OK, a little help please!
Thread Starter
Sergeant
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville FL
OK, a little help please!
Ok, I know I posted this before but- I am going to install an CD player in my 96. It doesn't have the bose. I am now confused, from what I see thus far the new harness adapter plugs into the receiver plugs in the stowage compartment and I have to wire from there to the new receiver in the dash- is this right? Also my antennae cable ends in the stowage compartment, do I need a new cable(longer) or does somebody make extension cables? It's really starting to look like a PITA to do and I'm getting discouraged just looking things over, so any help would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: OK, a little help please! (JTs96LT4)
I did have the Bose, but what you're stating sounds correct. The adapter plugs in behind the passengers seat. I then made a custom 13 wire wiring harness to get all the wires from back there up to the head unit. Also got a 6' antenna extension. On the bright side, you won't need the antenna adapter that makes it small for the original receiver.
Thread Starter
Sergeant
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville FL
Re: OK, a little help please! (R94 LT 1)
Thanks R94 LT 1, I keep hearing about this box in the passenger side dash that I'm supposed to tap/connect to- but I think this is for bose only. :confused: Once you wired it did you have any problems- antennae not working, bad reception from extension, etc? And was finding an install kit for the dash a problem, I haven't found one yet. :( Thanks again.
JT
JT
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: OK, a little help please! (JTs96LT4)
I didn't us a dash kit as I got a Double Din Head unit. I cut the factory brackets off the side of the old radio (since it was shot) with a rotory tool. Mounted them to the sides of the new unit, and used the factory setup. I only had to snip the lower corners of the dash piece that goes around the radio as this one comes through, unlike the old one. Here's a pic:
As far as the wires are concerned, the only problem I had was the backlights. The wire for that does not hook up behind the seat in back, I tapped in to the original one up front for that. The reception is fine. If you are having problems with your original, more than likely the receiver behind the seat is bad. I replace mine and it worked fine, till about a 6 months later when the CD player in the factory head unit gave up. That's when I decided to trash the factory system for updated aftermarket.
As far as the box underneath the dash, I believe that was on models older than ours. Not sure though. Hope this helps.
As far as the wires are concerned, the only problem I had was the backlights. The wire for that does not hook up behind the seat in back, I tapped in to the original one up front for that. The reception is fine. If you are having problems with your original, more than likely the receiver behind the seat is bad. I replace mine and it worked fine, till about a 6 months later when the CD player in the factory head unit gave up. That's when I decided to trash the factory system for updated aftermarket.
As far as the box underneath the dash, I believe that was on models older than ours. Not sure though. Hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: OK, a little help please! (JTs96LT4)
To be honest, I don't remember which one it was. I confirmed it was the right one though by hooking up a meter to it. Hook your meter up to ground then turn on the lights. Check for voltage with the positive. If you find voltage, turn the lights off, if you lose the voltage, you have a good wire. If I get back in there and you haven't posted you're done, I'll check it out for you.
Racer
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
From: Conyers Georgia
Re: OK, a little help please! (JTs96LT4)
JT, if you are going to install a single DIN unit, I have the dash kits at my shop for the 90-96 Vettes. Call me at the shop if you need one. (770)925-7003.
Thread Starter
Sergeant
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville FL
Re: OK, a little help please! (R94 LT 1)
Don't tear into it if you don't have to.:eek: I think the harness (metra) I bought was different than yours, it has 14 wires with a wire for illumination and a wire for dimming. I also bought another (scosche) that has only 13 wires with just the wire for dimming, none for illumination. I'll use the metra, maybe that will eliminate the potential problem. 
Dave84/76, I have a local stereo installer that says he's got me one on order, but if it doesn't pan out I'll be giving you a holler. How much are you selling the kits for?
Thanks guys,
JT
Dave84/76, I have a local stereo installer that says he's got me one on order, but if it doesn't pan out I'll be giving you a holler.
How much are you selling the kits for?Thanks guys,
JT
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Thread Starter
Sergeant
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville FL
Re: OK, a little help please! (R94 LT 1)
I see what you're talking about now. GM didn't run an illumination wire to the original harness plug in the back. :( I am finished with the install (PITA) and I tapped into the grey wire in one of the original radio plugs in the dash. PROBLEM- The radio will not dim with the dimmer swith AND now I notice I have a SYS flashing in the speedo. It flashes when I start the car, seems to go away while I'm driving but if I park it starts flashing again. What causes this? Did I do something wrong? :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: OK, a little help please! (JTs96LT4)
No you have Manuel A/C? There's something you have to do to solve that. I'll look back and see if I can find it or you can repost a question on it. I have the Auto so it wasn't a problem for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: OK, a little help please! (R94 LT 1)
Here's the original link, but it no longer works. You might see if you can find it in the archives. https://www.corvetteforum.com/ubb/Fo...ML/000208.html
This was the title
1996 Stereo replacement sets SES Codes
This was the title
1996 Stereo replacement sets SES Codes
Racer
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
From: Conyers Georgia
Re: OK, a little help please! (JTs96LT4)
JT, there is a TSB about installing an aftermarket radio setting codes, but I thought it only applied to 90-93 Vettes. This is the TSB: http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/dave8476/index4.shtml . Try it and see if it takes care of the problem.
Thread Starter
Sergeant
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville FL
Re: OK, a little help please! (JTs96LT4)
I couldn't wait for my weekend. I just finished putting the resistors in, and so far it looks like no SYS anymore Thanks for all the help, :cheers:
Thanks for all the help, :cheers:
