PAC RP5-GM31 Radio Replacement Interface With OnStar & SWC Retention

In this review the PAC RP5-GM31 is evaluated for drivers who need to replace a factory radio in select GM LAN vehicles while keeping important factory systems intact. The bottom line: this interface is for installers and technically minded owners who want to retain OnStar functionality, steering wheel controls, and factory Bluetooth when swapping the head unit. It focuses on preserving vehicle features that usually disappear with a radio change, making it a practical choice for those who value retained convenience and safety systems over a simple harness adapter.

Key Features

• OnStar retention: Keeps factory OnStar functions active after installing an aftermarket radio so emergency and roadside services remain available.
• Steering wheel control retention: Preserves steering wheel audio controls so drivers keep familiar control of volume and track functions.
• Navigation outputs: Provides navigation output wiring to integrate factory navigation prompts with a replacement head unit.
• Reverse wire output: Supplies a reverse camera trigger wire to enable aftermarket backup camera operation tied to the vehicle gear state.
• Dual zone and rear seat audio: Retains dual zone audio control and rear seat audio controls so passengers can keep separate audio sources.
• Illumination and parking brake outputs: Offers illumination output and a parking brake output for head unit dimming and safety interlocks.

Who It's For

This interface suits professional installers and DIYers replacing the factory radio in supported GM LAN vehicles who need to keep factory Bluetooth (noted for 2009+ models), OnStar, and steering wheel control operation. It is particularly useful for vehicles where preserving rear seat audio and dual zone functions is important for passenger comfort.

Not every owner needs this level of integration; if the goal is a simple plug-and-play harness without retaining OnStar or navigation outputs, a basic adapter may be more economical. Also, the interface does not retain escalating parking sensor tones, so those who require full sensor audio recreation should plan for alternate solutions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Retains OnStar and many factory systems, preserving important safety and convenience features during a radio swap.
• Maintains steering wheel controls and factory Bluetooth on compatible 2009+ vehicles, reducing setup complexity.
• Includes navigation outputs, reverse trigger and illumination outputs for thorough integration with aftermarket radios.
• Supports rear seat audio and dual zone functionality, keeping passenger control intact.

Cons

• Does not retain escalating parking sensor proximity tones, so full parking sensor audio is not preserved.
• Compatibility is limited to select GM LAN vehicles and requires careful installation to access all functions.

Specifications

Product type	Radio replacement interface
Key retentions	OnStar, steering wheel controls, factory Bluetooth (2009+)
Outputs	Navigation outputs, reverse wire output, illumination output, parking brake output
Audio features	Retains rear seat audio controls and dual zone function
Chime adjustment	Chime volume adjustment available
Limitation	Does not retain escalating parking sensor tones

Our Verdict

The PAC RP5-GM31 is a sound choice for anyone replacing a factory radio in supported GM LAN vehicles who needs to preserve OnStar, steering wheel controls and factory Bluetooth. It delivers broad feature retention and useful outputs for navigation and reverse camera integration, offering solid value to installers who want a clean, integrated result while accepting that advanced parking sensor tones are not preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this keep OnStar after replacing the radio?
Yes. The interface is designed to retain OnStar functionality when the factory radio is removed.

Does it keep factory Bluetooth?
It retains factory Bluetooth on compatible 2009 and newer model vehicles according to the product details.

Will it preserve parking sensor tones?
No. It does not retain escalating parking sensor proximity tones, so those alerts will not behave exactly as with the factory radio.