Car Stereos: Installing Auxiliary Input 2006 Grand Prix (base model), 2005 pontiac sunfire, auxiliary input adapter

Question
Hello -

I recently purchased a 2006 Grand Prix (base model) and it doesn't play MP3s through the stock radio. I have many MP3 discs and my question is whether or not it is possible to install an auxiliary input onto the factory deck so I can hook up a discman which can play MP3s?

A couple days ago I went to an electronics store to check out how much it might cost to install an aftermarket deck and they said that it would be about $132 because there is a special wiring harness they need so the electronics would work correctly. I guess many of the electronics run through the radio. They also said that my car has a factory amplifier.

Also, would it be possible for me to use a deck from a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire in my car if the auxiliary port is not possible?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
Hi Tristan,

Several manufacturers offer an auxiliary input adapter for your vehicle, designed to make use of the CD changer port at the back of the factory radio.  Here's one example, sold through Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_469GM12AX2/Precision-Interface-Electronics-GM12-AUX...

It's also possible to install a new after-market head unit without the expensive adapter interface, and without losing the various features that depend on the factory radio.  This would involve relocating the factory radio to the trunk, but keeping it wired to a power source and to the vehicle's data bus system.  I've done this several times in the Grand Prix.  You'd still need the standard mounting kit, wire harness and antenna adapter, along with about 40' of speaker wire, a small speaker, and some wiring terminals.  It's more work, but less expensive, than using an interface adapter, and produces similar results.  Let me know if you'd like more information about this procedure.

I don't think your Grand Prix is equipped with a factory amplifier unless it has a Monsoon audio system, but it's possible.  If you don't have a Monsoon system, the presence of a factory amp won't make much difference when installing an after-market head unit.  If you have Onstar (and need to keep it functional), then that would complicate things a bit.

I suspect a Sunfire head unit would function in your Grand Prix, but it uses a different mounting setup and the faceplate is a slightly different size.  It would be difficult to make it look as good as the original radio.  Also, you'd probably need to have a dealer reset the Theftlock system before it would work in any vehicle other than the one in which it was originally equipped.

Hope this helps!

Brian