I just bought a LTZ a couple weeks ago with the exact same problem described here. However, my Bose system doesn't have the 6 disk changer. When ever I turn on my turn signals, I get a hiss. Although, I cant hear it when the radio is on. I will definatly call the dealership about it now that I know Im not crazy. Here is the link to the TSB if you havn't found it yet link title
Just a suggestion, if you have your radio presets just the way you like them, jot them down before taking your car in for service. Once they perform the service, the memory will be wiped. That also included EQ settings, etc.
Ok so now I have read thru entirely too many pages of a run around here. I just picked up an 03 Impala LS and I want to hook up my Xplod 600 watt amp and 2 10" MTX Subs. I have installed plenty of systems before this one but now I need to know what I need to hook all of this up. Can I just get a line out for the RCA's and splice the "Enable" wire on the factory amp to the remote wire for the aftermarket one? Or do I need to find a different way to hook this up? I have aleady gone to impalaHQ and it covers the 00'-02' but I don't know if there is a difference with the 03' model. Any help you could give would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I just got a new 2006 Impala LTZ with the Bose 6 disc CD changer and although I do not have the hiss issues others have reported I do not like the sound of this system, which others have commented on.
Primarily the system has a huge peak in the upper midrange that makes the sound strident and piercing on lots of program material. The midrange control works at a much lower frequency than this peak so is of no use. The peak is much worse through the front speakers than the rear, so using the fader to fade the fronts down a bit helps, but then the next song sounds muddy and dull.
I think the speakers are the primary culprits here...this degree of departure from accuracy would not usually be in the electronics but in the speakers. Evidently the Bose name means nothing.
By the way, my EQ switch also only toggles between News/Talk & Manual...I guess this is standard.
OK. SO I've got my 2006 Impala LTZ and it has an Aux input jack which is better than the FM transmitter I used in my last car, but has anyone here installed one of those after-market units that charges the IPOD and also brings the IPOD display up on the radio display and gives complete control of the IPOD over to the car controls? Thee are several such units to choose from...I'm just wondering if the 2006 Impala LTZ Bose 6 Disc changer has a jack in the back to accomodate one of these units. Thanks, Jay
I agree, the Bose name means nothing. I've never been a big fan but I think like most, I figured having a Bose system would sound very good even if it wasn't the best out there. I'm disappointed and won't suggest Bose to anyone. :lemon:
Just a thought..... It's not the 6 disc CD changer which is Bose. As I understand it, the Bose system is the separate option premium sound system (8 speakers and amp)
Yes. The front speakers say "Bose" on them and the amp at the top of the runk also says Bose and it is listen on the widnow sticker as a standard feature. The Bose system is standard on the 2006 LTZ...the only audio option is whether to get the 6-disc changer or not (I have it).
My problem with the Bose system isn't that the quality isn't GOOD, which it is. My problem is that even with the new amp, there is still a small hiss in the system and the lack of a real equalizer limits the system's flexibility. In this case, the sound reproduction isn't as balanced as I would like and the frequencies just above the midrange are overly boosted. This makes listening at loud volumes uncomfortable after a while. In comparison, the non-Bose system in my '02 Monte Carlo had better bass response and no annoying peaks throughout the spectrum.
IMHO, Bose has never been big on sound quality. Instead, their expertise is in stereo separation and filling a space with sound. In that regard, this system delivers the Bose promise. It's the actual sound quality that isn't up to my expectations. For a $400 premium, I don't think it's unfair to demand an actual PREMIUM sound.
That is exactly right. HUGE midrange peak in the audio which can't be tamed by use of the Midrange control. Yet if you log onto Bose website and read about it, they use terms like "Clean Slate" to describe how they adjust each system for each car's interior characteristics which is obviusly nonsense. It would be a great system if it were reasonably flat which it is not. My 2000 Impala with the standard sound system sounded much better too. I still think those front speakers are a big part of the problem with the eq being so far off...the rear speakers are closer to flat on their own. A real equalizer would be a big help but you would ahve to equalize the front and rear speakers independently because they are so different from each other.
The "Black Tie" radios are the new radios in several GM cars. The most obvious way to identify them is the large volume knob in the center of the head unit. There are several different versions: standard AM/FM/CD, AM/FM/XM/CD, AM/FM/XM/6CD.
