Wiring, Stereo & Electronics Audio Components | Radars | Alarms - and things that spark when they shouldn't

Swapping radios between cars?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 16, 2005 | 04:20 PM
  #1  
BigE's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Alabama - The 'Ham
Default Swapping radios between cars?

My sister just got an 02 Impala. The current stereo is a tape player and she would like a CD player. I have been told that this model car routes some functions through the radio and can cause problems if replaced by an aftermarket unit. I've looked at used factory CD players and they're cheap enough but some folks are saying that they need to be programmed with a Tech II in order to function. I'm looking for some information on this. If you could point me to a website or forum, I would greatly appreciate it. Or if you know about these radios, please post up. Also, feel free to PM me.

Thanks!

Eric
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2005 | 04:26 PM
  #2  
LS1_SS's Avatar
Registered User
iTrader: (127)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,985
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee
Default

I dont think it will cause problems but some functions may not work. I know my buddy installed a tv in his 03 or 04 grand prix and some functions didnt work..
Reply
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 08:44 AM
  #3  
BigE's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Alabama - The 'Ham
Default

Yeah, I've read that the chimes (door etc.) won't work and you can't reset the oil light if you go aftermarket. So I'm liking the idea of a factory CD player. However, I've read that the radio is programmed with part of the VIN number such that if I swap in a used CD player, it won't work unless I reprogram with a Tech II. Anyone know about this? Is this something that can be reprogrammed with HPTuners?
Reply
Old Jun 17, 2005 | 09:27 AM
  #4  
shouldaboughttheZ's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 0
From: H-Town
Default

I know some of the radios have certain functions running through them. Airbag, chime,etc..
I haven't heard about reprograming it with a tech II. I was told, when checking on my mothers truck radio swap, that I could go two ways. One was to by this long cable and install the factory radio in the back to keep the factory functions working. The second was a little box which took care of the same thing with haveing the factory radio in the back. Of course it did depend on which model system you have.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:14 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE