Car Stereos: RE: Aftermarket system installation for 03 GMC Envoy WITH Bose System, gmc envoy, bose speakers


Question
QUESTION: I have an 03 GMC Envoy WITH Bose system, I have 2 subs, sony amp, JVC head unit and the GMRC-01 harness, I installed everything and have power to HU but no sound. If it has to do with the factory bose amp, how can I bypass or integrate everything together? Please Respond, will appreciate it, thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Jon,

It definitely relates to the Bose amplifier.  The GMRC-01 harness isn't compatible with the Bose system in an Envoy.  The simplest option is to use a GMOS-04 adapter instead; this is the part you need to integrate the new head unit with the Bose amplifier. (The GMOS-04 is designed to retain the Onstar system, but it will work in non-Onstar vehicles as well).

You can bypass the amp by unplugging the speaker harness from the amplifier, and extending the speaker wires up to connect directly to the new head unit.  This would allow you to use your GMRC-01 harness; but it's quite a bit of work, because the stock amplifier is located under the side panel in the cargo area.  If you decide to replace your front and rear speakers, bypassing the amp might be worthwhile; but if you're sticking with the Bose speakers, you should probably keep the Bose amplifier in the system to run them.

Hope this helps!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Where is the factory bose amp located on a 2003 GMC Envoy? Also, will the overall sound quality diminish if I bypass the bose amp? Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Jon,

In most cases, the amplifier is located below the window on the passenger side of the cargo area.  However, in a few models the amp is located on the driver's side instead.  Either way, you'll need to remove the entire side panel to get to the amplifier.

If you bypass the amp and keep the speakers, you might lose some sound quality; often a Bose amplifier includes some built-in sound processing designed specifically for the Bose speakers.  If you bypass the amp, you'll lose the customized sound processing, and it might have a negative effect on the sound quality.  If you switch to after-market speakers, though, you'd be better off without the Bose equalization, so bypassing the amp would be recommended.

Hope this helps!

Brian



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I just finished rewiring the speakers to new HU, bypassing the amp, w/ gmrc-01. I also have 2subs hooked up too, but very faint sound coming outta subs. also speakers sound like maybe ders interference. I ran new speaker wire from amp harness, under carpet next to rca's n remote wires. Any ideas? Thanks.

Answer
Hi,

I don't think that routing the speaker wire next to the RCA cables is likely to induce any significant noise into either one.  Unfortunately, without hearing it, I can't make a very good guess on the source of the speaker noise.  If the interference is a crackling noise that gets worse as you turn the volume up, then it's possible that you've mixed up one or more speaker wires at the amplifier; or the load impedance of the Bose speakers may be too low for the after-market head unit.

The subwoofer volume shouldn't be affected by the Bose amplifier situation.  Often, when there's a low volume issue in a 2-subwoofer system, it's caused by a wiring polarity error.  Try disconnecting one of the two subs, and see if the output gets louder when you're playing a single sub, instead of two.  If it does, then re-connect the second sub, but reverse the (+) and (-) connections.

Hope this helps!

Brian