Mike, I don't own an IPOD but I have used my mini-MP3 player in my car. In my case, the volume was lower than normal when using the MP3 player. It likely was never intended to be used with anything other than headphones and I was able to compensate by turning the car's volume up and get plenty of volume. The only real issue would be forgetting to turn it back down and getting blasted with loud volume from the other sources. As for controls, you would have to use the Ipod controls unless you install additional equipment. I don't know much about the other devices but I would definitely do your research. My experience is that GM stereos are great as is but are very difficult to modify unless you are very tech-savvy. You can damage/disable many systems in your car by modifying the stereo. Be cautious!
This is a question for those of you who use MP3 CDs in your Impala stereos. For background, I have the 6 disc Bose system. The CDs I'm using are organized by artist and are near full capacity. My question is has anyone else ever had an issue when changing directories (i.e. artist, album, etc.) with the player locking up? In my case, it happens occasionally and the only fix is to change the CD, even if it's only to switch right back. Ejecting and reinserting also works. Once the CD reloads, all is well. The problem is reloading a CD and allowing it to re-index all the files takes quite a while. Before I start burning CDs for test purposes, I thought I'd ask to see if the problem is common. Thanks!
Just had the amp replaced to get rid of the hiss and it worked for the most part. I can still hear the hiss if I really try but its low enough that I don't think its going to drive me crazy at all.
However, this might please some of you, now when I hit the EQ button, I get presets for Pop, Rock, Ctry, Talk, Jass and Clas as well as Manaul. Each one displays the bass\mid\treb graph that it uses when pressed.
I have a 2006 SS with the 6 disk changer/mp3/XM/Bose system etc, in other words the most expensive radio option avail in the SS but the Eq only toggles between Talk and Manual and nothing else. The operators manual says that it should toggle through other settings and another SS that I had test driven did but mine does not. I have taken it back to the dealer several times and have been told that the 6 disc changer with mp3 radio dosen't have all of the presets, I find it hard to believe that the most expensive radio dosn't have a function that my stripped down 1998 cavalier had. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
With the exception of scauer, the Bose system is designed to have "Talk" and "Manual". There has been speculation on this board that the head units are identical and that it's programming that gives the different EQ options. That could explain why scauer's radio has more options.
From what I've been seeing with this and other issues, it seems like there is a lack of information sharing between GM/Chevy/dealerships. Hopefully that will improve over time but currently, we all seem to get different answers.
Quietpro is very likely correct re: radio reprogramming options. Here's why:
First some background: I recently took in my '06 with the single CD/MP3 Bose system to have the TSB done for the hiss. I had the hiss when the turn signal was used, and very noticeable hiss at low volumes. I could deal with those.
Then, over the course of a week, three times I got a mechanical cyclical sound coming from the speakers, like I was picking up some interference from the engine or something. (Sounded like "g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g", nice "premium" sound, eh?) That was the final straw! It would go on like that for at least 10-15 minutes. Turning the radio off/on didn't clear it. Strangely enough, using the turn signal one time stopped it. Nice undocument "feature"! ;^) I tried it out of desperation since I read the TSB mentioned the turn signal "connection". Aha!
Here's the part you'll appreciate: The dealer ordered the replacement amp (don't expect it to be in-stock) and replaced it. They also reprogrammed the radio. Came back sounding like crud. All the nice crystal clear highs were gone (although the upper mid-range didn't sound so strident -- good news/bad news). Made it sound much more like a stock radio, and the upper ranges sounded clipped or compressed.
So I complained to the dealership about the loss of "premium" sound for a $400 system, who totally agreed and really tried to make it right. Got it back and while I can't say that it sounds 100% the same as before, it's fairly close. The difference could be the new amp or programming. The hiss is all but gone (tiny bit left at extreme low volume, will never notice it unless engine and fan are both off). Let's just say I don't want to risk them messing with it again, so it's close enough.
I called the service manager to thank him personally (as we both had feared the worst, and he really tried to make it right -- always remember your manners). I asked him how much versatility the programming allowed for sound/tonal curves. He said that there wasn't any, BUT you have to be careful when checking which software options to download into the radio.
Apparently there's one option they select for the high end speakers, another one for the radio, etc. (that's what he said). It sounded like they weren't paying close attention to the software modules and downloaded the wrong ones (or perhaps just as likely, didn't download ADDITIONAL ones needed).
I recall reading in the online TSB (don't have the link handy) that GM made special mention to carefully choose the radio programming options, or something like that. Now I know why!
So, for all of you who got different options (EQ) or sound after reprogramming, you may want to take it back to the dealer for reprogramming. It definitely sounds to me that they either didn't know or weren't being careful when selecting the reprogramming options. Good luck!
Just thought I'd share so that some of you could avoid the issues I experienced. That was not a fun week for me.
Does anyone know if GM is telling the dealers about what is being said here??
