Sony xav-ax200 head unit installation c6
09-26-2018, 01:24 AM
#1
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Sony xav-ax200 head unit installation c6
Hello all,
So, I've just installed a Sony XAV-AX200SXM head unit in my base 2006 convertible corvette, along with a back-up camera. The install was completed on the 21st of this month with no issues at all. I've driven the car everyday since then. However, on the 23rd I noticed that the unit would sporadically turn itself off then back on. After restarting the car that same day, no issues. On the next day, no issues at all. Then on the 25th, I noticed the issue briefly at the end of the night, though it was fine during the day. It's pretty random. I took out the head unit on the 25th to check for any loose connection/exposed wire and I couldn't see anything. Any ideas?
So, I've just installed a Sony XAV-AX200SXM head unit in my base 2006 convertible corvette, along with a back-up camera. The install was completed on the 21st of this month with no issues at all. I've driven the car everyday since then. However, on the 23rd I noticed that the unit would sporadically turn itself off then back on. After restarting the car that same day, no issues. On the next day, no issues at all. Then on the 25th, I noticed the issue briefly at the end of the night, though it was fine during the day. It's pretty random. I took out the head unit on the 25th to check for any loose connection/exposed wire and I couldn't see anything. Any ideas?
10-04-2018, 12:42 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
I'm in the middle of researching this head unit for myself right now. I particularly like the matte finish to better match the stock console, the volume ****, and Apple/Android compatibility. Two questions:
1) How do you like it (when it's working)?
2) Did you need any special install tools or adapters? Crutchfield seems to say this is not compatible with the Corvette because it's too deep.
As for your issue, sounds like a bad unit? You might want to look into forums speaking to the unit itself. I'm not sure this is necessarily a Corvette-specific issue.
1) How do you like it (when it's working)?
2) Did you need any special install tools or adapters? Crutchfield seems to say this is not compatible with the Corvette because it's too deep.
As for your issue, sounds like a bad unit? You might want to look into forums speaking to the unit itself. I'm not sure this is necessarily a Corvette-specific issue.
Last edited by vara411; 10-04-2018 at 10:29 PM.
10-10-2018, 01:54 AM
#3
6th Gear
Thread Starter
I'm in the middle of researching this head unit for myself right now. I particularly like the matte finish to better match the stock console, the volume ****, and Apple/Android compatibility. Two questions:
1) How do you like it (when it's working)?
2) Did you need any special install tools or adapters? Crutchfield seems to say this is not compatible with the Corvette because it's too deep.
As for your issue, sounds like a bad unit? You might want to look into forums speaking to the unit itself. I'm not sure this is necessarily a Corvette-specific issue.
1) How do you like it (when it's working)?
2) Did you need any special install tools or adapters? Crutchfield seems to say this is not compatible with the Corvette because it's too deep.
As for your issue, sounds like a bad unit? You might want to look into forums speaking to the unit itself. I'm not sure this is necessarily a Corvette-specific issue.
It works great, when it's not power-cycling - loaded with features. The unit did not require any special tools or adapters and fits just fine.
The only requirements for install are as follows:
- dash kit (to mount the radio)
- interface kit (so my OnStar would still work)
- torx bit set
- drill or ratchet with standard sockets
- wire strippers
- wire butt-splices
UPDATE ON THE ISSUE:
After replacing the HU twice, I've found that the HU is not the issue, as the problem persists. I'm thinking, after talking with Crutchfield as well as PAC Audio, that my PAC Audio OS-2X interface may be the issue. I've ordered another interface, so I'll give an update when I found out how the interface swap works out. Side-note, on Crutchfield's reviews of the radio I noticed that a 1992 and 2013 Corvette owner both have this HU and it works fine for them, so it definitely works for 'Vettes.
10-11-2018, 02:53 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
^^^ Wow glad to hear it's not the head unit. Pretty impressed you installed two of 'em before pinpointing the issue. I put my order in with Crutchfield and hope to install it this weekend. Very excited. I'll post some updates! Thanks for the reply! 
10-13-2018, 08:40 PM
#5
Advanced
I've actually been thinking of buying one of these units myself so this thread is very helpful for potential buyers such as myself. Would you happen to have a picture of it? And does backlit **** and buttons match the rest of the center console at night? Thank you!
