2012 Cobalt 296 Radio Remote indash

[RoBey]

Just purchased a used 296 (2012, 300 hrs) from a local dealer. The indash radio remote does not work. Dealer says

“just finished removing everything behind the dash to get to the rear of the unit. After installing the new one and discovering that it too did not work, I did some research. It turns out that that Sony MEX-M70BT (bluetooth) unit is new and is NOT compatible with the in-dash RM-X60M remote. If you google it, it looks like some people have tried, but West Marine (a parts supplier) shows it not compatible.”

I traded in a 272 (2009) with a newer sony radio and the indash remote works perfect.

What’s up with the 296 radio remote ? Any insights appreciated.

[jhnmdahl]

Remotes are often specific to a certain generation of a manufacturer's radios, and most people who update or modernize the head unit end up updating the remote as well. I ordered a custom dash plate with a cutout for my new remote, but it looks like the compatible remote (likely RM-X11M) for your MEX-M70BT is round just like the RM-X60M was, although it's not easy to find new ones since it's a decade old too.