Questions on 2014-2015 Instrument Cluster & HMI Differences

[TxTruckMan]

So my 2014 Denali is in for some work (leaking front diff, seat heaters not working) and they gave me a new 2015 Sierra as a loaner for the week. I've noticed a couple of new features and was wondering if anybody knew why they couldn't be added to the 2014s. They seem like simple SW updates. I'm asking about the 4x4 menu in the Instrument Cluster (N/A for 2014), the sound settings for the radio (2014 only has talk and manual - 2015 has 6-8 sound settings), and the text messaging feature (N/A on 2014). Are there HW differences for these features?

Thanks.

[Silverado-Hareek]

I thought I read with the 4x4 screen it's not a simple software update. The truck needs an entirely new body control module as well.

[morrislee]

So my 2014 Denali is in for some work (leaking front diff, seat heaters not working) and they gave me a new 2015 Sierra as a loaner for the week. I've noticed a couple of new features and was wondering if anybody knew why they couldn't be added to the 2014s. They seem like simple SW updates. I'm asking about the 4x4 menu in the Instrument Cluster (N/A for 2014), the sound settings for the radio (2014 only has talk and manual - 2015 has 6-8 sound settings), and the text messaging feature (N/A on 2014). Are there HW differences for these features?

Thanks.

 

Christ white can add that 4x4 screen to 14's I have read, not from GM directly. Text messaging can also be added by him.

 

The 2015 uses capacitive touchscreen (ones found on modern day smartphones) 2014 uses resistive (pressure points) and this limits the 2014 to single point touch, 2015 can handle pinch zoom on the maps etc.

 

But 2014 should work with thick gloves while 2015 will require fingers exposed.

[jeffsig]

 

Christ white can add that 4x4 screen to 14's I have read, not from GM directly. Text messaging can also be added by him.

 

The 2015 uses capacitive touchscreen (ones found on modern day smartphones) 2014 uses resistive (pressure points) and this limits the 2014 to single point touch, 2015 can handle pinch zoom on the maps etc.

 

But 2014 should work with thick gloves while 2015 will require fingers exposed.

I was wondering why the '15's screen seemed more responsive than my '14. Now I know why. Thanks

[bass mechanic]

So my 2014 Denali is in for some work (leaking front diff, seat heaters not working) and they gave me a new 2015 Sierra as a loaner for the week. I've noticed a couple of new features and was wondering if anybody knew why they couldn't be added to the 2014s. They seem like simple SW updates. I'm asking about the 4x4 menu in the Instrument Cluster (N/A for 2014), the sound settings for the radio (2014 only has talk and manual - 2015 has 6-8 sound settings), and the text messaging feature (N/A on 2014). Are there HW differences for these features?

Thanks.

what 6-8 sound settings are you speaking of?

i just got my 2015 Denali and it looks the same as my 2014 (i did upgrade the HMI module in the 2014)

all i have is an icon for talk and the EQ icon. (i haven't used either) i just adjust the bass, mid and treble.

 

i will say for the record that i am convinced the sound is better in the denali than the All terrain i had previously. both were Bose but this Denali is supposed to have 7 speakers (sub under center console)

while i could not prove or disprove my 2014 had the sub, they both have excellent deep bass. in fact i think the denali has a little more, but more significant the denali seemed to have a lot better stereo separation.

I've been a car audio guy for about 30 years now. trust me i have installed some of the most amazing audio systems and frankly for a factory stereo the Bose is damn good as long as you listen to actual music and not rap crap.

i find it more than adequate, better than many aftermarket solutions.

but the denali system seems just a bit better.

and trust me, that is a pretty big compliment from someone like me..

[JJI]

 

Christ white can add that 4x4 screen to 14's I have read, not from GM directly. Text messaging can also be added by him.

 

The 2015 uses capacitive touchscreen (ones found on modern day smartphones) 2014 uses resistive (pressure points) and this limits the 2014 to single point touch, 2015 can handle pinch zoom on the maps etc.

 

But 2014 should work with thick gloves while 2015 will require fingers exposed.

I realize this thread is older but I am also interested in adding txt and the 4x4 screen ot my 14 all terrain . But I could not find the person you mentioned to contact. Any help you can give is appreciated

[morrislee]

I realize this thread is older but I am also interested in adding txt and the 4x4 screen ot my 14 all terrain . But I could not find the person you mentioned to contact. Any help you can give is appreciated

I think his username is GTPrix

[TJay74]

Chris can add the 4x4 screen, other than that nothing is cross compatible or swappable between the 2014/2015/2016 years as far as the infotainment system goes.