Discount Car Stereo BLU-C5 User manual

Courtesy of:DiscountCarStereo.com
BLU-C5
Quick Start Audio Streaming Installation Guide
for select 1997-04 Corvette without 12-disc Changer
Created January 16, 2013
Revised September 9, 2019

Introduction
Many C5 owners will be pleased to know they can upgrade their audio system to
support Bluetooth music streaming without replacing the factory Radio. The
BLU-C5 connects directly to Radio OR if vehicle is wired with 10-pin for optional
12-disc CD Changer in hatch or trunk; connection can be made there. If vehicle
has a 12-disc CD Changer, it must be disconnected otherwise purchase our A2D-
C5 which retains 12-Disc Changer operation. A Bluetooth wireless connection
means no wires, clutter or complicated setup. Pair Smartphone or Tablet and
enjoy navigation, internet music sites, audio books and more on the car system.
This guide covers the basic install steps for the BLU-C5 in 1997-04 Corvette
without 12-disc Changer or disconnected (if present).
Alert: If your kit includes the other module (green box), please click here for
installation instructions.
See Frequently Asked question at the end of this guide.
Installation 1: (To Radio)
This module can be installed behind the radio cavity or at 10-pin CD Changer plug
in trunk/hatch. (See installation 2 on page 4)
Remove Radio from dashboard to gain access to the connectors. ( Click links
below for radio removal instruction video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcrlufo1ctc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTbWYNJTSDs
1. Disconnect factory 20-pin plug from radio (See Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
C5 Radio connector
2. Connect vehicles 20-pin plug from step 1 to mating 20-pin connector
(white) on install harness (See Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
Install harness
3. Connect 20-pin plug (black/gray) from install harness (See Fig. 2) to
20-pin connector on radio vacated in step 1
4. Connect 8-pin plug from install harness to module (See Fig. 3)
Fig. 3

5. Connect (Tap) red wire from install harness to an ACC
(Accessory/Switched) supply power source in vehicle.
1997-03 C5 Models: locate 3-pin plug under passenger toe board
near BCM (covered with black duct tape) See Fig. 3 --- tap yellow wire
OR if missing; use alternate accessory positions in fuse box.
Fig. 3
Note: The aforementioned 3-pin plug may not present in all vehicles
Alternately we suggest fuse: #22, or 11 on interior fuse box. (See Fig. 5)
located under passenger toe board. Please test circuit for proper operation
prior to final install.
To aid the install we include a mini-tap as seen in Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
C5 interior fuse box (yours may be different)
If music streaming playback is interrupted when an accessory is turned on
(e.g. headlights, wipers, defroster, A/C etc.), please find an alternate
source for the Accessory wire or seek help from a professional installer.
The module is not faulty, but current to the circuit to which its
connected is drown down when one of the aforementioned
accessories are turned on!!!
Tuck and secure any extra wires away from moving parts and test
operation.

Installation 2: (To factory 10-pin plug in trunk/hatch)
Alert! Vehicle must be wired for optional 12-disc changer. 12-disc Changer (if
present) must be disconnected. To retain used of the 12-disc changer purchase
our A2D-C5
1. Locate factory 10-pin CD Changer plug in trunk/hatch or if vehicle has
12-disc CD Changer, disconnected it from changer (See Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
Factory 12-disc Changer
2. Connect factory 10-pin plug (See Fig. 7) to 10-pin connector (white) on
install harness (See Fig. 8)
Fig. 7
10-pin plug
Fig. 8
10-pin connector
3. Proceed to step 4 on page 2 to complete the rest of the installation.
Pairing:
Pairing process varies among devices but the process is basically the same.
This is only required upon initial install and will not have to be repeated.
1. Turn Ignition and Radio “ON”
Red LED inside module peephole will flash (pairing mode)
2. On A2DP device: Go to Settings, Wireless & Networks, Bluetooth
Settings
3. Select Bluetooth and turn on.
4. Select Bluetooth settings
5. Tap Scan (Search) for devices .
6. Wait for Bluetooth device name to appear and select it.
Red LED inside adapter peephole will glow steady (paired)

Optional equipment: The following options are not required for
module to work; however, these two options enhance user experience.
To add remote to order simply tick box on product page
1. Remote Control Features:
This wireless remote is not required for adapter to work, however instead
of fumbling with audio device (smartphone), you simply press the familiar
remote control buttons while also keeping your eyes on the road.
1. Control music wirelessly
2. Activate VR commands (Siri, Google play etc.)
3. Track up/down
4. Volume up/down
Pairing Bluetooth remote:
Remote Control Operation:
Use wireless remote to perform the following functions on any iOS7.0 and higher
or Android 4.4 and higher.
Contents:

2. USB Charging port:
This optional USB port provides up to 2.5 Amps of charging power -- which is
more than enough juice to charge today's energy hungry iPhones, iPads,
tablets and more. Custom install USB port in a convenient location and
discover how this charger is a massive improvement over many anemic
aftermarket cigar lighter chargers.
To add USB Charging port to order, simply select install harness with USB
port. For example:
1. PXHGM4 (to radio) + USB, connects module to radio and includes USB
charging port, (see image below), dash mount USB extension cable
2. PXHGM4 (to radio) connect module at the radio but DOES NOT include
USB Charging Kit.
USB charging kit it not currently offered with the PXHGM2 (to trunk/hatch)
install harness.
Optional USB Charging port
USB Installation
A. Flush to dash/panel requires drilling a ¾” hole in the dash
B. Flush with Support bracket (use this option to mount USB terminal without
drilling)
C. Free standing.
A. Flush to Dash or Panel (drilling required)
1. Drill a ¾” hole in the dash or panel using a step drill bit or equivalent
(See Fig. 9)
Fig. 9
Step drill bit
2. Insert 3ft. USB cable male terminal (See Fig. 10) through ¾” hole
created in step 1 and plug into USB port on harness (See Fig. 11)
Fig. 10
Flush mount 3 ft. USB cable

