2005 Sierra 2500HD Duramax Canadian vs US differences

Steve22 · January 10, 2015

So I bought a Canadian marketed 2500 HD and use it only in the US. I'd like to get US readings on my dash, HVAC control (reads in degrees C and I want degrees F), and have the US operation headlights (Canadian version cannot shut off headlights at night while engine is running).

I know I have to replace my instrument cluster, easy enough. Will try a Dorman reman most likely.

I found this concerning the part numbers for the HVAC control and light switch.

Canadian HVAC control 15832315
US HVAC control 15112018

Canadian light switch 15194803
US light switch 15143597

Actual labels on my parts in my truck are:
HVAC control 15855848 (different than either listed above, maybe superseded number)
Light switch 15194803 (same as listed for Canadian version)

If I simply replace the HVAC control and light switch will that get me degrees F and the US lights that can be shut off? Or is the HVAC control programable in the BCM by a dealer? Or something else I am missing?

Thanks

Steve

Steve22 · January 11, 2015

After more research, I see I got some of those part numbers wrong. What I listed does not include the digital readout option I have on the HVAC control.

Let me simplify my question.

Is the BCM programable to change the units from metric to english?

Doug_Scott · January 11, 2015

Current models can be changed using DIC buttons. Don't know if 05 is same or not, but, have you checked your owners manual to see what settings you have available to change? Your odometer is in KM as well.

The automatic headlights can be turned off at the headlight switch, move it to off instead of auto. Daytime running lights are different, and can be turned off by applying parking brake. I am assuming you want to turn them off while parked.

Steve22 · January 11, 2015

Yes, if I had the DIC buttons on the steering wheel I could change it. My truck has only the DIC accessible with the odom reset button. I did check the owners manual and there is no way to change the units.

On the lights, they can't be shut off at night while the engine is running. This is a Canadian feature and documented in the owners manual.

Duelin · January 11, 2015

Have you check with a dealer to see if they can change the setting with the Tech2 ? If so I would think that it would be cheaper than changing everything.

Steve22 · January 11, 2015

Have you check with a dealer to see if they can change the setting with the Tech2 ? If so I would think that it would be cheaper than changing everything.

Not yet. That is my next step, was looking for some definite opinions or facts in case the dealer is a bit lazy and says they don't know how to do it.

Duelin · January 12, 2015

Quick question. Is your language set for English?

Doug_Scott · January 12, 2015

Yes, if I had the DIC buttons on the steering wheel I could change it. My truck has only the DIC accessible with the odom reset button. I did check the owners manual and there is no way to change the units.

On the lights, they can't be shut off at night while the engine is running. This is a Canadian feature and documented in the owners manual.

You have auto temp control and no DIC? Seems like a strange way to equip a vehicle. If having the DIC buttons enables the change of units, then the dealership or anyone with access to BCM should be able to change to non-metric. Is the 05 able to manually add the DIC buttons to enable them? I know the 07-13 NNBS can.

I checked my buddy's 05 Sierra SLT 1500 and he can turn headlights off at night with engine running. I think the trick is you need to not use the auto setting initially. In other words, you need to set headlights to manual(not auto) before truck is running. Start truck, turn lights on manually when it gets dark. If you then park the truck, set parking brake, his headlights go out. His truck was built last wk of OCT 04 in Oshawa if that makes a difference.

Steve22 · January 12, 2015

Quick question. Is your language set for English?

Yes it is but that only changes the wording on the odometer, not the units. So it reads the word "kilometers" in english but still displays kilometers.

I see in my RPO codes that I have a Canadian odometer. I think I am stuck with getting an American instrument cluster, which I wanted anyway so I have the psi and degrees F oil pressure and temp gauges rather than my current KPa and degrees C.

Which leaves me with how to change the HVAC control to degrees F.

Steve22 · January 12, 2015

You have auto temp control and no DIC? Seems like a strange way to equip a vehicle. If having the DIC buttons enables the change of units, then the dealership or anyone with access to BCM should be able to change to non-metric. Is the 05 able to manually add the DIC buttons to enable them? I know the 07-13 NNBS can.

I checked my buddy's 05 Sierra SLT 1500 and he can turn headlights off at night with engine running. I think the trick is you need to not use the auto setting initially. In other words, you need to set headlights to manual(not auto) before truck is running. Start truck, turn lights on manually when it gets dark. If you then park the truck, set parking brake, his headlights go out. His truck was built last wk of OCT 04 in Oshawa if that makes a difference.

Yes that seems like an odd setup but that is what it is...

I'd love to eventually add the complete DIC controls but that seems challenging...is the wire harness already in the steering column...how to handle the airbag, etc. Maybe a complete steering column replacement but that sounds expensive even doing it myself. Ideally just a replacement steering wheel but that sounds too easy.

Without the complete DIC I have no mpg readout, and that sucks. But I knew that when I bought the truck.