Topic: HELP! With 2003 amplifier bypass and integration...

[Steve13]

Hi all, I have a new (to me) 2003 Avalanche.  I want to bypass the factory amp (I think I can do this with Metra 70-2054, but not sure if that is the best option). I am doing this because I have no sound coming out of the speakers, but the HU seems operational.  I will replace the HU also because I realize that I may need to push more power to the speakers, and I think the HU is only 2 channels.  The amp is under the center console. 

While poking around to see what the PO had done, I found that behind the glove box, there are some connectors. What are these?  Obviously not the amp, but definitely stereo related.  There is a plug in cable that looks like a coax, and it is broken off.  There is also a 2 pin connector with an orange and black wire which is hanging loose.

Finally, my vehicle has the UQ7 RPO code, NO Y91 code.  It has Bose speakers, Onstar (not subscribed).  I would also like to know which kit I need to retain factory functions .  I am going to install a JVC KW-R500.

This is a lot to ask, but please help if you have been through this... very frustrating. http://www.chevyavalancheclub.com/Smileys/classic/wtf3.gif

[Steve13]

Nothing? Bueller?  OK, I think for the stereo install I will use the PAC OS-2C. 

I would really like to find out if I can just use jumpers to bypass the amp rather than use the Metra 70-2054 because I really don't understand exactly how that will work.  It says you plug into the amp and wire back to the HU, but I don't want anything plugged into the amp, just to jump past it.

If anyone has the diagram for the 24 and 8 pin connectors that go into the amp, and which pins to connect jumpers, it would really help. 

[avalanchemann]

Sounds like the coax cable you mentioned may be you antennae wire which should connect to the back of the head unit. This acts as a secondary ground for the unit and may cause the unit to not work. There also may be an adapter for the antennae as well.  Seeing that you have both Onstar and Bose, you should have two wire harness adapters, if I remember correctly, and expensive as hell. Depending how the previous owner wired everything you may be able to see these harnesses from the glove box. Haven't got into the wiring for the bose setup yet so not sure how to bypass it and maintain functional speakers without rewiring it.

[avalanchemann]

If anyone has the diagram for the 24 and 8 pin connectors that go into the amp, and which pins to connect jumpers, it would really help.

you can by-pass the amp and leave the factory connections unplugged at the speakers

EDIT: Here's the harness info:
http://www.modifiedlife.com/2003-chevrolet-avalanche-car-radio-wiring-diagram/

[oHIobellboy]

Enkei is pretty good with this stuff too. He'll chime in a little later.
Looks like Avalanchemann is heading you in the right direction.

[Steve13]

Thanks for the info.  I had pretty much determined that I needed the PAC OS-2C kit for the install, and probably the Metra 70-2054 for the bypass... but I caved in and went to the stereo install place today and had it done.  I usually do almost everything myself, but this proved a bit too confusing.  It was not a cheap decision to make.

Also I learned that the factory front speakers (Bose) are rated at 1 Ohm, and tested out at only slightly more (about 1.3 ohms).  The rear speakers were fine at around 3.8 Ohms.  Anyway, the 1 Ohm speakers would have pulled too much power from the new HU and made it run hot, which would probably kill it eventually... so they were replaced.  The connections behind the glove box were apparently not important to this install, but I will check and see if anything was done in there.  I believe those connections are for the Onstar, which I am not using.

[oHIobellboy]

Thanks for the info.  I had pretty much determined that I needed the PAC OS-2C kit for the install, and probably the Metra 70-2054 for the bypass... but I caved in and went to the stereo install place today and had it done.  I usually do almost everything myself, but this proved a bit too confusing.  It was not a cheap decision to make.

Also I learned that the factory front speakers (Bose) are rated at 1 Ohm, and tested out at only slightly more (about 1.3 ohms).  The rear speakers were fine at around 3.8 Ohms.  Anyway, the 1 Ohm speakers would have pulled too much power from the new HU and made it run hot, which would probably kill it eventually... so they were replaced.  The connections behind the glove box were apparently not important to this install, but I will check and see if anything was done in there.  I believe those connections are for the Onstar, which I am not using.

Onstar and possibly XM if the truck came with it.