RP5-GM32 Radio Replacement & Steering Wheel Control Interface

With OnStar Retention for General Motors Vehicles

Introduction & Features

The RP5-GM32 interface facilitates the replacement of factory radios in select General Motors vehicles equipped with 29-bit LAN radios. It enables the retention of key factory features, including [OnStar] service, steering wheel controls (SWC), warning chimes, Rear Seat Controls ([RSC]), and the [BOSE] amplifier when the original radio is removed. This interface also allows for the programming of two radio functions per SWC button through short press and long press dual command functionality. Additionally, the RP5-GM32 provides data bus driven outputs such as retained accessory power ([RAP]), vehicle speed sensor ([VSS]), illumination, reverse trigger, and parking brake signals.

Important Notes

Wiring Connection Chart

Aftermarket Radio Connections

Wire Color (RP5) Connection Wire Color (Aftermarket Radio) Connection
Yellow *+12v from RP5Light GreenParking Brake Output (-)
Yellow *+12v from vehiclePinkVehicle Speed Output
Black **Ground from RP5Orange / WhiteIllumination Output (+)
Black **Ground from vehiclePurple / WhiteReverse Output (+)
RedAcc. OutputBrown LoopMute Loop - See Installation Step 7 on Page 2
WhiteFront Left + inputSWC Connector3.5mm Jack
White / BlackFront Left - input
GreyFront Right + inputRCA ConnectorYellow
Grey / BlackFront Right - input
GreenRear Left + inputRCA ConnectorsRed
Green / BlackRear Left - inputWhite
PurpleRear Right + inputYellow
Purple / BlackRear Right - input

SWC Connector Types:
3.5mm Jack: Kenwood, Newer JVC, OEM or Blaupunkt
(Alpine, JVC, Clarion, Pioneer, Sony, Valor, Boyo, Dual, Lightning Audio, Visteon, Jensen or Advent)

RCA Connectors:
Red: AUX Audio - Right
White: AUX Audio - Left
Yellow: Reverse Camera 1
Yellow (from RCA Connector): Reverse Camera 2

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING YELLOW AND BLACK WIRE CONNECTIONS

Illustration / Schematic

Wiring: A diagram illustrates the complex wiring connections required for the RP5-GM32 interface. It details the routing of power, ground, accessory, speaker, and control wires between the vehicle's harness, the RP5-GM32 module, the aftermarket radio, and the CMX chime module, specifying wire colors for each connection.

SWC Connection: A diagram shows the 3.5mm jack connector used for steering wheel control (SWC) input. It highlights compatibility with various aftermarket radio brands and specifies the types of radios that use this connector.

Installation Steps

Set Radio Select Switch

A rotary switch on the interface side must be set according to the vehicle's radio type before plugging into the vehicle. The available settings are:

AlpineJVCKenwoodClarionPioneer/OtherSonyFusion
1234789

Other compatible brands include Advent, BOYO, Dual, Lightning Audio, and Visteon.

  1. Set the radio select rotary switch to the correct position for your vehicle's radio before connecting the interface.
  2. Make all connections as detailed in the wiring chart on page 1. Ensure both Yellow wires (from vehicle and RP5 harness) and both Black wires (from vehicle and RP5 harness) are connected.
  3. Factory installed amplifiers will dictate the audio output connection. If the vehicle has a factory amplifier, use the factory amplifier audio location. If not, use the non-amplified factory audio location.
  4. For Premium [BOSE] systems, connect the subwoofer and center channel RCA inputs to the aftermarket radio. If the aftermarket radio lacks these outputs, do not use this cable. Channel summing is not recommended for optimal sound performance.
  5. If the vehicle has a reverse camera and the aftermarket radio has a reverse camera input, connect the Yellow RCA plug from the Gray connector to the aftermarket radio's reverse camera input.
  6. Plug in the [CMX] chime module if necessary. If the vehicle does not chime when the radio is removed, the [CMX] is not required. For best sound, mount the [CMX] in a location free of obstructions, preferably near the bottom of the dash pointing towards the floor.
  7. The Mute loop (if uncut) will disable the accessory output during an [OnStar] or Bluetooth call. If the aftermarket radio has a mute input, cut this loop and connect the outer brown wire to the mute input.
  8. Connect the SWC wire according to the chart on page 1. The aftermarket radio must support a wired remote input.
  9. If you need to re-assign functions to the SWC, follow the programming instructions in the next section.

Default Steering Wheel Control Programming

The interface comes pre-programmed for factory SWC functions. Programming is only necessary if you wish to re-assign functions or use short press/long press dual command functionality. Default settings can be restored by pressing the program button once and waiting for the timeout.

