CORVETTE BTA-C5 Streaming Add on Module Installation Guide

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 Corvette

Fully functioning 12-disc CD changer in trunk/hatch

Introduction:

If your C5 has a fully functioning 12-disc changer and looking to add Bluetooth streaming; the BTA-C5 (formerly A2D-C5) is for you! Users can opt to connect/install the BTA-C5 behind the radio or in the trunk/hatch. Regardless of chosen install location; the required 12-disc CD changer remains connected and operational; however, if the 12-disc changer malfunctions (e.g. skips, displays Err etc.); the BTA-C5 will NOT work. To operate, simply pair smart device (Smartphone, Tablet etc.) and enjoy Apple music, Pandora, navigation guidance and more on the car radio system. Controls are available from the included wireless remote. C5 radio buttons (except volume) do not apply! See frequently asked question at the end of this guide.

Installation 1: behind the radio/dash

Warning: The installation harness in Fig. 2 is used to connect module to the radio. Installation harness in Fig.8 is used to connect module to the 10-pin CD changer plug in trunk/hatch. Regardless of install location, a functioning multi-disc CD changer is required. (Don’t ignore this warning)

Radio removal required. (Click links below to remove radio from the dash) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcrlufo1ctc

Press black release tab on factory plug to disconnect 20-pin plug from radio. (See Fig. 1)

Fig. 1

2. Connect factory 20-pin plug (from step 1) to matting 20-pin socket (white) on installation harness (See Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

3. Connect installation harness 20-pin black/gray plug (See Fig. 2) to radio 20-pin socket vacated in step 1
4. Tuck and secure any extra wires away from moving parts and skip to step 6 on page 5.

Installation 2: To 10-pin CD changer plug in trunk/hatch

Warning: Installation must be completed at the vehicles rear and vehicle must have a functioning CD changer. Changer remains connected and functional. If vehicle does not have a CD changer or if it malfunctions; the BTA-C5 will not work.

Locate factory changer in trunk/hatch (See Fig.3).
Locate 10-pin plug (See Fig. 6) on the underside of the changer. Disconnect by pressing release tab. Note: This may require dismounting CD changer from mounting bracket.

Fig. 3 12-disc CD changer in hatch

3. Connect factory 10-pin plug (See Fig. 4) to 10-pin socket (white) on install harness (See Fig. 5)

Fig. 4

Fig. 5 socket

4. Connect install harness 10-pin plug (See Fig. 4) to 12-disc changer socket vacated in step 1 (See Fig.6)

Fig. 6

5. Route Red accessory wire to suitable 12V+ Acc supply.

Locating Accessory/switched supply

Unfortunately, there is no accessory wire on CD changer plug and because of that an alternate 12V accessory supply is required.

All 1997-03 C5 includes a 3-pin power plug under passenger seat near BCM (may be covered in black duct tape) – (See Fig. 7) BLACK, YELLOW, ORANGE. The yellow wire is ACC/switched If vehicle does not have 3-pin plug; go to Alternate 12V Acc. supply on next page

Fig.7

Note: 3-pin plug may not be present in all vehicles and has been omitted from model year 2004.

Convertibles: It is also possible to get 12V by tapping into factory antenna wire behind passenger side trunk area. Simply pull carpet away and locate 3-pin wire plug (orange, pink, black) (See Fig. 8). The pink will power module when radio is turned on/off. Tap/splice included accessory wire (red) to pink wire on 3-pin plug.

Alternate 12V Acc. supply:

As an alternate, Fuse #11 of interior fuse box (under passenger toe board) See Fig. 10. We recommend using the included add-a-fuse mini-tap circuit seen in Fig. 9

Fig. 9 fuse tap circuit

How to use the Add-a-fuse circuit connection
a. Strip 1/4- 3/8” insolation from included accessory wire.
b. Look inside blue connector to see where metal ends. Useful in step d.
c. Insert stripped wire to blue connector (See Fig. 4)
d. Hold wire in place and crimp down (crimping too, plyers etc.) After crimp, pull wire to verify crimp integrity.
e. Remove fuse #11 (if present) from vehicle fuse box otherwise skip to step g.
f. Insert factory fuse to empty slot on add-a fuse circuit
g. Insert add-a-fuse circuit to fuse slot # 11

Noteworthy: If slot #11 has no fuse; the empty fuse slot on add-a-fuse tap remains empty. To test your connection simply turn ignition “ON” and verify LED (seen through peephole) is flashing, otherwise check voltage at fuse slot and/or check crimp integrity,

Fig. 10 C5 interior fuse box (yours may be different)

Noteworthy: If streaming is interrupted when headlights, wipers, defroster, A/C etc.; the 12V circuit used to power module is drown too low. To resolve find an alternate 12V ACC circuit to power module.

