Mobile Audio Systems & GPS

[InstantBacon]

My car was struck by residual lightning months ago, sitting next to a tree that got a direct hit. Pretty much the only thing that stopped working was the stock stereo. Static would come through the speakers even when the car was off. I took out the stock head unit and installed a new Pioneer DEH-1300MP myself. No sound at all, no power, does not work. I suspect it may be the factory wiring, beyond the wiring harness, that is damaged and faulty. Does the Geek Squad do troubleshooting and repair on something like this, or do they do basic installation only? I suspect the factory wiring to the battery may need to be replaced. Thank you. 2003 Cavalier

[InstantBacon]

Sorry, didn't see an edit function anywhere...

Forgot to mention that I have all existing parts needed for a basic installation. Head unit, double din housing adapter, wiring harness, radio adapter. Can I just bring in all my stuff to a BB store and have them use it or do I need to purchase BB stuff?

[858_Autotech]

Wow...can't say I have heard of that happening before.  From what it sounds like, it may be possible that you might have the wrong wiring harness for that vehicle...may I ask which parts you have?  I also wonder if your vehicle has the premium sound package with the factory amplifier, those can be tricky to interface with sometimes.  The specific part #s that you have you be most helpful, as well as info regarding the sound package that was factory installed.

[InstantBacon]

Head Unit: Pioneer DEH-1300MP
Wiring Harness: Metra 70-2003 (GM '98 and up)

I bought the car second-hand, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have anything near premium sound package. It doesn't even have anti-lock brakes...

I called Geek Squad and the guy said I have the wrong harness because it doesn't have chimes and all that stuff that goes through the factory stereo. I would still think I would get some sort of power through this, though. Anyway, I ordered a new harness. Geek Squad said I needed Scosche GMLAN2SR, but I ordered a Scosche GM09SR per the Scosche website.

[858_Autotech · Accepted solution]

Yep...the harness would likely be the cause of the no power situation since it doesn't contain a switched power wire from the factory.  The original radio in that vehicle uses a Class 2 Databus signal in order to turn on and the aftermarket requires +12V.  The switched power output is one of the many things that the GM09SR is going to do.  The other things it will do is to retain the factory safety chimes and allow the data signals from the BCM to pass through and maintain a healthy state to the rest of the vehicle.  BBY doesn't carry the GM09SR in store so that is likely why they recommended the GMLAN2SR instead...we also carry the GMOS-01 from Metra that would work.

[InstantBacon]

Awesome, the GM09SR worked perfectly. Thanks. Just glad the lightning didn't do any serious damage.

[858_Autotech]

Good to hear!  I don't think I would enjoy tring to track down issues caused by lightning...that doesn't sound like fun at all.