Default SWC Button Assignments

ButtonAlpineJVCKenwoodClarionPioneerSonyFusion
Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +
Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -
SourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSource
Track +Track +Track +Track +Search +Track +Track +Track +
Track -Track -Track -Track -Search -Track -Track -Track -
VoiceVoiceMuteMuteMuteMuteMuteMute
Play/PausePreset +Preset/Disc -Disc/FM+BandPreset +Preset +Audio

Optional Steering Wheel Control Programming

To re-assign SWC functions, utilize short press/long press dual command functionality, or select between Factory/[Aftermarket] modes, the interface must be programmed in a specific order detailed in the chart on page 3. If a function is not available on your steering wheel or you do not wish to program it, press and release the program button to skip. The [LED] will flash off and on to confirm the skip.

Set Radio Select Switch

A rotary switch on the interface side must be set according to the vehicle's radio type before plugging into the vehicle. The available settings are:

AlpineJVCKenwoodClarionPioneer/OtherSonyFusion
1234789

Other compatible brands include Advent, BOYO, Dual, Lightning Audio, and Visteon.

Optional Steering Wheel Control Programming (cont.)

The Mute button can be configured to control factory [OnStar] functions (Factory Mode) or the aftermarket radio (Aftermarket Mode). In Factory Mode, the Mute button controls [OnStar] and cannot be programmed for dual command functionality. In Aftermarket Mode, [OnStar] control via the Mute button is disabled, freeing it for mute commands and a second function. [OnStar] must then be accessed via factory controls on the rearview mirror.

Use the function chart on the next page as a guide for programming functions in the proper order for your new radio.

  1. Turn the key to the ignition position.
  2. Press and release the programming button on the interface to select the mode: one press for Factory Mode, two presses for Aftermarket Mode. The [LED] will blink with each press.
  3. After 2.5 seconds, the [LED] will turn solid. You have two options:
    • A. Restore Factory Defaults: Wait 7 seconds. The [LED] will blink 3 times, indicating timeout and restored defaults.
    • B. Program Custom Assignments: Proceed to step 4.
  4. With the [LED] on, press the first steering wheel button to be learned. The [LED] will turn off. You have two options:
    • A. Short Press: Release the button within 1.5 seconds. The [LED] will turn back on.
    • B. Long Press: Hold the button until the [LED] starts blinking. Release the button; the [LED] will turn solid again.
  5. To program additional buttons, repeat step 3 for each function.
  6. If a function on the chart is not present on your steering wheel or you do not wish to program it, press and release the program button to skip it.
  7. Once programming is complete, wait seven seconds. The [LED] will flash three times, indicating the end of programming.
  8. Test the interface for proper functionality. The [LED] should blink whenever an SWC button is pressed. If any function fails, repeat the programming steps.

Optional Programming Order

#AlpineJVCKenwoodClarionOther*PioneerSonyFusion
1Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +Volume +
2Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -Volume -
3MuteMuteMuteMuteMuteMuteMuteMute
4Preset +SourceSourceSourcePreset +Preset +Preset +Source
5Preset -Track +PlaySearch +Preset -Preset -Preset -Track +
6SourceTrack -Track +Search -SourceSourceSourceTrack -
7Track +Band/Disc +Track -BandTrack +Track +Track +Audio
8Track -Preset/Disc -Disc/FM +Send/EndTrack -Track -Track -Power
9PowerSelectDisc/AM -SendBandBandBandBand
10Enter/PlayAttenuationAnswerEndN/APhone MenuAnswer CallAnswer/End Call
11Band/ProgramPhone ReceiveVoice DialAnswer CallReject Call/Source (Bluetooth equipped radios only)
12ReceivePhone RejectOn HookEnd Call
13EndVoice DialOff HookVR
14VRPowerMute (Multimedia units only)
15Preset +

