Aftermarket Accessories - Installation Guidelines: Overview
90chevy11Number: 91-10-8A
Section: 8A
Date: April 1990
Corporate Bulletin No.: 038121
Subject: INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
Model and Year: ALL MODEL YEARS, ALL CAR AND TRUCK LINES
The popularity and variety of electronic aftermarket auto accessories is rapidly growing. Many of these devices require permanent connections to the electrical system of the vehicle. These installations are usually performed by the dealership, a specialty shop, or the customer.
Today's automotive electrical systems are very sophisticated. Improperly installed electrical accessories can interfere with the vehicles operation, performance, and in some circumstances cause damage to the vehicle which would not be covered under the General Motors New Vehicle Warranty. Possible problems to the vehicle are, but are not limited to: stalling, surging, poor performance, detonation, blown fuses, damaged wiring, cluster lighting changes, battery drains, alarm system failures, premature relay failures, poor radio reception, and radio speaker noises.
Many customers who encounter aftermarket accessory related problems may in error fault the original manufacturer of the vehicle as the cause of the problem. Therefore, in the interest of customer satisfaction, technicians should check for add-on (non OEM) electrical equipment as the first step in diagnosing electrical problems. If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the system to verify that these add-on "accessories" are not the cause of the resulting noise interference.
Installation guidelines are listed below. These guidelines are intended to supplement, but not to be used in place of, the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Instructions for add-on installations are the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of the radio telephone, land mobile radio, or other accessory.
NOTE: Due to the variety of the aftermarket accessories, consult the manufacturer for additional details specific to their product.
In general, there are three classes of aftermarket equipment.