GM Data Interface and Steering Wheel Control Retention with Metra Harnesses

The Metra BY-GM29-SWC and OY-INGM1 are aftermarket radio wiring harnesses and interfaces designed for select General Motors (GM) vehicles from 2000 to 2012. These interfaces aim to retain essential vehicle functions—such as steering wheel controls, chimes, accessory power, and balance/fade—when replacing the factory-installed radio with an aftermarket unit. Both products are intended for use in non-amplified vehicle models or those with analog-activated amplifiers. The OY-INGM1 interface is specifically noted as being micro-B USB updatable.

Interface Functionality and Features

Both the BY-GM29-SWC and OY-INGM1 interfaces serve a similar purpose: to bridge the gap between an aftermarket radio and the GM vehicle’s data system. Replacing the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) radio often results in the loss of integrated features. These interfaces are designed to mitigate this loss by communicating with the vehicle’s data network.

Key features provided by both interfaces include:

  • Retention of 12-volt accessory power.
  • Provision of navigation outputs.
  • Retention of audible warning chimes.
  • Retention of steering wheel control functionality.
  • Retention of balance and fade controls.

The OY-INGM1 specifically adds the capability to provide wires for multimedia radios, including connections for parking brake, reverse, and speed sense signals. It also retains the retained accessory power (R.A.P.) function.

Compatibility and Vehicle Support

The OY-INGM1 interface is designed for select GM models from 2000-2012. Specific vehicle compatibility includes:

Buick

  • Century (2004-2005)
  • LaCrosse (2005-2009)
  • Rainier (2004, 2005-2007)
  • Regal (2004)
  • Rendezvous (2002-2007)
  • Terraza (2005-2007)

Cadillac

  • Escalade, Escalade ESV & EXT (2003-2006)

Chevrolet

  • Avalanche (2003-2006)
  • Cavalier (2000-2005)
  • Colorado (2004-2012)
  • Corvette (2005-2013)
  • Express (2003-2007)
  • Impala (2000-2005)
  • Kodiak C4500-C8500 (2003-2009)
  • Malibu (2001-2003)
  • Malibu Classic (2004-2005)
  • Monte Carlo (2000-2005)
  • Silverado (2003-2006)
  • Silverado Classic (2007)
  • SSR (2003-2006)
  • Suburban (2003-2006)
  • Tahoe (2003-2006)
  • Trailblazer (2002-2004)

The BY-GM29-SWC is compatible with Buick/Cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC/Hummer/Pontiac/Saturn models from 2006 onwards, though a specific vehicle list is not provided in the documentation.

Steering Wheel Control Programming

The OY-INGM1 interface requires a specific programming sequence to properly integrate with the vehicle’s steering wheel controls. The documented procedure involves two steps:

  1. Press and hold the designated button.
  2. Tap the designated button.

The specific button to press and hold, and then tap, varies depending on the vehicle model. The documentation provides a model-specific list for the vehicles listed in the compatibility section.

Installation Considerations

Both interfaces are designed for use in vehicles that are not equipped with factory-amplified sound systems, or those utilizing an analog activated amplifier. The documentation does not provide detailed installation instructions beyond stating that these interfaces connect an aftermarket radio to the OEM vehicle and communicate with the data system. Additional installation manuals from Metra Electronics (95-5819, 95-7377B, 95-7510, 95-7510HG, 95-7812B, 95-7863, 95-7882B) are referenced but not included in the provided source data.

Metra Product Range and Documentation

The provided documentation indicates that Metra Electronics offers a broad range of automotive accessories, including car stereo systems, car video systems, amplifiers, antennas, and TV mounts. Numerous installation instructions manuals are available from Metra, covering a wide variety of products and vehicle applications. The documentation also lists manuals for other product lines such as powersports amplifiers, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, and water filtration systems. The availability of these manuals can be found on ManualsLib, which hosts over 976 Metra Electronics manuals.

Additional Metra Products Mentioned

The documentation references several other Metra products, including:

  • AXXESS AXDSPX-HD2: An installation instructions manual is available.
  • Axxess NIRD-01: An installation instructions manual is available.
  • GM11-SWC/GM1: An installation instructions manual is available.
  • Saddle Tramp BC-DSPX-HD2: An installation instructions manual is available.
  • AntennaWorks 44-PW22, 44-PW22B, PW22: Installation instructions are available.
  • Various Amplifier Models: User manuals are available for POWERSPORTS MPS-AMP10X2 and MPS-AMP60X4.
  • Various TV Mount Models: Installation instructions are available for several models.

Source Reliability

The primary source of information is the product descriptions for the BY-GM29-SWC and OY-INGM1, along with a listing of available manuals from Metra Electronics on ManualsLib. These sources are considered relatively reliable as they originate from the manufacturer or a distributor of Metra products. However, the lack of detailed installation instructions within the provided documentation limits the completeness of the information. The documentation listing numerous other manuals suggests that more comprehensive guidance is available separately.

Conclusion

The Metra BY-GM29-SWC and OY-INGM1 interfaces provide a solution for retaining key vehicle functions when upgrading to an aftermarket radio in select General Motors vehicles. The OY-INGM1 offers additional features, including multimedia input connections and USB update capability. Proper compatibility with the vehicle model and adherence to the steering wheel control programming sequence are crucial for successful installation. While the provided documentation outlines the core functionality and compatibility, users may need to consult additional installation manuals for detailed instructions.

Sources

  1. Metra BY-GM29-SWC Product Page
  2. Metra Electronics Manuals on ManualsLib
  3. Metra OY-INGM1 Product Page

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