Alright I just got back, I went to the 212 Motoring who seemed like they were just trying to get me out of there and then I called Clarion Tech Support.

The installed said:

1. The radio is turning off because my speakers are only 30 watts when the radio puts out about 200 watts. I feel like that should only cut off the audio, not reboot my whole unit.

2. Software errors he urged me to call Clarion, which I did.

3. I didn't even bother mentioning the drill job because regardless the unit is coming out.

Then I spoke to tech support at Clarion who seemed 10x more knowledgeable:

1. He told me that the unit is rebooting because of the ground wiring, which wayne613 mentioned.

2. Some of the software issues are because it's paired with my iPhone 4 and he suggests calling Crutchfield to get the unit swapped out or just getting a new one all together. Either way he said the NX500 is coming out.

Anyone recommend any other in-dash GPS? I was originally looking at the Pioneer AVIC-X920BT, which seemed too expensive at the time but now I feel like I would rather spend the extra cash.

And thanks for all your help so far guys.

 

Wow...what? Tell that guy the mayor of D.C. called, he'd like his crack-pipe back.
Here's the base specs:
So it's 16 watts per channel, just slightly off from his 200, it's underpowered by a significant amount, not over. I think for a better match up it should be more like 22-26 RMS for an aftermarket unit, but still..that's just a crazy statement by that guy. And it only holds for the 4 speakers, the door subs use the pre-amp outs from the head-unit and are driven by the factory amps.

I would have. Along with a "WTF"-face aimed at him for the duration.

I understand the switch, as pathetic as it is that a "professional" installation shop would do that to start with, 10k times more so by the fact that you could only have a worse job done by handing your drill over to a kindergartner for the hole made for the switch.

Hit up the a/v section, few examples of setups, can't really help ya much there for picking a new one. Hopefully someone with more experience can chime in there.

 

for a new headunit, I suggest you avoid Kenwood. My DDX616 is pretty craptastic when it comes to integrating with stuff. Not a bad unit once you get it running though.

My JVC is a really good unit. A Crutchfield favorite. My only complaint is that you are stuck with 5 generic backgrounds

 

I purchased a Clarion head unit that would tolerate my iPhone. No joy from Clarion. Happily, Crutchfield swapped it out after the 30 days for free. Purchased a Pioneer AVH3200BT that has been great and plays well with Apple!

 

Call crutchfield since you bought it from them. They REALLY helped me out on my install (it was my first), and are very friendly and willing to help. With that being said, if you are looking to pull the head unit and get a new one, I got the pioneer AVH-3200BT. It has blue tooth built in, and its GPS capable (need to buy the antenna). I love it, I would suggest it.

 

incidentally, I pulled my H/U out last night to plug in my backup camera. I'll grab a picture of the harness later and show you how the parking brake should have been wired. not that switch crap the "installer" did on your unit

if you search the forums, you'll see where other Shaker 500 guys have had thier H/U's reboot when the volume it too loud as well. Can't remember what the ultimate solution was. Think it was the activation wire (keyed 12v red wire) was too small and couldn't handle the current

 

how rediculious... I'd go back and bitch them out until they fixed EVERYTHING, TO YOUR LIKING.

what a half assed job.

 

That´s the case I´d avoid Clarion like the plague along with those installers.

Factory unit is 20watts RMS I think. This clarion is only 16, and shouldn´t be drawing anything more than what´s required to show it´s controller that it´s got power from that switched line.