Bluetooth Options For 2008 Silverado

DRWIKBOZ · March 15, 2012

Hi all, I just put 20783877 in my 2008 Suburban with Nav, Bose and rear DVD. I was able to pair my first phone no problem, "onstar" then "bluetooth" then "pair" enter the code, etc. I tested dialing using "dial" and saing the number a few times and it worked fine. I also was able to store.

Then I paired the second phone. When I get to "bluetooth" it says "bluetooth ready" but then neither "dial" nor "call" will work. It seems to bring me to a help list of commands, which include "pair," "change phone," "voice," etc., but it doesn't list "dial" or "call"

Anyone have any ideas as to why this is happening? I can still voice dial by accessing the phone's voice dialing system ....

Thanks in advance!

scooby5121 · March 19, 2012

I was watching on u tube a gmc owner putting a unit in that uses all the functions of the truck

speaker , mike and also it shows up on the radio . It mutes the radio just like the on star we have that came equipped with the truck with the same stock options

(no navi,bose,etc.)

He takes off the moulding around the controls (large one that covers all the functions which are just snapped in with about 8 clips

Then a wiring harness included taps into the original gm /chev equipment,

The unit sits below in a hollow area concealed

Then he puts back the moulding

Excelllent product But I forget the company who sells it. DAMM

Scooby

scott26 · March 22, 2012

Has anyone had success with this mod that did not have steering wheel controls and just used the mirror controls?

mikracer · April 9, 2012

I've read through so many of the pages on this thread and it seems all the VCIM part numbers that are being listed arent being sold on ebay. I've noticed that some VCIM's on ebay have 2 coax looking connectors and some have 1. Which one should I be looking for? I have a 2007 (nnbs) Sierra with bose and nav. Thanks for your help.

pjp · April 9, 2012

Your roof antenna should have 2 connectors, I believe that the single connector was made in 2011.

mikracer · April 9, 2012

Your roof antenna should have 2 connectors, I believe that the single connector was made in 2011.

So should any bluetooth VCIM with 2 connectors work for my application? (07 nnbs, bose, nav)

pjp · April 10, 2012

There's been posts of unsuccessful installs within this topic so there's no guarantee. However, if you're looking for one from a Silverado / Sierra it will have to be one from a 2009 or 2010 as the 2008's and earlier didn't have them. If possible, try and find one that comes with some type of guarantee.

Bill in Niantic · May 19, 2012

I have a BlueStar for sale. Just installed the Advent OGM1 so I don't need the BlueStar any longer. If you don't listen to XM or need OnStar, this unit replaces the onstar module and uses all factory equipment.

$100.00, and its yours.

'08SierraSLT · September 20, 2013

After 49 pages of reading....are there any updates on this topic?? I just recently purchased a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD and was looking for Bluetooth options for my truck and stumbled on this....Anyone??

herkdriver007 · February 19, 2014

I know its an old thread, but I wanted to throw in my 2cents...

I picked up an Onstar Module, P/N 22737855 at the wrecking yard from a totaled '11 Pickup. It took longer to remove the trim around the radio, the power outlets, and the HVAC controls than to install this thing.

First thing you'll notice, is only 2 antenna connection, for the cell and BT antenna. If you want to keep the Onstar GPS you'll need P/N EL 49903-3 which combines the cell and gps signals. This on star module also has a bluetooth antenna, which is the other "antenna" connection on the back of the box. Factory module in '07 had 2 antennas (purple for cell and blue for gps) and plugs J1, J2, J3, J4but ONLY J1 and J2 were connected from the factory on Non-Nav trucks, J3 has the voice feed into the Nav radio. So if you see a module with less connections than you currently have, don't be to afraid. I have some of the schematics I was able to download from the gm-upfitter website, and compare the 07 and 11 model years, as well as the Nav/Non-Nav units.

Long story short, plugs J1 and J2 plug and work as advertised, and if you have a J3 it'll work as well. I had been googling for a while trying to figure out what J4 was, and apparently it has (on some vehicles) the low and high speed GMLANsso without those the vehicle may not start, thus my concern. But as I found from the stuff I downloaded and looking at my own module, everything is OK. I was able to make and receive calls in my 07 truck, the phone number is listed on the DIC, and the steering wheel button works.

