Only a simple minded company like GM would make changing a radio such a hassle. Thanks for the video. Not sure if I want to tackle this or not but I sure am glad I found this. Mega Thumbs up
Dude this is just as simple to do if not more simple than a 1996 Honda civic. The screws for the radio are even on the front for you vs. having to go all the way up and under the glovebox to get to them. It would be a good time to upgrade the instrument cluster to a fancy set of LED replacement bulbs while you are at it.
The video makes the task appear daunting, but thanks to your very detailed info, I completed the job in under 2 hours. I did not drop the steering column, and on my shift lever I had to use a T30. Thank you for the video.
I just finished my radio switch-out and it was surprisingly easy! I'm the first one to use a sawsall or dremel but never even considered it. I did not need to drop the steering column either. Thanks for a great video!
Thank you guys for such an informative video, I had no idea it would be such a dam hassle to install a new radio in my 2015 express van. You guys saved me a lot of time.
Dude, thank you for this video. I should have watched it more closely before i started. I soldered my harness, was repinning and bench testing my head unit. All to find out that i need the exact harness you shared. What a waste of time, but its my fault. Thanks for your video, God bless
Awesome step by step. I own 2 of these vans,one for work and one for parts. I was going to switch one of them out for the working one. Think I'll hold that thought for a while.
Great Video! It took me all day but, I finally fixed my radio! Couldn't have done it without this video. Thank you! P.S. It is a time consuming job and not an easy one at times but, totally worth every second. Stereo sounds great!
Just did it in a couple hours. Most time was putting the harness together. it is annoying as hell for what should be a simple bezel pop off and swap but its not the most horrible thing I've had to do with a dashboard. Great video thanks!
Awesome video - Best and most complete info I have seen so far on this subject! I have total confidence in doing this after watching this video - Thank you very much!!!
Hi Dean & Fernando, Thank you for taking the Time to share this Informative Video. I doubt I would attempt to do this to my 2009 Savana 1500 Van, however I am upgrading with the Rosen Car Show 1210 GMC Navigation unit , Rockford Fosgate. Speakers, Subwoofer & Amplifier. I will have it done by a Professional Shop. Having said that; it is good to learn what is involved in the process & to educate myself. I appreciate your efforts, Thanks! Grace in Toronto.
I did really appreciate this video. Not only do I want to upgrade my radio but I also want to paint the dash a different color. I am hoping one I do what he did in the video, figuring out how to get the top of the dash out will be easy.
I just put an alpine halo 11 ilx-f511 in one of these today. It definitely wasn’t easy by myself. After it was done it looked Awesome 👏. I should have watched this video before taking it apart lol. I use ALLDATA to learn how to get it apart.
Keep the factory radio n just run an ampnfrom the speakers i have a g20 95 van n i broke off a lil piece of plastic to get thru to a bolt that was way in the back if not id have to remove the whole dash etc. Like our rocket scientist here fuk this no thank u
Even at 2:40 into the video, that is ridiculous, on how much you have to dismantle to get there, now back to watching the video, I'll bet I'll be shaking my head a lot at what you guys had to go through to do the install. WOW
Thank you for this very thorough video! It was very helpful for fixing some issues with the stereo in our dog rescue van. We transport shelter dogs at risk of euthanasia to the safety of rescue organizations up and down the entire West Coast. The drives are very long, so it helps for us to have music and podcasts to listen to. 🙏👏🤘🚐🐾
I've never gone past removing the two underpanels/4 10 mm bolts then the large dash piece/10 mm bolts. just takes some patience to wiggle the dash out past the gear shifter.
I see some folks bypass removing the column stuff. Some are successful bending plastic, others not so much. One guy said "I'm just going to glue that crack back together, no big deal. Happens all the time". Yours is the best video on this topic. Cuda added some notes on removing switches though, particularly the airbag.. Some of those were tough. Anyway .. a question .. are you related to Bobcat Goldthwait? Just curious.
Five Star Car Stereo one of the least favourite here would be the Holden VL Commodore. Either most of the dash out. Or many would break the unit out of the dash.
In a 2015 savana 2500(no steering wheel controls or onstar), which harness/ adapter will work if it has 2 headunit plugs and a completely different antenna plug?
