[deaner11]

Hey Guys, my monsoon head unit went out the other day, and I want to replace it with another monsoon system. The question, is there any difference between stock and monsoon head units? Or is the difference in the wiring harness of the car itself. The reason I ask is that I haven't seen a solstice radio that is labled as a monsoon system. Thanks to anyone willing to answer this for me!

 

[TomatoSoup]

The stock and Monsoon are the same BUT the Monsoon radio is set to put out a lower-power signal, since it feeds the external Monsoon amp. (The non-monsoon radio also includes a cooling fan since the internal amps are driven harder/hotter.)

In either case, if you buy a replacement used head unit, you'll have to take it to a dealer to have the anti-theft reset to your car.

Note, since you are a newbie, there's a WEALTH of information on mods and fixes for your car, both here on this site and also on Kappaperformance.com and Skyroadster.com (the Saturn Sky is basically the same car). Set aside some time to scan/read old threads and if you have particular questions try a search first.

 

[TX08manualGXP]

I wonder what the power rating is on the stock non monsoon radio? something like 20w x 4? they also have some with CD changers which I suggest is what you look for. My 06 has a single CD and my 08 has the 6 disk changer which I like much better. and I wonder if the one with the changer comes in both monsoon and non-monsoon types. if not, that would make your search easier. Just be preparred to pay about $900 for it. the stock radios aint cheap. YOu might could find one out of a junkyard though as there's a wide variety of vehicles that use the same radio. you just got to find one that's just a receiver.

 

[IBDRINKEN]

My 2008 Is a monsoon changer and I'm in the process of looking to replace it with a aftermarket deck. Make an offer if your interested

 

[TX08manualGXP]

There you go deaner11. problem solved. this is what I have and I absolutely love it.

 

[TomatoSoup]

New (old stock) non-changer MP3 radios are available at Source1 for $125. Plus, since these are new, they will not required programming by the dealer (they 'learn' the car on first use). HOWEVER, not sure if these are Monsoon or not:

2009 Genuine Pontiac Solstice Am FM Radio CD Player 25837002 | eBay

 

[g8gt09]

don't the 2009 radio's have the door chime in them?

 

[TomatoSoup]

All chimes (all years) are played through the radio.

 

[Somnambulator]

Hey Guys, my monsoon head unit went out the other day, and I want to replace it with another monsoon system. The question, is there any difference between stock and monsoon head units? Or is the difference in the wiring harness of the car itself. The reason I ask is that I haven't seen a solstice radio that is labled as a monsoon system. Thanks to anyone willing to answer this for me!

just buy an aftermarket head unit and the wiring harnesses to keep chimes/steering wheel controls and also onstar if u use it. u can find the harnesses for about 120 total on amazon.

the stock head units are meh. u can spend $200 and get bluetooth, xm, ipod, and hd radio without looking hard. plus u have the option of single or double din, meaning u could add some good storage under a single din unit or could splurge a little and get a 7" touchscreen nav/mp3 system. since u have a monsoon system already the speakers are already decent and the harness will connect the sub and amp to the new unit.

youd prolly end up spending more by going aftermarket after including the harnesses and dash mount, but youd get a waaaaaay better head unit with all the latest technologies (hd radio and bluetooth alone are worth the upgrade).


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[TX08manualGXP]

If I was going to change mine, I'd get a double din with a DVD player and possibly a built in GPS / back-up camera. I bought one on fleabay for my sons Nissan Frontier ( chinese ) for about $250 and it worked awesome.

 

[fosti]

I removed my perfectly good factory radio ,it was the upgraded on e with changer and Monsoon amp with a Pioneer and have not looked back yet.Love the Pioneer head unit,had to purchase a interface wiring harness and a antenna adapter ,have the Pyle back up camera,Bluetooth,DVD,GPS and more.Like I said I do not miss my OE radio at all.I suggest a after market head unit.