Harry Seward

I've been biting my tongue for a while reading this thread. I think it's preposterous that you guys suggest an airbag won't deploy, or the ABS brakes won't work because you've removed the stock radio. You then suggest that the aftermarket car stereo manufacturers can restore these functions. Gimme a break. No way is safety contingent on the radio.

Yes the vehicle chimes, OnStar, and SatNav prompts carried by the radio. That makes sense. Don't be alarmist unless you want to cite some specific documentation or websites. I've Googled "DATA RETENTION SYSTEM" for instance and find nothing meaningful related to GM cars or Delco radios.

Want to back up these unsubstantiated claims?

godzilla1978

We didn't say it WOULD disable those things we said it MAY disable those things. The problem is the chimes are part of the passenger restraint system as it relates to the seat belt. the airbags also are part of that system,if the computer see's a fault in the system(no healthy status from the radio) it may shut down that part of the system. I wish I could find the info i had previously researched.However it is as Dukk said when it comes to insurance companies and liability they will find anyway out of it. So if you relocate your radio or have the GMCO your covering your behind cause they(insurance companies,Dealerships) won't do it for you. I think you've mixed up "data retention system" with RAP. RAP is when the accesories stay on until you close the door. As for the ABS it's the same thing as the airbags no healthy status possible shut down of that perticular system.I'll try to relocate the info I found before and provide a link.

godzilla1978

found some info on just how many system's can be affected by taking out one piece of the class 2 data system.
http://www.velocitymotorsport.com/install_notes/OBDII.htm

here's another one from a GM training site note the class 2 section
http://www.gmtcny.com/serial%20data.html

Harry Seward

Thanks for the links. Interesting read. The first link seems to clear up the misconceptions. Although, I'd say it supports my position.

"All features work and remain at current settings with the factory radio removed, but can only be customized and/or reset by an authorized service center."

"The factory(radio) has nothing to do with the airbags or any other modules. The airbags are controlled by the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module."

"Seat belts are part of the chimes also, and if not retained could result in the driver not using the seatbelt. The retailer installing an aftermarket stereo could be liable for injuries if the driver was to get into an accident and not wearing a seatbelt."

So you can see that people are too stupid to use their seatbelts unless there's a flashing dashboard idiot light and a chime. The stereo installer would rather charge extra $$ than be liable for stupid people....

Infamouns Bert

fyi, the dash light for no seatbelt is still working, just no chime

godzilla1978

you forgot a function.In the class 2 section of the second link it basically say's that there is a signal sent via the data wire every 2 seconds and if it doesn't see as response(healthy status) that it may send a fault code. I used to have access to some tech manuals and I remember reading that if the bcm sees a fault code from a perticular system it will shut it down rather than having it not opperating properly. If you remove the radio your taking out a part of the "loop" of the class 2 data system.No healthy status you may have DTC's which could shut things down. That's what I'm worried about.Aside from the fact we have to protect ourselves from stupid people!lol

Harry Seward

One last thing, what's a 1933 honda civic dx? I don't remember any pre-war Hondas :-)

Dukk

Harry - again, as I tried to point out in my last post, I can't say one way or another that removing the factory radio will absolutely affect any system in a negative way. I can definitely say though that if you lock up your ABS brakes and slam into something, causing injury because your airbag did not deploy, that the sons-of-bitches at the insurance company will absolutely start out blaming the aftermarket radio and at that point you are going to have to prove to them otherwise which is damned tough. Sad but true.

As it is, we see all the time cars coming in with various electronic or physical deficiencies that "the dealer" is blaming in one way or another on an aftermarket item installed into it. And to make it worse, the owner of the car tends to take the dealer as an authority and joe installer as a shyster. Let me tell you, educating the ignorant is tiring.

Also, I totally agree that it while appears preposterous that a manufacturer would be SO retarded as to incorporate totally alien circuitry such as safety systems into a radio, that SAME retarded manufacture has in the past incorporated such alien things as climate controls, both electronically and physically, into their radios. When it comes to GM and them telling you how you're gonna get it, there is nothing outside of reality..

Thus, I just bought a new F-150

godzilla1978

lol thanks never noticed the typo! FYI honda was founded in 1948 so i was only 15 years off!

Harry Seward

Okay to summarize.

- replacing Class II/GM LAN decks = big pain in the ***

- it can be done, safety module still work but warning chimes will be gone

- chime function can be replaced with a costly module available from Metra, Scosche, American International, or Peripheral

- relocating the factory deck is a good option too. Keeps all original functionality, costs less

- stereo install shops and the dealer are not well educated on the subject. Urban myths aplenty

- Crutchfield is a great option for the DIY'er. If you buy a deck for $150 or more you get free shipping, a free dash kit, a free antenna adapter, and a half price module. Detailed install instructions too.