Fig. 11
3. Push USB head (See Fig. 12) until it snaps in place and flush with
mounting surface (See Fig. 13)
Fig. 12
Flush mount USB Terminal
Fig. 13
Flush mounted to dash
B. Bracket Mount (No drilling)
1. Locate a flat surface at location of choice within 3.2 ft. of radio to
mount USB support bracket (See Fig. 14) with tape backing or screws.
Fig. 14
mounting bracket
2. Insert USB male terminal through hole in bracket (See Fig. 15) and
connect to USB port on harness (See Fig. 12)
Fig. 15
3. Push USB head until it snaps in place and flush (See Fig. 16)
Free Standing:connect audio device charging cable directly to USB
port on harness (See Fig. 11) and route cable to dash area or where audio
device will reside.

Test Operation:
1. Turn ignition and radio “ON”
2. Press “TAPE/AUX” or “CD/AUX” button on radio
3. Launch Smartphone or tablet music streaming application.
4. Ensure both radio and audio device volume are up.
Warning! Playlist, Track etc. is *NOT* possible from radio buttons. Use
audio device built-in controls or optional wireless remote to access
and control the audio files.
5. If correct operation is confirmed go ahead and reinstall the Radio.
Product feature comparison:
Use chart below to compare Bluetooth products offered for C5 Corvettes.
Warning!! Our hands-free kits include music streaming; however, music
streaming kits do not include hands-free calling capabilities.
Features/Requirements
A2D-C5
BLU-C5
C5CD-HF
C5-HF
Retains Changer Playback
YES
NO
YES*
NO
Requires working CD Changer
YES
NO
YES
NO
Audio input jack (Aux in)
NO
NO
YES*
YES
USB Charging Port
Optional**
Optional**
YES
YES
Supports Hands-free calls
NO
NO
YES
YES
Connect to Radio (behind dash)
NO
YES
YES
YES
Connects to Changer in trunk/hatch
YES
YES
NO
NO
Supports voice activation (e.g. Siri)
NO**
NO**
YES
YES
Optional Wireless remote control
YES
YES
NO
NO
Controls music from radio buttons
NO
NO
NO
NO
*Aux input or CD Changer playback retention
**Optional USB charging port available only on PXHGM4 harness
Frequent asked questions
1. Does the BLU-C5 require 12-disc Changer to work?
NO;12-disc Changer is not required and if present must be disconnected. To
retain CD Changer playback, purchase our A2D-C5 instead.
2. Can I install the BLU-C5 at the radio instead of the trunk?
YES; select the PXHGM4 installation harness when placing order.
3. Can I install the BLU-C5 without removing radio?
YES; if your vehicle has factory 10-pin plug in trunk or hatch area,
select PXHGM2 harness when ordering. Not all vehicles are pre-wired;
ensure yours has this plug prior to ordering.
4. Does this module support hands-free calls?
NO;for hands-free calls (and music streaming), purchase our C5CD-HF
(vehicles with 12-disc Changer) or our C5-HF (vehicles without 12-disc CD
Changer or if changer malfunctions). This module support Bluetooth music
streaming only.
5. Does the BLU-C5 work on all Corvette Radios?
NO; works only on 1997-04 Corvette (C5) factory radios with TAPE AUX or
CD AUX button on faceplate.
6. How do I remove the radio from dashboard to install the BLU-C5?
Please click video link for help removing radio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcrlufo1ctc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTbWYNJTSDs
7. Bluetooth plays fine until turn signal, headlights or wipers are
switched on. What could be the cause?
This issue has been reported and does not apply to all cars and is likely due
to vehicle electrical wiring. If music streaming is interrupted when an
accessory (e.g. wiper motors etc.) is turned on, this indicates vehicle has a
wiring issue and the accessory is loading the circuit to which the module is
connected. Try to relocate accessory wire (RED) to a circuit that does not
get loaded down or seek professional help.

8. After installing everything, radio does not go into “AUX” mode. What
could be the cause?
These modules are tested prior to shipping and shipped only if in working
order, but if for some reason your radio does not enter “AUX” Mode, reset
radio/module by disconnecting battery terminal for 45-60 minutes and try
again. Also check question #11
9. I notice my friend’s module has dip-switches but mine does not. Is this
the same part?
YES. Moving forward a module without dip-switches is used for the BLU-C5
kit. If you are installing our previous version (green box with dip-switches)
and need help with installation; click here.
10. Can I change songs or see song name on C5 radio screen?
NO. Your C5 radio does not control track selection not does it display
song/tittle etc. You must continue to use Bluetooth device built-in control
to access and display track selection.
11. Radio enters AUX mode, but there is nothing listed to which to pair my
phone. What would cause this?
Turn ignition to “ON”and check peep hole on the bottom of the black module
box to see if blue LED is flashing. If not flashing check that the red
accessory wire (mentioned in step 6 above) has 12V. If using the Add-a-fuse
circuit, check crimp integrity; often times a bad crimp may result in lack of
power not getting to module.
Also make sure the 8-pin plug (See fig. 3) is inserted fully. A partial
connection could result in no power, pairing or communication with radio.
Disclaimer
• This product has no affiliation with GM
• When possible, professional installation is recommended
For additional questions, email [e-mail]
© 1995-September 19 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.