Discount Car Stereo A2DIY-GM3X Instruction Manual

Courtesy of: DiscountCarStereo.com
Serving the internet community since 1995
Required XM TUNER MODULE
Created: November 19, 2019
Revised: January 9, 2024

PRODUCT SAFETY & DISCLAIMER
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING, FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PRODUCT AND/OR PROPERTY
•This installation guide is provided as a GENERAL installation guide, some vehicles vary and
may require additional steps. We do not accept responsibility for third party labor charges
or modifications. Exercise due-diligence when installing this product.
•We do not accept any responsibility for vehicle damage or personal injury resulting from
the installation of this product.
Careless installation and operation can result in equipment damage
Requirements
XMMODULE (U2K) WITH OR WITHOUT SUBSCRIPTION
Introduction
(Newest version 4.25)
The A2DIY-GM3x kit is compatible with virtually all Bluetooth phones, and sounds
great whether using for mobile conversations, streaming music or retaining XM
(if subscribed), The A2DIY-GM3x works in 2003-12 GM Class-II vehicles equipped
with RSE and/or XM module (See Fig. 18) which is a separate rectangular metal
box in remote area (below glovebox, rear hatch, trunk etc.) with or without
subscription, If subscription has expired; an AUX input jack is provided for users
to connect and play portable audio devices such as MP3 players, iPods etc. If
subscription is “Active” it remains operational. Also works in vehicles with RSE
(DVD). If vehicle has RSE and also an XM active subscription, both remain
functional if either DVD or “Subscribed”version is purchased otherwise RSE and
XM audio will be lost upon renewal. A new media bottom (remote) is included
from which users can adjust smartphone volume, track selection and more. An
optional Smart charging kit is available to charge those power-hungry devices
while on the road. The A2DIY-GM3x adds Bluetooth features to older GM vehicles
with XM module –(vehicle must have module seen in Fig. 18)
Warning: Vehicles without RSE or XM module are not compatible.
See Frequently Asked question at the end of this guide for more details.
Installation
Radio removal required (Vehicle specific radio removal instructions are not part
of this guide, but may be available upon request)
1. Disconnect 12-pin plug from radio by squeezing blue lock tabs (See Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
factory 12-pin plug
2. Connect factory 12-pin plug to harness 12-pin socket (See Fig. 2)
Fig. 2
3. Connect harness 12-pin plug (See Fig. 3) to radio socket vacated in step 1,
Fig. 3
harness 12-pin plug

4. If NOT retaining XM (Expired subscription):
Connect male-to-male cable audio cable (See Fig. 4) to module “AUX”
jack (See Fig. 5)
Fig. 4
3.5mm male to male cable
Fig. 5
Module
5. Secure microphone (See Fig. 6) to visor or headliner using included
visor clip (See Fig. 7)
Fig. 6
Microphone
Fig. 7
Visor clip
6. Route microphone cable (10 ft.) down pillar, under driver kick panel and
across to radio cavity and connect to module “MIC” jack (See Fig. 5)
Be cautious not to damage or cut both microphone cable.
7. Connect installation harness red wire to 12V accessory supply in vehicle.
Do not connect red wire to 12V constant supply (battery).
Tip: There is no accessory (ACC) wire on GM radio harness. Locate suitable 12V
supply in fuse panel. Accessory power is active when ignition is in “ACC” or
“ON “positions.
8. Connect Black wire with ring terminal to radio chassis by removing chassis
screw and secure ring terminal or simply ground to alternate location.
Please black wire is properly grounded otherwise module will not properly
power on.
Warning: The A2DIY-GM3x will not operate in RAP (Retained
Accessory Power) mode. Ignition must be “ON”during calls,
streaming applications or for RSE/XM (if subscribed) to be heard.
For module to work in RAP mode we recommend purchasing our TR-
4. Connecting the TR-4 green wire to any radio speaker output wires
will allow module to remain “ON”up and until radio is turned off.

Optional USB type-C charging kit (charge only)
Optional USB type-C charger can be added to the A2DIY-GM3x kit. Should you
decide to add it, we suggest one of 3 installation options:
A. Flush to dash/panel requires drilling a ¾” hole
B. Flush with support bracket (Mount terminal wherever your installation
demands without drilling)
C. Freestanding- (default)
A. Flush to dash/panel (drilling required)
1. Drill a ¾” hole in the dash/panel using a step drill bit or equivalent
(See Fig. 10)
Fig. 10
Step drill bit
2. Insert cable through hole created in step 1
3. On module installation harness locate charger Fig. 11)
4. Connect cable from step 2 to charger USB type C- port
Fig. 11
5. Snap USB head to opening until flush with surface (See Fig. 12)
Fig. 12
Tuck and secure any extra wire from moving parts and test operation
B. Bracket Mount (No drilling)
1. Locate a flat surface at location of choice within 3.2 ft. of module and
mount support bracket (See Fig. 14) to surface screws (included).
Fig. 14
mounting bracket

2. Insert cable through hole in bracket (See Fig. 15) and connect to
charger (See Fig. 11)
Fig. 15
3. Snap USB head to bracket opening until flush (See Fig. 16)
Fig. 16
4. Tuck and secure any extra wire away from moving parts and test
operation ( See Bluetooth Pairing and Connection )
Media remote control
Pairing: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device (e.g., Smartphone/Tablet
etc.)
Press and hold pause/play until Blue LED begin flashing
Scan smartphone for available devices and select BT009 from list. (Blue LED
turns off).
Installation:
Attach the button to steering wheel (includes holder) or attach to dashboard
using included double-sided tape –your choice.
Because the media button pairs with your Smart device, it can also be used at
home, in the park or wherever you decide to play your tunes.
Operation:
Once paired with smart device (e.g., Phone, Tablet, etc.), users may perform the
following functions on iOS with Bluetooth 3.0 and later or Android 4.0 or later.
Remote control functions apply to IOS and Android smartphones. Do not
apply to GM radio.

