START HERE
for basic PAL Questions
(updated 1/26/22)
Click here for my main website
You might find my web pages in the PAL section confusing because there is so much information there, so this page will hopefully answer some very basic questions about the PAL.
The GM PAL (Personal Audio Link) is GM's answer to a plug-in device that connects an iPod or an iPhone to the car's audio system. For a C6 Corvette, it is the best iPod adapter available because it's so well integrated with the Corvette audio system. GM part number 17800593 was introduced in 2009 for the C6 Corvette, and they are still available from any GM dealer and many online sources. GM PAL's are also available for other GM cars and trucks, but only part number 17800593 will work in a Corvette, with its Class 2 communication system. They were designed and built by Mediatronics, but Mediatronics has since gone out of business.
I used to offer a Version 2 PAL package which made it super simple for the C6 Vette owner to order, but Mediatronics, the company who designed and manufactured the PAL for GM, is now out of business. Since Mediatronics was also my source for the Version 2 PALs (not available anywhere else), I'm also out of luck, especially since my last paid order to them for $15K in December of 2012 was never filled. So what is the Corvette owner to do?
1. Where do you get them?
Since the PAL is still the best iPod (or iPhone) interface available for the C6 Corvette (and the only one that displays on the HUD), you need to start with an original Corvette PAL, GM part number 17800593. Other GM PALs will not work because they are not compatible with the Corvette Class 2 communication system. You need 17800593. So where do you get them? Any GM dealer can order them for you and the "going" price is around $330. But you can sometimes find them on eBay for less, and sometimes even on amazon. Also, you might consider a used PAL, but make sure it is a Corvette PAL and make sure the module works by asking the owner. PAL modules are pretty darn reliable, but they will sometimes fail, and if they do, they are worthless. You'll find a PAL Troubleshooting page on my main website.
2. What else do you need?
OK, you've got a Corvette PAL (17800593). Now what do you do? The original PAL package comes with an installation harness you won't like, because it forces you to tear half of your car apart to install it "the GM way", and once it is done, the process is pretty much irreversible. Back in 2009, when I began offering Version 2 PAL packages, I included an installation harness that made installing the PAL at the XM receiver location a very simple process. It's almost a "parking lot job", requiring almost no tools at all. You can order these XM installation harnesses on my Ordering Page link at the bottom of my main website. They are $35 or $85 plus your OEM installation harness. Here is one of my premium XM installation harnesses:
3. Will the original PAL work in all C6 Corvettes?
The original PAL (17800593) will work in all C6 Corvettes with a factory Nav radio AND XM satellite radio. But if you upgrade the software to my Version 2 software for $35, it will work in ANY C6 Corvette with a factory Nav or non-Nav radio, with or without XM. Plus the new software offers some nice new features like a PAUSE button, Direct Mode (for controlling your music from your iPod or iPhone instead of the radio display), a user selectable auxiliary input for connecting other devices, more display features, and better overall performance. When you send me your OEM installation harness for the XM harness, you can also send me your PAL module for the software upgrade.
4. What else do you need?
Since you will be installing the PAL module at the XM receiver, in a coupe or Z06 your XM receiver is above the left rear wheel well behind the carpet. In a convertible it's behind the waterfall between the seats. If you plan to store your iPod or iPhone near your center console, the 4' iPod cable that is included in the 17800593 package is a bit short for the coupe or Z06. In that case, you might want one of my 6' iPod cables instead of the original 4' cable. PAL iPod cables are $25.
5. Will the PAL charge your iPod or iPhone?
As explained in detail on my PAL Charging page, only the earlier iPods can be charged with 12 volts that the PAL module supplies, unless you get a 12 volt to 5 volt charging adapter. All iPhones require 5 volt charging. You should read the charging page because it provides lots of details and alternatives.
CLICK HERE for charging alternatives
6. Can you connect the latest iPods and iPhones to the PAL?
The PAL iPod cable has the older style 30 pin Apple connector that used to connect to all Apple iPods and iPhones. New iPhones and iPods, however, have the new Lightning connector, so you will need an Apple 30 pin to Lightning adapter to connect.
7. Since the PAL will not directly connect to or charge the new iPods or iPhones, what should you do?
There are a number of alternatives, including the Bluetooth adapters described on my website. But the Bluetooth adapters won't allow you to control your music from the Nav screen, which is a really nice feature of the PAL. So one alternative, other than the adapters previously mentioned, that a lot of Vette owners choose is to pick up a used 3rd Generation iPod Nano on eBay and use it for a dedicated music storage device in your Corvette. The 3rd Gen Nano was the last device that could be charged by either 5 volts or 12 volts, so it works perfectly with the PAL. Just plug it in and leave it connected. It will stay charged and it will shut down when you leave the car. I have the Nanos in three of my GM vehicles with a PAL and they work great. I have over 2500 songs on it as well as lots of audiobooks, so it is a perfect companion to the PAL.
Here is a photo of a 3rd Generation Nano connected to the auxiliary input of a PAL module with the Version 2 software:
