So,

I bought the Z2 with the reverse camera, as well as the iPod UI box and was about to have it installed @ Best Buy.

They told me that I would have to buy a "harness" for $150, if I wanted to use the OnStar system.

I told tham that I don't use the OSS, as it was only a 50 day trial from the moment I bought the vehicle and it expired less than a week ago.

He said that, they wouldn't be able to do the work without installing the harness, but couldn't explain why! Only that, it was necessary.

Now, before I plunk down $150 on some shyt that I'm not even gonna use.....Do any of you know if there's any truth the the jabberwocky that this guy spewed?

Thanks,

Chil

I'm no pro installer....but the price is about right for the harness...you may or may not be able to save a couple of bucks by buying a harness that does not retain the OnStar...but non of those harnesses are cheap...

It may be a GM thing as well....I know alot of GM vehicles have their door chimes run through the audio system, so you have to not only find a harness for the OnStar, but to retain door chimes as well...and if you have the factory Bose upgrade, well, you have to consider that as well...

http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/

Another thing I would suggest....is to find a REAL audio shop that is trustworthy....I've seen some horrible installations from places like BB, Mobile One, and Circuit City....(electrical taped connections/wire nuts)...Of course I live in Louisiana, and they really don't know any better....LOL....I've even asked one of their installers for some heat shrink, and I got the deer in the headlights look in return...ugghhhh

Damn.....Oh well!

Thanks, Dawgbone!

Ultimate Audio, here I come!

I think you are going to want the adapter. This is the one I used in my Outlook:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-gxKWFmFx1k ... ailed_info

In addition to keeping onStar and chimes, you will also keep Retained Aux Power. You will lose your turn signal click unless you add a relay.

-Jim

Thanks, man!

I'm assuming all is working well with the unit in the Outlook?!

Yea - I'm pretty happy with it. I replaced the stock speakers with some Pioneer 4-ways. I'm still playing around with the settings to get the sound right. I added XM, BT, and iPod. FYI - you can use the factory XM antenna, and there is room under the center storage compartment above the radio for the gps antenna. I'm adding a small sub, backup camera, and rear 3 1/2's this weekend. I'm hoping that will help get the sound I want. I really don't want to add an amp for the door speakers, so I will just live with the sound I get. I think I need to disconnect the factory tweeters and see if I can get it tuned better in without them.

-Jim

BTW - I fogot to mention mine is a D3, not the Z2.

-Jim

Awesome stuff!

Can't wait to get it installed.

And thanks for the tip on the location for the gps antenna!

Just to throw in my 2 cents, I have an Outlook and went the Z2 route with all the option modules. I did also have to buy the extra harness, and it is absolutely necessary to keep all the GM functions, not just the OnStar. Mine works very good. I'm happy that I spent the extra money and went the Pioneer route instead of the factory nav unit. I do have a couple of questions though if anybody is listening.

#1. Once in a while the nav system seems like it just blinks out, and it wants me to turn off the road onto another route. Bummer. Sometimes it's not so obvious and I end up a couple of miles off the path. And sometimes it's really obvious like traveling down the interstate and the nav telling you to turn around. Anyone else having that kind of a problem.

#2. My bluetooth module seems to have a delay in the time to answer or to start a voice conversation. Also, when in the BT mode and you make a call the phone does not ring. It lifts off the receiver, you can see the icon and the radio mutes, but you can't hear the ring. By the time you hear anything they have already picked up the phone and started talking and you miss the first few seconds of the conversation. Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks,

T.

TonyH.....Did you have to purchase any other peripherals, or relay boxes, to keep the steering wheel controls working? Or was that a non-issue?

TonyH.....Did you have to purchase any other peripherals, or relay boxes, to keep the steering wheel controls working? Or was that a non-issue?

Yeah, I did. From PAC (Pacific Acc Corp). They make a pretty inexpensive steering wheel Interface (SWI) that plugs right into the Outlook's harness. I did however have some problems and have to call them for help. They were very knowledgeable and helpful and had the problem fixed in a few minutes. It had to do with cutting one of the wires from the harness that was causing a grounding loop. After that, the steering wheel controls worked perfectly.

Just fyi...I would have done this in the first place but the installer told me that there was no way to keep the steering wheel controls with the Pioneer system. I should have found this forum first! Lot's of great information on here.

Good deal!

Thanks again!

Finally got that bad boy installed!

What an absolutely sweet unit!

Everything works flawlessly!

Had to go back today though, to get the speed sensor installed. I'm blown away by what this thing can do!

Becky (My nav bitch) hasn't made any mistakes so far, in routing.

The install dude said, since this was his first Outlook, that he was gonna charge WAY more money if he ever sees another Outlook come in.

It literally took him 7 hours to install. It, according to him, was by FAR, the most difficult vehicle to work with.

Alles klar, baby!!!

Good times!

Chil