Can Older Gms Have Bluetooth? If So, How? (long Post)

VO1BMD · May 9, 2010

Hello all... new member here and I must say I am impressed with the amount of knowledge you guys have with everything/anything to do with GM trucks!

I just got my 2007 Silverado CrewCab and I was wanting to have bluetooth capability without the ear candy anymore. Its law here in NS that you can only use a "hands free device" while driving... so I started Reading these forums and what A LOT of info you have collected here!!!! My problem is deciphering it all to make sense.... at least to me....

So, I have been doing a lot of reading here on this and many other forums with regards to having BlueTooth in a GM vehicle and the options currently available. Correct me if I am wrong but as I see it, there are three (3) avenues available to have bluetooth connection to your phone to allow hands free phone communications while driving:

1) Non-OEM, Non-integrated Aftermarket third party bluetooth connection stand alone unit with all external devices: system specific mic, speaker, etc. such as Parrot, On* stays intact and usable. Approx cost: $400+

2) Non-OEM, almost integrated Aftermarket bluetooth that replaces On* but allows use of existing On* mic and audio thru the vehicle stereo system such as BlueSTAR (BTW: Blue Star is also a beer brewed in Newfoundland ) BUT On* is de-activated/bypassed. Approx $275

3) OEM, fully integrated system that is now available in newer GM products which allows bluetooth connection thru the On* module. For us users of older GM vehicles, we "upgrade" whereby you replace the existing On* VCIM module with a newer version BUT you MAY or MAYNOT loose On*, seams 50/50, ***BUT uses existing mic/speakers/controls via On*.

OK... so I am willing to "loose" On* to gain bluetooth. Again, correct me if I am wrong but currently there are two VCIM modules that support bluetooth and work in GM trucks as tested by users: (GM part numbers)

20783877 (tested and WORKS)

25984444 (was replaced by xxx77 but it WORKS)

Others with BT:

20833261 (replaces 25817241 Maybe cars only?)

20833349 (again may be cars only)

20827036 (?maybe cars only but also may work in trucks?)

Also, you may need the bluetooth antenna (GM part# 15938939) which plugs directly into the third male connector on the VCIM, top BNC connector, and also if you want the buttons on your steering wheel to match the newer icons for dialing and hang-up (GM part#25851951)

Bluetooth or similar hands free devices are becoming mandatory in many states/provinces. If Ford and Dodge can offer basic standard options such as bluetooth and heated tail gates, why won't GM offer them as well, even if not everyone needs them!

My questions:

1) If I am willing to "loose" OnStar, why wouldn't a bluetooth enabled VCIM from any GM vehicle work in my truck as opposed to a VCIM that CAME from a GM truck? Why must it be from a truck/SUV and not a car? Has anyone tested this theory?

2) Does it matter whether its a new or "used" VCIM, the red LED on the mirror is 50/50 unless the unit gets "wiped" by Chris?. Does Chris (http://www.whiteautoandmedia.com/index.php...t&Itemid=54) clear the red LED 100% and does On* work?

Just a note: according to a local RCMP guy I know, On* MUST answer an emergency call whether you subscribe or not to their services due to the fact that you have their connection available and they must answer an incoming call, be it "good will" or company policy.

Again, I am just a newbie here but am very interested in what you guys have done! I hope I have deciphered your information correctly but please correct me if I have screwed something up....

Thanks again and all the best!

Duane

PS: I tracked down a -877 from an Acadia in KY for $100 plus shipping ($15 USD) but he wouldn't ship to Canada. Had to have him re-route it to a friend in ME and they will re-route to me! Troublesome but cheaper than I see some of you paying! Looks like 1 or 2 more left..... anyone interested in his contact info?

DD

RayGMC · May 9, 2010

The only thing I can think of is the connectors may not fit exactly. The mounting tabs may cause an issue as well. For that price it is worth at least trying to see if it functions correctly minus the OnStar service.

Let us know if it works.

