Thread: adding an aftermarket radio to bose/onstar/monsoon in 97-03 & 04-08 [*]

that is only the optional audio too correct? I know my car I made a harness and have retained RAP, but don't have onstar or bose, and I always use the kit on cars that have either (just trying to clarify)

i think i found a misprint.

the 97-03's didnt run the chimes, etc thru the radio. the regular 21 pin harness should work fine for these, and retain the RAP, no problem. -- no need to relocate the factory hu in these years. i think you meant to have different years here or this #1 in a different spot?

i see what you're saying, just trying to figure it out in my head-- i dont remember doing anything special in my 97 to retain RAP, but it's there. i dont have the bose system, so i dont have RAP power going to an amp, but the radio stays on. I'll have to look at the wiring diagrams.

I was thinking the RAp was separate from the radio

Originally Posted by archemedes

I was thinking the RAp was separate from the radio

it is, to a point. it's connected directly to it, but the RAP does keep the radio on with the other accessories

but if the radio is removed the accessories stay on, was my point

Originally Posted by archemedes

but if the radio is removed the accessories stay on, was my point

yeah. the dome lights, etc etc would still be on RAP, just not the HU.

I think the onstar changes it

Originally Posted by s1795so2

I am thinking that this is the case: It seems like it does depend on options, and I think toasty and archemedes figured it out. Rap may be retained (sometimes) and if it is the h/u does not stay on, just the accesories. Which most people don't even know or care that the lights are on the rap system too, they just automatically think of radio.


Wow finally a forum that has good debate and convo in the audio section! I think this is a good sign for me, haha.

i think we've about got it down, but if you'll excuse me, i'll ramble on a bit :P


from what i can see, and from the stuff i've done with my other vehicles (in my 97, and i hypothesize thru 03, since they use the same radio) the RAP function is completely separate and on it's own, not tied into the audio system directly, however the RAP does cut power to the HU when it does everything else. there isnt any exra harness to retain RAP on these because it is 'upstream' if you will. so unless there is something broken with the RAP circuit, any aftermarket stereo in these cars SHOULD operate like the factory one with the RAP functionality.
(note that the radio in these years did NOT control the chime functionality, and 19990-2003 had onstar capability, but were not Class II data linked, so no RAP issue here either.)

now in 04, everything is different. The Head unit and onstar, and other items, including RAP are controlled through the Class II data bus. (easiest way to note this on any GM vehicle is if it has RDS, then it's on the Class II data bus (or higher, like the new GMLAN/CAN bus... but we'll not get into that) (and they communicate with each other this way) there is no switched 12v lead at the radio. the BCM sends a signal over the data bus to turn off the radio at the RAP time out. The head unit also plays the chimes thru the factory speakers. If you remove the stock head unit, and wire it up directly, you have to add a 12v switched lead-- if you add it from a RAP source, then that's OK, but if you run it from a circuit that is not, then you loose RAP on the head unit. you also loose Onstar because the onstar unit cannot communicate over the class II data line to the aftermarket head unit doesnt have one. the special adapters that are avaialbe (handfull of companies make them) interperet the class II data and feed the onstar info to the head unit in standard audio format, and also gives you the 12v switched lead, controlled by the class II data, which allows you to retain RAP for the aftermarket head unit.

ok... that's enough rambling for one post

Originally Posted by scooz14

iirc you can use the pre-outs on your after market head unit to control the factory amp.

i have never actually tried, but i remember reading that somewhere.

dunno. probably depends on the factory amp in the car. bose amp, perhaps that's possible-- but you'd have to convert to bare wire to go into the amp anyway. if it's the delco, that one uses speaker level inputs.

Hey guys.. New member here to both the site and to GM vehicles.

First off I'm going to apologize for bumping a post 11 months old, and let you know that I have searched and searched but I just feel stupid and can't figure out my problem. I see all of these how-to guides and information but I just have no idea.

First off, It's about my girlfriends 04 Grand Prix. She just got the car from totaling her other car and it is very emotional for her. I thought as a Christmas present I would hook her up with a Alphine deck. Now I understand all of the On-Star/Rap/Door Chime stuff and that you need a controller to keep all of these features but what if you are just interested in the head-unit and that alone? I see in the how-to that you tapped into accesory wire using the $20 harness (part# 70-2003) but could you elaborate? I just don't have the $130+ for a controller. I just need something so she can sing to her crappy music.

I know I'm a "newb/noob" but bear with me guys and thanks for reading/helping.

-Nathan

P.S> Love her car and I've seen some pretty/heard about some pretty nice ones on here.