Replacement radio head unit for C5

[C2 VET]

My radio has started playing up recently, I took the battery off to gain access to the air con filter drier during a compressor replacement and now it flashes up ERR nearly every time I turn on the ignition. frantic jabbing at the buttons eventually gets it working.
I fancy a change anyway, has anyone successly fitted a modern touch screen media unit and if so what make and model ?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Custom exotics]

We have done a few double din conversions in c5's it does involve modding and painting of the centre consol .we lose the ashtray and move the heater controls down to make room if you need more details or want some pics just message me on 07801150162

 

[teamzr1]

One food for thought

Make sure before you take the stock radio out is if a security code had been set to turn that OFF
As if you do not, the BCM could prevent another radio working as the BCM is expecting a security code from radio
to allow it being turned on
If code was set using owner's manual would explain the process using the known code to turn security off
so the BCM never again sets radio security function on

Hopefully you set it or no one ever set a code, look at radio screen to see if it shows security being set

 

[C5Steve]

Lots of info here about some 1.5 Din options. Requires a bit of fiddling but you retain the stock centre console.

FINALLY -- A Stereo/Head Unit that Fits in a C5 (mostly) - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

C5 General - FINALLY -- A Stereo/Head Unit that Fits in a C5 (mostly) - This is the Joying JY-HOS01N4GS-1. There were a few challenges getting it in (it's designed to go on the outside of the dash, which I don't care for) but overall, I now have a backup camera, phone, music.... It is just small...

www.corvetteforum.com

 

[C2 VET]

Thanks, I would prefer to keep the original console.

 

[Custom exotics]

One food for thought

Make sure before you take the stock radio out is if a security code had been set to turn that OFF
As if you do not, the BCM could prevent another radio working as the BCM is expecting a security code from radio
to allow it being turned on
If code was set using owner's manual would explain the process using the known code to turn security off
so the BCM never again sets radio security function on

Hopefully you set it or no one ever set a code, look at radio screen to see if it shows security being set

Bcm doesn't control stereo function the security code on any headunit is to prevent unit being used in another vehicle should it be stolen. you will need a adaptor wiring kit that reads the can signals from the car and has all the correct speaker conversions ( i may have 1 or 2 left in stock for a c5 would have to check ) which allows the aftermarket headunit to function and turn on the bose amplifiers and adjust there levels .

 

[teamzr1]

Not in all cases

C5’s head unit often connects to the BCM and climate control
Complete replacement can generate unexpected problems and incapacity.

The original head unit is needed for a factory-functional C5 audio update.
This method provides BCM controller and display compatibility

The C5's factory systems were available in two models;
Base and Bose and if system came with the remote C/D changer

Also if the C5 came with OnStar and/or (SCV) Speed Compensated Volume which are tied to radio and BCM

Because of the above, The BCM functions different if radio LOCK is set or not
In the end, always best to unlock the radio before taking it out as any time without D/C power
when installed again would be in locked state if it had not been unlocked

This becomes a big problem if the present owner does not know the security code or worse
puts OEM radio back in just to sell the car and now new owner has a locked radio
So again unlock radio just to be on the safe side as age of the C5 and who wants to steal radio that old

 

[Custom exotics]

But exactly my point it's the radio that is locked not bcm ! And your comment of who would want to steal a c5 radio is stupid as prob back in the day when GM launched the c5 the radio could have been a desirable item so the security code was added as feature exactly like ford did back in day and vauxhall over here ! If you don't have the security code then you either through old unit away or got it decoded can't really see anybody refitting the stock unit in this day and age maybe in another 30 yrs time when c5's are a highly collectable item ??? !! I personally have fitted 10+ aftermarket headunits in c5 and c6 vettes with absolutely no issues with bcm !!!

 

[Custom exotics]

Thanks, I would prefer to keep the original console.

I actually believe you can still purchase a full replacement double din style console from the USA that would allow you to fit a double din and keep your stock item and stock headunit should you ever wish to switch back

 

[teamzr1]

But exactly my point it's the radio that is locked not bcm ! And your comment of who would want to steal a c5 radio is stupid as prob back in the day when GM launched the c5 the radio could have been a desirable item so the security code was added as feature exactly like ford did back in day and vauxhall over here ! If you don't have the security code then you either through old unit away or got it decoded can't really see anybody refitting the stock unit in this day and age maybe in another 30 yrs time when c5's are a highly collectable item ??? !! I personally have fitted 10+ aftermarket headunits in c5 and c6 vettes with absolutely no issues with bcm !!!

I never said the BCM is locked, reread
I stated the BCM, radio and later Corvettes having the infotainment module share information via the StarBus network
including VSS from BCM as to MPH for auto volume changes
You're stuck in one type of Corvette and not even the difference with the base radio and the Boise designed system along
with OnStars security to prevent thief
Cannot have in the BCM configuration that the car has not base but Boise, has Onstar and remote C/d Changer,
sending auto volume changes
You state people today want to steal a c5 radio but than state to throw radio away if cannot be unlocked
but state, who wants to put the OEM radio back in
It is simple 3rd party unit was installed, have to put stock back in but did not unlock it, now they are screwed
just because people think no difference if radio was locked

Fact is the older that C5 radio is the more chance the CMOS in it is degraded and a simple battery disconnect for a few minutes
causes the radio to be set locked and owner does not know the code.
Surely if radio is taken out, had the security turned on and in the future put stock radio back in it wall be in locked state

