Cheapest Carplay Radio on Amazon Installed in a Chevy Cobalt

Due to radio issue in my 08 Cobalt ive decided to swap it out with a Carplay radio which I use in the wife's Jetta and find to be pretty cool. I didn't want to drop too much cash on a rig and happened to find what is the cheapest carplay ready radio on Amazon, obviously this is a risk, but well have some fun.
Updated version with remote Microphone below
amzn.to/3WkZE96
This one now has an external microphone....man, i wish mine did...
GM2500B Compatible with Select 2005-Up GM ISO Double DIN
amzn.to/3mXRKF5
Starting off the company requests the radio be tested after unpacking in case its broken, not a good sign. I use the heathkit on the bench to accomplish this. Ugliest bootlogo one could hope for...
Starting the wiring, I happen to already have the requisite GM13SR box to replace the factory unit. It needs to be wired into after market radios. With a minimum setup, I remove the dash trin to gain access to the old radio and remove it. Testing the new harness we get the radio up and running for a moment to determine that my front speakers also don't work with the new radio. Another issue for another video.
The mounting kit I picked up does not accommodate the mounting plate, and the cobalt ones seem to have the same issue, so I decided the inlet the radio by hand. Tedious, but it worked. While everything was out I revisited the harness to add the camera and illumination connections.
With everything back in the car cable is now pulled through the dash to the center console. Not having success with the antenna converter I brought the radio to Walmart to match it up. Now, all connections are plugged into the radio from the harness, a full test is accomplished.
Back at the bench, the radio, didn't come with screws for this price so I went to Ace to pick up screws and then with a dremel , modified the mount to accommodate the camber. This allowed for a full dash mounting, shimming and final mounting. With a good fit, all of the trim is re-attached up front.
The rear seats are removed by way of the removal tabs, again pulling the camera cable towards the back of the car, dressing it into the harness into the trunk. Continuing through the harness towards the passenger tail light a grommet receives a cable for 12 volts off the reverse lamp wire which will make its way to the reverse harness.
A small hole is made in the trunk allowing the camera to be run to the license plate area wiring and dressed around the battery area.
#cobalt #chevycobalt #carplay

[@p2pautodetailing550]

Brother please keep doing videos just like this. Hands down the best "How To" video on any car stereo install.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks and no worries, as this one was built in Pyongyang im sure Ill be installing another radio within a year.

[@darthbubba866]

I'm not sure which is more impressive, your skills or tenacity. Stay safe and healthy!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You too, thanx.

[@jevi134]

Perfect, that raised the value of the car all the way up to $100 haha

[@roncheaters]

Does that include a new battery?

[@jevi134]

@@roncheaters and 4 new set of tires

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yall laugh, but i've replaced a fuel pump, and a voltage regulator since 2008......That's all that's broken in 13 years,

[@christopherloewen1433]

@@retrotechandelectronics yeah these cars are underrated

[@jevi134]

@@retrotechandelectronics hey man, no hard feelings, thats how the odds work, you got the one in a million bro!

[@sgtoz]

I just watched this whole video.....I don't have an 08 cobalt, nor any vehicle I want to put a new radio in.......I just couldn't stop watching. Lol. Well done. Your precision was on point.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks much!

[@hopkinsjr436]

I like how you took your time to make everything as perfect as possible, to do everything professionally 👌🏼👌🏼

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I appreciate that!

[@mysterc2862]

I can appreciate your willingness to get it done to your specifications. Im similar if its not right it would annoy me endlessly. One of my buddies is more of a get it done so it works despite what it looks like, he doesnt help me with car/most projects anymore haha. Stay safe

[@Scintor]

Wow, you put a lot of time and effort into editing this VDO down to it essence. Excellent!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you very much!

[@roberthamaker5750]

“I get to a channel that KZbin won’t cry about” 🤣

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Believe me, they give me grief about content on my channel, I have my share of issues with them.

[@roberthamaker5750]

@@retrotechandelectronics KZbin can honestly suck it, their like little snowflakes that fall onto peoples videos and then they just try to find anything offensive or that is somehow copyrighted and then they’ll get upset about it

[@killaavenged]

I have a ton of respect for your thoroughness throughout this video.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank You.

[@airviper6]

Literally, I don’t know another soul who owns a 2008 Cobalt, but the moment you said your front speakers weren’t working either… I knew I wasn’t alone :’}

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I have a video there for after market speaker installations in this model year.

[@chrisklest1238]

Why don't the front speakers work? Is it only because of this interface or another issue?