I've seen many videos but never seen the dashboard of Express/Savana done right. This guy is also doing it way too hard. if you are not careful, you will crack the bottom part of the instrument panel bezel. I've seen so many vans with this area cracked. All you have to do, is to remove the shifter lever. No need to disassemble column cover like this guy. On the column shifter, pull back the little rubber bellow, and you'll find a hex screw. Unscrew it, then you can take out the shift lever. Then tilt the column all the way down, and you'll be able to take out the dash.
“Let’s replace the old stereo here in our Chevy Express van! First thing to do is to rip out the steering wheel; once that is done you need to replace the filter in the transmission and install a brand new engine mount of the rear left side. Ok! The hard part is over, now what we need to do is flush the radiator with mayonnaise and let it run for a whole week straight without shutting off. Now you’re ready to drive your Chevy Express in style with a new car stereo!”
Great video! I just picked up an oem radio from a 2010 GM truck and after watching your video I see that there are two connectors on the new radio where as the 03 has one, is there an adapter I can buy? I would upload a pic but can’t on here. Any info would help. Thanks!
I too was able to move the shift lever to d1 i believe and lower it to bend plastic over it. But to guarantee not to break it he lowers steering column which is a professional approach .
How did you get the harness out so much? I have an ‘04 express and the harness is further in and I can’t get to the harness disconnect to install my new wire harness! Please help
Can you specify about the backup relay on the red wire? I'm looking to install a reverse camera AND a GPS tracker. Also, where can I find the reverse wire in this section (behind the radio)? (Chevrolet express 2008)
I'm just about to finish the installation of a aftermarket head unit on my 2018 Chevrolet Express and wow I have never seen so many wires this idatalink has too many wires doubling up the size of the wire harness
@@urielhernandez3286 I got it taken care of myself it wasn't that easy but it was not too hard it took longer to take the dash out then it did to install headunit because of my van fash had to come out
I been fighting this hook up for days. So pissed. Lol. It gave me a seperate red wire. Can I hook yhr red wire to fuse panel for constant start power ?
I'm looking for a good stereo to replace my stock one on my 2018 Chevrolet Express But I don't want to mess with the on star I just need something better with bluetooth and a screen for the backup camera as the rear view back monitor sucks is their something out there that will work
You have revved way to much, there's no reason to remove the shifter, lower the steering wheel etc. 1 panel in the drivers side, same on the passenger footwell. 4 10mm bolts total. Then unsnap the dash panel. Unplug some electrical items as required. Re and re radio and your done
Hey I just changed my radio but it doesn’t work. And it burns the fuse and when the ridio is connected my van it’s not starting if you have any idea about I will appreciate thanks
You do not need to remove the shroud, tilt lever and shift levers. Nor do you need to drop the steering column. Just put key in ACC then shift into 1st gear, which drops the lever out of the way. that's all you need to carefully work the panel off/over the steering.
Anyone know what year this is, I have an 07 I want to do? I think I'll do some weird surface mount trim bezel for an Android head unit with a secret removal retainer. Don't care if I cut or modify the panel as they are cheap and plentiful at pick your part.
If it is the 1.5 DIN, you'll have to find the plastic piece that bolts to the aluminum dash structure from a double DIN. I got one from a U-pull-it junkyard. Or maybe buy it from the parts department at a GM dealer. I think they are only in the last year or two of the older bodystyle.
What in the world? Thank you for this video. Good thing we bailed out these engineering masters... “Too important to fail” this is completely rediculous
This is made to look at lot easier than it actually is in order to sell you stuff. This dashboard is a miserable job with lots of clips. It doesn't just pull apart easily as they show. Either they have a very unusual express or the clips were freed before they made the video. Try this & unless you're very patient, you'll probably need to replace some dash parts.
Now just... Now just... Now just... Now just... I half-expected him to say "And now, grab your engine hoist..." :-p The priority for the engineers over at GM isn't to make it easier to replace the factory radio, but it almost seems like they went out of their way to make it difficult. I presume these kinds of steps are also necessary should something go wrong with the HVAC system?
0:26 so you used magic for that? I don’t have magic in my toolbox. Wait... lemme check in the back of my toolbox for magic. Oh! Cool! my grandpa left me some magic in his will.
