Hello! I have a unique project I've been stumped on and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction regarding installing a STOCK Pontiac radio into a car I'm fixing up.
The radio is from 1998 (UP3 option AM/FM CD and 5band EQ). Part# 16228082
Why go stock?? quick answer, looks better in the car and matches the interior and style.
Although I mentioned I liked the Stock look, I really wish it had at least an 'Aux' jack, which obviously it doesn't.
I know of hacks on the internet of tying into the L/R channels of the CD player internally in the radio, but you also need to have a CD in the player to switch it over to that channel to use the AUX input. Kinda lame to me....
I noticed on the back of the radio there is separate 9 pin connector on the back which is used for external devices (like a 5 disc CD changer/Cassette Tape deck/SiriusXM etc..). GM calls it the "Entertainment and Comfort Bus" or E&C for short.
I managed to find an external GM add-on tape deck at my local wrecker with the 9pin harness cable. If I hook it up to my test radio (another GM stock unit but a different model) then put in a tape while the radio is on, it switches the output automatically to the tape source. Eject the tape, the radio channel comes back on.
I want to copy this behavior but with a switchable AUX input. Meaning, instead of having the tape deck hooked in, I want to use this 9Pin connection to 'trick' the head unit into thinking a tape is inserted, switch to the Tape Channel for output when an Aux cord is inserted into the jack.
I know... "Just buy a Head Unit that already does this". (see above remark about why I want to keep the stock look)
Has anyone figured this out? I've seen a few posts here and there on these interwebs about the same thing, but no solutions...
A while ago (10 years??) a company made devices that you could insert into the 9 pin E&C bus and it would provide Aux and BT features for the radio. Believe it was called the AUX-9 or something like that. They're not made anymore, and having no luck finding a used one.
Thanks for reading, and here's to better years ahead!
Cheers!,
PK