2018 LS Custom Audio Controls?

Tyler_From_Canada · October 4, 2018

Searched high and low but I cannot find a definitive answer, so I figure I will ask and somebody can point me to the post if it exists.

I recently bought a 2018 LS Custom with the 7 inch display. I somehow neglected the fact that I wouldn't have Audio controls on the steering wheel.

Does anybody know if this is a item that would be locked out by the BCM if i bought and installed a steering wheel equipped with the desired buttons? (I am only interested in the audio controls, not worried about a heated steering wheel.)

~Tyler

Marv88 · October 9, 2018

If it's the same as a 2016 it is not that simple with the biggest issue being the iob 7" radio is not able to be controlled by steering wheel buttons. The dealership told me that along with changing the wheel I would need to swap the radio to an io5 or io6,, upgrade the dash cluster, replace the hmi with one based on the VIN of a truck that came with steering wheel controls, have it reflashed all at a cost of over $2,000.00 and even then they could not guarantee the steering wheel buttons would work. (turns out this model does not have an hmi so not sure if it could be added anyway).

I ended up swapping mine to an Alpine 10" Restyle kit after the Alpine tech told me I could control that using the steering wheel buttons since the included idatalink Maestro connected directly to the clockspring but turns out he was wrong as the signal goes through the dash cluster and iob clusters do not have that capability. There is a GM tech on the forum here who told me I may be able to get the buttons to work with the aftermarket headunit by just upgrading the cluster so I am borrowing one from another member here who upgraded his to a Denali cluster. If that doesn't work I'm just going to put the original steering wheel back in and call it a day.

Tyler_From_Canada · October 9, 2018

6 hours ago, Marv88 said:

If it's the same as a 2016 it is not that simple with the biggest issue being the iob 7" radio is not able to be controlled by steering wheel buttons. The dealership told me that along with changing the wheel I would need to swap the radio to an io5 or io6,, upgrade the dash cluster, replace the hmi with one based on the VIN of a truck that came with steering wheel controls, have it reflashed all at a cost of over $2,000.00 and even then they could not guarantee the steering wheel buttons would work. (turns out this model does not have an hmi so not sure if it could be added anyway).

I ended up swapping mine to an Alpine 10" Restyle kit after the Alpine tech told me I could control that using the steering wheel buttons since the included idatalink Maestro connected directly to the clockspring but turns out he was wrong as the signal goes through the dash cluster and iob clusters do not have that capability. There is a GM tech on the forum here who told me I may be able to get the buttons to work with the aftermarket headunit by just upgrading the cluster so I am borrowing one from another member here who upgraded his to a Denali cluster. If that doesn't work I'm just going to put the original steering wheel back in and call it a day.

Thanks for the reply.

As informative as this is, it is rather disappointing to hear. This must of been a intentional omission by GM. I can see no other reason to omit steering wheel controls from a otherwise great system. Oh well I guess, I am not personally willing to invest that kind of cash, but good luck with your adventure.

GTPprix · October 9, 2018

There is a work truck upgrade there in this very subform. While you dont have a WT much of the same situation(s) and fixes apply; it might help you out

Marv88 · October 9, 2018

1 hour ago, Tyler_From_Canada said:

Thanks for the reply.

As informative as this is, it is rather disappointing to hear. This must of been a intentional omission by GM. I can see no other reason to omit steering wheel controls from a otherwise great system. Oh well I guess, I am not personally willing to invest that kind of cash, but good luck with your adventure.

You're welcome and thanks.

Marv88 · October 9, 2018

1 hour ago, GTPprix said:

There is a work truck upgrade there in this very subform. While you dont have a WT much of the same situation(s) and fixes apply; it might help you out

Are you referring to my situation? If so I have read through that thread and quite honestly I don't totally understand the wiring but it appears I need to add a wire or 2 in there with the new cluster so I'm gonna read a few more times to make sure I understand correctly. Also, looks like I will need to send the new cluster to you first to have it flashed to my vin(?)