So the first thing I did to my new to me H2 was to install my Kenwood Navigation until into the dash. Years ago I used to install car alarms and stereos, and even managed a few car stereo stores in So Cal. Needless to say I have tons of experience at doing this.
I wanted to create this thread to give out some links and so that there is a definitive spot telling web searchers what they need.
This is for a 2005 H2 that has the Bose system. I am installing a Kenwood DNX 6180 double din navigation unit.
So here are the products I used:
The finished install of a Kenwood unit:
Parts you will need:
40-GM10 antenna adapter:
Amazon link (.99$):
http://www.amazon.com/Metra-40-GM10-.../dp/B0002BEQN4
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99-2003 GM dash kit:
Amazon link ($11.99):
http://www.amazon.com/Metra-99-2003-...ywords=99-2003
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GM Factory Integration Adapter:
Amazon Link ($87.05):
http://www.amazon.com/GMOS-04-OnStar.../dp/B000980HC4
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ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface:
Amazon link ($43.17):
http://www.amazon.com/Metra-ASWC-Uni.../dp/B0039H2W66
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I listed amazon links which will probably get you the lowest prices, but if you want to purchase the parts local, Best Buy should carry all those parts as well.
Dash disassembly instructions:
http://www.metraonline.com/files/pro...NST99-2003.pdf
Pages 27-29
The GMOS-04 has an integrated plug to interface with the ASWC so no real additional wiring is needed. You plug the ASWC into the GMOS and it works. The ASWC is what will allow you to maintain your steering wheel controls and the GMOS will allow OnStar to still work through the new stereo.
The GMOS-04 also has integrated factory plugs, so you won't need to cut the factory harness to install this stereo.
The #99-2003 dash kit is pretty straight forward, it even allows for the use of the iso-mounting screws on the side of the radio you are installing.
Before you mount everything in the dash, test it all out including the sound level of the door chime, and OnStar. The door chime adjustment is a blue screw on the GMOS box, but the OnStar adjustment is a different process. You have to momentarily ground a wire while OnStar is making noise to set the level. The book for the GMOS explains the process very well.
The whole process took me about 3 hours. The toughest part will be disassembling the dash and the center console. Follow the guide on pages 27-29 of the link I posted and it will be pretty simple.
Also, there is not much room behind the radio in the dash, so you will need to tuck the GMOS and ASWC boxes either to the side, or below the radio.
If you are planning on adding an amp and woofer now, or at a later date, now is the time to at least run the remote turn on wire along with a set of rca's from the radio. I connected them and then ran them along the shift lever and left them coiled up under the center console storage box. So in the future when I go back to add the amp and sub, I only need to remove the storage box to get to the wires I need, instead of the whole dash again.
Any questions, please feel free to ask.