I have a 2003 Limited that is equipped with the JBL Synthesis system.
Now, I know you're thinking "hey, a 6 disc changer with cassette deck" was pretty awesome tech 15 years ago. And you'd be right. It was better than an 8 track.
But alas, I have desires. Android Auto, Bluetooth, and XM radio, to name but a few. So, with the hotel points I've racked up staying at more Holiday Inns and Staybridges than I'd care to recall, I got me a free stereo.
Well, free except for the Metra dash kit, XM Connect module, PAC RadioPRO interface, and assorted bits. I haven't seen anyone use the RadioPRO interface on here, just the the PAC TATO JBL turn on module and steering wheel interface. What appealed to me about the RadioPRO is that fact that it's both units in one.
So, the interface showed up today. I had all the other components already Amazoned.
Here's the wiring kit that comes with the PAC:
I didn't get a good picture in my excitement. The main PAC harness is on the left, the Pioneer harness is on top of the second PAC harness.
All wired together:
One complaint against the PAC is that the instructions are vague. And they are. You need to read them a few times. Match the red, black and yellow wires on the PAC main harness to the aftermarket harness, then match colors for speakers with the secondary harness, and the blue with a white stripe. Take your time and double check. I also added a parking brake bypass since I'm too lazy to try to find the switch.
Old deck out:
New deck test:
New deck is a tight fit with the massive harness behind it. Was a little worried when I only had two of the three factory connectors plugged into the PAC harness, especially when my steering wheel controls didn't work. However, after I noticed that the lights on the box were blinking with each button press, I realized that the 3.5" jack liked to unplug itself from the Pioneer remote plug.
Deck test fit:
XM Connect module wire tied to the harness behind, Aux/USB plug mounted in the dash.
And put back together:
For now. I have to install the camera and run the wires for that, plus paint all of the silver black. But that will have to wait until I'm back next weekend.
Initial impressions: the Metra kit leaves something to be desired. It looks okay, but not the best kit I've ever used. The PAC interface is set at all factory settings. I'll play with it when I have more time, like programming the double press button functions. It sounds decent through the tired JBL speakers. Better than the factory deck, but the Synthesis system has a lot of miles under it. This will have to suffice until I get the money to upgrade everything to Hertz speakers/sub/amp.
Android Auto will take some getting used to. It seems to be okay so far.
The deck itself is cool. So many things to learn on it.
That's it, for now. There might be more thoughts on this down the road.
Now, I know you're thinking "hey, a 6 disc changer with cassette deck" was pretty awesome tech 15 years ago. And you'd be right. It was better than an 8 track.
But alas, I have desires. Android Auto, Bluetooth, and XM radio, to name but a few. So, with the hotel points I've racked up staying at more Holiday Inns and Staybridges than I'd care to recall, I got me a free stereo.
Well, free except for the Metra dash kit, XM Connect module, PAC RadioPRO interface, and assorted bits. I haven't seen anyone use the RadioPRO interface on here, just the the PAC TATO JBL turn on module and steering wheel interface. What appealed to me about the RadioPRO is that fact that it's both units in one.
So, the interface showed up today. I had all the other components already Amazoned.
Here's the wiring kit that comes with the PAC:
I didn't get a good picture in my excitement. The main PAC harness is on the left, the Pioneer harness is on top of the second PAC harness.
All wired together:
One complaint against the PAC is that the instructions are vague. And they are. You need to read them a few times. Match the red, black and yellow wires on the PAC main harness to the aftermarket harness, then match colors for speakers with the secondary harness, and the blue with a white stripe. Take your time and double check. I also added a parking brake bypass since I'm too lazy to try to find the switch.
Old deck out:
New deck test:
New deck is a tight fit with the massive harness behind it. Was a little worried when I only had two of the three factory connectors plugged into the PAC harness, especially when my steering wheel controls didn't work. However, after I noticed that the lights on the box were blinking with each button press, I realized that the 3.5" jack liked to unplug itself from the Pioneer remote plug.
Deck test fit:
XM Connect module wire tied to the harness behind, Aux/USB plug mounted in the dash.
And put back together:
For now. I have to install the camera and run the wires for that, plus paint all of the silver black. But that will have to wait until I'm back next weekend.
Initial impressions: the Metra kit leaves something to be desired. It looks okay, but not the best kit I've ever used. The PAC interface is set at all factory settings. I'll play with it when I have more time, like programming the double press button functions. It sounds decent through the tired JBL speakers. Better than the factory deck, but the Synthesis system has a lot of miles under it. This will have to suffice until I get the money to upgrade everything to Hertz speakers/sub/amp.
Android Auto will take some getting used to. It seems to be okay so far.
The deck itself is cool. So many things to learn on it.
That's it, for now. There might be more thoughts on this down the road.
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