C. Charles Hahn · May 10, 2010

My questions:
1) If I am willing to "loose" OnStar, why wouldn't a bluetooth enabled VCIM from any GM vehicle work in my truck as opposed to a VCIM that CAME from a GM truck? Why must it be from a truck/SUV and not a car? Has anyone tested this theory?

2) Does it matter whether its a new or "used" VCIM, the red LED on the mirror is 50/50 unless the unit gets "wiped" by Chris?. Does Chris (http://www.whiteautoandmedia.com/index.php...t&Itemid=54) clear the red LED 100% and does On* work?

1) You cannot use a VCIM from any GM vehicle that does not use GMLAN. There are some vehicles equipped with bluetooth that still have/had Class II Databus systems and these are NOT compatible with GMT900 trucks.

2) It shouldn't matter if the VCIM is new or used if all you care about is the Bluetooth functionality. The service Chris provides is to flash the VCIM with the VIN of your vehicle, making it not register a DTC which is what causes the red light. Once the correct VIN is there and the DTC is cleared, the light will appear green. OnStar does seem to be working, even if marginally so far. I'm pursuing a different angle now to see if they can get the hands-free phone through OnStar working; everything else works at this point.

VO1BMD · May 10, 2010

OK... So how do I find out which GMs use GMLAN for internal communications?

I think it has been proven that compatible so far is from:

25984444 / 20783877 (Trucks maybe?)

-Cadillac Escalade, Buick Enclave, G8 (car?)

-Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse

-GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon

Has BT but may NOT work: (has anyone tried this?)

20833349 (Cars maybe?)

- Impala, Malibu, caddy, G6, Saturn

Looks like I am in the clear but there are still a lot of questions flying around about what to do, how to do it, and what part are compatible...

C. Charles Hahn · May 10, 2010

OK... So how do I find out which GMs use GMLAN for internal communications?

I think it has been proven that compatible so far is from:

25984444 / 20783877 (Trucks maybe?)

-Cadillac Escalade, Buick Enclave, G8 (car?)

-Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse

-GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon

Has BT but may NOT work: (has anyone tried this?)

20833349 (Cars maybe?)

- Impala, Malibu, caddy, G6, Saturn

Looks like I am in the clear but there are still a lot of questions flying around about what to do, how to do it, and what part are compatible...

That list is, to my knowledge, the correct list of all compatible VCIMs that should work in a GMT900. However, only 25984444 / 20783877 are guaranteed correct since they are the proper interchange for a 2009+ GMT900 and will retrofit to any 07-08 (it should be mentioned as well that Mr. White will not work on any VCIMs other than those two part numbers). I also recall seeing a third revision part number with proper GMT900 interchange for 2010, but I'll have to track that back down again.

If I am able to get OnStar to re-activate my hands-free phone and get things 100% up to snuff, I'll finally post the master resource thread I've been working at and kind of holding back on until I could absolutely confirm or deny success.

VO1BMD · May 10, 2010

On* for sale on eBaysearch 20783877 and get auction# 290433927214 ... asking $370 and $530 USD!!!!! That is INSANE!!! I got one for $100 USD from KY

This guy rev281 must be crazy asking sooooo much for a VCIM. What happend... did someone start a price war and driv these things thru the roof???

C. Charles Hahn · May 10, 2010

I think rev281 just got greedy after seeing how much demand there was for them initially. I along with several others bought our VCIMs from him for $175!

crepitus · May 10, 2010

I sent you a PM about where you got your module. Is there anything else you need or is it just plug and play? I read somewhere you need an antenna. Or since this is a used module it may come with an antenna?

sideout · May 10, 2010

I hope I am not too far off here, if so please feel free to correct me...

I am uncertain what all the VCIM does, so was looking at the Lockpick after listing to other boards. Here is why. I have a 2007 Silverado LTZ (New body style) with the factory nav and Bose system. I want to install a backup camera and also have bluetooth that works through the factory nav (showing the caller ID) etc. I know that the lockpick will let me use the backup camera, so where does th VCIM come into play? Sorry for sounding so inept....but it's a gift...lol

I sent you a PM about where you got your module. Is there anything else you need or is it just plug and play? I read somewhere you need an antenna. Or since this is a used module it may come with an antenna?