Charging:
Media button built-in rechargeable 200mAH battery may last up to 10 days.
Connect included USB cable to charge charging port at the back.
Red LED indicates charging; A full charge is reached after 2 hours at which time
LED turns off.
Module pairing
Pairing varies among devices but basic steps are the same. This process is done
upon initial install and will not have to be repeated.
1. Turn ignition and radio “ON”
2. Open audio device (e.g. Smartphone) Bluetooth Settings
3. Verify Bluetooth is enabled otherwise enable it at this time.
4. Tap Scan or search for devices .
5. Wait for Bluetooth device name (See Fig. 17) to appear and tap it. Once
paired confirmation tone is heard on car speakers
Fig. 17
Noteworthy: Renaming Bluetooth name to something of your choosing is
possible on some Android devices but may not be possible on newer iOS
devices. Please consult device manual.

Operation
1. Turn ignition and radio “ON”
2. Press “BAND” or “XM” button on radio
3. Launch smartphone music streaming application
4. Use smart remote to change tracks, adjust device volume, pause etc.
5. Place test call or ask someone to call. Use push button to accept call
(iPhone and Android) or press Pause/Play on smart remote (Android
only)
6. If correct operation is confirmed go ahead and reinstall radio.
Warning: Caller ID and text are not shown on radio display. Operate
Bluetooth device via wireless remote control, VR (voice recognition) or
smartphone built-in controls. Radio buttons can be used to adjust
playback level
XM/RSE or AUX PLAYBACK:
a. Press radio “BAND” or “XM” button
b. Press Pause/Play on media remote
Control XM from radio buttons as customary and aux device from
its built-in controls/display.
2. To return to music streaming:
Press pause/play on media remote.
Note: Once paired, streaming has priority. XM/AUX playback is
possible when audio device is paused, un-paired, or out of range.
Frequently asked question & troubleshooting
1. My vehicle has XM module but subscription has expired. Will the
A2DIY-GM3x work?
YES.If subscription has expired, an aux input jack is provided for users to
connect and play an audio device (Mp3 Players, iPod, DVD, iPad etc.)Aux.
input option is not available for active subscribers or with RSE.
2. My vehicle has RSE and XM module (expired subscription). Will the
A2DIY-GM3x work?
YES. Selecting RSE version allows it to remain functional and will also allow
XM playback if an when subscription is activated.
3. I’m not the original owner and don’t know if vehicle has XM module.
How can I find out without ripping it apart?
Turn radio “ON”, press “BAND” button repeatedly to cycle through
AM/FM/CD/XM1/XM2. If only AM/FM is displayed, vehicle does not have
required XM module.
4. Does the A2DIY-GM3x work on all GM radios?
Works on Navigation and non-Navigation GM Class-II radios with RSE and/or
XM tuner module (with or without subscription)
5. Can I control Smartphone music from radio buttons?
NO; you must continue to use smartphone built-in controls or included
media button/or voice commands. Use radio volume control to set
playback level.
6. Is caller name/phone number shown on radio display?
NO. Caller ID information, song name etc. are not displayed on radio screen.
7. What do I need for the A2DIY-GM3x to work in my vehicle?
For the A2DIY-GM3x to work, vehicle must have RSE and/or XM module
(metal box in remote area—See Fig. 18) XM module is not built-into the
AM/FM/CD/TAPE radio --- don’t ignore this.
8. My XM subscription is active. How do I listen?
Press BAND or XM button on radio to enter XM mode (if not already), then
press Pause/Play on remote control.
9. Will radio mute when I receive or make a phone call?
This system will not mute unless radio is in “XM (Bluetooth mode). If in
AM/FM/CD or TAPE mode, radio will not mute. In addition, user must switch
radio to Bluetooth mode (XM)

10. How do I pair a second phone to module?
In order to pair a second phone make sure no other phones are connected.
Once Bluetooth is disabled on first device, module will be ready for pairing.
11. My radio has a built-in 6-CD changer. Will the A2DIY-GM3x work?
YES, So long vehicle has RSE and/or XM tuner module which is not
built-into AM/FM radio, but rather a metal box installed near glove box
(trunks/SUV’s), trunk or hatch (sedans) See Fig. 18
Fig. 18
vehicle must have this XM tuner module
12. When I turn ignition “OFF”, the radio remains “ON” and
streaming/hands-free operations does not work. What solution is
there to allow module to remain active?
Purchase and install this Low voltage trigger
Connect ground (black), battery (yellow) to respective circuits on radio
harness. Connect trigger input (Green) to any speaker output wire on radio
harness. Finally connect +12V output wire (Blue) to module accessory wire
(RED)
Feature comparison chart
Feature
A2D-GM3(X)
A2DIY-GM3x
Retains XM (U2K)
²
✓
Retains RSE (DVD)
²
✓
Audio input (AUX)
✓*
Not
subscribed
Charging (USB)
X
Optional
Mutes radio (All modes)
X
X
Microphone
X
✓
Requires XM module, RSE or Remote
changer
✓
✓
Voice Recognition
X
X**
Plug-n-play installation
X
X
Smart media button
²remote
✓
Module installs:
Radio or XM
module
Radio
*Aux input instead of XM playback
** activate VR on audio device as customary
² optional remote
Disclaimer
• This product has no affiliation with GM
• We’re not liable for misuse of this product.
•We recommend professional installation
Email [e-mail]
© 1995-Jan-24 Discount Car Stereo, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in this document is
subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.