PAC RP5-GM11 Radio Replacement Interface With Built-In OnStar Retention/Steering Wheel Control Retention/Navigation Outputs for Select GM Class II Vehicles

Great interface, I recommend it everyone. Works low end factory setups and the high option amplified bose options

Worked flawlessly. Easy install. Simple and straight forward. Steering wheel controls still work. System sounds way better. Stock amp works and also sounds better.

Mind you this is short term I just installed the item but wow everything was so good about it. The instructions were extremely clear and good. The steering wheel controls were retained as I wanted. The sub also works without issue. I left the chime unplugged as I don't enjoy annoying sounds for reasons. Onstar also works even though I wish it didn't. Very well packaged good instructions and quality materials. The price is high but it comes with everything you will need. I use wagos for ease of instal and troubleshooting. I have wired a few radios with them and can definitely recommend.

nice part

I had an axxcess interface that took a dump. Anyone that knows Chevy knows that any electrical issue causes so many gremlins. I was worried I’d need to get the BCM reflashed. I decided to try a new interface and I’m so glad I did. Everything I needed was with the kit. I didn’t have to buy anything extra to add any features and that’s the selling point for me. Yea you can go cheaper with other brands but then you’ll need this or that to have a certain feature. Not this. Follow the directions and you’re good to go. My problem is fixed and after 2 years, I have steering wheel controls again. This will be the only brand I use from here on out.

I returned/exchanged the first RP5-GM11 as it seemed to have loose internal connections. The issue I want to make others aware of is the speaker hiss I experienced with both. Both were latest versions with latest firmware. The hiss was loud enough to clearly hear while driving along in a Hummer H2 with the radio volume turned down all the way. The hiss is present whether the engine is running or not. The hiss was not engine whine.My vehicle: 2003 Hummer H2, bose sound system - OEM 6 disc head unit, bose speakers with OEM center console subwoofer, and "luxury" version of the bose amp. The LUX amp is the digital one, and I can now advise that you should really know in advance which one you have before choosing an interface like this. Google lux vs premium bose amp. See attached photo (posted by another installer) We are not talking about whether or not your vehicle is a "luxury" class model or not.I upgraded my head unit to a Pioneer AVIC8200NEX. Whether or not my new head unit wiring harness was even plugged into the RP5-GM11 module, and no matter what audio source was selected even if fully connected, I expereinced a low level hiss coming from all speakers. All my connections were double checked, soldered, and all grounds were inspected and fine. The hiss only went away when power was removed from the RP5 unit. That only happened when I chose to "power off" the head unit completely.PacAudio was responsive when I contacted them. We verified I had made connections properly. They advised me that they tested their unit with "all trim levels" and this was the first they heard of this. They suggested I bypass the amp. Why buy this harness if I am going to bypass my amp? I didn't want to spend the time or money on a new amp, or speakers either, hence the reason I bought their product. I just wanted to integrate a new head unit. For that matter, most head units can't put out the same power as the LUX amp, and then one has to be concerned about matching OEM speaker impedence with the radio's specs so as not to damage it. In bypassing the amp I wouild have lost the two rear-most speakers (each have 14ohm impedance) and the OEM subwoofer as well.A search of the internet, however, revealed others with the hiss issue.Enter the GMOS-04 unit by Metra / Axxess. I installed the GMOS (which I didn't buy at first as the RP5-GM11 seemed to have more favorable reviews). The GMOS has an adjustable gain. There is no adjustment for this on the RP5-GM11.What makes the GMOS better?1) That adjustable gain screw adjustment. Again, both with and without the new head unit connected to the GMOS just like the RP5-GM11, with the gain turned all the way up, I heard the speaker hiss. Back down the gain just a little and the hiss was gone. Amen. As for volume, even with the gain turned down more from where I set it, the sound was still louder than before with the OEM head unit. I lost nothing.2) On-Star volume can be controlled directly from steering wheel volume control - with RP5-GM11, you had to pick from one of a few preset levels and have to access the module to do so.3) The GMOS is firmware upgradeable via a common micro USB cable - with RP5-GM11, you have to get some proprietary cable from them. Why should we have to spend even more to upgrade firmware?While the RP5-GM11 may not cause hiss issues for GM owners with the "premium" non-lux amps, I would encourage anyone with speaker hiss (not engine whine) to try this GMOS over the Pac Audio product to solve the hiss issues.By the way, the GMOS was not any more complicated to install than the RP5-GM11 and I actually prefer how much better it performs.

That it worked

I've installed car audio and remote starts for years. Usually a Metra person, I picked this up to give it a shot since the steering controls where included in the pack. Install was fast and simple and the steering controls worked with out issue. If I need another interface PAC will be the only thing I get. I used this on my 2003 Chevy Avalanche, have not had any issues since the install. VERY SOLID PRODUCT. Also, if you don't like the door chime, or warning chime, you can just leave that part of the unit disconnected. Great feature.