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Stereo w/nav has a short - what are my options?

1548 Views 15 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  call911s
So I just found out, after being left stranded several times, that my 07 nav stereo has a short in it and was killing my battery. It was intermittent. I now need to decide how to move forward:

  1. Buy a new unit (probably not going to happen)
  2. Buy a refurbed unit from online for ~$1000 (comes with VCIM programmed)
  3. Buy a used unit if someone has an extra one here in good condition, then somehow get the VCIM reprogrammed
  4. Go aftermarket and try to figure out a good looking replacement for the huge gap in the dash

Thoughts on which way you would lean and why? If you have a stereo laying around, shoot me a pm or reply to this thread. Thanks guys.

Nick

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One other thing - if I stay with a Caddy stereo, can I move to the updated version that they use in 11-14 without any hassle?
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Do you have any isimple or pac adaptors for iPod
I've got a nav unit from my 2008. New faceplate and buttons. No issues, just upgraded it. I'll give you a good deal, PM if interested.

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SpyShops NY said:
Do you have any isimple or pac adaptors for iPod
I have an iSimple that I am selling if interested.
That may be the problem take it out, it caused problems for me also
SpyShops NY said:
That may be the problem take it out, it caused problems for me also
That's why I took mine out. I had issues with Bluetooth.
If it were me I would go with 2 8" dual din units to take up the full amount of space and set one to default to GPS all the time. Tons of versatility.
If it were me I would go with 2 8" dual din units to take up the full amount of space and set one to default to GPS all the time. Tons of versatility.
Sounds like you get lost easily. 99% of the time I know where I'm going. It's the oddball time when I need to find someones house in a neighborhood that GPS comes in handy. I'd hate to stare at that all the time.
I did add a Scosche Bluefusion unit, but I've only had the truck for 3 months, so not sure if the short was a problem for the previous owner. That said, I had one in my Denali and it worked fine. It gets its power from the inline cable to the XM radio. Do you think that it could be the culprit, or is the main stereo probably just toast??
I did add a Scosche Bluefusion unit, but I've only had the truck for 3 months, so not sure if the short was a problem for the previous owner. That said, I had one in my Denali and it worked fine. It gets its power from the inline cable to the XM radio. Do you think that it could be the culprit, or is the main stereo probably just toast??
My previous truck was an Envoy Denali and I had a PAC unit that allowed for iPod hookup. Worked fine for a while then it led to all kinds of electrical issues with my nav unit. I would remove whatever aftermarket unit(s) you have to see if that's it. If it's still funky then you know it's the radio. [insert shameless plug to sell my 2008 factory nav unit here - as mentioned in a previous post].

If the radio is fine after taking out your scosche unit and you want Bluetooth hookup I would recommend getting a factory VCIM Onstar unit with Bluetooth. It's factory so it won't lead to issues. I bought my unit for around $100 if I remember right. I think they go anywhere from $100-$200. It's simple plug and play with your old onstar unit (it's right under your radio). If you have a subscription to onstar you risk losing it though. Since the VCIM Onstar unit you'll be buying was pulled from another, newer GM vehicle it will be tied to that VIN number. I did this mod and love it. Calls are clear and it ties right into your factory onstar microphone and speakers. You control it through the voice activation button on the steering wheel.
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Does the onstar Bluetooth unit support a2dp music streaming as well? That's what I really need. Hopefully I can get this resolved on Monday. Thanks for the insight.
So after doing some digging, I'm wondering if instead of the stereo being the issue, if the Scosche BlueFusion adapter might be it. It plugs inline with the XM module. I've replaced the battery and battery cables to alleviate those issues. Randomly I will come out to the truck and it won't unlock or startup. I read somewhere that these units sometime mess with the main computer upon startup. The dealership of course thinks its the stereo (but of course, it's the most expensive piece!). Could this be the issue?
did you try to disconnect the radio, drive for couple days with out it ?
I just got it back from the dealership and I told them to leave the stereo out and dash disassembled. Honestly, after doing some digging, I think I'm going to remove the BlueFusion and reconnect everything. Having a short in the stereo should be an all or nothing thing, not randomly 3 times in 3 months. It also seems likes it's more the theft deterrent issue than it is a dead battery, since the dash lights up with error messages and won't attempt to crank. This kind of points to the same issues Dsminva notes here - http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-forum/t-586089.html . We'll see how this goes...fingers crossed...
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