Car Stereos: 2004 chevy express, mp 3 player, chevy express

Question
i would like to put a factory cd player, possibly a 6 disc changer, in my work van.  i am reading about having to program the ECM to work with a new radio, so i wanted to know if it would be worth finding a used factory radio, or if it would be better to put an aftermarket radio in.  i like the thought of an oem radio better, but if it is going to be too much of a hassle, i can install an aftermarket cd player instead.  thanks-

Answer
Hi Aaron,

A local GM dealer should be able to unlock a replacement factory radio and get it working with your van.  I'm not certain what they'd charge for this service, however.  You won't be able to make a used replacement radio work in your van without the dealer's assistance.

You won't find many after-market in-dash 6-disk changers, but an after-market upgrade makes sense if you'd like to use an external device, such as an iPod or MP-3 player.  If you need to use your wireless phone while driving, you can buy after-market head units that include built-in Bluetooth systems, and will allow hands-free phone use.  If features like these appeal to you, then it's probably worth switching to an after-market deck.  Otherwise, I'd check with a dealer and see what it would take to make a factory replacement work in your vehicle.

Because GM links the factory radio to the vehicle's data bus system in these vans, switching to an after-market head unit can be fairly expensive if you want to keep all the factory features (like the vehicle warning chimes) working properly.  For this reason, I'd try to stick with a factory radio unless you'd like one of the features that's only available in the after-market.

Hope this helps!

Brian