VCIM for my 08 Silverado?

wcortesi · June 15, 2014

I've been researching this today and my head is swimming! I'd like to add Bluetooth capability to my 08 and I'd like to keep it OEM and it's obviously possible, but the compatible VCIM #'s are confusing. Ideally, I'd buy one from an 09-10 Silverado/Sierra but some have reported using ones from other models. I'm not terribly concerned with On* since I haven't subscribes since my trial ended in 09, but if I ever get in a major wreck I plan to subscribe on the spot if I'm still able to talk!

I found one DIY post here, but all the pictures have been removed (old topic), but I'm pretty sure I can handle it.

On eBay, all I find are ones like this. The price is right, but I'm not sure it will work. It would be nice to have a list of compatible units.

If i have to shell out $300 to get this done, I'll probably just live without it, but it would be nice since just about everything has it built in anymore. I can't believe I missed it by one model year: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLUETOOTH-ONSTAR-RECEIVER-20842731-VCIM-Module-OEM-NEW-/360765203818?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item53ff48256a&vxp=mtr

KCXLT · June 16, 2014

I believe I used Part #20829984 in my 08. I only payed $200 in 2011. It is plug and play, although my VCIM was just a shade wider than the original so the bracket it snaps into was a tight fit. You do lose Onstar. I'm not sure you can subscribe on the spot, I'm trying to remember all the posts I read before doing it. You might be able to contact Onstar, but they will think you are in the vehicle the VCIM came from. Make sure you get the Bluetoogh antenna with the VCIM, I got mine from my Dealer for $60 Canadian. Part #15938939.

It is fairly easy to install. I did mine on the LTZ dash. Just pull the surround off around the radio, use plastic pry bars. Undo the climate controls and the VCIM is under that. I removed the radio to make it easier.

wcortesi · June 16, 2014

Thanks for the reply! I actually saw your post from a couple years back in another thread. This part # is 20842731, so I'm still not sure that it will work. I believe it will, but I'd rather be sure before I buy it. It looks like it's for a Camaro or a Buick LaCrosse, etc. It seems to me if it's the same technology from the same manufacturer then it should work.

I've read some that say any with the correct connections will work and others that say you must have a specific part # . Like I said, it get's confusing looking at all these posts trying to decide what's pertinent to your situation. Like I said, OnStar is not my first priority, and I don't have navigation, so it should be easy.

wcortesi · June 16, 2014

I talked to a friend in the service dept. at the local dealership about this, and he strongly advised against attempting this, since the units are tied to the original VIN, etc... Of course, that probably won't stop me!

I also found this post at a Cadillac forum, which is probably the best write up I've seen on this yet:

I wanted to add to this thread as I just finished the VCIM install in a fully loaded 2007 Escalade. A couple of things:

Time: Do not listen to anyone that says that it takes 15 minutes to do this install. That is simply not true. I don't care if you're a master at taking things apart or even a GM tech. If you have never taken apart the dash of your car, it will take you some time just to get the paneling off. The pins are extremely tight and you need to use enough force to lift the pins but not break them (remember they are plastic). That takes some experience and time. I would offer that it might take you about an hour (or more) to take off the paneling if you've never done it before. That is taking into account delays if/when you get stuck or if you can't seem to get a certain connection point off. That said, it does get easier as you do it more times. Again first time out, I would budget for at least an hour for just the paneling. There are threads already on here with pics that show you the connection pts and there are also videos on youtube that can help you. That is just the paneling. Taking out the nav unit and the vcim take time too and the connections for these are also pretty tight and in not so easy to work with areas. I would budget at least a couple hours to get this done if you've never done it before (and that is conservative). Putting everything back together takes a bit of time too. Especially getting the Nav unit back in flush. The wiring is very compact and you need to duck the wires into an opening that is rather hard to get to. Again, start to finish, this will take you AT LEAST a few hours. Anyone coming back on this thread or any other saying they did this start to finish in 15 mins is lying plain and simple.

VCIM units: This is where most of the debate is on this forum. Let me tell you, I've read every thread you can read on this and tried everything. At first I thought ANY GM vcim with bluetooth would work as long as it mounts properly like playdrv4me said above. Wrong. I bought a 2010 corvette vcim that mounts properly and it didn't work. The answer to this point blank is that you need a vcim unit from a GM truck for it to work in an Escalade so that means (Silverado, Avalanche, Traverse or another Escalade etc). Not any other GM midsized suv or car. I've seen the threads on here that say people have used a CTS vcim and while that may be true, the mounting brackets aren't the same on the unit and unless you want to cut the metal brackets on the cts vcim unit, it will make the install that much harder. I used a VCIM from a 2010 Traverse (part number 22794713 for the unit and 15938939 for the antenna) and it works. BTW, the bluetooth antenna part number is universal across the board. You must get a VCIM part from a GM truck from 2008-2011. The 2012 GM VCIMs use a flash drive and thus will not work with a 2007 Escalade as the technology is different. Very important point. Do not bother going to a dealer to help you with this. There was a bulletin sent out to all service departments warning them of this modification and to preserve the Onstar gravy train GM put the kaibash on getting a VCIM that doesn't match your vehicle's VIN. So again, don't waste your time with the dealer. I found my VCIM on ebay from Source1 Autoparts and BTW, they are fantastic. Super fast shipping and customer service is awesome. Highly recommend them if you're looking to do this install.

I found one at a local auto wrecking yard for $125 that should be the right unit, but they haven't pulled it yet and they sound as nervous about this as the dealer!

KCXLT · June 16, 2014

I think an hour is pushing it alittle. If you have the right plastic pry tools it should take less than a few minutes.

wcortesi · June 17, 2014

I think you're right. I've found a few videos of removing the panel and stereo, etc. and it looks pretty easy one the panel is off. I ordered a VCIM from a 2011 Sierra today for $125 shipped. So now the fun begins.

wcortesi · June 28, 2014

Got it all done. Not that bad once you get down to the module. Works great!

blkonblk1 · September 7, 2014

hi guys -

where would the vcim be on a 2010 sierra x-cab truck? thanks in advance for your help

wcortesi · September 7, 2014

Give me some info on your truck and I'll try. Is it an LT or a LTZ? It makes a difference.

blkonblk1 · September 8, 2014

Hi wcortesi- I figured it out after hours of searching online lol,, it was for my buddies truck,, it was located behind a panel that had the ashtray in it. Thanks guys