I have a 2003 2500hd and was wondering if there was a way to get all the information from the DIC Driver information Center display if you don't have the controls on the steering wheel. I know it was an option for the truck, but is there and easy way to add seperate buttons and tap in to a wiring/plug maybe in to steering wheel wiring to allow this to work.

IIRC it's been talked about before here and consensus was there is no easy way outside of getting the steering wheel controls.

On a side note, I didn't get them and don't regret it. From what I can tell, the only thing I'm missing out on is the MPG displays (which will go bonkers once I load my Predator anyways). Pretty much everything else can be controlled manually.

Not an easy way, but it can be done.

A quote from Moline425:

"First, You must get the steering wheel with controls. I believe part numbers were listed above, but bottom line, make sure you get the right color if you are ordering. The black one is called ebony. Prices vary depending on where you get them. I got mine from a salvage yard brand new for $75. Second, You must replace the clockspring with the column harness. If you have a heavy duty, order part number 26101828. This is for a single stage air bag. If you are unsure, take off your airbag and look to see if it has 1 or 2 pigtails connected to it. 1 is a single stage, 2 is a 2 stage. GM has reduced the number of part numbers available to simplify things. Therefore, you will get a harness equipped with an additional 8 pin connector. This is for the steering wheel speed sensor for quadrasteer. If you do not have quadrasteer, just tape it to the column and don't worry about it.

Be careful when installing the harness, there are about 14 connectors, I spent 2 hours installing the harness and wheel.

Now the part which has been the most confusing. If your truck was not equipped with rpo code (UK3) which is redundant radio controls, your body controller will not recognize or (turn on) the radio controls. In addition the instrument cluster will not recognize or turn on the DIC functionality. Therefore, your dealer will have to call the Techline Support center. This is not the same as TAC. Techline is for software, programming...etc. They need to explain what they are doing and request a 2 VCI numbers. A VCI number is a new calibration code which will allow your controllers to turn on the radio and DIC controls. They need to get a code for the IPC and one for the TBC. They will then request info from the vehicle with their Tech 2 handheld device. They then take the Tech 2 to their PC loaded with TIS2000 and perform a SPS programming function using the VCI numbers. This will load the calibration into the Tech 2. They then take the Tech 2 back to the vehicle and load the new calibration into the vehicle. They will need to go through this process twice, once for the IPC and again for the TBC using the new VCI numbers.

I personally did every part of this on my own truck today (yes, the programming also) and it does work. The Dealers do not get this request often, so probably will not know the process. Therefore, print out this message and they will then understand."

I added quotes so people will understand that this was something I am repeating, not that I have done it. I was researching it before I bought my truck, and I ended up getting a truck with the controls.

Personally I'm glad mine had them stock. I made sure I had them.

Here's a big long thread on it.
http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17291&hl=

Anyone heard of dealers offering this conversion? Brown and Brown Chevrolet in Mesa/Phoenix area quoted $900 to add this option to an 05 Gasser after delivery to my younger brother. Apparently they have done this before. Just thought I would pass that on.

Kelly

I'm sure they could, parts are probably pretty pricey, that's why the guy I quoted got them at the junkyard. Still if you want it bad enough, that might be the way to go.

The biggest expense would be the new steering wheel.

That was what I figured too, but there are lots of new wrecked trucks around if you know where to look.

I posted a couple of times on that thread about wether the base mod has all the nec. wiring, still havent heard anything about it but I think I will try it out sooner than later. My wifes 04 has the steering wheel controls and I will say they are real easy to get used to!

Thanks for the replies and helpful information. I guess I'll start looking for a used steering wheel, and if I can get one cheap I proceed.

Just look on ebay....search escalade, denali, silverado, etc...in interior. Found a few '03+ for $50-100 bucks.

Tom

you'll need the airbag coil too, then you need a willing dealer to get and program the correct VCI numbers as well. Please let us know how you make out!!! I have been wanting to do this too but I have a base model and I'm not sure if I have all the necessary wiring...

Well it been away, but I finally got a used steering wheel with control buttons. I was wondering if anybody has a good way to check out the buttons with an OHM meter. I was able to verify that the lower buttons work when connected between the (Black or Brown wire) to yellow or blue or green or Orange wire and pushing the one of the lower four buttons on the steering wheel would cause a change in the Ohm meter. I'm not sure how to test the top four buttons(seek, vol, source and Prog).I would like to know if all controls work before I buy a new clockspring and proceed.

it looks like they have resistance betwween switch contacts, what the resistance is i dont know? get out the ohmeter.:)

Peekok,

Thanks for the drawing. Connecting to Pins G and E did the trick and all switches responded with a resistance value change. Now I need to get the new clockspring and change out the steering wheel.

I was wondering, after the predator is installed , what all will it effect on DIC.

Well the addition of the steering wheel controls project is complete. I just got the truck back from the dealer who did the programming per NAR's post, and everything works. Thanks for everyones input on this topic. The total cost about $355 dollars for parts (found a used steering wheel ($65) new clockspring ($210) and programming ($80). The hardest part was adding the new clockspring wiring harness because of all the connectors. SO if you are handy you too can add this option if you truck didn't have this option.

