2001 Cavalier- Need a new CD stereo put in. Will it need a "harness"? How much

Z

Zzzonkout

New member
2001 Cavalier- Need a new CD stereo put in. Will it need a "harness"? How much

should it cost? I heard there's a chance a 2001 Cavalier might need a "harness" to install the stereo, which would cost quite a bit more than if it didn't need it.
Someone also said it depends on where the sound comes from when you leave your door open or seat belt unbuckled, if it comes from the speakers or behind the dash...well, it doesn't make any sound at all for any of those alerts.

For a basic CD player installed, how much, around how much should the total be?

Thanks.
Is $200+tx TOTAL, a good deal to get the cd player plus have it installed?
 
K

KaeZoo

Member
Put your key in the ignition, turn it to "ACC", and open the door. You should hear a chime from the driver's door speaker.

The warning chimes are generated by the factory radio in your car. They include key chime, door open chime, and lights left on (but there's no seatbelt chime in a Cavalier). Unless you use an adapter module, you'll lose all audible warning chimes when you replace the radio.

Another difficulty is that the factory radio is controlled directly by the vehicle's computer system, through a data bus wire. When you turn your key off, the radio stays on until you open a door. This is because the computer's telling the radio when to turn on and turn off. Your after-market radio won't work with this computer signal, and there's no key-switched accessory power wire (which is what the after-market deck needs) in the factory radio plug.

Here are your options:

You can purchase an inexpensive wire harness, like Metra's 70-2003. You'll lose all the audible warning chimes. You'll also need to run a new wire to an accessory power source, at the vehicle's fuse box or key switch harness.

Otherwise, you can purchase an expensive adapter module, like Metra's GMOS-01 or GMRC-01. The module will communicate with the vehicle's data bus and generate the warning chimes for you. It will also provide an accessory power output that will make the new radio turn on and off the same way the old one did.

Here's the price list:
Mounting kit: $15-25
Antenna adapter: $5-15
Wire harness: $15-$25 or...
Adapter module: $70-$100

You need the harness or the adapter module, not both.

Professional installation would probably be $40-$60, but there might be extra labor involved if you use the cheaper harness instead of the adapter module.
 
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