CORVETTE DCS-GM4 Auxiliary Input Adapter

Specifications

• Compatible with: 1997-2004 AM/FM/TAPE and AM/FM/CD radios
• Installation: Behind the radio/dash
• Audio Input: 3.5mm jack
• Optional: USB extension cable for software upgrades and charging

Product Information
The DCS-GM4 is an auxiliary adapter designed for select 1997-2004 Corvette models, allowing you to connect external audio devices to your car’s existing radio system.

Installation Instructions

1. Remove the radio from the dashboard to access connectors.
2. Disconnect the 20-pin plug from the radio.
3. Connect the 20-pin black/gray plug from the radio to the installation harness 20-pin socket.
4. Connect the installation harness 20-pin black/gray plug to the radio’s 20-pin socket.
5. Connect one end of the supplied audio cable to the input jack on the adapter and route the audio plug to the desired location.
6. Connect the installation harness 16-pin plug to the module’s 16-pin connector.
7. Tuck and secure any extra wires away from moving parts.

Operation

1. Turn the ignition to ACC and turn the radio ON.
2. Press the TAPE/AUX or CD/AUX button on the radio to enter AUX mode.
3. Connect a 4-pin 3.5mm audio cable to the audio device and play music.
4. Adjust volume on both the audio device and radio for optimal sound output.
5. If your audio device supports TRRS, use the radio SEEK button to change tracks; otherwise, use controls on the audio device.
6. Reinstall the radio once correct operation is confirmed.

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:
1997-04 AM/FM/TAPE AND 1997-04 AM/FM/CD RADIOS

Introduction

Many Corvette owners looking for an easy an effective way of connecting and listening to portable audio devices on the factory radio will be pleased to find the DCS-GM4. The DCS-GM4 connects to the radio 20-pin socket and compatible with select 1997-04 C5 Corvette radios. CD changer (if present) must be disconnected, but with the storage capacity of most portable devices, sacrificing the CD changer* should be an easy decision. NOTE: If vehicle has a 10-pin plug in trunk/hatch, opt for our DCS-GM2 which connects in trunk/hatch and does not require radio removal.

WARNING: Works only in vehicles with original C5 radio.

Installation

(behind the radio/dash)

Unlike our other modules, the DCS-GM4 installs behind the dash and requires radio removal. (Click either of the below links for help removing radio from the dash) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcrlufo1ctc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTbWYNJTSDs Pull radio from the dashboard to reveal connectors

1. Press the release tab on 20-pin plug and disconnect from radio. (See Fig. 1)
2. Connect 20-pin black/gray plug removed from radio in step 1 to installation harness 20-pin socket (white) as seen in Fig. 2.
3. Connect installation harness 20-pin black/gray plug (See Fig. 3) to radio 20-pin socket vacated in step 1
4. Connect one end of supplied audio cable (See Fig. 4) to input jack on adapter (See Fig. 5) and route audio plug to dashboard or wherever audio device will reside.
   
5. Connect installation harness 16-pin plug (See Fig. 6) to module 16-pin connector (See Fig. 7 Alert: Ensure the 16-pin plug is fully inserted and locked in place
6. Tuck and secure any extra wires away from moving parts

Optional USB extension cable installation

Please note: Optional USB dash mount extension cable is not required for operation; however, it extends the module USB charging port (See Fig. 10) to dashboard, glovebox etc. The module USB port supports software upgrades and charging.

1. Drill a ¾” hole to dash or panel using a step drill bit or equivalent (See Fig. 8) As an alternative; use the included bracket (See Fig. 13) to mount USB without drilling.
2. Fish USB cable terminal (See Fig. 9) through hole created in step 1 and plug into USB port on module (See Fig. 10)
3. Snap header (See Fig. 11) to surface until flush (See Fig. 12)

Operation

1. Turn ignition to “ACC” and turn the radio ON
2. Press “TAPE/AUX” or “CD/AUX” button on radio (See Fig. 14) to enter AUX mode. (See Fig. 15)
3. Connect 4-pin 3.5mm audio cable to audio device and place audio device in playback mode. If playback is distorted lower audio device volume or if inaudible, raise volume on device. Ensure audio device volume is no less than 80%.
4. If audio device support TRRS; you may also use radio SEEK button to change tracks on the fly. (See Fig. 16) If audio device does not support TRRS, track selection must be made using audio device built-in controls or touch screen.
   Alert: Radio seek buttons work only if audio device support TRRS, otherwise the audio device built-in controls must be used for track/song selection.
5. If correct operation is confirmed go ahead and reinstall the radio.

Frequently asked questions

1. Does the DCS-GM4 require a 12-disc changer for operation?
   NO; The DCS-GM4 emulates the CD changer, If vehicle has a multi-disc changer, it must be disconnected. To retain use of the CD changer, purchase our AUX-GM2 or BTA-C5
2. Do I have to remove radio to install the DCS-GM4 adapter?
   YES. The DCS-GM4 connects to the 20-pin port on the back of the radio.
3. Do you offer an aux adapter that does not require removing radio?
   YES. If vehicle has a 10-pin “CD” plug in trunk/hatch; purchase our DCS-C5 and make connection in trunk/hatch. Multi-disc changer (if present); must be disconnected.
4. What is the difference between the DCS-GM4 and DCS-C5?
   The only difference is where installation is completed. The DCS-GM4 connects directly to the 20-pin port on the back of the AM/FM radio. The DCS-C5 connects to 10-pin plug in trunk/hatch. The 10-pin plug is reserved for the factory multi-disc changer which may or may not be present. Please check vehicle prior to ordering.
5. Do you offer dash mount jack instead of plug dangling from dash?
   YES; Purchase our 3.5F-DM adapter cable, mount to dashboard and enjoy those portable devices on the car system. Alert: TRRS feature will not work through the 3.5F-DM adapter cable.
6. Pressing the “AUX” button does nothing. What should I do?
   If the AUX button does not function, please reset radio by disconnecting car battery for 10 minutes. Reconnect and AUX button should active module.

Disclaimer

• This product has no affiliation with GM
• We’re not liable for misuse of this product.
• We recommend professional installation.

Email support@discountcarstereo.com

© 1995-Nov-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.

Documents / Resources

CORVETTE DCS-GM4 Auxiliary Input Adapter [pdf] Installation Guide DCS-GM4 Auxiliary Input Adapter, DCS-GM4, Auxiliary Input Adapter, Input Adapter, Adapter

References

• User Manual