TJ, what model of truck do you have? Is it a base, LS or LT?

How did you approach your dealer to help you? Were they helpful or did you have to spell out every little detail and give you a hastle? I think my local dealer would help me, but probably not without some guidance....

Congradulations:ro) I'm glad it worked out for you!!!

Do You Have To Also Buy The Wiring Harness That Runs From The Sterring Wheel To The Radio Or Is It Already There On All Models,thanks

Wooha, I was helpfull! Excellent..

tjdmax-Good job, that makes it sound easy. Not as expensive as some feared either.. Sweet...

firelt-It should be there on all models, because of the way the data bus system on the 03-up works. Your 02 is not at all the same. It has semi normal wiring. It also doesn't have the dic stuff that the new ones have anyway...
Nice looking truck btw...

Nar, So All I Need Is The Steering Wheel With The Controls On It To Make It Work ,and That The Harness Is There Already With The Clips To Hook To The Wheel ,thanks For Your Help,mike ---- That Sounds Easy To Do

TJ, what model of truck do you have? Is it a base, LS or LT?

How did you approach your dealer to help you? Were they helpful or did you have to spell out every little detail and give you a hastle? I think my local dealer would help me, but probably not without some guidance....

Congradulations:ro) I'm glad it worked out for you!!!
The truck I have is an 03 silverado 2500hd LS model. I asked my service manager and he didn't give me a hassle about it. I did print out the instructions from NAR. I had installed the new harness and streering wheel prior to them doing the programming

Nar, So All I Need Is The Steering Wheel With The Controls On It To Make It Work ,and That The Harness Is There Already With The Clips To Hook To The Wheel ,thanks For Your Help,mike ---- That Sounds Easy To Do
No I was saying it is there on all 03-up trucks. They use a data bus wiring system rather than a normal wiring setup. Your 02 has a different wiring setup, and the DIC does not have the functions that the newer trucks have, the controls wouldn't do anything even if you could install them. Sorry... On the 02-older trucks the DIC just tells you stuff, you can't use it for settings like instant and average mileage like on the 03-newer trucks.If you don't know what I mean check out a 03-up truck and look at the DIC under the PRND display, it's way different than your little square one.

thanks nar i understand now

You guys are killing me! Don't you guys know by now that your DIC isn't very complex? The DIC works on very simple circuits. There are four input wires for it on the C1 on the gauge cluster; they just need a connection to ground to activate. So all you have to do is wire in intermittent switches to those wires connecting them to ground, that's it! No Class 2 data, no programming, just wire it and roll. The wire should be there on all your trucks since the one I did this on was so base it was almost an S10 IIRC I posted a short how to on this over a year ago. I just used some small push button switches from Shady o Rack and mounted them in the left A/C vent bezel. Now steering wheel controls are little more involved, get a new steering wheel (ebay, carpart, ect.) and install it or have it installed. I now a few guys that have done this without any trips to the dealer. None of the Steering wheel controls are on data, however the radio remote does go through the BCM and that may possibly need programming. I know this has been done to several 03s with no programming 04 and up may be different....

Ox

BlueOx03-Sure they could have done it with switches, but maybe they wanted it to look factory. Besides not everyone has taken every wire apart on their truck like you.;) Lucky for me, I just bought a truck that had them already...:D

Since you are a wiring genious though, how about since I installed my pioneer and don't use the radio controls, you tell me how I can use them for other stuff. Wouldn't I need to pull the signal at the bcm? Better yet, why don't you come home to visit your parents or something and do it for me? Not sure what I'd use them for yet, but could be handy for something. I know I could get the harness to make them work with the pioneer, but it's pretty easy to reach my radio so I don't need that.

nar I just posted about other uses of the radio controls in this thread http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27347

I have a class reunion in July that I might make it to...tell ya what, you cruise to Wright and get my old cruiser (1964 Galaxie) ready to roll and that should save me enough time to fry all the electronics in your truck...did I say fry? I meant innocently customize...


):hx

nar I just posted about other uses of the radio controls in this thread http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27347

I have a class reunion in July that I might make it to...tell ya what, you cruise to Wright and get my old cruiser (1964 Galaxie) ready to roll and that should save me enough time to fry all the electronics in your truck...did I say fry? I meant innocently customize...


):hx
Watch this guy. Letting him play with your truck will cost you lots of money. He's got too many good ideas. :cool:

And by ready to roll you mean on a trailer you can pull behind the duramax right?

naw, it's a Ford just gotta charge the battery, air up the tires, prime it and fire it up, I've been doing that over the last decade every few years... I'd be sweet if you put some brake fluid in in too, it leaks out and it hard as hell to stop without it...

Thanks

Sounds pretty easy... Brake fluid is always a good thing.

What is the clockspring and why do you have to get a new one for this to work? Can the old one not be reused?

Are the steering wheels on the XL2500 Yukon the same as the Serria 2500HD?

Greg

The clockspring is basically a swivel connection that allows things to get power in your wheel and not get twisted wires. on the 03s that I know of it did not need to be changed, the new ones could be different...