What are they smoking at GM?!! I just need to put 2 drops of solder on the audio jack to reconnect it because it wiggles, causing the audio to go off and on like it's possessed. Why in God's name would the dash not be attached in 3 easy to remove pieces?!!!! I thought it was a joke at first but the guy kept talking. I'd hate to see how you'd change the tire, might have to take the engine out first to get to a wire located behind it that's attached to the rotor that..... Are you serious GM?! Fantastic explanation though. Great job. So glad I found this video, otherwise I might have foolishly attempted to complete this simple task by myself instead of with a highly advanced pit crew, which I obviously would need.
my goodness, I think I would just find a way to cut the plastic off around the radio. This is too much work! Hopefully after new speakers, I can just keep the factory radio!
When he said to drop the steering column I assumed this was an April fools joke and kept waiting for the punchline before realizing that you actually have to dissemble the entire dashboard and drop the steering column to swap your radio out. Jesus christ
Only a simple minded company like GM would make changing a radio such a hassle. Thanks for the video. Not sure if I want to tackle this or not but I sure am glad I found this. Mega Thumbs up
Dude this is just as simple to do if not more simple than a 1996 Honda civic. The screws for the radio are even on the front for you vs. having to go all the way up and under the glovebox to get to them. It would be a good time to upgrade the instrument cluster to a fancy set of LED replacement bulbs while you are at it.
The video makes the task appear daunting, but thanks to your very detailed info, I completed the job in under 2 hours. I did not drop the steering column, and on my shift lever I had to use a T30. Thank you for the video.
This guy doesn't even stop chewing his gum. Or bite the inside of his mouth. Or waste time. He is THE MAN!
Editing is the key to everything...
Maybe I’ll just buy a new van with a CD player....lol
😅
Haha, Worth buy new van
Lol u have to go through alot to install a radio
0:56 thats the point where I started looking up bluetooth AUX adapters on Amazon.
Lmao.... yeah ....I just changed my mind on changing my stereo ...
I just finished my radio switch-out and it was surprisingly easy! I'm the first one to use a sawsall or dremel but never even considered it. I did not need to drop the steering column either. Thanks for a great video!
😂
Doing my first express and wow should have used your video 1st. Now following to help me get my speed up.
once the transmission is removed you can now install your stereo
Cool! I want a new head unit, and I need a transmission! 😂😂😂
Thank you guys for such an informative video, I had no idea it would be such a dam hassle to install a new radio in my 2015 express van. You guys saved me a lot of time.
Dude, thank you for this video. I should have watched it more closely before i started. I soldered my harness, was repinning and bench testing my head unit. All to find out that i need the exact harness you shared. What a waste of time, but its my fault. Thanks for your video, God bless
That video was done well, the job (pull the dash & the steering wheel!) was explained well.
Thanks for the video. I wouldn't have figured this out myself. It looks like a lot, but with your step by step process, I was able to get it done.
Awesome step by step. I own 2 of these vans,one for work and one for parts. I was going to switch one of them out for the working one. Think I'll hold that thought for a while.
I have a 2005 chevy express school bus thats a lot to take down I'll just cut the dash plastic smfh
Great Video! It took me all day but, I finally fixed my radio! Couldn't have done it without this video. Thank you!
P.S. It is a time consuming job and not an easy one at times but, totally worth every second. Stereo sounds great!
Just did it in a couple hours. Most time was putting the harness together. it is annoying as hell for what should be a simple bezel pop off and swap but its not the most horrible thing I've had to do with a dashboard. Great video thanks!
Awesome video - Best and most complete info I have seen so far on this subject! I have total confidence in doing this after watching this video - Thank you very much!!!
Hi Dean & Fernando,
Thank you for taking the Time to share this Informative Video.
I doubt I would attempt to do this to my 2009 Savana 1500 Van, however I am upgrading with the Rosen Car Show 1210 GMC Navigation unit , Rockford Fosgate. Speakers, Subwoofer & Amplifier. I will have it done by a Professional Shop.
Having said that; it is good to learn what is involved in the process & to educate myself.
I appreciate your efforts, Thanks! Grace in Toronto.
Great vid. Swapped my first radio deck out in 90 minutes . Thank you!
