Ok...so I have the option to get the PAL hookup in my HHR for $60 and I was just wondering if anyone has any opinions or anything about it. Is it worth it? Does it work good? You know...stuff like that. Feedback.

Thanks guys!

 

Hello CrazyCarKid,
Ive had a PAL in my 07 and recently took it out. The PAL was way to slow and almost impossible to navigate. If you use the steering wheel audio controls to forward a song, the PAL would really freak out. I played hell getting it to work right after that. In the end I just made all my iPod songs favorites and set the PAL to play random.

I was lucky enough to find a 2009 HHR radio on ebay. The new radio has a USB port on the front face. Then I bought a 16GB flash drive and put my songs on that. The USB radio is 10 times faster at playing and selecting songs than PAL. I dont have to worry about getting the flash drive stolen vs an iPod. :) If you like your iPod can hook into the USB port, charge it and works better than PAL too....

But if you can get one for $60 give it a try.

Cheers !

 

Ok, thanks. I thought I've heard that some people dont' care for it, so that's why I was wondering. I can get by using the AUX cord, but I just liked the fact that that would charge my iPod. Don't know if it's really worth it just to charge it. I can do that at home. I didn't know you could just plug a flash drive with songs on it in, that's pretty nifty! If I had the money, I would just buy a new radio. But I don't...

 

My car came with it and I LOVE it.
NO problems whatsoever with the steering wheel audio controls.

Pretzel, sounds like you had a faulty one as I've never had that problem--and I've had my HHR almost 2 years.

I have my music in folders (more convenient for me) and have continuous music for hours. You learn quickly to hold the control a smidgen longer then a quick touch (this will just move it to the radio) to change tracks.

There is a thread on here for/against the PAL.

@

 

I have heard similar things about it. Clunky, slow, etc. I was really excited about it until i read more about it.

Lucky you for getting an 09 radio, it is on my lists of wants, but there are never any when i look. Off topic: What did you have to do to get it to work, take it to the dealer? anything special, PM me if you want.

 

It's complete garbage! So clunky and slow. In this day and age there is no excuse for it. I am an audio engineer and know my way around technology so it's not like it's confusing to me. It just doesn't work well. If you want something to charge your iPod and keep it out of site-it's awesome, otherwise it's only frustrating. I wouldn't hook it up if someone gave it to me. I'm going to can it soon and just use the audio input jack I think-maybe hardwire it into the top box anyway.

 

Got one in mine and am happy with it. True, it's not the most responsive piece of electronics, but it does what it is supposed to do, the sound is great, and my iPod is cleanly out of sight in my upper glove box. No wires draped around or slung over my dash. And, as Angelita pointed out, you learn pretty quickly how to make it all work properly, including holding the buttons just a touch longer than usual. I also have my Sirius Sportster plugged into the AUX in port on the PAL, so it plays through my stereo without any additional cables to the front of the headunit. The Sportster is tucked away in the upper glove box as well. Everything out of sight and no wires.

Not the best piece of equipment, but it provides me with the combination of clean dash and good sound that I want.