'01 Tahoe install questions

[linvillegorge 10+ year member]

I have an '01 Tahoe with the premium sound system. It is all Delco (not the Bose) and it doesn't have Onstar, so I assume it's just the standard system with an 8" sub added. Anyway, I've ordered a Kenwood KDC-X789 to replace the OEM headunit. I will also be adding 2 MA Audio 120XE's in a sealed enclosure powered by a Pioneer 760w (the amp will be upgraded later, but I have it now so I'll use it until it fries or I get the $$$ to replace it). I've ordered the wiring kit that allows for the addition of aftermarket headunits to late model GM vehicles. I've also ordered the install kit that takes care of the extra space due to the oversized GM headunits. My main question is how will the electric system be affected by installing an aftermarket HU? I've heard some say it won't recognize the aftermarket HU and it won't work and I've heard some horror stories about alarm malfunctions, airbag deployment, etc. I assume most of these problems are due to Onstar? Is there any tricks or loopholes that I need to be aware of before I jump into this project. Also, for anyone who's done any installs in late model Tahoes/Suburbans, what is the easiest way to go about removing the OEM headunit. I haven't really looked at it closely yet, but it looks like it could be a major PITA! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Click to read more...

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

takeing the stock HU out of late model GMs is like taking a link out of the whole system, things wont work right, you should be fine, sence you said you got the wireing kit for the deck, there is units that will add back, what the stock hu takes out.

go here, and call for questions, they will help you out

http://peripheralelectronics.com/2002/loc.asp#add

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

The '01 tahoe/yukon is a fairly easy install IMO. You will have no problems with "electrical Issues". Removing the headunits is VERY easy. I will run through the steps for you. If you have any questions later on or during your install feel free to PM me and I would be glad to help. Here are the steps for removing the headunit.

1) set your parking break

2) put your key in the ignition and turn to the "on" position (do not start the vehicle).

3) put the vehicle in 1st gear (shift clom all the way down)

4) there is a trim piece that runs around the dash area that goes from from the left vent area to the right of the stereo. Here is a pic.



See the trim piece that surrounds the whole dash, it removes very easy by hand. I simply clips in with no screws, just pop it off.

5) the stock radio has little tabs that you depress to remove it. Hold them both down and the radio will come out.

6) un hook the radio.

7)hook up the install kit per the directions. (the radio should connect into the adapter and it will "clip" in with the same type tabs that the stock radio has)

8) hook up the radio harness to the adapter and then clip it into the stock harness and you are good to go.

PM me for any other questions.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

http://bestkits.com/SearchResults.aspx?mk=Chevrolet&mkid=4&md=Tahoe&mdid=1100&yrg=2000%20-%202002

to hook it up right, with no electrical problems, etc.

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

http://bestkits.com/SearchResults.aspx?mk=Chevrolet&mkid=4&md=Tahoe&mdid=1100&yrg=2000%20-%202002
to hook it up right, with no electrical problems, etc.

Those will work, aslo the Walmart brand harnesses work fine too.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

walmart does not have the Peripheral electronics you need for newer GMs

 

[linvillegorge 10+ year member]

Thanks jntar! I didn't dare hope it would be that simple. That's awesome! I thought installing the whole system would take the better part of a day, it shouldn't be that bad at all though.

 

[linvillegorge 10+ year member]

Thanks for the link azbass. If the wiring kit I have doesn't work for some reason, I'll look into one of those. Hopefully this will be a relatively trouble-free install. I'm building the box tomorrow. The subs, HU, wiring and install kits should be here mid-week. After tomorrow, my next day off is Sunday, so I guess that will be the target date.

 

[KaeZoo 10+ year member]

walmart does not have the Peripheral electronics you need for newer GMs

An '01 Tahoe isn't equipped with a data-bus radio. Nothing special is needed to replace the head unit.

 

[Loudrango112 10+ year member]

Nice step by step jntar.

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

Nice step by step jntar.

Thanks,

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

An '01 Tahoe isn't equipped with a data-bus radio. Nothing special is needed to replace the head unit.

I do beleive you are correct. I have installed on many a Tahoe, the only ones I have not were the onstar equipped. I have always used the Walmart brand Harnesses.

 

[Slody4Futbol 10+ year member]

yeah 01 tahoe uses a 80-1858... or 70-1858 metra harness.. nothing special... BUT... if it does have the factory amp... it's behind the glovebox and it will be best to bypass that amp... you can open the glove box completly... and unplug the amp... run your 8 speaker wires from there to the radio... i'm sure metra makes a bypass harness for this application that runs a harness from there to the radio so you don't have to cut into the harness