I did really appreciate this video. Not only do I want to upgrade my radio but I also want to paint the dash a different color. I am hoping one I do what he did in the video, figuring out how to get the top of the dash out will be easy.
I just put an alpine halo 11 ilx-f511 in one of these today. It definitely wasn’t easy by myself. After it was done it looked Awesome 👏. I should have watched this video before taking it apart lol. I use ALLDATA to learn how to get it apart.
I believe i would keep the factory radio lol
+junior cook that is why they pay us, so they do not have to worry about it
Five Star Car Stereo true..very true
junior cook you don’t have to do 90% of what he said. Just took mine out
SoDiverse Productions how did you do it
Keep the factory radio n just run an ampnfrom the speakers i have a g20 95 van n i broke off a lil piece of plastic to get thru to a bolt that was way in the back if not id have to remove the whole dash etc. Like our rocket scientist here fuk this no thank u
Wow - all in about 10 minutes....great video!
Holy crap! Probably easier to go through the firewall :)
GM always makes things so easy don't they
Does the PAC module affect the turn signal sound?
Even at 2:40 into the video, that is ridiculous, on how much you have to dismantle to get there, now back to watching the video, I'll bet I'll be shaking my head a lot at what you guys had to go through to do the install. WOW
+n8pu 👆🏻😂👍🏻
Lots of steps, but not really difficult. Thank you!
Excellent video! This is the only way to take the dash out in these vans, dropping the steering column. Thanks for the great info!
Changing the sparkplugs are also a nightmare. Remove passenger seat, remove passenger side tire, remove most of the dash....
@@808breaksbad i should have bought a ford.
Thank you for this very thorough video! It was very helpful for fixing some issues with the stereo in our dog rescue van. We transport shelter dogs at risk of euthanasia to the safety of rescue organizations up and down the entire West Coast. The drives are very long, so it helps for us to have music and podcasts to listen to. 🙏👏🤘🚐🐾
I've never gone past removing the two underpanels/4 10 mm bolts then the large dash piece/10 mm bolts. just takes some patience to wiggle the dash out past the gear shifter.
Great video guys! Thanks.
Thank you guys for the video , any particular brand of radio you suggest and also the rest of things to install the radio and where to buy it ?
I see some folks bypass removing the column stuff. Some are successful bending plastic, others not so much. One guy said "I'm just going to glue that crack back together, no big deal. Happens all the time". Yours is the best video on this topic. Cuda added some notes on removing switches though, particularly the airbag.. Some of those were tough. Anyway .. a question .. are you related to Bobcat Goldthwait? Just curious.
Do you have a video on how to install a roof mount dvd/monitor in my Chevy express 2006
you guys gotta put product links for the harnesses you used I had a hell of a time finding them lol
Awesome as always my friends. So glad we never got those vans here so much to dismantle.
+Clint L lucky you, must people here just break the dash to get it out.
Five Star Car Stereo one of the least favourite here would be the Holden VL Commodore. Either most of the dash out. Or many would break the unit out of the dash.
+Clint L what year? The only Holden cars we got were the made into the Pontiac GTO and the Chevy SS
Five Star Car Stereo have a look at Holden VL Commodore. 1988 model. Horrible car.
In a 2015 savana 2500(no steering wheel controls or onstar), which harness/ adapter will work if it has 2 headunit plugs and a completely different antenna plug?
I've seen many videos but never seen the dashboard of Express/Savana done right. This guy is also doing it way too hard.
if you are not careful, you will crack the bottom part of the instrument panel bezel. I've seen so many vans with this area cracked.
All you have to do, is to remove the shifter lever. No need to disassemble column cover like this guy.
On the column shifter, pull back the little rubber bellow, and you'll find a hex screw. Unscrew it, then you can take out the shift lever.
Then tilt the column all the way down, and you'll be able to take out the dash.
I figured that out on my own, guy is making it way more involved than it needs to be
“Let’s replace the old stereo here in our Chevy Express van! First thing to do is to rip out the steering wheel; once that is done you need to replace the filter in the transmission and install a brand new engine mount of the rear left side. Ok! The hard part is over, now what we need to do is flush the radiator with mayonnaise and let it run for a whole week straight without shutting off. Now you’re ready to drive your Chevy Express in style with a new car stereo!”