C. Charles Hahn · May 10, 2010

crepitus -- yes, you'll need a bluetooth antenna if the module you buy doesn't come with one. These are available on ebay or at your local dealer.

sideout -- the VCIM is the communications module for OnStar, which uses GPS and CDMA cellular technology to connect to their systems. It interfaces with the other computer modules in the vehicle as well as the audio system to perform its duties. For bluetooth, it is the interface that pairs with your cell phone and provides the display of caller ID on the instrument panel (same as the DIC, where your odometer display is).

Note that adding a lockpick WILL NOT add this Bluetooth functionality. For bluetooth, your options are either a VCIM swap or an aftermarket bluetooth module that replaces the VCIM (and eliminates onstar from your vehicle completely).

As far as the backup camera is concerned, you can get an OEM style kit that can be dealer installed or you can go with an aftermarket camera by installing a VSS harness with an RCA input (the cheap option) or by adding a lockpick (the expensive option). Your dealer will still have to unlock the backup camera function in your NAV unit with their Tech2 device, however.

sideout · May 10, 2010

V8GMT - WOW...thanks a ton. I really did not want the lockpick as I am not concerned with watching DVD's and such while driving. I knew that adding the Lockpick would not add the bluetooth. The main push that coastal states is to use the Tellphone 5000vi and it does show up on the navigation screen. To be honest I am not too concerned WHERE it shows up....My main wants are:

Bluetooth with caller ID that uses the already installed speakers and mic

Back-up camera that I can see on the navigation screen...Here is the camera I have on order (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_15435_...on+VTK-350.html)

Others on Chevy forums have used it with the lockpick, but have not heard anyting about using it with the VSS Harness.

So with that in mind, what do you suggest? (I think you already answered it but wanted to make sure)...

THanks

crepitus -- yes, you'll need a bluetooth antenna if the module you buy doesn't come with one. These are available on ebay or at your local dealer.

sideout -- the VCIM is the communications module for OnStar, which uses GPS and CDMA cellular technology to connect to their systems. It interfaces with the other computer modules in the vehicle as well as the audio system to perform its duties. For bluetooth, it is the interface that pairs with your cell phone and provides the display of caller ID on the instrument panel (same as the DIC, where your odometer display is).

Note that adding a lockpick WILL NOT add this Bluetooth functionality. For bluetooth, your options are either a VCIM swap or an aftermarket bluetooth module that replaces the VCIM (and eliminates onstar from your vehicle completely).

As far as the backup camera is concerned, you can get an OEM style kit that can be dealer installed or you can go with an aftermarket camera by installing a VSS harness with an RCA input (the cheap option) or by adding a lockpick (the expensive option). Your dealer will still have to unlock the backup camera function in your NAV unit with their Tech2 device, however.

C. Charles Hahn · May 10, 2010

Jim,

I actually just installed that exact same camera in my '08 and am using the VSS harness to connect it; I'll take a few pics when I open everything up and finish the wiring later this week and post up the information about it.

Basically all the harness does is allow the addition of a factory NAV unit to a truck that didn't come equipped originally (which is what my situation was). However I believe you can use the same harness or modify your factory harness to add an RCA input to your truck as well. The headunit is natively designed to accept a composite video source input already.

Personally I preferred the VCIM swap for adding bluetooth, mainly because I didn't want to lose OnStar. Since you've already got an -877 unit on the way, you should be all set. If you don't care about onstar working or not and don't mind the red light on your mirror, you won't need to do anything else to make it work aside from the plug-and-play hardware swap.

If you DO care about the light on the mirror and having functioning OnStar, then you'll probably have to ship your module off to Chris White for VIN programming and then get OnStar to link up to your new truck (which is a process I'm still hammering out the details of since even my own truck isn't 100% functional just yet).

sideout · May 10, 2010

Thanks. I know that the camera will work with the Lock Pick. What I do not know now is what to get to make my truck bluetooth capable.

