2015 Silverado 2500HD W/T "Modernizing" - Help! Instrument Cluster Upgrade, Backup Camera Upgrade, Factory Nav 8" Screen Upgrade

ChadwickDMAX · March 12, 2019

Hey guys, new member here. I decided to join this forum because of how awesome the community is on providing answers and solutions to somewhat elusive topics elsewhere on the internet. I'm excited to be a part of this awesome community and help contribute when possible!

I currently own a 2015 Silverado 2500HD W/T (work truck). Although these trucks come well-equipped in comparison to previous generation work trucks, there are still some features that us W/T guys are missing that I would like to upgrade to. So let's call this the "W/T Modernization" thread. My aim is to provide a solid thread to answer some of my questions and also help other W/T owners find the information they're looking for in regards to upgrading their truck.

Here is a list of mods I would like to accomplish:

- OEM 8" Touchscreen display w/ IO5/6 HMI module for Factory Nav. (LT+ models)

- LCD Color-display instrument cluster. (LT+ models)

- OEM Steering Wheel Controls (SWC) on the right side of steering wheel.

- OEM style tailgate backup camera.

- Z71 style front grille approach camera.

I have found a good amount of information so far on upgrading these trucks from an IO4 to an IO6 HMI module in order to support an 8" OEM touchscreen along with factory nav, Apple CarPlay, etc. From my understanding, there are companies you can contact to purchase full plug & play kits for about $1k. This seems to be the easiest and most expensive way. I attempted a DIY approach by buying an OEM take-off 8" display on eBay, but the problem is in the HMI module. These need to be pre-programmed in order to plug and play and there is no open-source software to do so.

The issues I'm having is obtaining clear, concise information on performing the remaining upgrades.

Instrument Cluster / Steering Wheel Control Upgrade:

- So far I have purchased an OEM take-off instrument cluster from a Z71 package truck of the same year. This new cluster swapped out and powered up from the original harness just fine. Upon startup, the display states "Action Required: Cluster Programming" along with a plethora of service warnings such as "Rear Axle, TPMS, Front Camera" etc. Unlike the original cluster which has a manual push-pin selector to clear service codes and change menus, the new cluster does not have a manual selector. This leads me to assume that the only way to interface with the cluster is by steering wheel controls.

My W/T has cruise control on the left side of the steering wheel which is interfacing on the new cluster but does not have a right side control/selector. Can I simply add additional SWC selector to the right side of my existing steering wheel or do I need to purchase a whole new steering wheel? Is this plug and play? Once installed, will it properly interface with the new cluster? How do you properly program the new cluster? is it auto-programmable or do I have to take it in/send it off to somewhere?

Rear/Front Cameras:

- Rear OEM tailgate handle back-up camera is a necessity; especially since the truck is a crew cab long bed. Does anyone know if these trucks in this year come pre-wired to add on a tailgate camera? Will it properly interface with the new 8" screen? This is a priority over front camera which is just added luxury. Same questions apply to front camera. If anyone can point us in the right direction for a quality OEM style camera, that would be awesome.

Thanks a ton,

Kole (ChadwickDMAX)

Southern California

Gmman · March 15, 2019

I have done most of what want to do. I have a 2017 W/T. Just finished the radio upgrade and heated steering wheel and more. It has taken me almost 2 years to finish this.

ChadwickDMAX · March 16, 2019

16 hours ago, Gmman said:

I have done most of what want to do. I have a 2017 W/T. Just finished the radio upgrade and heated steering wheel and more. It has taken me almost 2 years to finish this.

Good to hear you’re making head way. With so little help/discussion on the topic, I’m realizing how much time, trial and error it can be to upgrade these trucks.

Couple questions:

1) For your radio upgrade, did you DIY source the parts or buy a kit from a company like MVI, etc? What features did you get out of the radio upgrade?

2) On your steering wheel, did you buy a whole new wheel or did you add these features DIY? Do you have steering wheel controls now? Did you upgrade your cluster?

Sorry for the question storm, I’m eager to get started on this build and any info helps ?

Gmman · March 16, 2019

1) I used selvage yard parts of the same year for the radio and having the dealer unlock it. I had the IOB radio so there wasn't much I could with it. I had to put a new wire harness in the dash to do al this.

2) I did both. At first I added the right side controls to interface with the Z71 I/P. The I/P was new and sent that to White auto and media to be programed. Then when I did the complete upgrade I bought a new heated wheel.

This site is a wealth of information. Be patient. I googled a lot and it would most of the time bring me to this site.

ChadwickDMAX · March 16, 2019

1 hour ago, Gmman said:

1) I used selvage yard parts of the same year for the radio and having the dealer unlock it. I had the IOB radio so there wasn't much I could with it. I had to put a new wire harness in the dash to do al this.

2) I did both. At first I added the right side controls to interface with the Z71 I/P. The I/P was new and sent that to White auto and media to be programed. Then when I did the complete upgrade I bought a new heated wheel.

This site is a wealth of information. Be patient. I googled a lot and it would most of the time bring me to this site.

1) That’s great to know, probably much more affordable to go this route vs. buying an aftermarket OE style kit that are $1k+ ?

Did you acquire the new wire harness from the salvaged yard or did you purchase it from the dealer/third party? Was it affordable to have the dealership unlock the HMI for use?

2) Relieved to know it can be done and didn’t waste $200 on a new cluster. I also purchased a z71 style cluster. I’m assuming I/P is synonymous somehow with instrument cluster... As far as right side steering wheel controls go, was this plug and play? Or did you have to do any wiring/splicing?

I wonder if the cluster is something that the dealership can also program or if it has to be sent to a third party such as White’s?

You're absolutely right, this site is a wealth of information and was the reason I was glad to join and support. Thanks again for all the help brotha, it’s greatly appreciated.

Gmman · March 17, 2019

At first I found a truck and took wires out of the harness that I needed at the time. When I did the complete job I bought a new harness from the dealer. It will be about 100 bucks to have it unlocked. If you have cruise control it's pretty simple. That truck that I was getting parts from had a bent steering wheel so I got the controls and the wires from under the airbag to put in my wheel. On my truck I had to add a green wire from the harness connector to the cluster plug ..

Neitz · March 18, 2019

Well, I don't have any input yet, but I am a fellow W/T owner just recently so I'm in.

A heated, leather steering wheel with radio (right side) controls is one of first items I'd like to upgrade to.

Gmman · March 20, 2019

Welcome. What system do you have? I was asked what features I gained by upgrading. I gained steering wheel controls, CD player, Better graphics and bigger screen.