If you have dealers that don't pay attention to programing the radios and they seem to brush you off (once you drive off the lot), then it seems many of us are going to have a "bad week" trying to get these radios corrected.
Does anyone know of how you might re-program the radio yourself?
Remember, you've got at least a 36 month warranty that should cover it, longer with extended warranties.
I wouldn't recommend trying to do it yourself. First, where are you going to get the updated software, and second, you need to know what you're doing. Not sure if the program is loaded via CD or some other interface.
Have the dealership do the work. The radio likely has flash memory in it, which means they can re-flash it (reload the program) again if they mess it up. That's the beauty of flash memory.
If it comes back incorrectly, be adamant that they fix it. If they're clueless and you don't get any satisfaction from the service manager or business manager, then call GM to lodge a complaint. You can always take it to another dealership too.
I just purchased a 2006 Impala SS w/o Bose system. I wanted to know what would be a good set of speakers ( I don't need a set that will break my ear drums) I just want a set of speakers that are better than the standard ones. I looked at Best Buy and saw some Infinity for $260 + $80 installation that sounded good in the store. Any ideas out there???
Update I spoke with Chevy dealer and the only way to see date is to hit menu and clock and it will show both time and date. Pontiac GP had better deal showing both in DIC. Oh well it is minor but why bother setting it if it doesn't display easier.
Getting ready to install an in-line Bluetooth receiver for my mobile phone (so I won't be distracted by holding it and trying to dial - that should make several people happy!). The system I have has a wiring harness that replaces and creates new connections for the existing wiring harness, an in-line connection.
First and foremost, whats the best way to get the radio OUT? I'm guessing that the cover plate pulls off, and the radio box is attached to the dash frame with screws. What's the best way to get that plate off w/o damaging it?
The next concern is whether or not this will affect the car... In theory, the unit only adds connections in parallel with the speakers and shares the radio's power supply in a very minimal fashion. Anyone guess that it might affect other systems as well? If so, which ones?
This is a company car, and, inasmuch as they don't want me to talk on a phone while I drive, they still want me "reachable." I'm sure they don't want me frying the car's electronics either though. Any help?
I have a 6 speaker AM/FM Stereo radio with MP3, single CD, XM.
Has anybody noticed that the amp. cannot power the speakers all that well. There are good size stock speakers in the rear and front doors with the mini speakers in the front roof posts. It seems that when I have the window or sun roof open I always have the volume in the 85% - 95% range especially when playing CD’s but it is the same when playing the radio. The RDS works fine but it just seems that the radio is under powered?
I have a 2002 Impala LS with a stock radio with only 4 speakers and if I raised the volume to the 85% - 95% range you could not stay in the car without splitting your eardrums.
Read your warr. you void it if you change/add Amp or speakers. I have an extended warr. that covers the radio, speakers and all electronics, so I am a bit leery about making changes.
Do you have a Bose system or stock?
Also, I would like to know if this is a problem or it is just a lousy radio amp? :mad:
It is just low output. With windows open or even just sun roof I can turn volume to max just to hear it. I don't think it is defective just not very effective. Thanks for info I will have to check my warranty. I don't want to lose that over a radio. Mike
I have a 2006 Impala LS with the standard CD player radio. I agree that the quality on the radio is poor. I want to install an aftermarket JVC, but I am concerned about this amplifier that I keep hearing about. How do I check to see if there is one in my car?
If I understand this correctly the stock radios have the AMP built in, so if you are changing the radio you change the AMP. (I think that only the BOSE system has a separate AMP)? If you are going to install just a JVC CD changer then yes the stock radio AMP is still a concern.
As far as Warr. goes the Chevy Warr. is 3 months or 36,000 Bumper to Bumper. So after that time period you can do what you want. If you purchase an extended warr. and you make changes to the sound system, this is no longer covered under the extended warr. or anything else that may be affected if the radio/amp/speakers you install causes an electrical problem.
If the past Impala radio design has any indication on the current Impala radio: the same radio head may be used for both Bose and non-Bose applications. Another word: the radio head can drive the speakers directly or it has internal built-in amplifier. If the radio detects the presence of the Bose Amp (via GM CAN bus), it just reduce the audio level. Doing that saves GM part numbers
I am not to sure what you are saying here, it s too fractured?
My 2002 stock Impala radio with 4 speakers has more power than you can handle, there are no separate amps. The stock 2006 radio with 6 speakers is terrible, this is the question? Different stock radio in the 2006 than in the 2002 but why the depletion in amplifier power in the 2006?