Pairing was easy hit the phone button on the wheel, say Onstar, Bluetooth, Pairand she will give you the code to enter onto the phone in order to pair. Worked like a charm.

I'm writing this so others aren't afraid of trying a newer Onstar/BT module Good luck fellas!

wcortesi · June 17, 2014

I know its an old thread, but I wanted to throw in my 2cents...

I picked up an Onstar Module, P/N 22737855 at the wrecking yard from a totaled '11 Pickup. It took longer to remove the trim around the radio, the power outlets, and the HVAC controls than to install this thing.

First thing you'll notice, is only 2 antenna connection, for the cell and BT antenna. If you want to keep the Onstar GPS you'll need P/N EL 49903-3 which combines the cell and gps signals. This on star module also has a bluetooth antenna, which is the other "antenna" connection on the back of the box. Factory module in '07 had 2 antennas (purple for cell and blue for gps) and plugs J1, J2, J3, J4but ONLY J1 and J2 were connected from the factory on Non-Nav trucks, J3 has the voice feed into the Nav radio. So if you see a module with less connections than you currently have, don't be to afraid. I have some of the schematics I was able to download from the gm-upfitter website, and compare the 07 and 11 model years, as well as the Nav/Non-Nav units.

Long story short, plugs J1 and J2 plug and work as advertised, and if you have a J3 it'll work as well. I had been googling for a while trying to figure out what J4 was, and apparently it has (on some vehicles) the low and high speed GMLANsso without those the vehicle may not start, thus my concern. But as I found from the stuff I downloaded and looking at my own module, everything is OK. I was able to make and receive calls in my 07 truck, the phone number is listed on the DIC, and the steering wheel button works.

Pairing was easy hit the phone button on the wheel, say Onstar, Bluetooth, Pairand she will give you the code to enter onto the phone in order to pair. Worked like a charm.

I'm writing this so others aren't afraid of trying a newer Onstar/BT module Good luck fellas!

Thanks! I've been reading about this for the last couple days, and there's a lot to read. I think I can get one of these from a 2011 for a good price, but a little scared since everybody seems to be using the 09-10 modules. I've come to accept that OnStar won't work, no great loss there.

Why does something so simple have to be so involved? I called my dealer today and they told me to not even attempt this!

herkdriver007 · June 18, 2014

Thanks! I've been reading about this for the last couple days, and there's a lot to read. I think I can get one of these from a 2011 for a good price, but a little scared since everybody seems to be using the 09-10 modules. I've come to accept that OnStar won't work, no great loss there.

Why does something so simple have to be so involved? I called my dealer today and they told me to not even attempt this!

I had onstar for free for 3 mos...worked fine except they had the wrong truck. The onstar app worked too, so I could lock/unlock and remote start from my iPhone...pretty cool. Don't feel like paying for the service so, eh.

BT works awesome though.

Wonder why the dealer said not to attempt...interesting. It's not involved at all. Get one from a another silverado or sierra, it's plug n play.

wcortesi · June 18, 2014

I think they are just erring on the side of caution since it's not possible to match the vin to the new vcim and the 08 software doesn't support it, etc. I haven't had On* since the truck was new and I've never missed it either. I probably won't even use the bluetooth much, but a lot more than On*!

I drive truck for a living, so I keep my recreational driving to a minimum (about 28K on the 08 in 6 years) and I have 2 other garage queens that I tend to drive for fun.

It's just one of those things that I'd like to have and I can never leave well enough alone!

I have a new vcim coming from a 2011 Sierra. Should be here next week.

I think the hardest thing will be removing the trim and getting out the old vcim!

My motto is what could go wrong?

wcortesi · June 26, 2014

Just to update: I installed the new VCIM this afternoon. As I thought, the trim was a pain to remove and so was the VCIM, but once I figured out the bracket it went well. Easy to lose tools in there! I sacrificed a 7mm socket, I think it rolled under the module...

My Galaxy S4 paired with it no problem, made a couple calls. Doesn't seem to access my contacts with voice dialing, though. It makes me spell the number out if I don't make it from my phone.

CrunchyBlack386 · October 1, 2014

Does any one have the install pictures for this? I saw some many pages back but the pictures are no longer able to be viewed. I want to add this feature to my truck soon and just want to make sure I do it properly. Thanks!