Driver Alert Package - Can this be added?

BlackOps · May 10, 2015

So I bought my truck during the Black Friday special and sacrificed 1 option because of the deal. It has bugged me ever since, but chose to buy it anyway because I felt I wouldn't find the same deal in time.

Anyhow, can this be added? Is it worth the time and money? Is the truck already equipped and is a matter of the dealership activating it through programming or is this something that is going to require equipment and programming?

Mike1220 · May 10, 2015

Not sure if this is 110% true, but when I was looking for a truck, a dealer told me that it couldn't be added, they said you would need a new rear view mirror assembly as you'll need one with a camera for the DAP (driver alert package) and a new upper dash piece, the lights, new seat, a new switch board for under the infotainment center, one of the steering wheel controls would need to be switched (on the front side since you set sensitivity there), reprogramming. They said it's impossible to add, but that was all of about 10 seconds before they told me the parts needed to add it. Which left me wondering

It seems like on these trucks if you didn't get the option from the factory, adding it can get expensive QUICK (and that's only if the option is addable)

morrislee · May 10, 2015

Why would you want the driver alert pkg... lol

When I heard the seats vibrate for lane departure, sounds almost annoying. Just like my parking sensors goes wonky during snow fall. I dont like these techs much, I refer just other gimmicks such as customizable dash etc.

TJay74 · May 10, 2015

While the dealer might be able to add the hard parts, the dealer has no way to change or update the programming in the computers to activate the option. Basically on the new platform all the dealer can do now is flash modules the exact same way as the truck was optioned from when it came off of the assembly line.

Habs · May 10, 2015

I have the driver alert package. You can turn it off or on, so no, it doesn't get 'annoying'.

It's very handy to have when driving and you're a bit tired. I work 12 hr night shits and I can tell you it's extremely reassuring to have, if I drift off I know I will stay in my lane. The forward collision warning is cool too. If you approach a vehicle too quickly, red lights will flash onto your windshield and the seat will vibrate and beep. Cool!

However, one downside is that I'm noticing the seat is uncomfortable. Whatever is in the side bolsters that vibrate don't have enough padding and dig into your thighs/legs, making you readjust a lot, especially when traveling long distances. May have to take it into the dealer to get them to look at it if the seat doesn't break in.

Honestly... I would definitely include it on my list when ordering a truck, But it's not a deal breaker by any means. It's nice to know I have every single option available on my LTZ, but at the same time, it's $1000 bucks that isn't very necessary, just like my sunroof.

It's gunna cost you too much trouble and money to try and add it on after the fact. Don't bother.

morrislee · May 11, 2015

I have the driver alert package. You can turn it off or on, so no, it doesn't get 'annoying'.

It's very handy to have when driving and you're a bit tired. I work 12 hr night shits and I can tell you it's extremely reassuring to have, if I drift off I know I will stay in my lane. The forward collision warning is cool too. If you approach a vehicle too quickly, red lights will flash onto your windshield and the seat will vibrate and beep. Cool!

However, one downside is that I'm noticing the seat is uncomfortable. Whatever is in the side bolsters that vibrate don't have enough padding and dig into your thighs/legs, making you readjust a lot, especially when traveling long distances. May have to take it into the dealer to get them to look at it if the seat doesn't break in.

Honestly... I would definitely include it on my list when ordering a truck, But it's not a deal breaker by any means. It's nice to know I have every single option available on my LTZ, but at the same time, it's $1000 bucks that isn't very necessary, just like my sunroof.

It's gunna cost you too much trouble and money to try and add it on after the fact. Don't bother.

Interesting, good to hear some feed back on these. I sometimes work 12 hours too, with additional 1 hour travel each way for work. I just blast my music to stay alert LOL

Isriam · May 11, 2015

I don't care for the lane departure and have it turned off 24/7. I do like the collision alert though and use it often.

Higgs Boson · May 11, 2015

I had Driver Assistance in my last truck (2015 2500) and turned it off. My 2015 1500 doesnt have it, but I did retain the parking sensors, etc and like that for sure.

liquidtrend · May 11, 2015

I LOVE the drive assist package. Great add on. Had to get my windshield replaced already and i know there is a specific windshield for the system. so that would get thrown in with everything else as well.

CounterMeasure · May 11, 2015

As others have mentioned above, there are a lot of parts in the package:

-Windshield with camera outline area

-Rearview with little camera for reading lanes and cars in front of you

-Dash panel with cutout for LEDs that shine up on windshield

-LED module mounted under the dash panel

-Seat bottom with buzzer motors, and I am sure the seat frame is different as well

-Dash module to run it all (I believe its mounted to firewall under dash

-Wiring from rearview, under headliner and down A-pillar

-Wiring under carpet to seats

The parts alone would be well more than the package cost, and the labor to get the parts in would be way up there as well (headliner removal for example). Even then, I agree with others that it is unlikely the dealership is equipped with the ability to program it all up. Just look at the pains people go through to add the backup camera, and that is almost completely "plug and play".

Its a nifty little system, but more tech wow than actual usefulness. I get a lot of false positives for collision detection. The camera is looking for bright red, and at night, a red car under a streetlight can occasionally fool it. I've had to turn down the collision detection distance to reduce the false warnings. Sooner or later, I am going to get used to the system crying "wolf", which defeats its purpose.

MikeNH · May 11, 2015

Can't be added I'm sure and I wouldn't miss it. Every rental I've had I turned the nannies off.

Isriam · May 12, 2015

I believe it actually uses the parking sensors to detect items in front of the vehicle? Also, the manual states you will get false positives, but still its worth every penny the day someone slams on their brakes in front of you.

morrislee · May 12, 2015

I believe it actually uses the parking sensors to detect items in front of the vehicle? Also, the manual states you will get false positives, but still its worth every penny the day someone slams on their brakes in front of you.

No, the sensors cant hit that far anyway. it uses the camera right behind the middle rear view mirror (for the equipped option you have a different windshield and mount for the mirror)

SLESierra · May 12, 2015

Habs · May 12, 2015

No, the sensors cant hit that far anyway. it uses the camera right behind the middle rear view mirror (for the equipped option you have a different windshield and mount for the mirror)

Yeah exactly. The camera behind the rear view mirror reads the lines for lane departure and monitors the vehicle in front of you. It would be cool if GM wired this up to be a dash cam too... I know it wouldn't be hard since the camera is on 24/7 when the vehicle is on!!