Installing Kenwood into '01 Catera with factory BOSE using GMOS-06

JRomano · #1 (**permalink**) 09-22-09, 02:16 AM

I'm installing a Kenwood KDC-MP342U into my '01 Catera. I scrounged around for the best deals on the adapting kit pieces.

I needed the Metra 99-2004 dash fit kit, the Metra GMOS-06 harness kit to use the OEM Bose amp and speakers, and an antenna adapter.

I ended up buying the GMOS-06 used on ebay, previously used in another installation. In going over the harness and see what and where I need to splice, there is a wire that looks cut. On one side of the adapter, there is a 16-pin plug, there are two black wires coming out right next to each other, one of them is cut and 2" long, the wire coming out next to it goes to another plug but at the base there is a small stub of another black wire. I want to know if these are the same wire that was cut in half accidentally upon removal. I took a few pics, let me know what you think...
If anyone works in an audio store and you have this kit in stock, can you please report back what the plug looks like fresh out of the box? Thanks

Heres the adapter

Heres the loose wire

And it looks like it matches right up here...

Black02SLPSS · #2 (**permalink**) 09-22-09, 02:58 AM

Im gonna keep an eye on this project.

Black Hole · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-09, 01:39 PM

I'm getting ready to do the same thing.....

I was looking for information before buying the head unit, adapter, and mounting kit this weekend.

Are you aware if there is a way to still utilize the 12 disk changer with an aftermarket head unit?

Matera97 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-09, 07:11 PM

I know some one that wired the 12 disk changer to the rear AUX ports of his deck. He also managed to incorporate his steering wheel controls. He has a double-din deck, I can't remember the make or model. Will be doing sound upgrade soon, I have non bose system so I don't require the adaptor...Keep us posted if you find any info or head units that work.

eastsidercaddy · #5 (**permalink**) 09-27-09, 04:10 AM

I like the fact that people are upgrading from the ancient sound system GM put in our cars... best thing is i'm putting in a set of 15's with 2400wRMS total output with both subs and a 2500wRMS amp at 2 Ohm. With this im removing my old subwoofer setup and installing the new one. Cars with BOSE need to have the sound processor removed and have wires bypass the sound processor to go directly to your speakers. The small amp, however, can easily be used to amp all speakers with your new headunit!

PART ONE:
THIS STEP IS TO BYPASS THE SOUND PROCESSOR AND AMPLIFIER>>>> IF YOU WANT YOUR SPEAKERS AMPED WITH YOU NEW HEADUNIT SKIP TO PART TWO....
Here's all the pinouts and information you'll need to make a simple and hopefully quick sound system installation. This picture here is needed to identify the locations of certain wires, due to the fact that there are 3 or 4 wires of the same color. All you need to do is simply mark the wires from the SOUND PROCESSOR INPUT and find the wires for the AMP OUTPUT, from the AMP. All the speakers are amped, so you will need to find the OUTPUT wires from the amp and crimp them to the INPUT wires on the SOUND PROCESSOR. Simple installation.

PART TWO:
THIS PROCESS WILL ALLOW YOU TO HAVE YOUR NEW HEADUNIT AND HAVE THE FUNCTION OF THE FACTORY REAR AMP. HAVE NOT TESTED HOW THIS WILL SOUND BUT MAY SOUND GREAT. ALL SPEAKERS ARE AMPED WITH THIS.

Now, the small amp can be used to power all of your speakers. What you need to do for this is take the SOUND PROCESSOR INPUT wires and mark them. Next, find the AMPLIFIER INPUT wires and crimp them together with the corresponding wires. Now, take the SOUND PROCESSOR DIAGRAM and locate PIN B1 and crimp that to PIN 25 on the AMPLIFIER ENABLE INPUT on the amp. This will turn the amp on when the radio is on, allowing you to have not only your headunit's internal amp working but also have the stock amp working inline to have all you speakers pumping out sound.

If you have any questions pleas ask and i WILL help you to the best of my knowledge. Thanks

JRomano · #6 (**permalink**) 09-28-09, 05:56 PM

Okay, continuing my install after a weekend vaca, I looked carefully at the cut wire and realized it was in fact labeled with micro printing as a chassis ground and the black wire next to it was as well, I spliced the two together and then went on to tidy up all the wiring. Here are a couple more pics, I will update again when I install it into the car.

Here's the new deck in the dash kit, the fitment isn't 100% but once installed you wont be able to notice anything.

A look at the whole thing

A close up of all the wiring

Matera97 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-28-09, 10:25 PM

Is that the Metra Dash-Kit?

JRomano · #8 (**permalink**) 09-28-09, 11:38 PM

yes, its the metra, i think model number 99-2004

JRomano · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-09, 01:51 AM

I want to follow up with my install experience, I will update again with a picture how-to. For now I will just say that it is not as straightforward as the Metra install kit and adapter box instructions imply.

Cliff notes following by the book instructions:
12V+ constant to the radio is not present and must rewire
Amp turn on lead always on, speakers hum like you have the volume cranked up to the max with a CD paused, must rewire.
Dash opening is tiny, stock radio rear support must be trimmed out to fit aftermarket radio and wiring.
Fit kit has 4 arms to screw down like the factory radio, only 2 of the 4 reach, spacer tube must be added with longer hardware to fully support.
Ashtray rubs bottom of fit kit, does not open easily like before.
Bottom of fit kit has a step, ashtray "spring flap" catches on it and does not allow opening of the ashtray past halfway without sneaking a pen or something in to hold down the flap first.

CateraMV6 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-09, 03:17 AM

Looks amazing... I like how the new unit looks.

Q1... is the new unit going to be able to power the OEM amps... ?

JRomano · #11 (**permalink**) 10-08-09, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CateraMV6

Looks amazing... I like how the new unit looks.

Q1... is the new unit going to be able to power the OEM amps... ?

Yes, I am running it to the OEM amp and speakers, it does sound very good. There is a Gain knob on the converter box to control input level to the OEM amp in case the preamp outputs are too high voltage.
The main reason I upgraded was the factory deck couldn't always read my burned CD's. Now I can listen to any CD I burn and it also has a USB card reader port right on the front so I can just plug a thumb drive in with songs in folders like multiple CD's.
I'm real busy with work and school so I don't know how soon I can finish the install write up.