Great video! I just picked up an oem radio from a 2010 GM truck and after watching your video I see that there are two connectors on the new radio where as the 03 has one, is there an adapter I can buy? I would upload a pic but can’t on here. Any info would help. Thanks!
Had the factory radio replaced with a Kenwood stereo single CD player and USB port (play songs from a jump drive). Stereo and install $240.
GOod job....Much better than all the other butchers on here
If I don’t have that module what can I use for accessory wire? Or key on power..
i'm missing that part holding the stereo in 3:45. help
Whee do you get a bezel that will fit the larger Chinese radios for the 2014 Express van
Lmao.. Next.....and next.... And next... Hahaha I'll just keep the factory radio
+Marcos Reyes yeah I did say that a bit much
I too was able to move the shift lever to d1 i believe and lower it to bend plastic over it. But to guarantee not to break it he lowers steering column which is a professional approach .
Link for the smart harness?
How did you get the harness out so much? I have an ‘04 express and the harness is further in and I can’t get to the harness disconnect to install my new wire harness! Please help
Oh man i have to install a double din on one of these vans tomorrow , i bet its gonna be fun .
Can you specify about the backup relay on the red wire?
I'm looking to install a reverse camera AND a GPS tracker.
Also, where can I find the reverse wire in this section (behind the radio)?
(Chevrolet express 2008)
Any difference for a 2003 chev express
I'm just about to finish the installation of a aftermarket head unit on my 2018 Chevrolet Express and wow I have never seen so many wires this idatalink has too many wires doubling up the size of the wire harness
I guess go to Best Buy they install it for free
@@urielhernandez3286 I got it taken care of myself it wasn't that easy but it was not too hard it took longer to take the dash out then it did to install headunit because of my van fash had to come out
I don't understand the backup camera? How do I connect it?
Can someone please tell me the best location to run my amp power wire on this van? I have look everywhere...
Me 2 ?! I installed the head unit got no sound 😞😔
I been fighting this hook up for days. So pissed. Lol. It gave me a seperate red wire. Can I hook yhr red wire to fuse panel for constant start power ?
I'm looking for a good stereo to replace my stock one on my 2018 Chevrolet Express But I don't want to mess with the on star I just need something better with bluetooth and a screen for the backup camera as the rear view back monitor sucks is their something out there that will work
Sheesh, I’ve done installs on different cars but the express is such an involved process. This one’s gonna take awhile lol
I have a 2016 express explorer van. The Xm radio keeps cutting out. Do u know where the antenna is?
Thanks
You don't have to remove the shift lever, just turn on the key and shift into first. Park brake on!
You have revved way to much, there's no reason to remove the shifter, lower the steering wheel etc. 1 panel in the drivers side, same on the passenger footwell. 4 10mm bolts total. Then unsnap the dash panel. Unplug some electrical items as required. Re and re radio and your done
brucenoneyabusness yea I thought the same thing. Over done.
I'm just replying so that I can find your comment later. Thanks btw.
Is this true? Has anyone tried?
I'm going to try it this weekend and post results.
Shane H doing mine tomorrow how did you make out
Thanks for making this video, super helpful!
Hey I just changed my radio but it doesn’t work. And it burns the fuse and when the ridio is connected my van it’s not starting if you have any idea about I will appreciate thanks
2011 Honda Accord ex-l radio install, any video of that? Awesome videos by the way!!!!!#
+BSeriousHatch N20 not yet
I wont lie, i started to think this was a parody video, then i realized it was for real. Now, i wish it was a parody.
You do not need to remove the shroud, tilt lever and shift levers. Nor do you need to drop the steering column. Just put key in ACC then shift into 1st gear, which drops the lever out of the way. that's all you need to carefully work the panel off/over the steering.
Anyone know what year this is, I have an 07 I want to do? I think I'll do some weird surface mount trim bezel for an Android head unit with a secret removal retainer. Don't care if I cut or modify the panel as they are cheap and plentiful at pick your part.
Tip from experience: turn the radio on to test everything before putting your dash / trim back in place lol
how much was the charge for that install?
Screw all that! I'll just keep what.I got and change.the speakers! Lol
I stopped watching after the transmission needed dropping. Great video thank you
Can I fit a double din radio in a 1998 Express 3500 extended cargo van?
