Hi all. I've got a 2004 Bonnie with a standard CD stereo that I want to replace with a more modern HU that has an Aux input for my iPod. I already have the HU, pulled the dash apart today and discovered that the aftermarket "no-cut" harness adapter I found at BestBuy doesn't 'adapt' to the factory harness plug inside the radio opening. In addition, as I'm sure you're all familiar with, there isn't much slack in the factory wiring harness to work with. I read the 'Read this first' sticky up top (excellent, btw) but didn't see any references to a particular harness adapter. Googled a bit and found this:


Pontiac Bonneville CLASS II Harness w/RDS 2000-2005

Anyone tried this product? Positive experience? Worth the price, or is there a better alternative. I'm not installing any amps at this time (and may never) so it'* just a stereo for stereo swap, nothing fancy.

Thanks in advance for any info you guys can give me.


Rob.

I am not familiar with that harness but i do know that we have to buy an expensive harness to retain a few items (door chimes, airbag) id say that in terms of safety it is worth the money to just spend one time and do it right. I am assuming that the harness you are looking at will cause you to loose onstar. right? if so, then that is about the same that i spent on mine.

Don't have OnStar, but I do have airbags so I hope I don't lose them. I haven't purchased that harness yet so I'm not sure what negative effects it will have, if any. I was hoping that it would match up properly without losing anything.

Rob.

Forgot to mention that I don't have steering wheel controls or a power antenna either, so no worry about losing those.


Rob.

Umm...as it turns out, the one in my link looks alot like the Scosche harness that I've seen mentioned here:

Scosche Industries

...but I'm not entirely sure they're one and the same as the link I posted doesn't mention the Scosche name or that part number. They do, however, show the website they come from:

Mobile-Emotions.com

...so I took a look at their site, navigated my way through to the 2004 Bonnie audio install parts, and what do I find but this:

Pontiac BONNEVILLE 04 2004 Car Radio Wire Harness for wiring new Stereo


Dig the write-up.....and then dig the price: $9.99 Whoa!....is that right? 10 bucks for this one versus 100 bucks for the first one I posted about versus 120 bucks for the Scosche harness. Seems like a no-brainer, price-wise...but you know what they say about things being too good to be true so that'* why I came here seeking the wisdom of those who hopefully know better from experience.

Anyone?


Rob.

go with the scosche one, the second link on your last post will lose all your chimes and will not power the radio right, its an investment to go aftermarket in a Bonni but well worth it, cost me about $120 just to put a new head unit in, thats not including the head unit and i do all the work

I agree with crunk. i paid $89 for mine and it was worth it to just do one time and do it the right way

Okay, I will gladly accept your advice and spring for the Scosche harness. Thanks guys.

Anything I should be aware of with this unit, such as known problems or things to watch out for?

Rob.

are you installing it yourself?

Yes.


Rob.