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H3 radio/stereo HU questions..... let's hear your thoughts

Happy Hummer

Happy Hummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,465
Location
Wisconsin
I'm contemplating purchasing a replacement HU for Happy Hummer but have some questions.

* how do they reprogram the HU (head unit) in the hummer when ya purchase someone else's from there h3?

* if the HU is to expensive to reprogram from one h3 to another what would be a good choice for a replacement HU under $200 total

* Is the adapter to allow the bells, on star to work have to be installed?

* If the adapter is necessary are there different types and price points?

I would luv to find a replacement HU with ipod input, 1/8", USB & kiss controls.
I truly like the H3 HU as is but the lack of mp3 is bringing me down.

This is a base H3 no xm no amp or frills.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HU?

Chris
 
f5moab

f5moab

Mr. Beretta
Messages
2,000
Location
In hiding.....
Happy Hummer said:
I'm contemplating purchasing a replacement HU for Happy Hummer but have some questions.

* how do they reprogram the HU (head unit) in the hummer when ya purchase someone else's from there h3? You don't, dealer does this. And basically, what the dealer does is flip an internal switch in the HU that allows it to accept another VIN number feed from the BCM. Some dealers will charge a minimum of one hour of labor to do this job, some will charge a half-hour. Call around first

* if the HU is to expensive to reprogram from one h3 to another what would be a good choice for a replacement HU under $200 total Costs to reset the switch in the HU would be the time times the hourly rate for customer pay in your area. WI is probably about middle of the hourly rate schedule, so I would guess 80 an hour? Been out of the GM world now for six years, so really that is a guess on the hourly rate. As for an aftermarket HU there probably are some (non-Nav) units out there around 200 bucks. But can't say for sure, since I have always installed Nav systems in my H3s.

* Is the adapter to allow the bells, on star to work have to be installed? For an aftermarket HU, I would say YES. Can't say for sure if there are any HU out there that might incorporate the connections for Onstar and the chimes (remember, the chimes on the H3 play through the radio HU). I used AXXESS GMOS-04 in my last Pioneer install in my H3, but that was a year or two ago. It allows for the chimes to work and Onstar to work. I do know there is an affermarket company that makes a NAV HU for GM vehicles that does have the interface built in that allows the chimes and Onstar to work. Can't remember the model or name, and not sure if it is compatible with the H3. I have only read about it on Silverado forums.

* If the adapter is necessary are there different types and price points?

I would luv to find a replacement HU with ipod input, 1/8", USB & kiss controls.
I truly like the H3 HU as is but the lack of mp3 is bringing me down.

This is a base H3 no xm no amp or frills.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HU? I have had great results with Pioneer products. But most of them are the same and all are just as good so long as you remain with name brand units.

Chris
Click to expand...

Hope that helps a bit
 
digglesworth

digglesworth

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,789
Location
illinois
if you buy a head unit from crutchfield, they give you 50% off tbe adapter... i went with a basic single din head unit. Just something with a aux port to plug in mp3 players and what not. I usually stream Pandora on my phone. I stacked the single din on top of a cobra 18 cb radio and they both fit in the space of the old radio with minor mods... As far as adapters... I used a gmos-04 with my onstar and monsoon system. Regularly $100 but 50% with crutchfield...
 
S

SedonaBound

Guest
Check around local car audio installers about having an iPod input installed in your factory HU. No recoding needed, you keep the OEM look, and it's probably the least costly solution. I have an iPod input wired thru the console storage box and it sounds great. I would be nice to have directly controllable USB, but I can load music on the iPod as easy as on a USB drive. I've used one of those FM transmitters you plug into the mp3 player into before I had the iPod connector; not perfect but not bad considering the cost. If you buy a HU, make sure it has Bluetooth too.
 
R

RFG

Well-Known Member
Messages
53
Location
Madison, Ohio
Double Din is the size. Standard car stereos are single DIN, the Hummer is Double DIN.

I understand saving a few bucks, but when it comes to music I say spend a little more for the sake of sound quality.
 
digglesworth

digglesworth

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,789
Location
illinois
attachment.php

Here's what I did.
 

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2010H3TAlpha

2010H3TAlpha

Well-Known Member
Messages
563
Location
Issaquah, WA
digglesworth said:
if you buy a head unit from crutchfield, they give you 50% off tbe adapter... i went with a basic single din head unit. Just something with a aux port to plug in mp3 players and what not. I usually stream Pandora on my phone. I stacked the single din on top of a cobra 18 cb radio and they both fit in the space of the old radio with minor mods... As far as adapters... I used a gmos-04 with my onstar and monsoon system. Regularly $100 but 50% with crutchfield...
Click to expand...

This is what I originally did, bought a Pioneer DEH-80PRS from Crutchfield open box for cheap and added the adapter for 50% off. Free dash kit and harness too.

Earlier this summer I upgraded to the Pioneer DEX-P99RS and now connect my iPad to it to stream Spotify. Amazing sound quality but that is another hobby of mine and this HU is definitely overkill.
 
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