Replacing 6CD Changer w/Monsoon
 

Starting a new thread -

My stock 6CD with Monsoon head had proven to be defective with CD "Initializing" in constant loop. Also, traced down the RDO circuit that relates to the radio station memory causing amperage draw and dead battery overnight. Basically toast. I removed the head unit and managed to extract the CD;s. My question is the following...

If replacing with an aftermarket unit and getting the correct harnesses, there was a previous thread that specified a "METRA GMOS-04 WIRING HARNESS" that is pretty expensive compared to off the shelf generic. I understand that the Metra harness will keep the security warnings, On Star etc. but is it needed if you no longer need or want those features?

Also, there is another 12 pin plug that goes in to a unit that seems buried lower in that head space; is that the XM satellite or On Star unit? Does the 12 pin harness need to be enabled on an aftermarket unit?

TIA

Hopefully I'm correct in saying that that 12 pin plug goes to the On Star unit as I see the XM Satellite unit is near the glove box. Anyone confirm please?