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Last week I finally upgraded my 2006 G6's stock stereo and wanted to just leave some notes of my experience.
I have been using Belkin's FM transmitters with my iPod's and iPhone's for years in my G6. Upgrading it every couple years for the ever changing physical sizes of my devices over time. FM transmitters were really the only option in this G6, since there is no aux port or cassette player to connect my devices. So I finally decided I would install an aftermarket stereo so that I can plug in my iPhone. I have been hesitant to do this because I've heard of the poor quality of the Metra kit (yes, I know I could just not use the Metra kit but I wanted to keep the DIC), plus the extra cost to get all the parts and get it installed somewhere. After pricing everything out and looking at the install instructions, I decided it looked easy enough to do myself.
Purchase list:
Notes:
So far I'm pretty happy with the Metra kit and my new stereo. I'm able to charge my iPhone and listen to my music/podcasts in great quality.
I have been using Belkin's FM transmitters with my iPod's and iPhone's for years in my G6. Upgrading it every couple years for the ever changing physical sizes of my devices over time. FM transmitters were really the only option in this G6, since there is no aux port or cassette player to connect my devices. So I finally decided I would install an aftermarket stereo so that I can plug in my iPhone. I have been hesitant to do this because I've heard of the poor quality of the Metra kit (yes, I know I could just not use the Metra kit but I wanted to keep the DIC), plus the extra cost to get all the parts and get it installed somewhere. After pricing everything out and looking at the install instructions, I decided it looked easy enough to do myself.
Purchase list:
- Kenwood KDC-HD262U receiverWent with a lower-end model because the main feature I just wanted was to plug my iPhone into USB.
- Metra 99-3303 Dash and Wiring KitGot it 50% off since I also purchased the stereo.
- Metra 40-GM10 Antenna AdapterGot it 50% off since I also purchased the stereo.
- Metra ISOPK Screw PackFree with purchase of Metra kit. Used 4 screws to attach the side brackets that came with the Metra kit, to the stereo.
- Posi-Products™ Car Stereo ConnectorsI forgot to include these with my original order. So I chatted with Crutchfield support and they included them for free (free shipping as well!).
Notes:
- I was deciding how I wanted to connect the Metra and stereo wires (soldering, butt joints, etc) and opted for the easy Posi-Products from Crutchfield. They worked so great! It is a good, strong connection and I'm confident they will stay connected for years.
- I thought all of the screws being removed for this install were the exact same, but apparently that isn't the case. They are indeed all 7mm, however the length on about 7 of them are slightly longer and I think the thread was a little different. During the removal, I just placed all of them in my cupholder and then when I was putting everything back together I noticed that some screws weren't going in as nicely. I was able to get everything back together fine though. Could have just been me, but something to keep in mind.
- When removing the trim panel around the stereo/climate controls, I couldn't for the life of me remove the wire going to the hazard button. The Crutchfield instructions do not mention this. I ended up just pushing it up out of the way and was able to still get the new stereo installed.
- When I got everything hooked up, the Metra dash displayed the time and temp just fine and I could set the settings for button color, time, etc. But I couldn't access any of the car info like tripometer, oil life, etc. I realized that my ignition was in ACC. The Metra kit cannot get info from the car's computer in accessory mode. It needs to be in the ON position. I honestly cannot remember if this was the case with the stock radio, but regardless make sure you don't make this mistake thinking the Metra kit is bad!
- The Metra matches the interior very nicely. It looks like it belongs in the car.
- The Metra buttons are rubbery and you have to push them several times (or at least a certain way) for it to update the display. I don't really use any of the DIC info features, so I'm rarely having to push them anyway.
- The Metra screen is not too bright at night like I've read from other users. Even when the brightness is up all the way, it doesn't bother me that much. I actually brought the interior lights down just a little bit and it actually brought the Metra screen's brightness down quite a lot without making a noticeable difference on my speedometer/tach lights.
- The Metra screen has adjustments for contrast (I cranked this all the way up) and brightness (I cranked it all the way down, however I barely noticed a difference when setting this).
- Since the Metra's screen is lower on the console and is also inset a little, the angle of view from the drivers seat cuts off the very top of the displays screen. I'm 6 foot, so may not be a problem for others. I can still read it fine, but just something I noticed.
So far I'm pretty happy with the Metra kit and my new stereo. I'm able to charge my iPhone and listen to my music/podcasts in great quality.
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