Only fool knowing this and not unlocking (if set with security seed) before taking out is being a bigger fool
as dealers will no longer (using a Tech-II to the BCM) goes in and resets radio code or owners not knowing the process to unlock because part of that process was owner had to call a special GM phone number to get unlock process done

So with all the bitching, again simple, now to prevent problems later is UNLOCK the radio as a simple process

To your 10 radio changes, I have had many customers who failed to unlock or did not have the code take radio out and even putting it back in were screwed was a locked and non-functional OEM GM radio

There are buyers of used Corvettes who want the car 100% stock and may not buy the used Corvette with a non-stock radio
exp since most 3rd party radios require the console to be hacked up

 

[Custom exotics]

We are going to argue over this till we are blue in the face all gm radios have Can hi/lo to them this controls ignition sense speed input etc to work the volume increase whilst driving all done by headunit, cd changer is controlled by headunit, the bose on even non bose speakers are controller by headunit. if you replace headunit only issue will then be is that dianostic will fault code radio and say not equipped, either the op has the security code or doesn't normally can be found in the handbook if he doesn't then who cares prob cost more to have unit decoded by a specialist than just to leave new headunit in place if someone wants to replace back to stock then easier to buy another unit which someone has security code to, the code is to the headunit and not vehicle specific I am just making clear to the op that not having the security code doesn't mean you will have or could have any issues with replacing the headunit

 

[teamzr1]

The OP of this thread and all Corvette owners may not even know if someone set a security code was set
and at least now they can turn the car on and find out looking at radio screen if or if not a code was set and do something now
to if possible unlock or know how to unlock before they are screwed over due to people saying it's no big fricking deal

Those owners if setting a code better if selling the car to inform new owners what that code is else the new owner may be screwed over if radio issue or simply having battery disconnected long enough to trip radio when voltage back on and radio forever locked

I suggest as to age of older Corvettes is if they locked it, unlock it as we all know old electronics F up and end up with no functional radio
and do not leave car battery off for a long period of time

As to your "not having the security code doesn't mean you will have or could have any issues with replacing the headunit"

It greatly does if they put their locked radio back in or buy a used GM radio, and it also was locked
As I stated, the forced process to reset the code no longer exists and GM no longer supports the process and dealers
no longer know how to do that

You're so experienced with Corvettes you should finally money up and join the CCCUK

 

[teamzr1]

For those with a C5 and not having an owner's manual ( newer models have their own process)

.

 

[teamzr1]

And this was the process if the security code was not known

The following procedure will give you a new code that you can use instead of your personal code. Using this new code, you can “unlock” your radio and then “re-lock” it with a new code if you wish.

Prerequisites: The radio must be in LOC mode, NOT in INOP mode.
If you have activated the Theft-Deterrent feature of your radio and lose power, the radio goes into LOC (theftlock) mode.
With the ignition on, you must use the MN and HR buttons to enter you personal code in order to unlock it (in Owner’s manual).
If you fail to enter the correct code eight (8) times, the radio goes into INOP mode. You have to wait an hour with the ignition on before the radio returns to LOC mode (go for a long drive somewhere).

Procedure:
01. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)
02. Hold down the Radio Presets 2 and 3 buttons for six seconds
03. The radio display changes from LOC to a three-digit number. Write this number down. Don’t take forever, fifteen seconds max before the next step.
04. Press the AM/FM button
05. The radio display changes to another three-digit number. Write this number to the right of the first one.
06. You now have a six-digit number, the first three digits are from STEP 03 and the last three digits are from STEP 05
07. Call 1 800 537 5140
08. Press 1 then # (pound). You’ll hear “Invalid Code, try again” 09. Press 139010 then # (pound). You will be asked to enter your four or six digit code followed by * (start)
10. Enter the number from STEP 6 then * (star)
11. Listen to the four-digit number and write it down. It will be repeated twice
12. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)
13. Use the MN and HR buttons to enter the code from STEP 11
14. Press the AM/FM button. The radio display changes to SEC Your radio is now “un-locked” and usable.
The Theft-Deterrent feature is STILL active! If you want to disable it, use the instruction in your Owner’s manual.

Use the code from STEP 11 instead of your personal code.

 

[Nassau65]

What I’ve always done wherever/whenever a radio code is needed is , once I have it, I write it down in the owners manual for safe keeping.

 

[C5Steve]

I actually believe you can still purchase a full replacement double din style console from the USA that would allow you to fit a double din and keep your stock item and stock headunit should you ever wish to switch back

You're right, you can still get one of the two versions (can't remember which one but it's the better quality one, Metra maybe?). Not cheap, Keith at Eurovettes imported one for someone recently and I think it was between £500-£600 all in.

 

[shorty]

Rockauto sell a single din conversion plate if you wanted to go down that route.

 

[Custom exotics]

This is image of a double din we did clearly surround is colour coded to car but gloss black would be our normal option

 

[C2 VET]

Looks great but I've got a budget to stick to somehow on this car and it's already gone £500 over !
Went out Sunday and one of the rear brake pads decided to disintegrate so just shelled out for a full set of pads today.
I wish I'd seen Shorty's post about the single din from Rock auto earlier as the pads are coming from there and it's too late to add to the order !
Maybe next time for that.
Custom exotics, you mentioned an interface cable you had for the Bose system, mine is Bose without a cd changer, "99 FRC.
How much do you sell the adapter wiring for ?
Thanks to everyone who has responded to the thread so far.
Jez

 

[Custom exotics]

Let me see if I still got one kicking about and I will let you know