[@dang6369]

"Ace is the place, especially when your radio is too cheap to come with screws." Dude that killed me! Great commentary and great video, thanks for sharing!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@StevensCRF450R]

I have a different radio, on a completely different vehicle, and watched this video to the end. Very informative and entertaining 👍

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@welcometotheusatoday1938]

Wow! Nice to see with all the Hacks out there you doing it right. I cannot tell you how many messed up thing's, radios, trailer hitch wring and so on that I have seen where people think they can just crimp wires together and all will be good. Great Video.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you.

[@JaxTellerRC]

This is actually the best how to vid I’ve ever seen. Well done!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I have others...

[@raptors3164]

Your video was very informative and well made, instructions were clear, end result a very nice clean job. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks for watching!

[@toshimon6276]

Wow Heathkit, you just took me back over 50 years.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

My whole lab is restored heathkits, they are used in all of the other projects.

[@superchile9640]

Great video. Super helpful. My daughter just got one of these for her first car. I have to add audio to everything and plan to so it was good to see your video.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Good luck!

[@ertatta]

Excellent instructional installation video Mr. Rubin.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you.

[@zippySquirrelface]

I already put a similar, but cheaper version of this DD in a couple years ago. I just watched this whole video for entertainment. Thanks!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome.

[@austinburgos6517]

When I saw you dropped the backseat I thought you was going to hook up a sub and amp 😂 great video 👍

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Back in the day...... I think they are in my closet somewhere

[@eddiec4536]

Just watched your video. Excellent and entertaining presentation. Great job. Thank you. I now realize this is a job that is way over my head, so to a car stereo shop I go.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks! 👍

[@KINGKRAZY187]

Only a military man could possess such a thorough talk trough. Awesomeness, I liked and subscribed.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you.

[@colinfernandez3D]

This was the first link to pop up when i googled installing a carplay radio in a 2010 cobalt for my girlfriend. We're considering trying it out. Thanks for making a thorough and clear walkthrough of the install

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome.

[@thouzxan2379]

When I had my cobalt I bought so many kits trying to find the perfect kit, I had the same one u had and broke it accidentally 😂 ended up using a lil extra faceplate that came w the radio and just got it as close to the edge as possible

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I dont think they made a good kit for this model year

[@davelevy4394]

Great video. Makes me REALLY appreciate my install guy. He can do ANYTHING!!! Dash cam, GPS tracker, remote start, etc. I have a 1999 Toyota in great shape, but the radio is crap and no back up camera. Having him put in a similar radio (119 on Amazon) with Apple Carplay, backup camera, and I love that I will have a USB port for charging my phone. May as well have him put in some more usb ports. What ever he charges, it will be well worth it.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The sequel will be out in a week.

[@reggiesmith5458]

One of the best DIY videos ever.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanx!

[@zackjames6939]

I'm a little late but this is an amazing how to. Saved for a later date as well as a few others for when I'm ready to upgrade. Thank you!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome.

[@PapiDoesIt]

That is such a professional looking installation that I want to get something similar for my Jeep.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

They might have a much easier double din install kit

[@chanceadomeit4909]

So I ordered it using the link in the video and the unit I got was not quite the same as he had, but very similar. Still got the backup camera and everything. And so far I'm happy with it.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Im sure there were minute changes, i hope they relocated the microphone...

[@chanceadomeit4909]

The mic it came with is garbage I wish I skipped install for that. But everything else works great. It's definitely nice having a backup camera

[@BuStEdHyMaNrlh]

Was bummed to see the page to the link is no longer available, still a great video!!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

www.amazon.com/dp/B099F8N7RM/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B099F8N7RMp13NParams&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFVMEEwNlpFQThRV0kmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5OTM1NjMyRE9ORkJaRk8xRUhaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTI2ODQzUVdRWkFWUkVTU1FWJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsMiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Its all the same repackaged Chinese crap

[@ChcoSanCar]

Great Job! Is not the value of car, is about value pf youre knowledge. Congrats and continue sharing this kind of videos. 👍👏

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to help.

[@Dro_-ip5ye]

Yeah have the same problem with my 08 Nissan titan. Radio isn't fitting my dash kit I purchase. Might consider doing what you did! Thank you for this video!

[@sinzine5306]

Ok, the irony in finding this video in my recommended tab is amazing. I have the same model and year car and was thinking about changing the radio. Thanks for showing me how too

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help!

[@erichamlin2143]

I wish you was able to come install mine because I'm sitting here watching your video, wishing I could do the same thing you just did and I have a 2005 Chevy Cobalt.