* Other = Advent, Boyo, Dual, Lightning Audio, Rockford Fosgate, & Visteon

Testing and Verification

  1. Turn the ignition on. The interface [LED] will illuminate, and the +12v accessory wire will become active.
  2. Turn on the radio and check balance and fade. Note: Premium Factory amplified systems may not fade correctly, as neither the aftermarket radio nor the RP interface can control the amplifier's fader.
  3. Verify that the factory subwoofer (if present) is operational.
  4. Confirm that all SWC functions are operating correctly for both the aftermarket radio and [OnStar]. To adjust [OnStar] volume, press the [OnStar] button on the mirror, then use the SWC volume buttons to adjust the level. The volume will increase in 8 steps before returning to the original level.
  5. Pressing the [OnStar] button on the rearview mirror will mute the rear speakers and allow [OnStar] audio to be heard through the two front speakers. The [OnStar] active [LED] will also illuminate. When [OnStar] disconnects, the radio will un-mute or turn back on, and the [OnStar] [LED] will turn off. Pressing the Mute/[OnStar] button on the steering wheel for 1.5 seconds will also activate [OnStar].
  6. Turn off the vehicle and remove the key. [RAP] will remain active, keeping the radio on for 10 minutes or until the driver's door is opened.
  7. The [LED] and radio will turn off when [RAP] deactivates or the driver's door is opened.
  8. Use the 4-position selector switch on the [CMX] module to select the optimal chime output volume for your installation. Setting 1 is the loudest, and setting 4 is the softest.

Using Rear Seat Audio Controls

The interface supports control of rear seat audio features when connected to compatible aftermarket radios.

Using the Radio's Dual Zone Source

The interface allows control over the radio's dual zone source. The graphic shows controls for changing between factory XM tuner and dual zone radio source, turning rear seat controls on/off, and controlling the radio as programmed by the SWC interface (mapped to arrow buttons).

  1. Press the power button to activate the Rear Seat Entertainment ([RSE]) Controls. When "Radio" is displayed on the [RSE] Controls, the aftermarket radio's rear speaker output will be heard through the headphone jacks. Engaging the aftermarket radio's dual zone mode should set the rear speaker output level to a fixed value, allowing precise adjustment via the [RSE] control knobs (refer to the aftermarket radio owner's manual for specific dual zone operation).
  2. The seek arrows and PROG button will control the radio functions as programmed by the SWC interface, mapped to the SWC buttons as previously described.
  3. Pressing the power button will turn off the [RSE] Controls and the vehicle's ignition. The seek arrows and PROG button will continue to function as programmed (except for the SRCE function, which will be inactive) when the Rear Seat Controls are turned off.

Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE); If equipped

Vehicles equipped with an overhead screen only: In this configuration, the GMRVD2 must be used to feed A/V signals into the factory screen from an aftermarket head unit (which must support A/V out). The GMRVD2 passes A/V from the aftermarket head unit to the rear screen, with audio available through headphones. It also passes auxiliary inputs from the rear of the center console to the aftermarket head unit.

Vehicles equipped with an overhead screen AND headrest monitors: In this setup, the headrest monitors operate independently from the overhead monitor. Neither video nor audio can be passed to or from the headrest monitors. The overhead monitor functions as described in the previous point.

OnStar Volume Adjustment for Vehicles w/o SWC

  1. If SWC buttons are not present, the programming button on the interface must be used to control the [OnStar] audio level during an [OnStar] connection.
  2. When [OnStar] is active, pressing the programming button will raise the audio level 4 times before returning to the original level.

Technical Support and Product Updates (Firmware)

The RP5-GM32 can be updated with new firmware as it becomes available using the PAC-UP interface updater (sold separately). Visit www.PAC-audio.com/firmware for available updates.

Technical Support:
Email: support@PAC-audio.com
Phone: 866-931-8021

Technical Bulletin: RadioPRO5 Accessory Power Output Drop-out At High Volumes

Overview

Symptom: The 12v+ accessory output drops out at high volume, causing the aftermarket radio to shut down.

Cause: Aftermarket radios with high-powered speaker outputs, when played at high volumes, can cause the interface's components to overheat, leading to the 12v accessory output failure.

Solution: Wire 3 of the 4 factory speakers directly to the outputs of the aftermarket radio, bypassing the interface. The front left speaker must remain wired through the interface to retain [OnStar] functionality.

Disconnect the Speaker Wires

The RadioPRO5 Module includes two harnesses:

  1. Disconnect speaker wires from the Aftermarket Radio harness:
    • Cut the positive and negative speaker wires for the Left Rear, Right Rear, and Right Front channels, away from the RP5-Radio harness.
    • Note: The Left Front speaker wires must remain connected for [OnStar] audio.
  2. Modify the Vehicle harness:
    • Cut the positive and negative speaker wires for the Left Rear, Right Rear, and Right Front channels, away from the RP5 module.
    • Note: The Left Front speaker wires must remain connected for [OnStar] audio.

Reconnect the Speaker Wires

Connect the 3 channels of speaker wires from the Aftermarket Radio harness to the corresponding speaker wires on the Vehicle harness, bypassing the RP5 module, as shown in the diagram. The diagram illustrates the new connections made between the aftermarket radio harness and the vehicle harness for the rear left, rear right, and front right speaker channels.

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