The GM fullsize steering wheels are all basically the same, just different colors and styles. The wires are all the same and the buttons are all the same to my knowledge. There is the posability that an SUV one has some HVAC controls. If for some reason they do, it would be the top left switch and you could just plug and play replace it. I'm 99.99% sure the fullsize rig don't have the HVAC controls like the GM Mid size SUVs though...

Ox

BluOx03

How did you get the back light on the cluster blue? I wanted to do that but did not see how I could when I took out the cluster.

Greg

OK, I just got my steering wheel today ($75 salvage but looks new) If I understand it all I need now is the clock spring which has the part number above? I thought I saw something about a wiring harness but can't seem to find that.

Greg

Don't you have an 03 greg? Blueox claims the 03 doesn't need the clockspring changed. Tj changed his though on his 03. I think it may depend on if you have a base model, ls, lt or what. The clockspring comes with the wiring harness, included in part number 26101828. At least that is what the instructions I quoted said, and tj said that was what he got and it worked. Hopefullly he will chime in and confirm that, but sounds like that and reprogramming is all there is to it. Being very carefull removing the steering wheel and airbag is a very good thing too..

nar
I have and 04.5 GMC SLE. Yes removing the air bag is got me a little weak in the knees but we will get through it. I hope maybe look at it today.

Greg

I would sure pull the fuses for the airbag and stuff just to be sure. It would help to have the service manual there and know the proper way to do it. Shouldn't be too hard to figure it out without it though.

What type of wheel puller is used to take off the steering wheel. Its not a standard sterring wheel puller.

Greg

What type of wheel puller is used to take off the steering wheel. Its not a standard sterring wheel puller.

Greg
Greg, it's looks like a small two jaw gear puller. ended up taking two 6" 3/8" bolts and cutting notches in them.


Ultimately though, mine ended up coming off in my hands, no puller.....:confused:
dan

Last steering wheel I took off I just tapped on the back with a hammer and popped it off. It wasn't a 40k new truck though...

No puller necessary for mine either. I tugged on it for a second here and there and nothing so I went and bought a puller. Got back and it wasn't wide enough. Scratched my head and figured I'd give it a last tug before making a trip and the steering wheel came off like it had never been on. Checker was kind enough to take the unused puller back.

Also, disable the air bag by the BCM above your feet. I don't remember if it was in front or back of the BCM module but it's a big square yellow plug with a safety clip. Remove clip and unplug and airbag is disabled. I was still leary so I removed it from the side and didn't put my head in front of it :D

Got the harness and wheel installed a couple of weeks ago. Want very smooth and I think I could do the next one in less than and hour. Anyway got it all activated today and it all works. Only took the tech about a half hour to do it. Really like all the features well worth the effect IMHO.


Greg

Cool, good to know that it worked...

will I have to add a wire harness or replace the one I have? I purchased a new wheel w/controls waiting for it to get here. On the 03 will just plug in with the wire harness that's there? I kinda of got lost there, if some one that has done this give me the short cuts or is there any??


thanks

If its like my 04 the clock spring will come with the wiring harness and you just replace it.

Greg

My 2003 was the same, clock spring came with the wiring harness.

do you have the part # for the wiring harness, what did it cost??

The part number for a HD is 26101828 and #26101829 for a non-HD.
I got mine from http://www.partszoneonline.com/ for $200 shipped.

ok guys this is a mod I'm interested in doing on my 03. On a scale of 1 to 10 , 10 being the hardest, how hard is this mod?

I may have any extra one, when I bought mine they told me they had 2 so bought both. I recieve one yesterday. Now i'm just trying to get everything to do the job. I can't wait to get to the dealer and program that and my camper mirrors, go the XM hoping to install everything this weekend...

On a scale of 1-10 I would say about a 5-6. I had to deal with my remote starter so it took a lot longer than it should have. I think I could do one now in less than and hour.

Greg

I think I could do one now in less than and hour.

Greg
So is that your offer of assistance if I drive down to see you? ):h

Anyhow, how does the remote starter interfere with this mod? I've got an astrostart as well, but all the cabling is below the steering wheel.

I may have any extra one, when I bought mine they told me they had 2 so bought both. I recieve one yesterday. Now i'm just trying to get everything to do the job. I can't wait to get to the dealer and program that and my camper mirrors, go the XM hoping to install everything this weekend...

Saw on another thread that you got the XM going; it isn't a bad install and I used - of all things - a straightened paper clip as my "terminal removal tool."

What did you get two of? I already have a wheel with controls sitting in the closet (bought from www.autowoods.com for much cheaper than GM - it is an OEM part but he buys from delphi - I think I paid $115 a couple of months ago). If you have an extra harness/clockspring, let me know as I'm interested in picking it up.

That was what I figured too, but there are lots of new wrecked trucks around if you know where to look.Yeah, but those wrecked truck steering wheels have the finger nails still embedded in them and the airbag is usually just repacked back in (blood and all) at those junk yards... ):h

What I <B>really</B> want, is to rewire the useless highway/fuel buttons to be my cruise control. I can't believe they didn't put a CC button on the wheel. For no more often than I use the mileage/fuel buttons, they could have been moved, else where. Sigh.

-JM