[@SB-gn7bs]

Awesome video, I use an old cell phone in wifi held by a vent holder and powered through the cigarette lighter and audio through the aux jack on my stock radio that still work. I use the hotspot on my current phone. Sometimes my radio goes dead (no instrument bong sound from car) and I have to hit the power button a couple of times to get it to turn on, or the display fizzles. Your setup is much better, but I make mine work. Cool that you showed the backup camera!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The same issue on my original radio, which was the reason i decided to upgrade to this unit.

[@x-i-clap-ttvs7876]

Ive learned more in one video then i have my whole life at school

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Wow, that's profound.

[@AnExPor]

Heathkit! I used to build the little projects they had when I was a kid.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

First person to point out the heathkits.

[@davidbraun2989]

We were told the Cobalt had to have a separate kit to install in the computer so it would know the radio wasn't stolen . It seemed like you didn't have to reprogram the ECM at all !!! I've done a lot of radio installsin older stuff and was stopped cold . We have an '07 Cobalt . Interesting watching your install .

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I believe the anti theft component is in the OEM radio itself... I could be wrong.

[@ffas23]

Most late cars even as early as 2006 need a interface you need to buy extra that the replacement radio needs to be wired into in order to talk to the cars computer to do the job correctly. I put 2 Kenwood 7” Double Din Radios in a ‘99 C5 and a 2006 C6 Generation Corvettes that required interfaces being their computers were so advanced in those cars. Put a 7” Double Din Receiver in a 2007 Mustang and needed nothing special just a wire harness adapter and face plate adapter for the dash but most all cars today need a interface. Try to do the job without one you will never get it right something won’t work right not being able to communicate with the cars 🚗 computer.

[@ffas23]

They work well for the money. I installed these type of Radio’s in 2 Ford Work Vans I own. One a 2003 E350 and the other a 2000 E150. They haven’t let me down at all and it’s been 3-4 years already that they have been mounted in them. Not as good as my Kenwoods I put in other vehicles but I have no complaints.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Does the job for the money, my only complaint is that the phone mic is in the head unit and not a cable connection to somewhere like the sun visor.

[@ffas23]

I don’t know what happened to my second reply here for those asking many questions about installing either this Double Din Receiver or any other brand in one of the later cars built in the 2000’s. Not every car can this radio be installed into without a interface. The interface is required to communicate with the computer in todays cars in order for them to work correctly. Trust me I installed many Car Stereo’s over the years going back to the late 1960’s until present. I mention above about installing this Receiver with CarPlay into 2 Ford work Vans above that I still own. They were easy. Just a factory harness adapter to fit both Vans and a file to the dash and they looked like they were installed from the Factory. No interface required on those 2 Vehicle’s made in 2000 and 2003. I made them also open up with the Ford Motor Company Insignia in the 7” Screen of the Radio upon Start Up not mentioned here. This radio has that Capability and can do other makes. I also installed 4 Kenwood Double Din 7” Receivers. 2 were installed in other Ford Vehicles. One a 2000 Mercury Marquis and one a 2007 Mustang. Neither of these 2 vehicles required a Interface either. They easily connected with a factory wire harness adapter for the stereo to be wired to the stereo wiring like the other vehicles I did then they plugged right into the factory wiring on the vehicle. The last two were also Kenwood 7” Double Din Receivers that I installed into a C5 and C6 Generation Corvette. These vehicles required a Interface to connect and talk to the factory computer. Without a interface they can’t be installed properly in those cars. Hopefully this post will stay up for those who care to read it for their benefit when installing a replacement receiver in their car. My suggestion find out if your car needs a Interface. Usually if you deal with Crutchfield they will tell you online what is needed for your vehicle.

[@randycollens2681]

Tmi

[@paulxu9653]

The video looks nice. We are a manufacturer of car stereo , car receivers and accessaries. You showed a correct way to install it

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you.

[@paulxu9653]

@@retrotechandelectronics I hope I can see our products on your list. BTW , OTOTO is our brand

[@Coa_Kralj_Coa_The_King]

I need a friend like you, so great with electronics 😊

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I need a friend like me so I can take a week off.

[@RICHIEST1996]

Nice wiring job very clean work👍

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks 👍

[@-ThankfulBoz]

I had one of these as well, worked though it did have some issues, great instructional video!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you liked it,.

[@HUNTSPOINT.]

What an optimistic guy!

[@dspill77]

Best unboxing ever. Whole thing took like 10 seconds

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you likesdit.

