Car Stereos: Kenwood DNX8120 in 2008 AVEO 1.6 LT AT, chevrolet aveo, double din head units

Question
QUESTION: Dear Brian
I am trying to install a DNX8120 car radio in my 2008 Aveo sedan. The first problem I face is that the panel adaptors that came with the Kenwood do not fit the shape of the original radio (as is like a parallelogram, with different measures on the top respect the base, and also having some curvature)
I checked out some install kits in Internet and find some (i.e. Scosche GM1520B) that apparently are adequate, but as I am located in Argentina, is not easy to verify which is the one that fits OK in my AVEO and KDNX8120. Maybe you could tell me which kit buy.
Other problem I am facing is harness cable connections. I know it from the KDNX8120 side, but not the car connections.
Many thanks for your support, regards.
Guillermo


ANSWER: Hi Guillermo,

I don't really know, but I'm assuming that the version of the Chevrolet Aveo sold in Argentina is similar to those sold in the U.S.

The interesting thing about the Aveo is that it's available in a sedan or a hatchback, and the two vehicles appear to be different in every respect.  When you're shopping for the mounting kit, it will be important to make sure you're getting the sedan version, not the hatchback kit.

It looks to me like the Scosche GM1520 kit will work for your application.  Another option would be the Metra 99-3306.  Both can be used with double-DIN head units like your Kenwood, and both are made for the sedan version of the Aveo.

Your wire connections would be simplified by the purchase of a Metra 70-2105 wire harness adapter.

It's likely that you'll also need an antenna adapter.  Newer GM vehicles are starting to use what used to be called a "Chrysler" style antenna connection.  Metra's part number for the adapter is 40-CR10.

Here are the wire colors I have listed for your vehicle's radio harness.  It would be a good idea to verify the wire functions with a multimeter before making your connections (if you're unable to obtain an adapter harness).  


Battery   :  orange   
Accessory: yellow
Ground:    black   
  
FL speaker +   violet      
FL speaker -   light green   
FR speaker +   light blue      
FR speaker -   brown      
RL speaker +   dark green      
RL speaker -   gray      
RR speaker +   dark blue      
RR speaker -   white   

Hope this helps!

Brian   




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

QUESTION: Brian
Many thanks for your quick response. My Aveo is a sedan made in Mexico so the adaptors you mentioned will surely work.
By the way, I am also looking for "complete" my unit that has not on the steering wheel the cruise control nor the radio remote control. I am not sure if there are in US such units sold by a GM representative (we do not have in Argentina such offer) or any aftermarket product that works OK
Again, many thanks for your time (this will be my last question). Best regards
Guillermo

Answer
Hi,

Kenwood makes a wired remote control designed for marine use; the model is KCA-RC50MRB.  It should be compatible with your Kenwood head unit. You could purchase this remote and mount it in a convenient location in the vehicle.   

I don't know if the Aveo is available with a factory steering wheel control option, but even if it is, it's probably not practical to try adding it to your non-equipped sedan.  Vehicles with steering wheel controls have wiring between the steering wheel and head unit which is probably not present in  your vehicle.  In any case, the GM steering wheel controls wouldn't be compatible with the Kenwood head unit without a 3rd-party adapter.

I'm afraid I don't have any expertise in factory or after-market cruise control systems.

Brian