OK, I have my Vibe deck almost ready to install with one small issue. I asked both guys on the forum that have done the install and neither of them know a fix yet.. The issue I ran into was the button illumination when the lights are on at night. The vibe has both a positive and negative wire for illumination. I found the pin out info for the Fiero and the Vibe deck and with everything wired the way it shows and the button lights only come on if I turn the Fiero dimmer all the way down. Looks great but I can't see the gauges. It works but backwards. Any suggestions??

Fiero Pin out:


Vibe Pin out: Edit showing the correct connections:
A1 Not Used
A2 Not used
A3 Not used
A4 Not used
A5 Not used
A6 Not used
A7 Not used
A8 Left Front Speaker Output +
A9 Left Front Speaker Output -
A10 Right Rear Speaker Output -
A11 Right Rear Speaker Output +
A12 Ground
B1 Battery Positive Voltage
B2 Ignition Positive Voltage
B3 Antenna or Amplifier Supply Voltage <---Connect to Switched Ignition
B4 Backlighting Control <---Dimmer Wire
B5 Backlighting Dim Ground <---Ground this
B6 Sensitivity Control
B7 Not Used
B8 Left Rear Speaker Output +
B9 Left Rear Speaker Output -
B10 Right Front Speaker Output -
B11 Right Front Speaker Output +
B12 Park Lamps Input <---Illumination Wire

Everything works and sounds great. A very noticeable improvement! The Vibe deck even shows song titles and station names. I am going to attempt an XM tuner next.


THANKS!!

------------------
-Chane

[This message has been edited by chane (edited 10-10-2008).]

I'm pretty sure that the park lamps input needs to be hot with the lights on.

Do you have pics of your install?

Edit - The 2-wire Fiero connector is a "keep alive" (always on 12 volts) for the station presets and clock memory, and a...
dimmer wire.

I forget the wire colors, but with everything (including the lights) turned off, the keep-alive will still have 12 volts on it.




------------------
Raydar
88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe -soon to be something other than red

Read Nealz Nuze! Praise the Lowered!

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-09-2008).]

Here is all I have so far. I am attempting to getting working right before trimming everything down to fit.

I just spliced the Positive Illumination wire to both #4 and 12 with no luck.



Curlup wrote up install details. see https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/094799.html

[This message has been edited by chane (edited 10-10-2008).]

Hi Chane,

What voltage range does the dimmer lead from the Fiero put out with the lights on when you cycle the dimmer dial from full on to full off? I can't check on my car because the interior is completely gutted for a redo.

The range on the B4 pin on the Vibe is 0 to 12V with the lights on when you operate the dimmer switch. If the Fiero dimmer lead has the same voltage range, then you may be able to get the dimmer to operate the Vibe radio correctly by grounding B5 and hooking the Fiero dimmer lead up to B4. (I haven't tried this yet, but I will when I'm putting my interior back together. Standard disclaimer applies. Yada, yada, yada....)

The park pin on the Vibe radio needs 12V with the lights on (0V with the lights off). This partially dims the display at night. I don't think that this effects the dimmer wheel function.

Bob

quote Originally posted by cerulean: Hi Chane, What voltage range does the dimmer lead from the Fiero put out with the lights on when you cycle the dimmer dial from full on to full off? I can't check on my car because the interior is completely gutted for a redo. The range on the B4 pin on the Vibe is 0 to 12V with the lights on when you operate the dimmer switch. If the Fiero dimmer lead has the same voltage range, then you may be able to get the dimmer to operate the Vibe radio correctly by grounding B5 and hooking the Fiero dimmer lead up to B4. (I haven't tried this yet, but I will when I'm putting my interior back together. Standard disclaimer applies. Yada, yada, yada....) The park pin on the Vibe radio needs 12V with the lights on (0V with the lights off). This partially dims the display at night. I don't think that this effects the dimmer wheel function. Bob

That was it! Grounded one side and they light up. No dimmer but I'm good with that. Thanks Bob!

