I was recently looking into an aftermarket HU for my 2005HD Ext Cab. I have only the very basic cd/cassette stereo. I started to purchase an Alpine unit from Crutchfield and they said I need a $79 metra interface because the chimes run through my stereo. Is this the case? If so, what would I loose if I choose not to use the interface?

Thanks for the help!!

Get the wiring harness, it's way easier to install. Since the new stereos run off the data bus there is no power/accessory wire there, it just tells it when to turn on off. Plus you would lose the RAP (stereo and stuff works a while after turning key off) and a few other things. I used the wiring harness, mine had a little speaker in it to recreate the chimes. I pulled the wire off it so I don't have chimes. :D Much better. The harness for my brother's with the pose setup was slightly different, it had a resister you could adjust for the chimes, we just turned it all the way down, you can barely hear it with the stereo off. With the stereo on you don't hear it so you can still leave the door open with tunes playing.

Also unless you get another wire deal your controls on the steering wheel for the stereo won't work. This doesn't bother me because I can reach the stereo, but it bugs some guys...

You lose any chiming, washer fluid, change oil lights etc.

yes, you lose all of the chimes unless you buy the interface.



also FYI the factory XM, rear seat DVD player, and rear seat audio controls (if you have them) will not work with an aftermarket radio

How bout driving from Corpus Christi to Austin in a company truck with the E- brake on? Hope my boss doesn't see this. Truck did come out fine. KEEP THE CHIMES.