Dove into the dashboard... pics and info inside

[2KWK4U]

Well, I finally found time to take the dash apart a bit. I'm a little disappointed in what I found out, but not that surprised.

We know that the warning chimes and turn signal noises play through the driver's front speaker. One thing I wanted to find out was if they go through the stereo first, or if the BCM sends signals straight to the speaker. This determines how easy it will be to replace the head unit. Well, it seems they go to the speaker THROUGH the head unit (and/or I would assume through the amp in the Monsoon system). With the head unit disconnected, the warning chimes and turn signal/hazard "clicks" go away. Look for a wiring adaptor to hit the market soon, if it hasn't already.

Another thing I was looking into was the possibility of moving the climate control panel down below a single-DIN aftermarket head unit in order to free up the space where the climate controls normally reside for additional gauges. No can do, at least not without way more fiberglass work than I care to do.

I DID have success with taming the airbag lights though. I'll start another thread on that.

Taking apart the dash is not for the faint-of-heart or those lacking the right tools/experience. The IP trim piece is somewhat of a headache to get loose, especially to the left of the stereo head unit. Once it is loose, the headache isn't over, because you have to unplug all of the switchgear from the backside, and get the shift boot and trim ring free (and free from each other, too) before you can take the IP trim out of the car.

Here are the some pics. If anyone has any questions, fire away. I have a few other pictures I took as well.

[2KWK4U]

Here's some more

[2KWK4U]

All of the dash lights are actually LEDs, as far as I can tell. I wanted to look into dimming the high beam indicator a bit from the backside. I was hoping I could just put a dimmer bulb in there. No such luck (since it's not even a bulb). I couldn't even use the same trick as I used to tame the airbag lights, because I didn't want to mess with taking the needles off of the gauges.

I took apart the climate control panel as well, just to be sure it was one big circuit board in there. To my dismay, it is. I can't simply narrow it down to squeeze it in lower in the dash.

[2KWK4U]

Head unit and wire connectors

[Small Dealer]

Originally Posted by 2KWK4U All of the dash lights are actually LEDs, as far as I can tell. I wanted to look into dimming the high beam indicator a bit from the backside. I was hoping I could just put a dimmer bulb in there. No such luck (since it's not even a bulb).

A bright hi-beam indicator was an issue on the 2004 GTOs also. Pontiac/GM eventually came out with a BCM reprogram to dim it. Perhaps, Perhaps, that might be possible for the Solstice.



NEVER MIND. MY BAD.

The GTO issue was with the "MPH" indicator on the speedometer face.

Guess I should double check some times and not always try to go from memory.

But on the plus side, it gives me a chance to use a couple "Cricket" smileys.

[Chip]

2KWK4U; Man...nice work! Your either real brave, real crazy, or just have way too much time on your hands. If I tried something like this... Well let's just say the results would not be pretty. Anytime I fool with something that isn't broke, I break it. How long did your exploratory surgery take and did the patient survive? Any scars?

[ralph_on_me]

Thanks 2KW! Did you take any measurements of the base unit or "apparent" empty spaces while you were in there?

[stang]

That's just too cool.

In your dashboard adventures, did it look possible to move the airbag indicator to below the stereo?

[MSG_McKee]

You are one brave Sol! Looks like Chilton/Hanes Manual quality.

[AeroDave]

I love checking out your pictures. Great information. How do you get all those plastic panels off without breaking plastic or clips? When you put it back together, no squeeks or rattles? Next, could you attack the trunk? I'd love to see for sure what is under the Mayan Temple.

[mikeytex]

I would never in a gazillion years even try to attempt that. I would bust things, short out things, forget to attach things, etc...........There would probably be left over parts as well!!!!!!!!!!

Signed,
Faint at Heart

[stang]

Originally Posted by AeroDave Next, could you attack the trunk? I'd love to see for sure what is under the Mayan Temple.

I second that idea! What secrets dwell inside the temple?

[gottaride]

Nice work.....now that you're in there, what's your take on how stuffs Engineered/Assembled. [i.e.] did you find things were put together in a logical well thought out way...no unneccessary parts....all the fasteners torqued down correctly...quality bits and pieces....etc etc............

[rlhammon]

As for the aftermarket head unit replacment and keeping the chimes.. there is a unit out there by Metra and I believe at least one other company to keep the chimes. Cost is around $60... Metra part number GMRC-01. Crutchfield and I think CircuitCity can get them (among your favorite online aftermarket stereo company).

I had one in a previous car. All the box does in plug inbetween the head unit and the factory wiring to "hear" the Data Bus signal. The box (which contains a speaker) then makes the correct sound for the signal. Problem is the box is buried inside your dash and can be harder to hear, or much louder and is no longer volume controlable. I know my Olds Alero I could control the volume of the "dings" with the stereo... I'm guessing you can still do the same.

Data Bus connections are standard on the radios... remember, it's a worldwide radio system now, so don't get too nervous if something doesn't like Solstice on the packaging just yet.

[Fortimir]

Originally Posted by Small Dealer A bright hi-beam indicator was an issue on the 2004 GTOs also. Pontiac/GM eventually came out with a BCM reprogram to dim it. Perhaps, Perhaps, that might be possible for the Solstice.

If this issue had already been seen and addressed before, why is it appearing again?