Got everything back together and took for a test spin. I ended up not cutting the surround opening any larger afraid I would mess it up. It covers the CD opening but you can't tell. Looks stock. I don't listen to CD's much and am probably going to try for either XM/iPod adapter or a complete nav system later anyway. Right now its not bad for $29. I'll snap a pic during daylight tomorrow.

[This message has been edited by chane (edited 10-10-2008).]

Pics installed. I may go back and cutout the bezel later, but with the hack job my rotozip did to the top of the deck I'll need to find something better to cut with.

quote Originally posted by chane: Pics installed. I may go back and cutout the bezel later, but with the hack job my rotozip did to the top of the deck I'll need to find something better to cut with.

This looks great, did you put the correct information in the wire outs in the first post? What year Vibe do I need to look for to get this radio?

Mine is from a 2003. I'm not sure what all years they made them 'dumb' to also work in the Toyota Matrix.

They are usually listed pretty cheap. See http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot...em&item=320309383929

I did update the pinout info for the Vibe in the first post above.

Thanks!

Next is the factory 'premium sound' sub and Kenwood dash speakers...

[This message has been edited by chane (edited 10-10-2008).]

Thanks I just bid on the radio

Looks like this. Its a 24 pin connector.



The guy that sold me the vibe deck included the connector with wires cut short. I was able to pop those out with a paper clip and snap in the same wires from a 90's GM like you have using the pinouts above.

see http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot...em&item=320040670591

You will also need the smaller antenna adapter if you don't already have one.

Show us some pictures of how it attaches to the radio and the IPod.

I'll get a pic before I put it all back tonight. here is all the info on it: http://www.isimplesolutions...Detail.asp?strID=363

Looks like auction went for only $5.

wow, i like that one a lot. what is the EQ like?

------------------
1987 Fiero GT built by my brother, merlot566jka, 3500 LX9 from 06 Malibu, WOT-TECH.com 1280 grind stage 3 cam, LS6 valve springs, 1227730 ECM conversion, Darrel Morse solid aluminum cradle mounts, Truleo headers modified to fit the 3500, 36# inectors, 70mm 4.3 throttle body adapted to 3500 intake, ported heads, upper and lower intakes, lightly polished, tcemotorsports.com crank trigger wheel, CenterForce dual friction clutch, Flowtech Afterburner muffler, 2.5" piping, cat deleted, EGR deleted, SinisterPerformance tuning, C6 Corvette exhaust tips. projected to be 35 MPG with a guesstimate of 250 hp at the motor

EQ has a few presets and you can manually set. Even after swapping the dash speakers to the new kenwoods I can't get any bass. Hopeing the factory sub setup I ordered will solve that.

quote Originally posted by chane: Looks like auction went for only $5.

It was $5.50. I was gonna up bid in the last 12 seconds, and my slow connection screwed me up. Should have confirmed at 15 seconds. I have purchased a second one that should be here Thursday on the UPS truck. I ordered the connector for the 24 pin also and have it in route. I am not gonna remove the radio I have in there now until next week. We are going to a Fiero function this week end In Lufkin, Texas.

Chane you should come to the Red River Ruckus with us in Lufkin this weekend. This will be my second one. Meet some of the great Fiero guys we have here in the Texas area.

Ruckus Link: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/072837.html

Contacted the other guy,(Curlup), about some of those rub on's for the buttons. He didn't know where to get any. He made his at his job, and says that he is snowed in at work right now.

Joe

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 10-14-2008).]

I'm just going to try the vinyl decal shop in the mall for some of those.

Lufkin 8+hrs for me..

Chane---That looks good but I would finish trimming the bezel. If you have access to a jigsaw, just use a fine tooth blade and take your time. Put a piece of masking tape at the line where you want to cut as a guide (all the way across). Don't cut through to the corners. Leave a "tab" at each of the top corners.



My Photoshop skills suck but cut the red area out first, then go back and finish the corner.

