On=Star and a Navigation System

ok , Im just curious if your working on a GMC vehicle with the ON=Star activated and you want to install a Pioneer head unit pop up screen with a built in Navigation system , do you have to tie into the On=star system for any reason to make the Pioneers Nav system work. Can you? Should you? or what? Do they work in sync together or totally seperate? Do you have to deal with Factory warantee issues tapping into the ON=Star?

Depending on the year make and model of your vehicle the correct interface method will vary. You can't and shouldn't try to use any part of the Onstar system with your new radio. The Onstar system does send an audio signal to the radio so you hear the Onstar operator. There are many different modules to duplicate this when adding a new aftermarket radio. You simply need to find the correct application (year, make, model and vehicle options) If the vehicle is a 2003 or newer you will also need a module to replace the factory radio. There are modules from Metra and Peripheral that do everything.sparky

Thank you sparky , that is exactly what I was looking for. I forgot that the voice over for the on-star comes out thru the factory speakers. The Vehicle is a 2002 Chevy Tahoe. Doesnt GM now wire part of the ignition systems thru the radio so if you were to remove the radio , you need some kind of bypass kit? I will check with the Metra Guide to see what they recomend or the Install Doctor. Thanks again .......

I installed a kenwood monitor/rec. into my 04 Envoy XUV and lost my on-star too.  The on-star operator can hear you because the mic is in the rear view mirror but you can hear them.  I was think of maybe connecting that wire that ran into the GM radio to a small speaker and see if that might work but I haven't got around to try it.  I bought a $70 wiring harness from crutchfield with made installation  a lot easier than using the normal $15 harness.  Although it was expensive, I heard that sometimes the cheaper harness doesn't work well with the security system and my radio still stays on after I turn off the car like the factory one did.mb