Factory remotes not showing display with aftermarket radio

[Hollowpockets]

Quick question for you guys. We are looking at purchasing our first cobalt a 2011 242 WSS and I noticed on the test drive that the factory remote by the steering wheel and the swim platform worked but the display was blank. The salesperson told me it was because they put an aftermarket head unit in. Is this true to anyone’s knowledge or is she trying to pull a fast one on us?

[cmattj]

Quick question for you guys. We are looking at purchasing our first cobalt a 2011 242 WSS and I noticed on the test drive that the factory remote by the steering wheel and the swim platform worked but the display was blank. The salesperson told me it was because they put an aftermarket head unit in. Is this true to anyone’s knowledge or is she trying to pull a fast one on us?

Common with Sony and others as you still have volume, source and next but no display.
You’ll need the correct remote and harness for the radio.
Worth the extra work? Maybe not.

Where are the pics of the Cobalt your charming salesman is showing you?

[Hollowpockets]

Hopefully this attachment works I’m still new to all
of this. My parents have owners cobalts my whole
Life however this will be my first. We go and pick it up
This week and the family is super excited.

[AsLan7]

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Hey HP. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Yes like matt mentioned certain remotes don’t play nicely with other head units when it comes to sone functions (like display). We ended up replacing the head unit and remotes so they all talk nicely to each other.

Thanks for the pic. Looking forward to your family’s Captain report this week. Snap a couple stereo pics for us.. ...maybe an engine shot...and finally a wakeboarding or tubing pic.

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[Hollowpockets]

Thanks for the info. I look forward to all the knowledge and experience within the forum and so glad we can finally be part of the community.

[Hollowpockets]

AsLan7 which head unit did you end up using that works well with the factory remotes if you don’t mind me asking?

[AsLan7]

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The OEM Sony remote volume and source buttons were finicky when we upgraded to a Sony m100bt head unit that we installed to replace an older Sony Xplod unit. The added Bluetooth was nice but we wanted full functionality. The remotes were not giving us that.

The entire system was eventually replaced with a Rockford Fosgate PMX5-CAN head unit and 2 RF Remotes. We especially like the dedicated subwoofer volume buttons on all three.

In boat speakers are JL Audio M6 RGB.
Tower speakers are Wet Sounds Rev 10’s.

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[Hollowpockets]

Looks good.....need to keep this in mind for a future upgrade. The blank display I have a feeling will bug me with time.

[AsLan7]

Looks good.....need to keep this in mind for a future upgrade. The blank display I have a feeling will bug me with time.

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It would bug me. Time to upgrade.
Btw, what brand head unit and remotes?

[Hollowpockets]

I’ll post a few pics of the remotes and head unit later this week once we pick it Up.