[@tgrooves]

This was a great instructional video! Thank you for sharing.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@deutche10]

What i like though was your detailed oriented explanation and installation tricks. I was impatient and tried trimming the din kit with drammel and did a awful job. Well lack of patience. Thank you you learned a few tricks i being a DIY guy👍🏻😎

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped

[@tonymorales7]

This is a great video. I'm impressed with your knowledge on installations. The visual interface of this unit and features appear to be nice. And at this price! I have to admit that for me personally (skill level Novice) the work and time involved with this kind of install is more than what I want to tackle. I have done many car stereo installs and I have had only success with Crutchfield which sells plug-and-play system kits ready to rock in minutes. I pay more, but I don't have any issues with trial and error. I also don't have the tools and skills to hardwire such a unit. If I pay $80 for this type of unit, and have you install it, I may be looking at $300 bucks in labor.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The install in thie model year was not particularly easy, Other cars had bolt in kits for this awkwardly sized radio.

[@domingogarcia3594]

Labor 1 hour $60

[@cliffvalentine7370]

great detailed explanation. some of these radios have different frequency steps and you may have trouble tuning your stations especeially on am radio.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

This one has no AM function though,.

[@PokePackPioneers]

You need to connect the back up camera reverse wire to your reverse lights in the trunk or in the back of the car

[@danzumbrun4641]

I thought the exact same thing.

[@joshuastafford6098]

😂😂😂 what a night mire bruh....but you kept with it good job my guy

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks.

[@delldolo7314]

Just brought me one, was an excellent deal, hard to pass on.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Its good for the price. Not great, but good.

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

Nicely done 👍🏼😎

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks

[@ahsokatano6059]

great install

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks.

[@jaidonjarvis1583]

this was damn near the best how to video on youtube. exactly what i was looking for. thoroughly enjoyed this video, thank you sir!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're quite welcome.

[@skymedia3681]

This video was great 👍

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carolinapantherfan4330]

U made that install look easy

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Ill admit, between the modifications and the extra work from the camera it did take more time than usual.

[@barryg41]

Polishing a turd! 🙌😎🙌 Good job Jordan.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Well find out if it’s truly a turd when the review is completed.

[@AlbertoGonzalez-tc2ju]

If that’s you in the pic, you the turd

[@abikelife1481]

Suggesting to test the radio wasnt appearing shady, it was conscious and could save a person a lot of time

[@guateque1718]

Thanks for this useful video. I appreciate it.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're very welcome!

[@SuperSmellyBob]

This install was clean.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks, I tried to keep it orderly with all that went on.

[@johne9430]

Great video! It inspired me to install an after market radio on my '08 cobalt. One thing I'm not sure is if I need the GM13SR for it to work with the new radio or was it used just for the harnesses and electrical connections.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I recommend the use of the module.

[@Plons0Nard]

I saw the thumbnail and immediately thought of Andrew Camarata : he used a chainsaw to modify the dashboard 😆

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Im not familiar with this, i hope i did a better job.

[@CameAndGone]

Hello i have a 2006 Chevy suburban im having a problem with wining noise when ignition is on and stereo memory what do i have to rewire? Thank you.

[@spitfirekid1]

GREAT JOB AND GREAT VIDEO!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks!

[@nickhunga2551]

I was very comprehensibly scared during home setup of the car touchscreen on table 14.9 direct volt required radio so I thought I'm gonna do a same Sony xplod yellow wire and red wire both times one twist the copper wire together and black wire yet alone for minus I connected the radios plus and minus to the interchangeable ac adapter alternating current adapter the welcome and screen illuminated powered on I have a 6.5 speaker with a 8" apex audio bazooka carpeted ported speaker with a polyeura woofer the bass on the radio is lowered to zero the treble is turned up on the way the balance fader is center the brightness is turned down with the contrast I love the sound and or good sound thank you for the birthday present the following requres a screen protector antenea thankyou

[@mikekerezsi9672]

Nice install thanks man

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You’re welcome.

[@BuStEdHyMaNrlh]

Well made vid!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks.

[@peterxyz3541]

“Choose your own adventure…” 😂😂😂

[@FrancisKlipp]

i dont even own a car but i watched this whole video

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CashConscious144]

Is there another link for this radio the one in the description doesn’t bring me to it☹️

[@davidbraun2989]

Just got your comment . Thanks . About to choose a radio and probably go with Walmart again .

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help

[@user-ti2xi9bd4u]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="119">1:59</a> "Eh, an ugly ass looking boot screen. " im ded

[@retrotechandelectronics]

agreed....

[@orangepeel2223]

Stereo is worth more THEN the car!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

*THAN

[@cbrew21292]

Great video! Looking forward to updates! Where did you get your shift knob and cover? I’ve been wanting to replace the nasty stock one but I can’t find anything anywhere!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Its a generic one I bought at pep boys a few years ago.