From what I understand the lock pick does not interfer with the OnStar, but not 100% positive there. I want to kep the OnStar.

Not sure what you mean by the -877. I know that I will have to have the lockpick reprogrammed for the camera.

Any good thoughts on the best way to have the bluetooth up and running?

If the VCIM and VSS harness works for both, I will use that instead. I just basically want a functioning camera and bluetooth system.....

Jim,

I actually just installed that exact same camera in my '08 and am using the VSS harness to connect it; I'll take a few pics when I open everything up and finish the wiring later this week and post up the information about it.

Basically all the harness does is allow the addition of a factory NAV unit to a truck that didn't come equipped originally (which is what my situation was). However I believe you can use the same harness or modify your factory harness to add an RCA input to your truck as well. The headunit is natively designed to accept a composite video source input already.

Personally I preferred the VCIM swap for adding bluetooth, mainly because I didn't want to lose OnStar. Since you've already got an -877 unit on the way, you should be all set. If you don't care about onstar working or not and don't mind the red light on your mirror, you won't need to do anything else to make it work aside from the plug-and-play hardware swap.

If you DO care about the light on the mirror and having functioning OnStar, then you'll probably have to ship your module off to Chris White for VIN programming and then get OnStar to link up to your new truck (which is a process I'm still hammering out the details of since even my own truck isn't 100% functional just yet).

VO1BMD · May 10, 2010

Sideout:

-877 is the OnStar VCIM module GM# 20783877, a newer version of the first bluetooth VCIM GM# 25984444, that has many people chatting here on the forum. People have been exchanging their existing non-Bluetooth VCIMs for these newer VCIMs with Bluetooth, #25984444 and #20783877. Once exchanged, or "upgraded" you will have bluetooth thru your On* connections via On* mic and stereo system audio.

To date, many have "upgraded" and gotten a great bluetooth integration for their vehicle BUT not always great results for keeping their On* intact and usable. This is where Chris comes in: He can reprogram your "new" VCIM with your VIN so you won't get a red LED active on the mirrors right hand display. Without Chis, you will have bluetooth but you will also have a red LED and 50/50 On* connection, possibly because your "new" VCIM isn't being recognized by On* as being yours but being from another vehicle or if its "NEW" (IE: virgin and never installed in a vehicle) it may have a default VIN/phone number that On* doesn't recognize.

Keep reading... there is LOTS of info on this and many other forums on this subject.....

All the best...

sideout · May 11, 2010

Cruisin...thanks a million. Trust me I have read a LOT on this topic and for some reason I get more confused...lol

It just seems like there should be an easier way, but then again if there was then GM would be out of business I guess....lol

I have the Lockpick on it's way as I could not stop it. From what I can tell the lockpick and the VCIM are close to the same price. What I see as a plus for the lockpick is the camera integration, but not a lot of options for the Bluetooth.

So if I want to go with the VCIM, then I should order/get part number 20783877 and have Chris reprogram it?

Also, in regards to the camera and the VSS harness, where would I go about getting that?

Sideout:
-877 is the OnStar VCIM module GM# 20783877, a newer version of the first bluetooth VCIM GM# 25984444, that has many people chatting here on the forum. People have been exchanging their existing non-Bluetooth VCIMs for these newer VCIMs with Bluetooth, #25984444 and #20783877. Once exchanged, or "upgraded" you will have bluetooth thru your On* connections via On* mic and stereo system audio.

To date, many have "upgraded" and gotten a great bluetooth integration for their vehicle BUT not always great results for keeping their On* intact and usable. This is where Chris comes in: He can reprogram your "new" VCIM with your VIN so you won't get a red LED active on the mirrors right hand display. Without Chis, you will have bluetooth but you will also have a red LED and 50/50 On* connection, possibly because your "new" VCIM isn't being recognized by On* as being yours but being from another vehicle or if its "NEW" (IE: virgin and never installed in a vehicle) it may have a default VIN/phone number that On* doesn't recognize.

Keep reading... there is LOTS of info on this and many other forums on this subject.....

All the best...