The difference is so measurable that it seems to be a manufacturing error!
sorry for the confusion. The question that I have is can I just go out and buy a dash kit and install my aftermarket radio od do i need to do something to bypass an amplifier? How do I tell if my car has an amplifier?
Chevy generally mounts their amps on the underside of the rear deck. I've seen 3 versions of the '06 Impala radio and all had an amp mounted on the rear deck between the speakers.
Use caution when modifying the factory stereo. In my '02 Monte Carlo, many different options were controlled through head unit. Those functions seem to have been moved to the DIC in '06 but the turn/hazard signals and door/warning chimes come through the head unit and there may be other hidden functions tied to the radio. Regardless, at a minimum, without an auxiliary device installed, you won't hear your signals and tones if you change out the stereo.
Most professionals carry the devices and some will even advise you on the issues of changing out the factory stereo. From there, you can make the decision of how to best resolve the issue.
Correct me if I am wrong: the only Impala radio with external amp is the Bose option. If yours is not Bose, it has no external Audio amplifier. Normally with Bose option, you should see Bose logo on the radio face plate or text message on radio display (more likely now).
In the case of vehicle with factory amplifier (Bose or non-Bose Amp), it is wise to disconnect it from the system if you install new aftermarket head unit. The reason is you do not want to drive the speakers with your new aftermarket radio and the existing amplifier. The aftermarket radio may get damaged.
In the case of the 06 Impala, if you were install an aftermarket radio, you will lose the following functions that are now integrated in the Impala radio:
1. Chime (door chime, seat bell chime,...). It is generated by radio 2. Click-clack (turn signal sound, again generated by radio) 3. Power moding: some newer GM radio has no IGNITION wire. When the ignition key is turned on, a vehicle message is sent to radio to tell it turn on. Generic aftermarket radio will have problem with that unless it is designed specifically for GM vehicle and it understands the vehicle messages. On top of that, not all GM vehicles use the same vehicle data bus.
So do some checking on vehicle compatibility to make sure the aftermarket radio can work on your new Impala.
GM is buying the Impala 06 radio from a different manufacturer. Typically, the 06 radio is cheaper (for GM)and "should be" better (performance or features) than the 02.
A good sound system requires a lot of tuning ( vehicle acoustic, low noise (both mechanical and electrical), sound balance, vehicle equalization, sound processing of radio ...). And who knows may be the 06 radio head does not output enough Power?
Sometime, it is the cheap speakers that spoil the whole system. For stock radios, they normally buy the cheapest speakers they could find in China to save pennies. So replacing speakers may be a good first step to improve the radio sound. Cheap speakers normall have no BASS and TREB and distort earlier. To compensate for that, some car makers use vehicle EQ to boost the BASS and TREB from the radio head
Correct me if I am wrong: the only Impala radio with external amp is the Bose option. If yours is not Bose, it has no external Audio amplifier. Normally with Bose option, you should see Bose logo on the radio face plate or text message on radio display (more likely now).
OK, I'll correct you. We have three '06 Impalas in the family. The Bose system (mine) has the Bose amp between the speakers. The only other written indication that it is a Bose system is the Bose emblem on the front door speaker covers. The head unit has no indication and (I'm pretty sure) is the same unit used in the non-Bose systems except for internal programming. Mine also has the six-disc changer, MP3 capability, and XM radio.
The next level down is the single cd version. My sister owns this one and it also has an amp, although obviously not stamped with the Bose emblem. It also has MP3 and XM.
Next down from that is the non-MP3, non-XM version. My nephew owns that. It has the same amp (at least by appearance) as my sister's.
We looked all three over very closely when I was having trouble with the Bose hiss discussed earlier in this forum. Hope this helps clear things up.
I have tinkered with the settings of the 06 radio every which way that can so unless I am missing something my 02 impala radio has way more volume than the 06. I have the 06 radio with XM, i pod and single CD slot and 6 speakers.
The quality of the sound is good on the 06 with the 6 speakers, again it is the volume that lacks. It may just be that the radio is under powered (which stinks).
I like a good deal of BASS and the rear speakers give me that but when I set more rear speaker for the BASS or if I try to balance the sound with the front 4 speakers to distribute the sound of the music over all speakers, I have the volume almost at max.
It seems that the 2 - rear speakers just takes too much power to push them and when I blend in the front speakers so I can hear all speakers/stereo from the drivers seat, the volume/power is just not there.
If the stock radio had a separate amp I would have the dealer change it but I am very hesitant about having them change the radio because they have to pull the dash apart to do it. If there is no problem with the radio and it is just under powered then I am very disappointed that GM installed such a cheap, crappy unit.
