installing a head unit

[bigb_rad]

hey guys I'm new at this stuff and really dont know a whole lot about it, i know a little, but not enough to be confident. I have a 03 gmc 1500 seira and i wanted to install the head unit myself. the thing I'm worried about the most is messing up the dash, i think i can figure out the wirering, I'll just use the harness. Is there a sight where i can get directions on how to remove the dash or do you guys know how i should go about doing this, i really dont want to take it to someone when i can just do it myself. Any help would be apprecitated

Thanks

Bigb_rad

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[KaeZoo 10+ year member]

The dash is the easy part on that truck. There are no screws to remove; it's held on by pressure clips around the perimeter. You don't even have to unplug anything. Just tilt the steering wheel all the way down, turn the key on and shift the gear lever out of the way, then start pulling around the outside edge of the dash panel. The light switch will seem to want to come out with the dash panel, but it's mounted behind it; it just likes to stick a little bit. It's really a piece of cake.

The tough part is the wiring. You have one of the data bus vehicles where the audible warning chimes are generated by the factory radio, and the radio on/off is controlled by the vehicle's computer. You can get a very expensive harness that generates warning chimes and gives you a data-bus controlled accessory wire, or you can use the cheap harness, lose all the warning chimes, and find another source for accessory power--there's no accessory power wire in the factory plug. A good source for switched power is the 12-gauge brown wire found at the back of the fuse box on the driver's side; you'll have to remove the panel under the steering column to find it. If you tap this wire for accessory power you should add your own fuse. A 3a fuse is plenty.

 

[bigb_rad]

thanks i really apprecitate it, do you know where i can get a good deal on one of the more expensive harness, cause i cant seem to find just a regular harness that will work for an 03 gmc, I've only been able to find the expensive one

 

[ssj2xxgotenxx 10+ year member]

Your typically wire harness can be found on Ebay along with the dash kit if applicable. Simply match the colors from your wire harness you bought with the one that came with the headunit. This can be done in a variety of methods including:

1. Soldering the connections and using heatshrink to secure the connections.

2. Butt connectors

3. Twist the wires and electrical tape (most Ghetto)

Remember to plug the antenna wire back on, and sand off any paint for the frounding location. Zip tie all connections for a neat and tidy installation. Re assemble the dash and be done with it.