[rich2103]

Hello all,

Sorry in advance for bringing this question up again, but my google search did not warrant the answer I was in search of. I recently upgraded from a 2010 regular cab to a 2013 extended cab Silverado. The truck I purchased did not come with steering wheel controls for the radio, but I plan to change that with a "quick" swap of the steering wheels. My biggest concern, however, is the lack of bluetooth functionality integrated into the truck. I live in California, and since everything is illegal (including talking on your phone while driving), I would like to add hands free functionality. I would preferably like to do this without removing any functionality of Onstar, since I do use it for navigation. My research has turned up some bone dry results, however. The most exciting option that I have stumbled upon is swapping the Onstar VCIM with one that has bluetooth function. It seems that there may be difficulty in obtaining such a unit, since each Onstar VCIM is paired to each individual vehicle. I spoke to the dealer and since there wasn't a "kit" available, they could not help me. I was wondering if there was any guru out there that may be able to help me with this endeavor. I prefer to stick to factory parts and make the option look as close to stock as possible. Im sure there is some smart parts guy out there that can look past a kit and find the individual parts needed to make this work.

Thanks in advance for your help

- Rich

 

[stchman]

You could always get the Advent OGM-1 as it has bluetooth. I was under the impression that all Silverados besides the WT had factory bluetooth.

 

[rich2103]

You could always get the Advent OGM-1 as it has bluetooth. I was under the impression that all Silverados besides the WT had factory bluetooth.

I was under that impression too, but apparently its still an option that the dealer can leave out when they order the truck.

 

[RayVoy]

I was under that impression too, but apparently its still an option that the dealer can leave out when they order the truck.

Which leads me to suggest, that if you added the missing parts you could have factory bluetooth (I say this because I have hear that simply adding the DIC push button assembly will provide full DIC functionality).

You say you have OnStar, so almost everything you need is there now. All we need to do is figure out what is missing.

 

[stchman]

Which leads me to suggest, that if you added the missing parts you could have factory bluetooth (I say this because I have hear that simply adding the DIC push button assembly will provide full DIC functionality).

You say you have OnStar, so almost everything you need is there now. All we need to do is figure out what is missing.

It sounds like he does not have the steering wheel controls on the right side for volume, mute, etc. The OP would need to change the OnStar module and add the steering wheel controls. I don't know what that expense would be, but I guarantee it would not be cheap. Getting an Advent OGM-1 would probably be cheaper.

 

[RayVoy]

The truck I purchased did not come with steering wheel controls for the radio, but I plan to change that with a "quick" swap of the steering wheels.

Well, he has Onstar, so he has access capability and, he was planing to change the wheel anyway.

I don't know if he needs to change the Onstar module. In a cell phone, it's just a chip with a program routine. The question is, would GM keep two Onstar modules in inventory, when one module and a program defeat would do the same thing.

It's worth looking into. Maybe a wheel with the phone control buttons is that that is needed.

Who would have guessed, that installing an input switch assembly would activate the DIC.

 

[tbplus10]

Just a random comment/thought to add, we activated Bluetooth on my wifes HHR a few years ago, at that time we were required to have a Verizon phone line but Ive since recieved a letter stating we could use any cell provider.
Her car does have the steering wheel controls but the phone has to be turned on/off and dialed via the phone, all sound and the mic are through the Onstar system.

 

[RayVoy]

The service provider shouldn't be a problem today, compatibility between the cell phone and the GM equipment is the biggest item to check. The Onstar web site has a vehicle to cell phone compatibility check.