This may help get some reference. My system is the Bose premium and I listen to it at what I would consider a comfortable setting, loud enough to drown out road noise at 50 mph, and it's set at about 50% as indicated by the display bar. I have more than enough volume for my needs but it does seem that I'm setting the volume at a higher setting to get what I used to get at a lower setting on my '02. In other words, the decibel level I listen to regularly probably would have been about 30% with the old radio and 50% with the new one. It sounds like you prefer a louder setting and have run out of amp power before you get to where you like it. To be sure your system isn't defective, I'd suggest trying another car with the same system at your dealer, side by side. If it's defective, they will fix it. If not, you can start looking at options to either upgrade or replace your stereo. You've probably read the drawbacks to removing the factory radio since GM incorporates so much into them but there are options if it's a big enough problem.
I do agree with your conclusion that the newer radios have less power. My '02 Monte Carlo was far better than this "premium" Bose system.
Taking the 06 Impala radio out of the dash is not that difficult at all. You just carefully pry the fake wood trim around the radio and the Air control unit out with a screw driver (snap-in piece). Then all you need next is 7mm socket driver to undo 3-4 screws aound the radio.
It is a 5 minute job on this design. It is a big improvement over the old Impala. So any tech at Chevy dealer should be able to do it without leaving scratch mark on on plastic trim.
Audio amplifier is normally located in the trunk as someone mentioned earlier.
You could stop by a Chevy dealer and try out another similar vehicle to see if this problem is unique to yours or it is common design "characteristic". They can tell you if yours has an amplifier option also.
For those of you like me who were curious as to why the premium sound package bowtie equalizer did not come with presets, here is how it was explained to me by the dealer from whom I purchased my 2006 Impala:
The radio is set up to remember each equalizer setting you create for every radio station (AM, FM or XM) that you program into the radios pre-select buttons. On my radio I believe I have six different favorite areas, each with six different stations I can program into the radio. Each pre-selected station can have a different equalizer setting conducive to my tastes for listening on that station. The concept was to give you more versatility in selecting how the equalizer can be set for different persons and radio stations. The "talk" setting on the equalizer just makes it easier for you to program the equalizer for a station setting that is predominately talk radio. Apparently the same concept hold true for your CD player settings.
If I remember right, the non-premium radios only gave you the presets and one manual setting that never changed, even when changing radio stations. The dealer stated that they could try to program my radio to allow me the settings for rock, country, pop, classical, etc. However, if they do, then I would not have the versatility I now have in making different equalizer settings for each station I program into the radio. If anyone has heard anything different, I would be curious to hear about it.
I was told the same thing by my salesman which makes me think it came from a corporate briefing. My salesman was very meticulous in trying to explain every little feature. Kudos to him because it was obvious he had a genuine interest in educating me on every feature of the car. However, once I familiarized myself with the stereo and it's controls, I soon realized that there was no such feature incorporated into these stereos. It's as simple as you would assume, one preset (talk) and one manual. You can alternate between the two but no individual settings are retained by preset station number, band, source, etc. If you'd like to experiment, try setting two of your presets with extremely varied EQ settings and see what happens. If yours does allow for that, please let me know.
Quietpro: I performed your test and found that one extreme EQ setting applied to an AM station held for all AM stations, even after that first station was resaved under a preset. Similarly, whatever EQ setting was applied to an FM station, that setting applied to all FM stations. The same happened with the XM source also the CD player. So, I've learnt something from this exercise - just not quite sure how to use it!
Hello guys ! Have not heard much about this issue for a while now.I have to tell you something i've found out recently. I was at my local chevy dealership to visit some friends that i have made in the past year.So while i was there i went out to the lot and found a 2007 impala ltz with the bose audio system.For the heck of it ,i went and asked my salesman if i could try the radio out and see if it any better on the 2007 model year.Much to my surprise, it was extremely quiet with almost no noticable hiss at all !It seems to me the g.m. has finally addressed the noise issue with the head unit manufacturer and resolved it ! Its too bad that they did not do this on the 2006 models.All the controls are the same as my 2006 model,but much,much, quieter than mine even with the revised amp and software update that was installed in july! Just wanted to let you know this. Well, talk to you later. Pete.
Pete, So, you're saying that with the new amp in your '06, the '07 has less hiss...but it's still there? That's a bit odd. Maybe take a look at the amp used the next time you visit to see if it's different than the new amp we were provided. (It's located between the rear deck speakers, viewable in the trunk). As for my car, I consider the issue resolved although I still take issue with the overall performance of the stereo as a whole. Had I not assumed a "BOSE" system would be premium and actually tested it, I would not have paid the extra money for it. It was a "live and learn" moment for me.
