2005 Suburban - Radio/NAV/CD Question
 

I just bought a used 2005 Suburban K2500, 8.1L. I like it! We still have the 1996 C2500, 7.4L and like it too. I guess there are worse problems than having two Suburbans.

So here's my question on the 2005 Suburban with factory (in-dash) NAV/Radio/siriusXM/single CD player.

Can I simply remove the existing in-dash unit and replace it with a factory in-dash radio/6-disc CD changer? I can buy a used unit for about $150.

I don't think I'll use the NAV feature much - you have to buy a new CD periodically to have all the new streets and roads listed. Plus when you have the NAV CD in the slot it takes up the one and only CD slot so I cannot play music while using NAV. I also don't use the siriusXM radio.

I think I'll get much more benefit from a factory in-dash radio with the 6 disc CD changer.

I hear the radio must be reprogrammed after it's installed. What's involved with that?

Will everything else work after I make the swap? For instance, speakers, steering wheel controls.

The vehicle also has the factory DVD in the rear and I don't want to interfere with that.

Thanks.

Is the other unit a DVD player also?

Programming requires a GM dealer to program your current VIN into the stereo. The stereo actually communicates with the PCM. This is where your alarms come from. If the VIN programmed in the radio does not match the one programmed into the PCM, the radio will not work. It's part of its anti-theft feature.

I'm not sure if I know what you're asking. The used radio I'm considering is listed on ebay. I don't think it plays DVDs since it's in the dash and I don't think you're permitted to have video in the front seat.

Thanks for your comment regarding the programming. It makes sense that it would be a theft deterrent.

I saw an ebay listing that indicated a used radio/CD changer was plug and play. The seller indicated the unit had been wiped clean and it would learn the VIN when installed in my vehicle. Does that make sense?

Post a link to the listing so we may research it further.

Well.... I can't seem to find the ebay listing now. I must have been dreaming. Looking at ebay again today all I see is radios that say they must be reprogrammed by a dealer. I'll keep looking and if I find the "wiped clean" comment again I'll be sure to post something.