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Possible to add bluetooth or aux to the factory radio??

14K views 32 replies 8 participants last post by  victoriamari  
#1 ·
My '03 Impala has the am/fm cd/cass radio and I'm wondering if anybody has added bluetooth. I've searched without a clear answer. Can't quite find a kit either. An aux port wouldn't be outta the question. Wanna keep the factory look vs. installing an aftermarket radio. There is a company that adds aux and bluetooth to these radios, but has nothing in stock...and pretty expensive. Any info is appreciated!
 
#2 · (Edited)
When the dust settles on this inquiry, ... I would guess adding Bluetooth to a factory Radio will be far more challenging than simply adding a Bluetooth Radio into a Factory Car!

The snag is the AUX input delete.

The design team figured most folks would appreciate the AUX Input.
As AUX Inputs go, ... the lower right front Jack Input is hardly noticeable.
 
#5 ·
When the dust settles on this inquiry, ... I would guess adding Bluetooth to a factory Radio will be far more challenging than simply adding a Bluetooth Radio into a Factory Car!

The snag is the AUX input delete.

The design team figured most folks would appreciate the AUX Input.
As AUX Inputs go, ... the lower right left Jack Input is hardly noticeable.
Agree. I'm not against adding an aux port, but can't seem to find the correct kit for this radio.
 
#10 ·
There are outfits that install bluetooth in factory head units. They're kinda pricey and I'm not sure how integrated the approach is. It may be just A2DP and you're on your own with the phone.
 
#11 ·
Yeah, been talking to that company. They have nothing in stock at the moment. They supply Jegs, so same deal. I asked about sending them my radio to have it modified, but said they don't do that at the moment. Looks like I may be outta luck. I would just replace the radio, but would like to keep the stock look and not lose the car settings functions built into the radio.
 
#12 ·
I've seen some writeups on how to mod even older transistor and tube AM/FM car radios to install bluetooth or 3.5" audio in.
If you are just looking for a cord free aux in I would think it wouldn't be terrible to do.
I know proof positive you can add a 3.5" AUX jack to the class II databuss radios in the Gen VI & Gen VII Impala.

Further integration like coding the up and down arrow buttons to control the up and down on your audio player software would need a bit more horsepower.
 
#21 ·
Update: FINALLY found somebody to install an aux port into the factory radio. They are even right here in Michigan! Anybody looking to do this, even out of state, you can ship your radio to them and they will install it. They charged me $100. Plug and play, sounds good. So, reviving this thread for anybody looking for answers. The company is M&R Auto Electronics in Saginaw MI.

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#22 ·
They tap into the internal CD wiring. There are writeups and videos showing how this is done on LS1tech and several GM Truck boards.
Another option for a wired AUX jack is to plug into the external cassette/CD-changer jack on the radio.
You can get a Y harness with the 3.5mm jack to plug in between the CD changer or external cassette.
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#29 ·
It's been a while since I rented an Epsilon II Impala from National and Avis. I've never owned one.

The Epsilon II Chassis should have A2DP Bluetooth audio in the up-level infotainment system. I'm not positive the base system has A2DP but it has bluetooth calling.
Pair your phone with the radio and you should be able to make calls and if it has A2DP you can play music.

IIRC there's a USB port in the centre console. Plug your charge cable into this port and you'll get a USB connection type prompt from your phone. Not sure how much power that port outputs. I've used this port for phones and my high capacity iPod.
IIRC there's a also USB port behind the infotainment screen in the little hidden cubbyhole too if you have that option. Push the button to lift the screen to get access to the cubbyhole.
If you need 2.5A or 3A to charge your phone the built in USB ports may not keep up. Pay attention and you'll know shortly whether it has enough amps.

I seem to remember 3.5mm jacks in some of my Epsilon Impala rentals but don't quote me on that. I'm getting older and I tend to suffer from CRS.