So, I've ordered a radio, these things don't have a lot of reviews but they are listed for various GM models and are pre-wired. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BWWV9WGK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image Allegedly no need to source a bezel kit, wiring adaptors, antenna adaptors or the CAN-BUS adaptor.

I'm on my 2nd radio now after the first wouldn't power on. I suspect the wiring to the CAN-BUS module and probably other things are pinned wrong. Don't know if these radios are using the standard aftermarket color code but here's a picture of the adaptor harness.




So according to this diagram this would be wrong. So the question would be, what pins do I move/swap?



Any help would be appreciated, I did a search and didn't come up with anyone experiencing the same thing.

 

At least with Amazon they are easy to return items to. I would not move pins around in case you have to return the radio

 

Honestly Amazon doesn't care.

I'd like to sort out the pins because this is actually the 2nd radio I've ordered that was supposed to be drop in. Knowing how to fix it would open up some neat options for the HHR, there's maybe 4 different radios that would all fit pretty well and be cleaner than your typical double din setup.

​​​​​​I may end up returning this one and going with a known working wiring kit/module and a normal double din, it's just not going to be as clean of an install.

 

Without a map of how the radio harness is pinned, I don't see how we can help.

 

Yeah, I think it's a standard 16 pin output/output on the radio, but I think the colors aren't standard. So I think I could work out most of it. But the CAN-BUS module seems to be lacking any documentation I can find online. It's a gm-ss-05.

 

Then there’s the question of do you have a standard 4 speaker with 2 tweeters system or the 4 speaker with a sub woofer and 2 tweeters system? Different pin outs.

 

Did you bother going to Crutchfield.com? They have a lot of FREE information and radio equipment with the correct adapters. You can get the part numbers from them then shop for prices if you like.
There are a couple different GM-LAN adapters for steering wheel controls and 1 retaining the chimes. Try going to https://axxessinterfaces.com/ for other installation guides. I found it easy to find installation help using the part numbers in GoOgle. The adapter circuit is a generic design; almost all brands are the same.
Here is a pdf of the HHR side.

radiowiring.pdf

 

I'm just not going to mess with it. I wish I had the time and motivation to make it work but I just sent it back to Amazon and I'm waiting on radio #3. This time a regular double din, an ugly bezel kit and a known working harness and module for the HHR.

 

You still need the adapter. Or do some creative wiring. The radio is not the problem it is the adapter and your understanding.

The car harness has no switched 12 v wire. That is what the adapter is for, plus the chimes and steering wheel controls and OnStar (if needed).
If you want plug and play go to crutchfield they will sell you everything needed with help. You can get the part numbers from them and shop if you don't trust them. Anything you get from Amazon will require additional work with no help.

 

The all in one kit from Amazon was appealing because it was economical with what appeared to be a plug and play harness and the head unit was meant to fit GM vehicles. It's just sad it was listed for the HHR but pinned for other models. It could definitely work if I'd just sat down and worked out the right pinout. I didn't really ask for shopping advice or indicate I didn't know what I actually need to install a radio. If you're thinking a new harness/module would allow me to install the radio any easier than the harness it came with, you're wrong, it used non standard wire colors so I'd still be hoping the 16 pin on the radio was a standard pinout.


This post at this point has some key words that will direct people here so it's either be a warning not to buy the radios listed on Amazon, or a warning the harnesses are pinned wrong. I have no plans on continuing to mess with these radios or update this post with anything to do with them, I've moved on.