Expert: Ernesto R - 5/31/2008

Question
I have a Chevy Express Cargo van that came with a simple Delco AM FM radio. I acquitred a Delco AM FM CD/Casette Radio from a 2004 Monte Carlo.

By pressing a couple of buttons and the power switch I can bypass the calibration error and lockout feature. The radio and CD player work fine.

The problem I have is that I have to do this excercize each time I get into the vehicle. When i took it to the GM Dealer he tried to access the radio with a tech2 device. It would not communicate with the radio and therefore could not change the VIN number in the ROM for me. Also, the radio will not work with the key in the Accessory position. Pressing the 6 button does activate the chime.

Do I need to change some wires around in the plug in adaptor, or is there an adapter I can purchase? Do I need to add some module?

Every GM dealer has a different opinion. One even told me there is no way I could ever get sound out of the radio at all. I took him out to the van and showed him that it does. So many answers and none consistent ... so far no answer from Mr. Goodwrench.

I'll leave them to tuneups and the sort, I need a radio expert.


Summary:

2002 Chevy Express van with standard AM FM radio

changed to:

2004 Monte Carlo Delco AM FM CD/Casette (the radio does display station, song and artist info) no communication with tech2 device in my van

Answer
the radio needs to look at the BCM to communicate and the scan tool needs to switch the vin
the problem is that the radio can not see the correct BCM,
your vehicle don't have one that radio will work on any gm vehicle from 2002 to 2007
and trucks,vans 2003 to 2007  

you need to switch the radio

they will work on test mode only for 5 minutes  that is how we test them in our bench