Upgrading the factory radio in your car can feel like a significant step towards modernizing your driving experience. Like many car enthusiasts, I decided to take the plunge and replace the MyLink radio in my 2016 Chevy Trax. It was a birthday project, and despite knowing that sourcing parts from overseas could present challenges, I was eager to gain new features and improve my in-car entertainment. I was aware I might lose the external temperature sensor, but I hoped the upgrade would offer more in return – and it certainly did, including displaying local GPS temperatures right on the new screen.
I opted for the “Dasaita 2 din Android 8.0 Car GPS radio,” drawn to its promise of advanced features and seamless integration. Ordering from AliExpress (418.0US $ |2 din Android 8.0 Car GPS radio for Chevrolet Trax 2013 2014 2015 2016 Stereo Multimedia player with Octa core 4GB Ram+32GB rom|car gps player|radio multimediastereo gps – AliExpress) seemed like a reasonable choice given the price and “plug & play” description. However, being an early adopter, as indicated by the “1 sold 249 available” stock status, meant I was venturing into uncharted territory. What followed was a slightly bumpy but ultimately rewarding journey.
The initial hiccup arrived quickly: despite pre-shipment testing assurances, the radio arrived with the wrong wiring harness – a KIA harness instead of the required GM one! It seems a simple mix-up occurred during packaging, a testament to the challenges of international shipping and communication.
After contacting the supplier and providing photographic evidence, they promptly sent the correct GM power harness. However, this was just the beginning. The replacement power harness arrived after a customs delay, allowing me to power the unit, but I soon discovered further missing components: the essential GM antenna adapter and USB adapter. My initial excitement waned as I realized the “plug & play” experience was turning into a component chase.
Another round of communication with the supplier, and eventually, the missing cables arrived – again, delayed by customs. Finally, on my third attempt, I could fully power and operate the radio, enjoying music and USB connectivity. Yet, new issues emerged: no chimes and a non-functional backup camera.
Troubleshooting the backup camera led me to discover it utilized pins 7 & 8. To resolve this, I had to get creative, repurposing KIA cables to suit my needs. This involved some DIY wiring and problem-solving, definitely moving away from the promised “plug & play” simplicity.
Eventually, even the chimes were sorted out with an additional speaker. While still working through minor software updates, particularly for navigation, the radio was functional enough to remain in the Trax. The large touchscreen and the ability to display my dashcam footage were significant improvements.
Securing vent pieces from a junkyard for the frame added a finishing touch to the installation, improving the overall aesthetics.
Beyond entertainment and convenience, modern car upgrades often open doors to better vehicle diagnostics. Interestingly, I also got the Torque app working, enabling onboard diagnostics. While fortunately, no fault codes were present at the time, having access to this data is invaluable for any car owner, especially when undertaking modifications or troubleshooting issues. For a more dedicated and user-friendly diagnostic experience, tools like the Cobra Mini Bluetooth Obd Car Diagnostic Scanner are readily available. These compact scanners offer real-time data and insights into your vehicle’s health, connecting wirelessly to your smartphone or car radio via Bluetooth. Imagine being able to monitor engine performance, check for potential issues, and even clear minor fault codes right from your new Android radio display – tools like the Cobra Mini make this a reality.
Despite the initial setbacks, the radio upgrade was ultimately a success. It’s a significant enhancement to my Chevy Trax, bringing modern features and a more enjoyable driving experience. And with the added potential for enhanced vehicle diagnostics using tools like a cobra mini bluetooth obd car diagnostic scanner, it’s an upgrade that offers benefits beyond just entertainment.