Once you're done cutting, remove the tape and use a small sanding drum (on a Dremel or similar) to finish the corners. After that, lightly sand the burrs off the new edge. If you're gonna do something, take the time to do it right. You never know when you'll want to play a CD.

quote Originally posted by chane: I'm just going to try the vinyl decal shop in the mall for some of those. Lufkin 8+hrs for me..

I drove 6 1/2 hours last year when it was in Kerrville. Gas here today was down to $2.92. Enjoy the ride in your Fiero!! Turn on your Ipod.

I'll keep my eye open for a Vinyl shop next time I am in a Houston Mall., I'm 98 miles north of Houston.

Joe

I saw Chane's install in person today. It appears that it came from the factory with it, except for the bezel covering of the CD cavity. He came to the Ruckus in Lufkin, Tx today with his fine LS1 Red Formula.
Joe

Edited to add : Chane's Dot Matrix radio bezel is "Cherry". I don't blame him one bit for shying away from trimming it out. There's not a better one than his out there anywhere I doubt.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 10-18-2008).]

I got to test my radio. I don't know if the radio is no good, or if it needs a computer interface car to work in, but it will not work. Already in the trash dumpster. Sorta bent up now.

So I am outta this until after Christmas

Yeah Joe yours is from a montana.. I believe those use the class II data bus. I'll be on the lookout for anothe $5 Vibe deck for ya.

That would be great. I have gone to Sleeze bay a few times today looking. Nothing new added
Enjoyed meeting you. See you at the next meet, Spring Fling I think.
Joe

quote Originally posted by chane: That was it! Grounded one side and they light up. No dimmer but I'm good with that. Thanks Bob!

Hi Chane,

I finally got around to rewiring my radio yesterday:
1. Gray Fiero dimmer lead to Vibe Radio backlight +
2. Grounded Vibe radio backlight -
3. Brown Fiero park to Vibe radio park.

Lights and dimmer work correctly.

Bob

quote Originally posted by josef644: I saw Chane's install in person today. It appears that it came from the factory with it, except for the bezel covering of the CD cavity. He came to the Ruckus in Lufkin, Tx today with his fine LS1 Red Formula. Joe Edited to add : Chane's Dot Matrix radio bezel is "Cherry". I don't blame him one bit for shying away from trimming it out. There's not a better one than his out there anywhere I doubt.

I have at least one, if not more old bezels, that he can have and cut up. The CD slot covered up just doesn't look right to me.

Anyone know for sure what year Vibe/Matrix radios will work for this install?
Joe Crawford

quote Originally posted by josef644: Anyone know for sure what year Vibe/Matrix radios will work for this install? Joe Crawford

The Vibe radios from 2003 to 2007 and the Matrix radios from 2003 to 2004.

I'm not sure about the Vibe radios after 2007.

After 2004, the Matrix started using a different Radio than the Vibe.

The radios that have a "Band" button instead of an "AM/FM" button support add-ons like iPod systems.

You can check the GenVibe forums for more info.

Bob

Great, and thanks. I have me a 2007 Vibe radio spotted.
Joe

chane,
i put an 06 vibe radio in my gt and the buttons don't light up like yours do. i used an o6 vibe plug i bought off ebay from car neon and soldered the wires to another plug i had to make the connection. everything works but the factory sub and the buttons.
any thoughts?
al

i noticed with my monsoon, the buttons light up differently between CD and radio and if the headlights are on or not. for your sub problem, it could be the amp isnt getting the right power supply. if you have the power antenna wire going to the amp power wire, that wont cut it. have that wire run to the switched 12v line to the deck. that will make the amp turn on. if that is your issue.