If anyone could answer this I would appreciate it.
I have a 2002 Impala with a trunk mounted AMP and 4 speakers but my 2006 does not have a trunk mounted AMP but I have 6 speakers in this car. Needless to say, there is a huge difference between the volume of the two cars and I would like to pump up the volume of my 2006.
Question: Can I readily mount a GM (manufacturers) provided AMP in my 2006, is the wiring present to just to plug and play?
Comments
Here is the link to the TSB if you havn't found it yet
link title
Primarily the system has a huge peak in the upper midrange that makes the sound strident and piercing on lots of program material. The midrange control works at a much lower frequency than this peak so is of no use. The peak is much worse through the front speakers than the rear, so using the fader to fade the fronts down a bit helps, but then the next song sounds muddy and dull.
I think the speakers are the primary culprits here...this degree of departure from accuracy would not usually be in the electronics but in the speakers. Evidently the Bose name means nothing.
By the way, my EQ switch also only toggles between News/Talk & Manual...I guess this is standard.
Jay
Thanks,
Jay
Are you sure you have this option fitted?
The sound quality in my SS is just fine.
Jay
IMHO, Bose has never been big on sound quality. Instead, their expertise is in stereo separation and filling a space with sound. In that regard, this system delivers the Bose promise. It's the actual sound quality that isn't up to my expectations. For a $400 premium, I don't think it's unfair to demand an actual PREMIUM sound.
Jay
Jay
1) how is the sound quality with using the aux plug in the 2006 gm cars
2) can you change/skip songs through radio dials or do you still have to physically change through the Ipod itself?
thanks
Mike
I don't own an IPOD but I have used my mini-MP3 player in my car. In my case, the volume was lower than normal when using the MP3 player. It likely was never intended to be used with anything other than headphones and I was able to compensate by turning the car's volume up and get plenty of volume. The only real issue would be forgetting to turn it back down and getting blasted with loud volume from the other sources.
As for controls, you would have to use the Ipod controls unless you install additional equipment. I don't know much about the other devices but I would definitely do your research. My experience is that GM stereos are great as is but are very difficult to modify unless you are very tech-savvy. You can damage/disable many systems in your car by modifying the stereo. Be cautious!
Before I start burning CDs for test purposes, I thought I'd ask to see if the problem is common. Thanks!
However, this might please some of you, now when I hit the EQ button, I get presets for Pop, Rock, Ctry, Talk, Jass and Clas as well as Manaul. Each one displays the bass\mid\treb graph that it uses when pressed.
thanks
Mike
From what I've been seeing with this and other issues, it seems like there is a lack of information sharing between GM/Chevy/dealerships. Hopefully that will improve over time but currently, we all seem to get different answers.
First some background: I recently took in my '06 with the single CD/MP3 Bose system to have the TSB done for the hiss. I had the hiss when the turn signal was used, and very noticeable hiss at low volumes. I could deal with those.
Then, over the course of a week, three times I got a mechanical cyclical sound coming from the speakers, like I was picking up some interference from the engine or something. (Sounded like "g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g", nice "premium" sound, eh?) That was the final straw! It would go on like that for at least 10-15 minutes. Turning the radio off/on didn't clear it. Strangely enough, using the turn signal one time stopped it. Nice undocument "feature"! ;^) I tried it out of desperation since I read the TSB mentioned the turn signal "connection". Aha!
Here's the part you'll appreciate: The dealer ordered the replacement amp (don't expect it to be in-stock) and replaced it. They also reprogrammed the radio. Came back sounding like crud. All the nice crystal clear highs were gone (although the upper mid-range didn't sound so strident -- good news/bad news). Made it sound much more like a stock radio, and the upper ranges sounded clipped or compressed.
So I complained to the dealership about the loss of "premium" sound for a $400 system, who totally agreed and really tried to make it right. Got it back and while I can't say that it sounds 100% the same as before, it's fairly close. The difference could be the new amp or programming. The hiss is all but gone (tiny bit left at extreme low volume, will never notice it unless engine and fan are both off). Let's just say I don't want to risk them messing with it again, so it's close enough.
I called the service manager to thank him personally (as we both had feared the worst, and he really tried to make it right -- always remember your manners). I asked him how much versatility the programming allowed for sound/tonal curves. He said that there wasn't any, BUT you have to be careful when checking which software options to download into the radio.
Apparently there's one option they select for the high end speakers, another one for the radio, etc. (that's what he said). It sounded like they weren't paying close attention to the software modules and downloaded the wrong ones (or perhaps just as likely, didn't download ADDITIONAL ones needed).