Also, on rare instances if smartphone volume is set too high, it will “clip” and module will un-pair and reconnect intermittently. To resolve, lower volume on audio device.
6. Connect installation harness 16-pin plug (See Fig. 11) to module 16-pin socket (See Fig. 12)

Optional USB extension cable installation

Notes: If installing module in trunk/hatch, we recommend optional USB extension cable which is not required for operation; however, it extends USB charging port (See Fig. 16) into the cabin. The USB port supports software updates and charging only

Pairing

Pairing process varies among devices but the process is the same. These steps are done upon initial install and will not have to be repeated. The range on this device is approximately 12 ft., so operation is possible if audio device is within range.

Turn ignition and radio “ON”

From your Bluetooth enabled device, turn the Bluetooth ON and search for Bluetooth devices.
When a list of available Bluetooth devices appears on your Bluetooth device, select “DisCarSt” (See Fig. 19)
Confirmation “tone” is heard on car speakers.

The unit will automatically enter the BT Audio source and you can now start streaming audio from your Bluetooth enabled device.
Note: If the mobile phone doesn’t support SSP (Simple Secure Pairing) P profile, please enter the pass code of “0000”

Fig. 19

Bluetooth operation

Turn ignition and radio “ON”
Press “AUX” button on AM/FM Theftlock radio Ensure 12-disc CD changer has at least one “DISC” in magazine which remains loaded.

Launch audio device streaming application.
Set audio device volume to 80%– adjust as needed based on playback quality (reduce if sound is distorted).
Use Theftlock radio volume button to set playback level.

Use wireless remote buttons or device built-in controls to change tracks, adjust device volume, pause etc. (See Fig. 20)
To listen to CD changer, press Pause/Play on remote control.
To switch back to streaming, press Pause/Play button on remote control

Fig. 20

9. If correct operation is confirmed go ahead and reinstall radio.

Feature comparison

Bluetooth Hands-free calls + audio streaming (A2DP)—See table 1. Audio streaming only- See Table2

Table 1

Table 2

*Optional (Select from product order page)

** Google Voice recognition possible with optional remote control

³ Optional media button available here

Frequently asked questions & troubleshooting

Does the BTA-C5 require a CD changer to work? YES; Vehicle must have a fully functioning 12-disc Changer which remains connected and operational. The BTA-C5 will not work if changer malfunctions in any way. Please check changer operation prior to ordering.
The 12-disc changer in my C5 does not work, will I be able to use the BTA-C5 or is there another solution for music streaming?
If vehicle does not have a functioning 12-disc changer, purchase our BLU-C5 audio streaming module.
Will I be able to install the BTA-C5 at the radio instead of trunk/hatch?
YES, The BTA-C5 connects to radio or 10-pin plug at cd changer location. Required 12-disc changer remains connected and functional

Can you explain what’s a CD changer?
Sure, CD changers because of their size etc. are usually installed in remote areas (e.g., trunk, hatch, armrest, glove box, under seat etc.) and as the name implies; are capable of holding multiple disc (3-15) into magazine. In recent years many car manufacturers have built the CD changer into the AM/FM radio (e.g. 6-CD changer/radio). C5 Corvette radios do not have built-in CD changers, therefore all references made herein to CD changers are to the 12-disc changer in trunk or hatch. To be clear; if only one disc can be loaded into radio, it is a single CD player not a CD changer.
Why can’t module be powered from the CD changer plug? The radio 20-pin plug and the 10-pin CD changer plug (in trunk/hatch) has accessory (switched) power. All installations made in trunk/hatch requires locating a 12V accessory from remote location including the fuse panel under passenger toe board.
Does the BTA-C5 module support hands-free phone calls? NO; The BTA-C5 supports Bluetooth audio streaming only. Purchase our BTH-C5CD (requires and retains CD changer)

Does the BTA-C5 work on all model/year Corvette radios?
NO; this module works in 1997-04 Corvette (C5) with functional 12-disc changer (must have changer), otherwise purchase our BLU-C5
How do I switch from streaming to CD changer playback?
To switch from streaming to CD changer playback simply tap Pause/Play button on remote control or pause audio device (e.g. Smartphone)
I have a single CD player radio plus trunk mounted CD changer. How do I listen to the single CD player? The CD/AUX button on the Corvette radio has dual function. Press once to activate/play DISC player built-into radio; press twice to activate remote CD changer or BTA-C5. If the single DISC player (inside radio) is empty; a single press of the CD/AUX button activates the BTA-C5/CD changer operation.

With engine running, there is a high pitch squeal increasing with speed. Can you propose a possible solution? Alternator whine is a nuisance. Check that battery post and ground terminals are free or corrosion. If these check out, consider installing a noise filter.
Does the remote also control CD changer functions? NO. The included remote is only able to control the select Bluetooth functions shown in Fig. 20
How do I insert or change battery in the remote-control? Insert CR2025 battery to holder with label side up or as seen in Fig. 21

Disclaimer
• This product has no affiliation with GM or Apple
• When possible, professional installation is recommended

For additional questions, email support@discountcarstereo.com
© 1995-2024-10-28 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.

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Documents / Resources

CORVETTE BTA-C5 Streaming Add on Module [pdf] Installation Guide
BTA-C5 Streaming Add on Module, BTA-C5, Streaming Add on Module, Add on Module

References

User Manual