wmhpmp

As you may have read, I did a post on the iConnect several months back when it first came to my attention through my dealer. There was a Service bulletin out at that time about the iConnect and battery problems. The tech that was going to install the unit recommended against doing so since it was supposed to kill the battery in the Corvette. Fearing for my car’s health I decided to wait on the GM PAL that was coming soon. I have never been accused of being overly patient so when the timeframe for the PAL drew out to many months I went looking for an alternative.

I happened across a contact name and number at Smart Park, the makers of the iConnect, and figured a conversation about the service bulletin would be in order. After all, GM dealers are selling the unit, right? The gentleman I spoke with is Roger C Hooker Jr., VP of SmartPark Automotive Technologies. According to him, the service bulletin was righteous, at one time, but had never been revised. When the iConnect first came out there was an issue with the Corvette software. The Corvette computer sends out pulses intermittently to see if anything is on. The first version of the iConnect would respond to that inquiry and as a result the computer would power up many more systems. The effect of these systems being activated is the eventual demise of the battery. The new iConnect firmware properly handles the Corvette computer inquiries.

I was interested but concerned about the installation since the installer at the dealer did not know where the XM module was located in my car. Roger put me in touch with an established company here in Florida with multiple locations and a track record of successful installations, Techni-Car. Craig Johnson in the Fort Lauderdale location was very helpful and worked around my schedule to get the unit put in. Their price was very good as well.

I took the plunge; I have a working iPod installation!!!

It works off of the XM screen. You use the category buttons to switch play lists and then the seek buttons move through the songs. The song, artist and album display at the top of the screen just like the XM songs do! Only one downside to this, if you have the HUD in street mode it doesn’t know you are not on the XM station and doesn’t say you are on the iPod. I usually stay in the competition mode anyway.

If you want to contact Roger with Smart Park you can reach him at: 714.655.7752

If you want to contact Craig with Techni-Car you can reach him at: 954.979.9300

After a couple of days of use it is working fine and sounding great. I will post again if I see anything unexpected but as of now I couldn’t be happier.

Here are some pictures of the installation –


Tools the installer used...


He had to remove the plasic connectors behind the waterfall...




Here is the XM Module...


It felt like I was in the dentist's chair...


Ready for the cable...










Ready for the road...

glennhl

Nice install, wish they had a solution for a Base (non-bose) radio. However, I decided against installing my IPOD in the center console because it's like an oven. I was afraid it would fry my IPOD in no time at all. I ended mounting mine with a Pro Clip on the side of the center console.

froggs

Nice post. What was the total $$$ damage for parts/labor????

jaxgator

Awesome!

Got any shots of the NAV with the unit in operation?

SilverSurferC6

Can you post some display pix? I have the same setup as you in my C6 Coupe. Thank you.

cam6797

Thanks for the info on the iPod interface. Do you know if it would work for the 2005 model as well?

anothercrisis

I want one for my 05 Coupe. This may be it. Thanks for the post.

anothercrisis

SONKIST

You say this works off the XM controller.

I have a 3lt on order. Does this automatically have XM? I got the Nav upgrade.

User 020720

I currently use a FM type transmitter for my iPod and although it works alright the audio quality isn't the best. I like this post idea better. I also have a little gizmo called the mp3cdkey that plugs into any 12v outlet and it will accept a usb thumbdrive up to 1gb and will play mp3 tunes through the FM radio the same way. But it's almost pointless to do this since the head unit will play burned mp3 discs. I just like that I can take it with me in a rental car, etc.

Sven

thanks

jaxgator

If you ordered 3LT then you will have XM.

Fcal

Wmhpmp-----------Thanks for the post. Right now I'm running a USA Spec unit. I only get 5 playlists with horrible song and artist info. With over 3300 songs that really sucks. Just got off the phone with Roger. He gave me the part#GM LN31600 (07 Vette, 06 is diff part # ). Found a supplier and just ordered one. Should get it in about a week or so. They can't keep them on the shelves.
Now I'm happy.
Thanks

AP

Nice ...

glennhl

Keep us informed because most people said the GM Ipod interface would not be available until June. Maybe the ones for the 07 came out first. Do you have to have a 3LT for the GM interface to work? I have a 2006 2LT with the base radio.

Fcal

Glen, the install on this post was on an 06'. The units seem to be out there, just not from GM yet. I called Smart Park to get the part#.
Try JP Customs in Texas for the part. It's a truck site, but my interface is the same as for the 07' Tahoe.
Not sure if you need 3LT, but you do need the XM pkg. from what I understand. Talk to Roger at Smart Park. He was very helpful.

teazr1

Might want to add a bit of clarification as lots of 2005 owners call their 1SB cars 3LT. The 3LT equivalent in 2005 does not necessarily have XM.

rtibbit

ttt

05_C6Z51

I going to order one but it looks like th photo has the XM module behind the seats for the convertible. where is the XM module on the 05 coupe?

jwolfrom

On the 2006 coupes it is on the drivers side right above the rear wheel arch, just behind the carpeting. You can easily pull back the carpet in that area. There was a thread called "C6 I-POD Neucleus NC-X2i Interface nightmare" that has a DIY on installing a similar unit in a coupe. No tools required and no drilling necessary - it works - that's what I did.

rtibbit

What location did you chose for the iPod in your coupe?

If the interface to the car's audio system controls works as well a I hope, there would be little need to touch the iPod. Could an iPod location be found near the rear wheel arch? That would eliminate the need to run any wiring.

Wayne