Expert: Peter G. Lee - 8/3/2006

Question
I recently installed a Panasonic After Market car stereo into my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. Now before I installed the stereo my DIC ( Driver Information Center) was working properly. However now everytime I start my vehicle, I have to reset the year on the DIC.

When I removed the factory radio, I disconnected 2 connectors a large gray connector and a smaller black connector from the back of it. However when I installed the after market stereo, I only connected the Big gray connector and left the small black one along.

I spoke to Car installation guy and he told me that the smaller connector is for Steering Wheel / Radio Controls but I don't have Steering Wheel radio controls. I asked him do I need another harness and he said no. I also have the relocater connected on the radio so that I can keep my chimes.

Do you have any idea as to why or how I can set my DIC (Driver Information Center) to work propery without me having to set the year everytime I start my vehicle. When I start my vehcle, the DIC shows the correct miles and trip info but it just dont keep the year. Also do you think or know if I need another radio harness for the stereo since the black harness is not connected?

Answer
I always recommend using a proper adaptor lead when fitting after market head units, it normally avoids these problems. As you are asking a question which is specific to a US car I can only guess at the problem and my best guess is that the date is somehow tied into the radio’s date and time clock or it obtains this info over the air and updates the information panel and therefore the small black connector is essential to the system.
All the best, Peter