Retrofit a OEM Nav unit in C6?

Anomir · 03-09-2007, 08:55 PM

I have an oem nav unit, gps antenna and dvd that I managed to snag. I went to a dealer to be told this cannot be done. They stated I cannot change radios at all, whatever it rolled out of the factory is all you can use.

In my case I have a 6 disc changer. I wanted to switch to the nav unit. I questioned this, because it makes no sense to me WHY you would not allow it. They told me basically, any GM (I assume newer ones, my C5 I switched with no problems.) you cannot change radios and they cannot unlock or change radios. The example the service manager gave me was someone purchasing a pickup with am/fm only, they want a cd/am/fm, they cannot purchase a new one from parts because the computer will not accept it.

I have read on another forum where someone has done the retrofit succesfully and the dealer reprogrammed without issue. So I am at a loss as to what to do (please do not say just go get aftermarket, I would have done that to start with if I wanted to go down that path) does anyone know for sure if the dealer is just WRONG, or that the person on the other forum is wrong.

scott_fx · 03-09-2007, 09:38 PM

why don't you ask the person on the other forum how he did it? :-)

Anomir · 03-09-2007, 09:43 PM

I sent a pm and email, not sure how active he is. I have waited a couple days with no replies.

TheKomoman · 03-09-2007, 09:50 PM

The dealer has to reprogram the radio using Tech II to marry the radio to your VIN. All the GM stock radio pieces are VIN-locked. With most dealers if you provide solid proof-of-purchase they will do the re-programming for whatever charge they use.

That said, my question would be *WHY* you would do this. Aftermarket NAV units are superior in EVERY way - sound quality, ease of use, options.. shall I continue? And I own a factory NAV in my '06 Convertible so I know that of which I speak!

Aftermarket NAV would be no more money, probably less and give you more. Do NOT bother retrofitting factory nav.

One man's (strong) opinion. As always.. YMMV

Anomir · 03-09-2007, 10:05 PM

The deal I got was WAY below any aftermarket. The person who sold it to me felt as you do, and I personally prefer the oem. It does not have alot of the features the aftermarkets do, but was as I said MUCH cheaper, and I really do not care about most of the extras the aftermarket units have.

The person from the other forum has responded, basically saying what you did, the dealer obviously does not know what he is doing and go somewhere else. I suppose its quite obvious the dealer also will never touch my car to do any work on it.