Car Stereos: 2008 Trailblazer AWD 3SS - Navigation, bose radio, gm dealer

Question
I just bought this vehicle and it did not come with Navigation, just the Bose radio.  I can buy a nav unit off eBay, but is it possible to add it to my vehicle or will this be a major debacle?  Does it require anything special / any major modifications since it was not installed at the factory?

Answer
Hi Lisa,

The two head units should have similar mounting methods and connectors, so the actual installation should be fairly simple.  However, the factory radio in your Trailblazer is connected to the vehicle's data bus system.  It has a built-in "Theftlock" feature that will read the VIN through the data bus, and will lock the radio if installed in any vehicle except the original one.  To make the new radio work in your vehicle, you'll need to take it to a dealer and have it reset.

The new head unit must be designed for the Bose audio system (I'm not certain if there are non-Bose navigation head units available, but if there are, they wouldn't work in your Trailblazer).

Note that I'm not as familiar with the various OEM audio systems as I am with after-market car audio, so there might be some other details I'm not aware of.  As far as I know, the Theftlock and Bose features are the only likely stumbling blocks; but you'll certainly need a GM dealer's assistance to get around the first issue.  Before you buy the new radio, I'd suggest calling a local dealer and see if they can reset the Theftlock system for you, and what they'd charge for the service.

Hope this helps!

Brian