Added Bluetooth Vcim

[KCXLT]

Just thought I would give a little description of my install of a Bluetooth VCIM, PN 20829984. I bought this off Ebay and it was listed as being new.

 

I bought some Trim Removal tools off Amazon for $10 that worked well in getting the surround off around the radio/heater controls.

The switches and Heater Control panel unbolted easily. To get the VCIM out I used the Trim tools to go down each side of the VCIM and hold the tabs out so the VCIM could be lifted out. Since there was alittle extra tension on the VCIM I used a screw driver on the front of the VCIM to gently pry it up above the hold down tabs that were being held out of the way with the Trim tools.

The VCIM would only come out a few inches. I ended up opening the glove box and releasing the tab to let the glove box hang down out of the way, then there is an access hole where you can get your hands behind the VCIM. I just had to push and straighten out the wires so it would pull out.

I put the BT antenna on the new one and hooked up all the connections and then tried to install it. It was getting stuck and not going in all the way, so I ended up taking out the Nav/Radio, which is only another 4 bolts and some connections. The VCIM was hitting on the side of the plastic retainer. I pulled it out and compared the width to the original and it was a few millimeters bigger. So I had to get alittle more persuasive, pushing the VCIM in and down. It finally went in. The retention tabs on the side are splayed out slightly, but still holding the top.

 

Re-installed everything and the Bluetooth paired right away with my BB 9780. The Onstar light is red, and I'll just leave it like that as other threads seem to indicate there isn't much hope to getting it working. Voice dialing also works.