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View Full Version : 2004 Chevy Colorado Install (Pics)


JBF
08-11-2004, 10:54 PM
Well, after much headache with trying to get my iPod installed into my 2004 Chevy Colorado, I have succeeded (or at least the stereo installers did).

Items used:

Pac-Audio AAI-GM12 module
Monster iCable (I suggest not using this cable. I'll explain more further down)
Speck Flipstand Dock
Contour Showcase (Black)
SiK IMP charger

Well, let me explain the whole situation I was in.

Last saturday I took my truck to the local car audio installation company in my city. They installed it in about 30 minutes. Soon thereafter I left with my mom and took her to Little Rock where her and my grandmother shopped and just goofed around. While I was in Little Rock I noticed that neither the iPod, XM Reciever or any other aspect would work properly when the car's ignition key was turned off (on newer GMC/Chevy trucks, the stereo is suppsoed to play for 15 minutes or until the door is opened. Anyway, after taking it back this monday they got the problem fixed and also switched out a (not so good) pair of rca cables with the Monster Audio iCable. So, he finishes up and I start to drive home. After I'm almost all the way home (about 8 miles away from the audio installation company's place) I notice that there is what I suspect to be a grounding loop.

So, I drive all the way back and get the installer to look at it. He says it is definately a ground loop and that it is either being caused by a bad RCA cable (the moster cable) or something else. (By this time, I had already paid ~$100 to install everything and for them to put in the new rca cables and fix the other problem) He messes with the RCA cable and finally tells me that he'll take it in the back and switch the rca cables again and see what the problem is. I go back inside and wait another 45 minutes until he drives out again.

He comes inside and tells me everything's working great now. Apparently, the extra length of the monster icable (7 feet long) along with the positioning of the cable and a collection of other problems was causing the terrible ground loop, etc. So, he put a "choke" on the cable and a few other things which rid me of the problem.

So, when I go out and check it he also tells me that he thinks he was able to get the iPod and everything else to continue to run when the key is off (which, he originaly stated that he could get everything to run but the iPod, due to the way that my truck has no accessory wire). So, i try it and everything works except for the iPod staying on when the key is off. So I thank him and tell him that at least he got the noise gone.

The best thing... he didn't charge me at all for fixing the problem or for putting in any of the extra things he had to do to get the noise out, etc.

Anyway, I get home and lo and behold... the iPod stays on like it should! Wee!

Ok, if you stayed with my rantings and incorherent babble for this long, you deserve some pictures. Here's the install.


http://www.jedinights.com/jbf/ipod1.jpg

http://www.jedinights.com/jbf/ipod2.jpg

http://www.jedinights.com/jbf/ipod3.jpg

mdobilas
08-12-2004, 01:17 AM
Nice install, but why didnt he run the wires under the carpet and center console. And why didnt he install a extra lighter behind the dash so you cant see the sic imp?


Otherwise a great install

bhb399mm
08-12-2004, 01:17 AM
looks good, hope everything is working perfectly now. any plans to hide the wires?

JBF
08-12-2004, 12:18 PM
Why? It's too much trouble to hide the wires. First of all, we want the truck to have the best resale value and the only way to hide those wires is to drill, cut or modify the truck carpeting and center console. That isn't an option for this truck.

Secondly, I didn't want the imp charger hidden behind the dash because then there is no way for me to remove it when I go on trips or elsewhere, etc.

It's all about mobility.


Besides, the wires arn't even bad looking. It's a clean install if you ask me. The cables are all neat and tidy. I've seen other installs on this forum where wires are all over the place.

I'd say my install is extremely clean for the intended use, etc.

bhb399mm
08-12-2004, 12:23 PM
fair enough :)