I recall reading in the online TSB (don't have the link handy) that GM made special mention to carefully choose the radio programming options, or something like that. Now I know why!
So, for all of you who got different options (EQ) or sound after reprogramming, you may want to take it back to the dealer for reprogramming. It definitely sounds to me that they either didn't know or weren't being careful when selecting the reprogramming options. Good luck!
Just thought I'd share so that some of you could avoid the issues I experienced. That was not a fun week for me.
If you have dealers that don't pay attention to programing the radios and they seem to brush you off (once you drive off the lot), then it seems many of us are going to have a "bad week" trying to get these radios corrected.
Does anyone know of how you might re-program the radio yourself?
I wouldn't recommend trying to do it yourself. First, where are you going to get the updated software, and second, you need to know what you're doing. Not sure if the program is loaded via CD or some other interface.
Have the dealership do the work. The radio likely has flash memory in it, which means they can re-flash it (reload the program) again if they mess it up. That's the beauty of flash memory.
If it comes back incorrectly, be adamant that they fix it. If they're clueless and you don't get any satisfaction from the service manager or business manager, then call GM to lodge a complaint. You can always take it to another dealership too.
Just my $.02.
thanks
Mike
I spoke with Chevy dealer and the only way to see date is to hit menu and clock and it will show both time and date. Pontiac GP had better deal showing both in DIC. Oh well it is minor but why bother setting it if it doesn't display easier.
Mike
First and foremost, whats the best way to get the radio OUT? I'm guessing that the cover plate pulls off, and the radio box is attached to the dash frame with screws. What's the best way to get that plate off w/o damaging it?
The next concern is whether or not this will affect the car... In theory, the unit only adds connections in parallel with the speakers and shares the radio's power supply in a very minimal fashion. Anyone guess that it might affect other systems as well? If so, which ones?
This is a company car, and, inasmuch as they don't want me to talk on a phone while I drive, they still want me
"reachable." I'm sure they don't want me frying the car's electronics either though. Any help?
Has anybody noticed that the amp. cannot power the speakers all that well. There are good size stock speakers in the rear and front doors with the mini speakers in the front roof posts. It seems that when I have the window or sun roof open I always have the volume in the 85% - 95% range especially when playing CD’s but it is the same when playing the radio. The RDS works fine but it just seems that the radio is under powered?
I have a 2002 Impala LS with a stock radio with only 4 speakers and if I raised the volume to the 85% - 95% range you could not stay in the car without splitting your eardrums.
Anyone else notice?
Mike
Read your warr. you void it if you change/add Amp or speakers. I have an extended warr. that covers the radio, speakers and all electronics, so I am a bit leery about making changes.
Do you have a Bose system or stock?
Also, I would like to know if this is a problem or it is just a lousy radio amp? :mad:
It is just low output. With windows open or even just sun roof I can turn volume to max just to hear it. I don't think it is defective just not very effective.
Thanks for info I will have to check my warranty. I don't want to lose that over a radio.
Mike
As far as Warr. goes the Chevy Warr. is 3 months or 36,000 Bumper to Bumper. So after that time period you can do what you want. If you purchase an extended warr. and you make changes to the sound system, this is no longer covered under the extended warr. or anything else that may be affected if the radio/amp/speakers you install causes an electrical problem.
jt
My 2002 stock Impala radio with 4 speakers has more power than you can handle, there are no separate amps. The stock 2006 radio with 6 speakers is terrible, this is the question? Different stock radio in the 2006 than in the 2002 but why the depletion in amplifier power in the 2006?
The difference is so measurable that it seems to be a manufacturing error!
Use caution when modifying the factory stereo. In my '02 Monte Carlo, many different options were controlled through head unit. Those functions seem to have been moved to the DIC in '06 but the turn/hazard signals and door/warning chimes come through the head unit and there may be other hidden functions tied to the radio. Regardless, at a minimum, without an auxiliary device installed, you won't hear your signals and tones if you change out the stereo.
Most professionals carry the devices and some will even advise you on the issues of changing out the factory stereo. From there, you can make the decision of how to best resolve the issue.
In the case of vehicle with factory amplifier (Bose or non-Bose Amp), it is wise to disconnect it from the system if you install new aftermarket head unit. The reason is you do not want to drive the speakers with your new aftermarket radio and the existing amplifier. The aftermarket radio may get damaged.
