HHR_SS_QC

Hi guys; I'm in the process of replacing the radio in my SS. I wanted a radio with a USB port so i found one at a local LKQ scrap yard. The radio came from a wrecked 2009 HHR. The 2009 HHR radio color is slightly different than the one in my 2008 SS. The radio is dark grey metallic, and the radio in the SS is kind of flat black. It's not too bad, though. Also found out that the original SS radio has a small fan in it, and the UUI does not. The opening for the fan is there, but there's no fan.

I have an appointment this week at my dealership, so they can unlock the radio. I cross my fingers and hope the dealer will be able to so. Anyone here done this? Since I actually have the premium radio with the Pioneer sub and XM, I was wondering if the dealer will be able the configure the UUI, to work properly with the Pioneer setup. Anything i should know about this mod, that i need to tell the dealer tech? Thanks.

db/sb

We put the USB port radio from an 09 in our 06. The dealer had no problem getting it to work.

HHR_SS_QC

Good to know. Thanks.

HHR_SS_QC

Bad news. My dealer wasn't able to program my UUI radio (09 HHR) to work in my 08 HHR SS. They can't find a part number that works, despite the fact that i have the donor vehicle VIN.

Makes me sad to know that we don't own our cars anymore. GM does..

db/sb

Interesting........the dealership we went to didn't even ask for the VIN even though I had it with me. It only took them about 10 minutes to do it.

HHR_SS_QC

Well, after all, i have been able to install a USB radio (option code UUI 25964502) in my 2008 SS.

To make this possible, I was told that i had to find another UUI radio from a car that was already programmed with the same audio options as my SS (Pioneer and XM). The options I had to look for were UQ3 and U2K. I was able to find a radio sold by schram, on eBay, that was programmed with the same audio options as my car (schram always provide a picture of the car and option tag of the donor car, which is very helpful).

The problem with installing a radio from a newer model year, is the fact that the database of radios is stored in the BCM. Ex: If you’re trying to locate the radio number 25964502 in the BCM of a 2008, you’re out of luck. 25964502 exists in the BCM of a 2009, 2010 and 2011, but does not exist in the BCM of a 2008. The tech2 can unlock a radio, but it can’t program the radio. The programming of the radio (to select the Pioneer setup and XM) is done using a GM TIS. The TIS communicates with the BCM, and refuse to go further, since it can’t find the radio number in the BCM database. That’s why, if you want the radio to work in a 2008, you have to find a radio from a 2009, 2010 or 2011 donor car, with the same options as the recipient car. All the dealer had to do, this time, was to select 09 HHR on the Tech2, and send the unlock command to the radio, which came on immediately after the unlock.

skyline26

why waste your time with the stock unit..just replace it with a good aftermarket one..maybe one with gps built in?

HHR_SS_QC

I did not want to go that route, and i wanted to keep the steering wheel controls fully functional. I'm sure there are good aftermarket radios out there, but, for me, the GM unit was the only way to go, since my car is not my daily driver. The only function that i was missing was USB capability, which i have now with the UUI unit.

cz9h3d

Thanks for the great information. I posted on this radio probably 3-4 years ago, so glad to finally find some useful information. I even tried to get the HHR radio engineer to answer my questions (I work at GM). Was bummed that our loaded 2LT was missing this $100 option.

So, my question for you. About to hand down our 2010 HHR to my soon to be 16yo. Is the USB port on this vehicle useful at all for today's phones? I know in its time it worked great on my iPod nano, but as my son uses a Moto X android, I'm not sure looking for a UUI radio today would make much sense (he could charge from it, but big whoop, no audio output on android over the USB). Even my daughter's iPhone 5s likely has no support for this radio.

I guess it could still be useful if I talk the kids into loading an older iPod full of their songs.

BTW, I saw a mod online (Saturn Sky, I think), where they relocated the USB port to the rear in the radio, and then were able to run a cable to the glovebox. Much more useful to have their iPod hidden somewhere. They actually disassembled faceplates, so the radio matched their car (color and display), and didn't even have a hole for the front USB.

thunder94

I 2nd this, plus they make interfaces to keep your steering wheel controls, just sayin.