Please read follow up post; had to wire directly to fuse box after using remote start.
Picked out a Grand Prix GTP (with Comp-D package) about 2 weeks ago, paid for and picked it up today... My only concern going in was adding a 3.5mm jack to the existing monsoon stereo system. After many hours of research, I ordered the PAC AAI-GM12 (buy it wherever you want, Ebay usually has it a bit cheaper, but I wanted faster shipping), and it works perfectly.
The dash cover (plastic that covers the controls for stereo, heat, and empty spot for storage so it all looks pretty) pulls off, only held in by a few tension clips, just be sure you keep track of the extra piece around the ignition switch that will also pop off (and obviously keep track of the screws. I found the cup holder to be the most convenient, but I often use an altoid tin for such things). Carefully twist the dash cover 180 degrees and set it on the actual dashboard of the car so you don't have to disconnect the computer display and that will support the weight so you can unscrew the actual components.
I took out all the DINs (every screw to gain access behind the controls and storage space in the dash) so I could run the wires behind cleanly. It was a matter of disconnecting the small plug in the back (plug on the left if looking at it from the back), plugging the gm12 in, plugging the original plug into the adapter, and tapping into the 12 volt source on the OTHER wiring harness.
Looking at the back of the Monsoon stereo, the plug on the right, on the top row, third wire from the left, is a 12v. I found it easiest to strip the insulation, tie the wire from the gm12 into it, and electrical tape it. Feel free to solder if you want the extra security/semi permanence. At this point, I plugged in my rca cables (that's all the gm12 comes with, so you will NEED another cable to have a 3.5mm / 1/8" jack) into my rca female to 3.5mm (also female, but you could use male if you want) adapter, plugged the iPod in and made sure it worked. It did, so I set about making everything look like it belongs.
It did take a good bit of effort to get the actual box of the gm12 out of the way, but with some effort, it did fit behind the duct of the passenger side vents. Once it fit properly and I ran the cables behind and down the head unit I screwed the head unit back in. Then I ran the two sets of RCA cables (and three way switch) behind the other two control units (heat/ac and storage compartment).
When I re-mounted the heat/ac control unit, I took the storage unit out and drilled a 1/2" hole with a spade bit so I would have room for the cords. So now I have the 3 way switch, a set of RCA cables, and a 3.5mm male coming out of the storage compartment. I'll soon take the center console out and drill a hole through the cup holder to run the 3.5mm through, but we're literally talking less than 6 hours after I bought the car. After driving 2 hours home with an FM modulator, I was pretty well motivated to get a jack in ASAP.
I would have taken video/pictures, but it was dark (stupid winter). Also, when I say 5 minutes, I mean 5 minutes from the time I got into the car with the part to the time I tested it and it worked. Hiding all the wires took another 30 minutes (and putting the dash back on took another 20 seconds).
But hopefully this helps anyone going through the same "will it work" period that I did. I must say the Monsoon, while not even in the same galaxy as some of the other custom installs I've done, is among the top of the factory stereos I've heard. The $30ish for the GM12 saved me from having to make a wiring harness for the $3 Radio Shack option that I was also considering (I actually bought the part knowing I would use it for another project if not this one, but the 5 pins on that part are VERY small). If you're on a shoestring budget, the Radio Shack option would work fine, but if you can afford $30ish for convenience, it was the right part and the install was super quick.
Originally Posted by HVACgtp