In the case of the 06 Impala, if you were install an aftermarket radio, you will lose the following functions that are now integrated in the Impala radio:
1. Chime (door chime, seat bell chime,...). It is generated by radio
2. Click-clack (turn signal sound, again generated by radio)
3. Power moding: some newer GM radio has no IGNITION wire. When the ignition key is turned on, a vehicle message is sent to radio to tell it turn on. Generic aftermarket radio will have problem with that unless it is designed specifically for GM vehicle and it understands the vehicle messages. On top of that, not all GM vehicles use the same vehicle data bus.
So do some checking on vehicle compatibility to make sure the aftermarket radio can work on your new Impala.
jt
GM is buying the Impala 06 radio from a different manufacturer. Typically, the 06 radio is cheaper (for GM)and "should be" better (performance or features) than the 02.
A good sound system requires a lot of tuning ( vehicle acoustic, low noise (both mechanical and electrical), sound balance, vehicle equalization, sound processing of radio ...). And who knows may be the 06 radio head does not output enough Power?
Sometime, it is the cheap speakers that spoil the whole system. For stock radios, they normally buy the cheapest speakers they could find in China to save pennies. So replacing speakers may be a good first step to improve the radio sound. Cheap speakers normall have no BASS and TREB and distort earlier. To compensate for that, some car makers use vehicle EQ to boost the BASS and TREB from the radio head
jt
OK, I'll correct you.
The next level down is the single cd version. My sister owns this one and it also has an amp, although obviously not stamped with the Bose emblem. It also has MP3 and XM.
Next down from that is the non-MP3, non-XM version. My nephew owns that. It has the same amp (at least by appearance) as my sister's.
We looked all three over very closely when I was having trouble with the Bose hiss discussed earlier in this forum. Hope this helps clear things up.
The quality of the sound is good on the 06 with the 6 speakers, again it is the volume that lacks. It may just be that the radio is under powered (which stinks).
I like a good deal of BASS and the rear speakers give me that but when I set more rear speaker for the BASS or if I try to balance the sound with the front 4 speakers to distribute the sound of the music over all speakers, I have the volume almost at max.
It seems that the 2 - rear speakers just takes too much power to push them and when I blend in the front speakers so I can hear all speakers/stereo from the drivers seat, the volume/power is just not there.
If the stock radio had a separate amp I would have the dealer change it but I am very hesitant about having them change the radio because they have to pull the dash apart to do it. If there is no problem with the radio and it is just under powered then I am very disappointed that GM installed such a cheap, crappy unit.
I do agree with your conclusion that the newer radios have less power. My '02 Monte Carlo was far better than this "premium" Bose system.
It is a 5 minute job on this design. It is a big improvement over the old Impala. So any tech at Chevy dealer should be able to do it without leaving scratch mark on on plastic trim.
Audio amplifier is normally located in the trunk as someone mentioned earlier.
You could stop by a Chevy dealer and try out another similar vehicle to see if this problem is unique to yours or it is common design "characteristic". They can tell you if yours has an amplifier option also.
jt
The radio is set up to remember each equalizer setting you create for every radio station (AM, FM or XM) that you program into the radios pre-select buttons. On my radio I believe I have six different favorite areas, each with six different stations I can program into the radio. Each pre-selected station can have a different equalizer setting conducive to my tastes for listening on that station. The concept was to give you more versatility in selecting how the equalizer can be set for different persons and radio stations. The "talk" setting on the equalizer just makes it easier for you to program the equalizer for a station setting that is predominately talk radio. Apparently the same concept hold true for your CD player settings.
If I remember right, the non-premium radios only gave you the presets and one manual setting that never changed, even when changing radio stations. The dealer stated that they could try to program my radio to allow me the settings for rock, country, pop, classical, etc. However, if they do, then I would not have the versatility I now have in making different equalizer settings for each station I program into the radio. If anyone has heard anything different, I would be curious to hear about it.
So, you're saying that with the new amp in your '06, the '07 has less hiss...but it's still there? That's a bit odd. Maybe take a look at the amp used the next time you visit to see if it's different than the new amp we were provided. (It's located between the rear deck speakers, viewable in the trunk).
As for my car, I consider the issue resolved although I still take issue with the overall performance of the stereo as a whole. Had I not assumed a "BOSE" system would be premium and actually tested it, I would not have paid the extra money for it. It was a "live and learn" moment for me.
I have a 2002 Impala with a trunk mounted AMP and 4 speakers but my 2006 does not have a trunk mounted AMP but I have 6 speakers in this car. Needless to say, there is a huge difference between the volume of the two cars and I would like to pump up the volume of my 2006.
Question:
Can I readily mount a GM (manufacturers) provided AMP in my 2006, is the wiring present to just to plug and play?
So to speak!