Stock radio swap

[opfor2]

I recently bought a former Border Patrol 2011 Tahoe and the radio presently installed is kinda thrashed. I found OEM replacements on eBay for an excellent prices. My question is does the replacement radio need to be programmed for my truck or is it just "Plug en Play?"

 

[mikez71]

I believe it needs VIN programmed.. here's a thread

Replacing oem stereo with same.

My display glitched out in the factory stereo of my 2013 ppv. I am planning to replace it with another factory unit. Am I going to run into any anti theft shenanigans or is it just remove and reinstall?

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

Sounds like a tech2 or autosync are your best bets, otherwise I'm sure there are services available. ebay sellers often list that they will program it to your VIN.

 

[OR VietVet]

I did that on my 05 Z71 annd I gave my VIN to the seller and they set up the radio and shipped and was plug-n-play.

 

[balln2k11]

DON'T BUY A USED OEM RADIO!!! One, it's stupid, with old technology, and two, the VIN lock is a pain to deal with unless you have a Tech2 or want to pay the dealership $300. I know this from a personal situation.

Just buy a nice Double-Din unit (Kenwood is my favorite), dash kit (I like Metra), and a wiring harness with steering wheel controls. If on a budget for a PPV, PAC is a great brand. If you want the best, buy an iDatalink Maestro RR with GM5+ harness. Did the same on my 2009 PPV.

 

[OR VietVet]

The refurbished stock unit came with a 1 year warranty. I wanted a stock radio/cd player. At 70 years old, I don't want or need an aftermarket set up to blast away with. To each their own.

 

[balln2k11]

Well some people like to try ice skating uphill. Good luck!

 

[mikez71]

I'm with Vietvet, important thing for me is the large volume knob/power button and no distracting bright screen... and I guess I've had much worse sounding radios, so the stock one is actually decent for me.. Though I can understand people wanting better sound and playlist interfaces, luckily I don't have the need, so it's one of the few things I don't need to mess with!

 

[balln2k11]

there is a reason why new head units have the features it does, especially for a PPV. Adding a backup camera, adding Bluetooth, and navigation. My parents are in their late 70’s and have added those features to their rides to protect them and others. Trust me, it’s stupid to buy a factory radio for a PPV. You gain nothing. But again, some people like trying ice skating uphill.

 

[balln2k11]

And trust me, when it comes to PPVs I doubt anyone has spent more money and time on making their PPVs better.

 

[Doubeleive]

I recently bought a former Border Patrol 2011 Tahoe and the radio presently installed is kinda thrashed. I found OEM replacements on eBay for an excellent prices. My question is does the replacement radio need to be programmed for my truck or is it just "Plug en Play?"

it will need a to be vin unlocked, as long as you do the install and drive to a dealer and just say the radio is locked most dealers will unlock it for free it only takes them a minute and they can do it in the service drive.