[@vladimirartjomenko4481]

Great video! I really enjoyed watching it. Is this headunit still working after 11 months of use ?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Still working, no problems

[@a13thhour]

So does this install still work the computer readings for the car like the oil and what not that is displayed on the original radon-screen?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yes

[@SirRav73]

Good job man

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks

[@mrz1949]

Thank you, it was very helpful…

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@flight101]

Seriously i have just got one of these and been searching hours for the fitting of even basic stuff and the one i bought came up!!! Amazing ha ... sounds thick but do i take the old harnesses out ?? im no good at this and have nobody to help me, its going in an off road discovery

[@yasenschannel2337]

Mine turns on goes to radio screen for about 2 seconds then shut off? I have only Black (ground), yellow (B+ power supply) and orange (Parking) connected. Any thoughts? I would really appreciate some help. Thank you for the video.

[@bradlyons9480]

Nice I want mine done

[@atomichydra99]

I cut my plugs so now I gotta match the wires and I have a few extras and I can’t figure out what they go to

[@qwerty_bee765]

Great video, thank you. Just wondering if you have an update on the head unit, is it still working without any issues and would you recommend it or is it worth saving the money and buying a more reputable brand of head unit? Thanks.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

It still works. I would recommend it for a car that has a resale of less than 1000$

[@experimentx518]

Good Video!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks!

[@crisostomoibarra888]

i've been waiting for this tutorial that shows how to run the wire for the camera through the lisence plate, thanks

[@retrotechandelectronics]

No problem!

[@dwchip2002]

very informative thank you

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You’re welcome.

[@gengphoto]

I have the same unit, but the speakers distort and base drops out when I turn the volume up. The onboard amp seems underpowered. Do you have any of these volume up issues too?

[@gtzgreatride]

@@xbahamutzero the radio has a digital DSP and DAC required by Android, if you turn it up, it should flatten the curve. The solution is to add an amp such as the Alpine power pack or Clarion's brick amp if you're looking to add a little umph to the radio

[@gtzgreatride]

@@xbahamutzero I bought that same radio off Amazon, I did deal with the distortion issue but ended up buying the Clarion XC2510 as she wanted it loud. The radio, a year crapped out after use. Thankfully I did use the opportunity to warranty the radio and for exchange, ironically Amazon had the same dual radio. Being sightly sluggish, it was not a bad radio.

[@gtzgreatride]

@@xbahamutzero I haven't felt the radio get hot, but it's a gamble with chinesium made stuff

[@joshrood9754]

Man I wish you all would show the audio control weather or not it's got Lpf and Hpf frequency?

[@scorpionkng]

😂💯💯 was laughing at the first part.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yeah, it did seem shady...but its still working.

[@JustVince88]

Car play is amazing

[@retrotechandelectronics]

yup

[@douglastardiff1827]

WELL DONE

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks.

[@amberreynolds1101]

What is the adapter wire called that I need? The one that plugged into the factor clip and to the radio? Probably a stupid questions but I have no idea what I’m doing here

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Its a control module with an interface cable, I believe I called it out in the video.... Its not optional for this car.

[@-valkyrie-00]

did this in my cobalt with a xax 1000 :]

[@delta8826]

Hey, I am not the smartest of people, but i have a question about the soldering part, im looking at ebay at a gm13sr and it has rca cables, is that normal? and radio harness would best kits2102 radio harness work? i have no idea what i am doing

[@djturnz]

Use the 12 volts from the reverse lights. The shifter has to actuate a switch to activate the lights. Use that signal on a relay to get your 12v.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

In the video I used the 12 volts from the reverse lights.

[@partykegg7820]

I know this off topic but I upgraded my 14 Silverado with a 4in screen to an 8in screen I got off a 17 Silverado Sound works but the screen only lights up when the truck is put in reverse

[@deutche10]

Before watching this video i had installed the radio in my 06 Mercury Mountaineer and the din kit also was too small for that radio. But the radio still working. Good deal

[@kobyjones4072]

So do I need the radio interface replacement or can I just get a wiring harness for my car? What would happen if I set it up without the radio interface replacement?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The interface is highly recommended for this model.

[@aceantonyace]

Is the volume changer on the wheel still functional ?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

My model did not have remotes on the wheel, however this radio does have provisions for it.

[@utsandstone]

A problem with touchscreen radios is that the screen is plastic and after a year or so it gets oxidized and gets cloudy to the point its hard to view in daylight. I finally picked at it until it peeled away. Under it is nice clear glass! So now you need to use the remote to adjust and change channels.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

I have not yet noticed any such problem, ill be on the lookout.

[@utsandstone]

@@retrotechandelectronics My 1.5din radio is a Power Acoustic.