Car Stereos: 02 gmc sierra aftermarket cd player install, onstar system, gmc sierra

Question
Hi Brian, I want to install an aftermarket cd player into my 02 gmc sierra. It has onstar and I was told pretty much everything goes through my stock radio. Is there something special I need to install aftermarket cd player? I asked what it would cost at a local radio dealer to get a cd player installed and they said there was a $200 part I would need to make that possible. Is that true? Thank you, Kyle

Answer
Hi Kyle,

If you're right about the model year, then you shouldn't need any very expensive adapters to install a new CD player.  GM full-size trucks do integrate many vehicle functions with the factory radio through the data bus system, but this didn't really start until the 2003 model year.  A 2002 Sierra should just take a standard wire harness, mounting kit and antenna adapter.

Now, if you want to keep the Onstar system working, or if the truck is equipped with a Bose audio system, then you might need some more expensive parts.  However, I don't think it's possible to keep your Onstar functioning in any case; a 2002 Sierra should have an analog Onstar system, and Onstar stopped providing service for analog equipment a couple years ago.  Are you still paying for an Onstar subscription?  If you don't plan to use the Onstar, then you don't need to buy anything extra for it; and if it's a 2002, then the "everything goes through the factory radio" part is not true.

Hope this helps!

Brian