David Knarr

The aforementioned installation of android auto/carplay was laborious but a success. Digital Dash's replacement radio and HMI kit came with the usb connector for the console and adequite directions. I would not recommend that you try this if you are heavy handed as there are a number of plastic plugs that are easy to break and you will be working in tight space with short cabling. The two "new" units are programed to find the VIN of your truck, a good excuse for a half an hour coffee break mid job, and then everything comes to life nicely. There are several different and incompatable versions of the hardware. My truck is an early 2015 with Bose audio. The proper replacement kit is a Bose compatable system from 2014-15. The later 2015-16 units are not compatable. You have to send your VIN to the vendor (Digital Dash Solutions in my case) and they have to run it to read your installed options from the build sheet to find out what will work in your truck. You will save about 300.00 by requesting no factory NAV. I am really enjoying WAZE via Android Auto from my Motorola Droid.. The phone blutooth works as usual, and Onstar says it is still there. Although I will not use it. The Android/Carplay is the way to go as the open source software community will be constantly adding features to it. There is one major hazard though. I had the bright idea to clean/replace the cabin filter while I had the glove box apart. When I poped the cover and pulled the filter, a big clump of pine needles, nutshells, and leaves dropped into the heater fan which is directly under the filter. UG, what a mess. And, I cant use the blower as it will distrabute the stuff into the rest of the ductwork. This cleanout will add another two hours to the job..... I can heartily recommend Digital Dash as they patiently endured my questions (I am a retired tech, so nothing is simple) through three phone calls and two emails. Contact <[email protected]> Jenni, they have several UTUBE videos with directions, an excellent warrenty, and they take VISA. If I can be of assistance to anyone, please let me know.

Apparently the carplay is a hardware/firmware option in some of the HMI modules. I have been researching getting (carplay and) android auto for a month. The "projection' icon indicates the presence of the capability. I have an early 2015 Silverado and went to the dealer to "get the free update". Big waste of time. My stock unit is IO-5 with BOSE and no NAV. It has to be changed, The new complete kits are quite expensive, $1000.00 plus. Digital dash and a couple of others have apparently got some good software people who have reverse engineered the programming. The new unit coms with the old VIN cleared so that it will setup for my truck. As I have to change both the radio and the HMI modules, their $500.00 price seems quite reasonable. I shall report on the progress of this adventure!! I prefer the android auto/carplay to factory NAV as the updates are free and the software is constantly being improved. I usually keep a car ten years or so.