Remove Stock Radio 99 sls

cgargis · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 04:17 PM

Having trouble removing the stock radio in my 99 sls... i referred to the metra manual and i can't get at the screws behind the ashtray... just bought the car, i think the ashtray itself is gone but there is still a tray in there that maybe the ashtray sits in? any help would be appriciated... step by step would help alot!!!!

Mark C · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 05:47 PM

Don't do it. The radio is part of the serial communications bus and theft alarm systems in the car, if you remove it you will get all kinds of loss of communication messages popping up in your trouble codes. All of your chimes (like when you leave the keys in the ignition, or headlights on) are played through the radio speaker system. These cars are not Honda civics that you can install an aftermarket radio in without major problems down the road.

jeffrsmith · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 05:50 PM

1) Gently pry small trim panel above car stereo away from dash, remove two exposed screws.
2) Remove gear shift knob by pulling straight up, some pressure will be needed.
3) Remove trim panel around gear shift by starting at back edge near center arm rest and remove, remove two exposed screws.
4) Pull A/C controls and car stereo forward releasing all connectors.

Dadillac · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffrsmith

1) Gently pry small trim panel above car stereo away from dash, remove two exposed screws.
2) Remove gear shift knob by pulling straight up, some pressure will be needed.
3) Remove trim panel around gear shift by starting at back edge near center arm rest and remove, remove two exposed screws.
4) Pull A/C controls and car stereo forward releasing all connectors.

Skip step #2 it is not necessary. Once you remove the wood trim around the shifter, disconnect the seat warmer electrics and the traction control electrics.

Don

submariner409 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 07:31 PM

The results of this are going to be interesting. Cadillac electronic and security gremlins, here we come.

cgargis, Please go down to Cadillac Technical Discussions, Audio/Security and look for the problems and reasons when removing part of the vehicle theft and security system.

cgargis · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 09:02 PM

Think maybe I'll take the hit to my ego and have it done... thanks alot everyone... Ive had older caddies and never had any problems.

N*Caddy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 09:48 PM

Don’t do-it man!
You said it, you had older Caddies not post ’96 (especially post ’98). You already have a premium BOSE sound system.
You are not the first one, nor the last one, 3 days later you will regret the money you wasted. Go with a post '02 OEM Denso Nav. unit if you really need more.

cgargis · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 05:04 PM

Actually its not a bose system, just the base delco system, and I've already spent more than $1000 in car audio/visual... yea, I'm one of those guys..lol... they have modules to prevent those kind of problems... I'm not just gonna go in and hack away getting rid of the "unnecessary" stuff... I want it as professional as possible... had simalar problems with an 01 yukon but everything worked out.

Dadillac · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-09, 07:27 PM

I have an Alpine head unit and Infinity Kappa speakers in my Seville. All you have to do is remove the stock head unit, install a Metra GMOS-06 interface between the stock wiring and new head unit. And then use 2 ohm aftermarket speakers and you are in. You retain the stock wiring and the stock amplifier (it is behind the rear seat). If you want real bass you need to replace the stock subwoofer. I used an Infinity Kappa Perfect as it is rated for free air locations. You will need to amp the new sub as it will no longer be hooked to the stock amp. It really isn't too difficult

Don

cgargis · #10 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadillac

I have an Alpine head unit and Infinity Kappa speakers in my Seville. All you have to do is remove the stock head unit, install a Metra GMOS-06 interface between the stock wiring and new head unit. And then use 2 ohm aftermarket speakers and you are in. You retain the stock wiring and the stock amplifier (it is behind the rear seat). If you want real bass you need to replace the stock subwoofer. I used an Infinity Kappa Perfect as it is rated for free air locations. You will need to amp the new sub as it will no longer be hooked to the stock amp. It really isn't too difficult

Don

are you sure this is the right harness... i think your right, but there is still some question. i called abc warehouse, which i know isn't exactly the most dependable, and asked them, they said my car called for the gmrc-03, i do not have a bose system, but i do have a delco woofer mounted on my rear deck and tweeters mounted above my font door panels... my car is a 99 and yours is an 02, maybe you might know something i dont ( obviously!! ;P ) thanks for your help Don! (and everyone else that posted)

cgargis · #11 (**permalink**) 10-26-09, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadillac

I have an Alpine head unit and Infinity Kappa speakers in my Seville. All you have to do is remove the stock head unit, install a Metra GMOS-06 interface between the stock wiring and new head unit. And then use 2 ohm aftermarket speakers and you are in. You retain the stock wiring and the stock amplifier (it is behind the rear seat). If you want real bass you need to replace the stock subwoofer. I used an Infinity Kappa Perfect as it is rated for free air locations. You will need to amp the new sub as it will no longer be hooked to the stock amp. It really isn't too difficult

Don

why would i need aftermarket speakers

Dadillac · #12 (**permalink**) 10-26-09, 09:48 PM

Now I am not 100% sure that the GMOS-06 is right for a '99. I do know that it is right for my '02. I do think that the systems are different so you may be correct about the GMRC-03. You don't need aftermarket speakers but you will definitely want them. The stockers are okay but are far from what the Infinity Kappa Perfects sound like. I installed my stereo several years ago and kept the stock speakers for a while. Once i put in the Infinity's (they were the only ones I could find rated at 2 ohms) it was like night and day. I also discovered that the stock subwoofer just couldn't keep up so an Infinity had to go in. Oh and by the way I started out with a Delco system also.

Don

cgargis · #13 (**permalink**) 10-27-09, 04:57 PM

Okay, i went to audio specialists and finally found something that knows a LITTLE bit. they said they've always had problems with cadillac audio and its rare to find 2 systems that are alike... i grabbed the gmrc-03 hooked up the dvd player and everything was working fine... not really loud but it worked and i was happy... i had to leave for a min in the middle ofthe install... when i got back i guess i musta killed my battery... i charged the battery, now i have no sound... i pulled the audio fuse to check and it was fine... dvd player works just no sound, well actually i can hear the music come out of the speakers but when the volume is turned all the way up to 50 it sounds like its on 1... any ideas? CORRECTION minimal sound comes out of my passenger door tweeter

N*Caddy · #14 (**permalink**) 10-27-09, 08:23 PM

Told you!
And I really hope this is the ONLY problem you will experience with the aftermarket system.
Honesty good luck!

Dadillac · #15 (**permalink**) 10-27-09, 11:08 PM

This may be an obvious answer that you already know but sometimes the obvious escapes us. You need to make sure that the volume on the head unit is all the way up to benefit from the steering wheel controls. And vice versa.

Don