11-01-2018, 05:55 PM
#6
6th Gear
Thread Starter
UPDATE ON THE ISSUE:
After three head units and two PAC OS-2X interfaces, I came to the conclusion that the interface was the issue. I spoke with PAC audio and they had me do a hot and ground wire bypass, bypassing the power from the car around the interface to go straight to the HU. Unfortunately the problem persisted. PAC came to the conclusion that the interface couldn't handle the HU power draw (even though there was no warning before-hand of the interface being compatible with specific units). As a result, PAC sent me a free interface of a different model: GM1A-RT. So far so good. I'll post if anything goes sour!
Last edited by pianoblake; 11-01-2018 at 05:57 PM.
11-01-2018, 10:45 PM
#7
Advanced
Hi - this looks like a perfect unit, especially since you can use Waze. Crutchfield definitely indicates it will NOT fit an '06. What kit did you need? I would love to see how it looks in your dash, can you please post a photo?
Best,
Jon
Best,
Jon
11-01-2018, 11:42 PM
#8
Advanced
The Sony XAV-AX200SXM has a new firmware update which allows for the button lights to be customized all in unison using sliders of Green, Red, and Blue through the unit's settings, allowing you to create blends of the three.
UPDATE ON THE ISSUE:
After three head units and two PAC OS-2X interfaces, I came to the conclusion that the interface was the issue. I spoke with PAC audio and they had me do a hot and ground wire bypass, bypassing the power from the car around the interface to go straight to the HU. Unfortunately the problem persisted. PAC came to the conclusion that the interface couldn't handle the HU power draw (even though there was no warning before-hand of the interface being compatible with specific units). As a result, PAC sent me a free interface of a different model: GM1A-RT. So far so good. I'll post if anything goes sour!
UPDATE ON THE ISSUE:
After three head units and two PAC OS-2X interfaces, I came to the conclusion that the interface was the issue. I spoke with PAC audio and they had me do a hot and ground wire bypass, bypassing the power from the car around the interface to go straight to the HU. Unfortunately the problem persisted. PAC came to the conclusion that the interface couldn't handle the HU power draw (even though there was no warning before-hand of the interface being compatible with specific units). As a result, PAC sent me a free interface of a different model: GM1A-RT. So far so good. I'll post if anything goes sour!
I'm glad to hear it's working now! I was actually told to use the PAC RP5-GM11 interface cable. I'm curious why PAC would give you the other model instead.
11-02-2018, 02:04 PM
#9
6th Gear
Thread Starter
11-02-2018, 02:13 PM
#10
Advanced
wow, that looks fantastic! Thank you for posting! Does the satellite radio antenna go on the outside of the car? Is the camera very visible in the back. That unit has 3 inputs for cameras....thinking about getting one up on the nose, my garage is tight...would be great.
Jon
Jon
11-02-2018, 06:30 PM
#11
6th Gear
Thread Starter
wow, that looks fantastic! Thank you for posting! Does the satellite radio antenna go on the outside of the car? Is the camera very visible in the back. That unit has 3 inputs for cameras....thinking about getting one up on the nose, my garage is tight...would be great.
Jon
Jon
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jbripps (11-02-2018)
11-06-2018, 09:45 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
This new batch of PAC audio interfaces unlike their older counter parts are total JUNK, during my stereo upgrade i went through 2 of them 1 used out of my 08 the other brand new that wouldn't work in my 2012 c6 so a audio shop owner shared with me his recent experiences in which he had to return 3 in 1 week because of their failure to perform correctly. He highly recommended the Metra line " which I purchased + I've experienced 0 problem" so with the Metra interface my Kenwood DDX 9903S PERFORMS PERFECTLY WITH NO FLAWS.
11-06-2018, 10:16 PM
#13
Advanced
This new batch of PAC audio interfaces unlike their older counter parts are total JUNK, during my stereo upgrade i went through 2 of them 1 used out of my 08 the other brand new that wouldn't work in my 2012 c6 so a audio shop owner shared with me his recent experiences in which he had to return 3 in 1 week because of their failure to perform correctly. He highly recommended the Metra line " which I purchased + I've experienced 0 problem" so with the Metra interface my Kenwood DDX 9903S PERFORMS PERFECTLY WITH NO FLAWS.
11-07-2018, 10:47 AM
#15
Advanced