If it is the 1.5 DIN, you'll have to find the plastic piece that bolts to the aluminum dash structure from a double DIN. I got one from a U-pull-it junkyard. Or maybe buy it from the parts department at a GM dealer. I think they are only in the last year or two of the older bodystyle.
So 2002 or 2001. PLUS you need the dash bezel too.
What in the world? Thank you for this video. Good thing we bailed out these engineering masters... “Too important to fail” this is completely rediculous
GENITAL MOTORS
0:41 did you short something? lol.
Dang I’ll just buy a new radio and built the rest of the van around it lolz jp great vid
😂 have you priced out the installation cost? I want to put one in that has a backup camera possibly. Or a separate dash/rear camera.
Where do I get the smart turn on
i have a 2004 chevy express and Crutchfield says I can only use a single din radio in it. Whats up w that?
Crutchfield has information intended for the pros who don’t need information.
Another guy on youtube got that dash panel out without removing the shift lever or dropping the steering wheel. He just did a bunch of wiggling about.
easy to crack the dash if you do that wrong. These guys get paid to do it the correct way
Nice guys..keep n coming the installed videos! 👍👍
+Edrick Mendez will do, thank you
I’ve installed radios and speakers into so many cars I can’t even count… but I just booked an app to let someone else hook up my radio in my van😂
This sucked my screw for the shifter stripped and I had to do it without removing the shift lever. It was hard but I made it work.
Will this work for 2014 express ? Dash kit
im stuck at step 1. Cant find my darn 10mm.
Winner!!! BTW, it's with the 15mm.
Do a video showing how to add and mount a stand alone radio to a vehicle.
These suck to install in! I just did a 2014 Chevy Express 3500 with a Pioneer NEX 4200 on Friday. Good video!
+Aayron Cain yes they do
LCGM24 adapter works for a 2007 Chevrolet Express 3500
This is made to look at lot easier than it actually is in order to sell you stuff. This dashboard is a miserable job with lots of clips. It doesn't just pull apart easily as they show. Either they have a very unusual express or the clips were freed before they made the video. Try this & unless you're very patient, you'll probably need to replace some dash parts.
I removed the radio from a 2007 Chevy express
Now that I put it back it, it won’t even turn on
Help?
Awsome thanks! Will be doing this soon
You MOST DEFINITELY do not need to drop the steering wheel. I’m doing it today actually.
Sheared off my T27. Guess I’ve got to do this without removing a gear lever.
Now just... Now just... Now just... Now just...
I half-expected him to say "And now, grab your engine hoist..." :-p
The priority for the engineers over at GM isn't to make it easier to replace the factory radio, but it almost seems like they went out of their way to make it difficult. I presume these kinds of steps are also necessary should something go wrong with the HVAC system?
ugg. i just got one of these vans ... I really want to change it too. Thanks for this though.
good video.. now, if only my truck had tilt steering
0:26 so you used magic for that? I don’t have magic in my toolbox. Wait... lemme check in the back of my toolbox for magic. Oh! Cool! my grandpa left me some magic in his will.
TO CHANGE OUT THE RADIO??????????????? How much does it cost to have best buy do it?
What are they smoking at GM?!!
I just need to put 2 drops of solder on the audio jack to reconnect it because it wiggles, causing the audio to go off and on like it's possessed.
Why in God's name would the dash not be attached in 3 easy to remove pieces?!!!!
I thought it was a joke at first but the guy kept talking.
I'd hate to see how you'd change the tire, might have to take the engine out first to get to a wire located behind it that's attached to the rotor that.....
Are you serious GM?!
Fantastic explanation though. Great job.
So glad I found this video, otherwise I might have foolishly attempted to complete this simple task by myself instead of with a highly advanced pit crew, which I obviously would need.
my goodness, I think I would just find a way to cut the plastic off around the radio. This is too much work! Hopefully after new speakers, I can just keep the factory radio!
Thank you!
When he said to drop the steering column I assumed this was an April fools joke and kept waiting for the punchline before realizing that you actually have to dissemble the entire dashboard and drop the steering column to swap your radio out. Jesus christ
Thx for the video, I think I'll just keep the cassette player.