Can Onstar Be Used if A Carputer is installed?

**thinkinblue613** · 06-23-2006, 05:27 PM

I searched the forums for this and got couldn't find anything. Anyways, I would like to know if I can still use onstar and the alarm system in the Tahoe if I take the stock radio out. But I have a feeling I should keep it and that would require me to move the whole dash setup around.

I would like to know if I can take the radio out and still use the onstar and alarm system along with the steering wheel controls. Thanks in advanced!

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-23-2006, 06:10 PM

I would imagine that any big box retailer with an install bay should be able to answer this question.

I'd hit them up for a quick answer.

**Jahntassa** · 06-25-2006, 01:16 AM

Onstar, yes, with a $150 interface.
Alarm, most likely, because it doesn't do anything with the radio.
Steering wheel controls, search around for them, there's probably an interface you can get.

**EsKALad** · 06-25-2006, 10:07 AM

dont even go through all the trouble...just put the screen down in the console where it shoots up to meet the dash..the spare pocket and tape deck i believe.....id put it there. dont mess with your dash if you want to keep onstar.

**thinkinblue613** · 06-25-2006, 03:27 PM

The thing is that i don't really use it (used it twice in 6 months) and i won't use it as soon as i have GPS.. but I just want the option of it being there if I need it in emergencies or if I ever have to use it.

I also want the screen where the stock radio is at.. So I can see the screen better while I'm driving, don't want to get into accidents. The main thing is that I want the install clean.

Solution: I just want you guys to agree if it will work on not.. To put the stock radio somewhere close to the dash, like the glove compartment or under the 12v inputs since there's an empty compartment there as well but I'd have to saw it to make it fit but I don't know how big the radio is and if I might mess up all the wires around there. Has anyone done that before or did you just not use onstar?

**Jahntassa** · 06-25-2006, 04:07 PM

By trying to move the stock radio you're probably asking for more trouble than it's worth. You'd have to extend the stock wiring harnesses in order to fit, plus try to figure out how to mount the factory radio in that space.

**thinkinblue613** · 06-25-2006, 04:19 PM

So should I just take the radio out? Are there ways I can use the radio with something else because I'd need to still have control for the volume level.

Whats the best thing I should do?

**Jahntassa** · 06-25-2006, 04:49 PM

Do you have the BOSE system in that Tahoe? If so that might be a pain in the arse to interface with, without getting some adapters. Do you have a stock subwoofer? Same thing.

What are you planning on putting in, is the question? You CAN move the radio, it'll just be a pain, because I don't think they sell extension cables for the harnesses behind the radio, so you'd have to extend them yourself.

**thinkinblue613** · 06-25-2006, 05:25 PM

I don't have anything in it right now. The Bose upgrade was like $1000 and I know I can get the same for cheaper. All stock, but I'm probably going to be replacing the speakers and put a couple subs in the thing. I'm also planning on putting a DVD system in the back which won't be hooked up with the Mac I'm putting in it.

What do you recommend I put in because I'm really new to all this and I don't want to over-do anything and waste money.

I know it will be a pain but knowing I can keep the radio, I can do it. I've also never "fabricated" anything so tips on that would be good as well.

**Jahntassa** · 06-26-2006, 09:23 AM

Well if you didn't get BOSE from the factory, you wouldn't be able to get it after the fact.

So you're putting a mac in there? Are you going to keep the factory radio and get an AUX input interface for it? Or get an aftermarket radio?

Your first step needs to be figure out exactly what you want to do, which you haven't really specified yet. Read through the FAQ forum and let us know a better idea of what you want to do so you can get more specific answers.