Car Stereos: 2001 Buick LeSabre Stereo Install, plastic ribbon, ribbon cable

Question
I would like to install a aftermarket stereo in my mom's 2001 Buick LeSabre. I would also like to keep the buttons on the steering wheel working. I (beleive) it is NOT amplified & it does NOT (for sure) have On-Star. Is this possible with the Metra #GMRC-04 wiring harness. I read one of the post you put up. Also, where can I find a wiring diagram foor the radio for this vehicle? Thanks for the info.

Answer
Hi Isaac,

Sorry for the delay in answering your question.

The GMRC-04 should be the right interface to install an after-market head unit in your vehicle, and keep the factory warning chime system working properly; but it won't retain the steering wheel controls.  For that, you'll also need a Metra ASWC interface, and you'll need to pick a head unit with a wired remote input on the rear.  

A wiring diagram wouldn't do you much good in this car, because there aren't really any accessible wires in the radio harness.  Instead, there's a fixed set of contacts mounted at the back of the radio cavity, connected to a plastic ribbon cable.  Installing a new head unit in this vehicle can be a challenge, even with the GMRC-04, because you'll probably need to dismount the contact set and cut away part of the rear wall of the radio cavity to make room for your new head unit.  When doing this, you need to use extra care not to damage the ribbon cable.

Hope this helps!

Brian