1990 CD with steering wheel controls
 

My wife has told me that she would like to replace the in-dash cassette on our 90 Bonneville SE with a CD but she also wants to keep the steering wheel controls so imagine only a factory radio will do this and she doesn't want a changer in the trunk.

Did GM make a factory in-dash AM/FM/CD/graphics uint for the 90 (imagine one for a 91 would work). If so is there a source ? Also does the CD have belts that fail like the cassette ? Even if you just have a part number it would be appreciated.

You can keep your steering wheel buttons with an aftermarket deck... I did.

What you do, is get a device, very similar to one of those remote controls that "learn" from other remotes. I forget the brand name now, but I've got it installed in mine.

Basically, you connect the wires on the back of the steering wheel to this device which has an IR port on it. (the aftermarket deck you get must come with an IR remote btw).
You follow the instructions and "program" the box. Basically, push one button the the remote (eg volume up), and the same button on the steering wheel. The box will have a rather long cord, with an IR device at the end of it. Mount it somewhere close to the IR port on the cd/dash head unit. Now your steering wheel controls mimic the remote.

This allows you to keep your steering wheel controls and even improve them. My 91 came with a CD player, but the steering wheel controls didn't have a Track Fwd/Track Rev... it only have <- SEEK -> which only FF the song. :( But when I reprogramed it, I programed the <-SEEK-> for track FWD/REV, and I even reprogramed FADE UP/ FADE DOWN, to be "Directory" UP/DOWN (since I have an MP3 deck). :D

If you need pix, I can grab the camera and take a few for you. I'll try to find out what the name of the device is, and/or brandname/make/model. I'm assuming any car audio shop would know what I'm talking about.

I have only seen pictures of the 87-91 stock CD player in the owners manual..... But I have never actually seen or heard of one.

When I had my new sound system installed, I kept all the stock stuff. I'll dig around for the CD player. If I find it I'll snap some shots.

Appreciate the comments and would like more information on the "device" but think we really want a factory radio. Note that this is an SE with 55/45 seat and no console so need something that replaces the original AM/FM/Cassette unit.

I bought my SSE in '90 and it came with a CD player. So you guys can lay the rumors to rest. I think it came at a measly $1800.00 (That's USD for all our metric friends)

Padgett, honestly if you go with an aftermarket cd player you will get better sound, newer options, and the ability to pull the face off to deter thieves. Plus you can buy a new one and not a used GM one.

I had three different types. The original GM (broke), and two aftermarkets, with and without use of the steering wheel controls. The controls are nice, but really you wont miss them much after about a week.

That's my two cents.


-ToK

Once I see a picture of one of those, I will consider it to be the Holy Grail!

Fuddy,

You are hard core bud.

-ToK

Would be very interested in the broke one, have replced little green caps and the three casette belts before & worst case, Techni-Car is downtown 8)

Well then I've got the Holy Grail sitting in a box of parts somewhere in my garage... lol :banana:

I'll dig it out and snap some shots.....