2008 Silverado / Sierra Factory Navigation And Backup Camera Install C

knegangard · December 13, 2009

After countless hours of internet research and hunting for parts, I just finished the install of the factory Navigation in my 08 silverado. The process went rather smoothly, but I ran into issues trying to find the right radio for our trucks. Apparently the Enclave, Acadia, Traverse and other GM “trucks” use radios that look identical, however are very different. I spent a few hours at three different dealerships trying to have the wrong radio programmed.

One dealer told me about a local installer they use when customers want to upgrade to a high end aftermarket unit. I went to see the shop and he fixed me up with a new takeout from a Silverado / Sierra. He gave me the radio for $1,199, which seemed like a lot until I priced the unit from the dealer. They quoted me $2,316.13 for just the head unit. GmPartsDirect.com sells the unit for $2,409, which is higher than the list price. That’s nice of them. OemPartsToday.com lists the radio for $1,737. I also needed the GPS antenna and a special wiring harness for the vehicle speed sensor and Onstar module. The GPS antenna for our trucks, part number is available for around $80. I had already purchased and installed the antenna, so I just needed to install the new harness and drop the new unit in.

The nice thing about the unit from the local shop was that it required no dealer programming. I was skeptical and frankly did not believe the guy, but to my surprise the navigation unit worked perfectly after plugging it in. The install shop says they have a tech/engineer that formerly worked for GM/Delphi, and is able to reset the unit after removing it from the new vehicle. The shop also sold me the required nav disk for $80.

This setup plays DVDs on the screen (while not in motion), retains all original Onstar functions, XM Radio, Aux input, steering wheel controls, and adds the voice commands for the navigation unit.

Now for the backup camera. The harness supplied from the shop included a RCA video in jack for the rear backup camera. The unit was already programmed for the use of a backup camera (This also normally requires a trip to the dealer), so the screen automatically changes to camera mode when the truck is shifted into reverse. I used an aftermarket camera that mounts just above the license plate, I like this unit because it is adjustable via a swivel in the mount and required no drilling to run the wires. The factory tailgate handle with the camera installed is also available, but I like the ability to adjust the camera up and down if needed. The factory camera requires two holes in the bed/tailgate to be drilled.

My favorite part about the install was that I no longer needed to involve the dealer in this process. I really struggled to find a dealer that was willing to program a navigation radio, not to mention had the expertise to do so.

The local shop has quite a few of the units available, let me know if anyone is interested. The owner said he used to sell items on ebay, but stopped because it consumed too much time. I’d be happy to pick one up for someone and ship if they covered the cost of shipping and the unit. I can also get the needed harness and GPS antenna for the install. The total package price would be right at $1425, including the head unit, Map DVD, GPS Antenna, and wiring harness.

Let me know if I can help anyone with the install, I wasn’t planning on learning so much about this upgrade but trial and error seems to be the only way I figure things out these days. This setup will work for the new body style Chevy/GMC trucks with the Bose system, I'm not sure about the non-bose trucks and believe an amplifier is needed.

gypsy1962 · December 13, 2009

Sounds like you had a pretty easy experience! I did similar with my 09. I'm still looking around for camera options. Mine is harness and NAV program ready for the cam, just need install and connect. I prefer the factory placement, but have yet found a price that I can stand.

My 09 LTZ has the bose, but it seems pretty clear it's not a lux amp (dsp capabilities). I'd like to find out if a lux amp is available for the 09 and what it might cost.

I wonder if you're local shop might have the answers I'm looking for?

Thanks!

dlewis1111 · December 14, 2009

No, really? If you are trying to sell crap just post it under the for sale section. I have never seen someone come on here to stealthly advertise that the product they got from "the local shop" was so much cheaper and go on to list the prices of the competition. "used" to sell on ebay, but took too much time.......until spending 5 mins on here to write up a free ad. just use the for sale section

knegangard · December 14, 2009

I have not been able to find any info that the Bose “Lux” amp was an available option on my 08 2500 LTZ, although it might have been with the Navigation ordered from the factory. I previously had an 07 Escalade and an 03 Yukon Denali, for these setups there was definitely an updated version of the Bose amp installed over the base Bose system. I have heard of many people swapping the earlier Bose amp because of compatibility issues between head units.

The only DSP option I have on my unit is the TALK preset. Previously, I did not use the Bose settings and preferred to manually adjust the EQ settings although it is a nice feature. I have also been unable to determine if the head unit reads these available DSP modes from the factory amp, or if the initial programming enables them. I’d be curious to know if anyone has the newer body style (07.5+) truck with the factory Lux amp and if any differences exist other than the DSP settings.

One thing I’ve noticed, the GPS icon with the red slash appears on my screen rather frequently. I’m currently living downtown Chicago, and I believe this accounts for most of the issue. Sometimes the GPS icon will appear on the open highway though for no apparent reason. The unit still tracks fine, but I curious as to what could be causing icon. Let me know how often, if at all, you notice the icon. I’m wondering if it could be a loose/bad VSS connection, but I would think the unit would stop tracking completely when signal is lost if this was the case.

dlewis1111 –

Easy with the accusations and negativity. I get enough of that from my ex-wife. I’m not trying to sell anything for a profit, let’s let the moderators decide where the posts should go.

gypsy1962 · December 15, 2009

Yep, more info on any lux amp available for 07 - 09s would be nice to have! The nav manual I have for my unit shows the DSP 5.1 like controls, although my head unit only offers presets or manual adjustment with my current amp. Fairly confident this is driven only by the amp type and the associated wiring. I think my head unit would simply present the additional dsp controls if the relevant hardware were present. Anyway, if somebody knows the answers, or where to get them it sure would be very helpful. Might also be possible to use a lux from one of the other GM SUVs in the same year range. I don't have that answer either!

I second your motion regarding dlewis1111. Unless his objective is to graduate to some kind of forum manager, I really don't care for his commentary on what he perceives someones motivations to be (whether correct or otherwise). Contribute positively to the topic, or observe in silence and let the folks who run the forum manage by their own accord might be a pretty good rule to follow.