're switching out "like for like", same model year and part number on the head units....then there is no problem.

If you have a 2009+ head unit as the replacement, then some of the faceplate functions may not work properly with your '07 original radio chassis.

The faceplates are essentially "dumb" in that they are just displays and buttons, but they do need to be matched up to a chassis that is configured like the one they were removed from.

 

Don't forget....another cars radio will have to be "married" to yours...that is ,your going to have to go to the dealer and have it reprogrammed so it recognizes it and allows it to
Play.....

 

Can I buy the broken faceplate from you? I want to use it as a cover for my good unit so people think I just have the stock one in there.