------------------
First LX9 Fiero GT, 1987
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem
Fiero's are people too. We pay just as much attention to them, if not more than our loved ones
My Fiero Fuel Economy
Videos of My GT
Google Videos of My GT
MPG Display for OBD I

quote Originally posted by ace5514: chane, i put an 06 vibe radio in my gt and the buttons don't light up like yours do. i used an o6 vibe plug i bought off ebay from car neon and soldered the wires to another plug i had to make the connection. everything works but the factory sub and the buttons. any thoughts? al

Al,

Take a look at my post (TO Chane) a few up from yours. My buttons light up as expected. Can't help with the sub since I don't have one.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/F...HTML/095495.html#p25

Bob

[This message has been edited by cerulean (edited 02-05-2009).]

thanks bob,
do all vibe radio buttons light up? someone said they don't but all the ones i saw do. i think i found the problem with the sub (thanks to a search on this site).
as for the wiring you mentioned the dimmer ground on the vibe plug ( i think b-5) doesn't come with a wire in it. i can add one though if you think that wil work.
thanks again
al

quote Originally posted by ace5514: thanks bob, do all vibe radio buttons light up? someone said they don't but all the ones i saw do. i think i found the problem with the sub (thanks to a search on this site). as for the wiring you mentioned the dimmer ground on the vibe plug ( i think b-5) doesn't come with a wire in it. i can add one though if you think that wil work. thanks again al

Hi Al,

All the buttons on the Vibe radios in my Vibe and my Fiero light up.

I moved leads around in the Vibe plug that I bought on ebay to match the pin out below. The colors closest to the connector are the leads coming off the plug (and most likely won't match yours since I moved them around and added some). The outer most colors are the Fiero wire colors. The PO had cut off the plugs to put in an aftermarket radio so I just soldered the ebay plug to the Fiero leads.


(I also have leads (not shown) going to pins A through M for my IPOD and my bluetooth hands-free kit. )

Bob

thanks again,
i hate to be a pain but if you could tell me what pins a-m do i might be able to figure out how to hok up my sirius (gm-sir1) radio head unit to that plug. i seems to want input from the vibe computer but as we all know it aint there. i am going to try to do the other wiring changes i see here this week, but i checked my nephews grandam and his lights don't light up either.
al

Very nice I picked up one from a local wreckers and it has the band button so what is involved at this point for attaching theings like an i pod to the radio. Is it wired in through the rear main plug as there is no where on the radio to plug in any extras. Thanks Dan

quote Originally posted by ace5514: if you could tell me what pins a-m do i might be able to figure out how to hok up my sirius (gm-sir1) radio head unit to that plug

Pins a-m are for a GM data bus (not sure of the specs). My Ipod adapter came with the plug to connect to pins a-m. The adapter emulates a GM cd changer that was optional on the Vibe. The adapter that I use is no longer made, but you could search on ebay (pontiac vibe ipod) to get an idea of what is currently available. Take a look over at Genvibe also to see what people are using. You can buy similar adapters that just have aux in plugs to hook up your sirius unit.

To hook up my hands-free bluetooth kit, I used the pins on the adapter connector for mute and external mono speaker in (S+ and S-). These pins are unused by my ipod adapter.

quote Originally posted by ace5514: i am going to try to do the other wiring changes i see here this week, but i checked my nephews grandam and his lights don't light up either.

My buttons only light up when the parking/headlights are on. Check Chane's earlier posts in this thread for a picture that shows the unit lit up.

Bob

I purchased on off of E-Bay a few days ago, and it came today. I already had a wiring harness and plug for it here at home. I have hooked it up on my bench and let it run for about 20 minuets, and run threw an old Celine Dion CD to check out the CD function. All appears to be OK. I'll be installing it into my 88 Coupe when it comes home soon.

I could not get the "Image Poster" to work today, so here is Chane's radio picture. Mine is identical.


Joe Crawford

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 06-19-2009).]

quote Originally posted by josef644: I purchased on off of E-Bay a few days ago, and it came today. I already had a wiring harness and plug for it here at home. I have hooked it up on my bench and let it run for about 20 minuets, and run threw an old Celine Dion CD to check out the CD function. All appears to be OK. I'll be installing it into my 88 Coupe when it comes home soon. Joe Crawford

Does yours play MP3 CDs? I heard that some do and some don't.

I was considering the VIBE radio, but I have in mind to try another "dumbed down" GM radio first.