2007 Oem Nav Programming A Major Pita, Few Questions

VT_Z71 · May 1, 2009

So I installed a brand new, 2009 GM navigation unit w/ DVD (Part #25891155) into my '07 Sierra (which has Bose and the 6-disc dash changer). I installed the correct VSS harness, OnStar voice harness and ACDelco antenna. Since it was a brand new unit, it was pretty much plug-n-play with a few issues. Radio, navigation, voice directions, and voice recognition worked great. Few things I noticed though: DVD would not play most items because it was set to the wrong region (I need it set to Region 1 NTSC), my XM was not recognized by the new headunit, and my OnStar would not transmit sound through my speakers. So, I took my truck to the dealer to have the new unit programmed to 'recognize' my XM, play my OnStar, and set to the right DVD region. 3 hours and $145 dollars later, my dealer was able to reset the programming of my unit, however, they were not able to connect the XM, OnStar and DVD issue. Since my dealer program, here is the changes that I've noticed since initial installation:

1) when initially installed, the welcome screen showd the GMC logo, and said "powered by Bose" in the bottom left corner. Since my dealer program, it just says GMC, no Bose logo. This really isnt a big deal

2) since my reprogram, I no longer have the clock shown on my screen. I don't even have the option of setting my clock anymore. This was all present when I initially installed. What gives?

3) since the reprogram, I've lost all my chimes/blinker/warning sounds. These all worked when I initially installed the radio. Just since the reprogram have they disappeared. I don't really mind, just kind of miss the beeping of the Backup System already.

I've tried resetting the battery. This did not work to regain these functions. Here is my thought though. If I take my dash apart, and unhook the radio connetions from the back, wait a few minutes, then reinstall, will the Nav unit revert back to its 'stock' programming where I at least have my chimes back again? I shouldnt have any theftlock issues should I, since my truck's VIN is the one 'burnt' into this unit from the first time it was ever turned on?

These things above I can live with or without, just would sortof like my chimes & sounds back. Below are my real questions:

1) My truck is in the boonies most of the time and I live by my XM. FM just doesnt cut it usually. Before removing my stock unit, I got my XM ID# from Channel O and recorded it. Now, my NAV unit does not seem to be connecting with my XM box. The unit menu shows AM, FM, CD, & Aux, but no XM option. I've checked all the connections behind the dash, which are good, and my XM subscription is still active. I thought this was a matter of my radio unit just needing programming to recognize the XM option, however, after trying for 3 hours yesterday, my dealer said they could not get the Nav unit to connect to the XM. My question is this: is this really a programming issue where I need to have the dealer try again to connect the head unit with my XM which should still be active? Or, is it as simple as calling XM and informing them that I've changed head units and they need to re-activate my service? I know the XM unit is separate from the head unit, and located behind the glove box. I know the XM ID#. I just need to know how to have my head unit show the XM option and connect with the XM box behind the dash. If XM has to reactivate my service since I changed head units, will the option just show up on my nav screen once complete? Any help here is immensly appreciated.

2) My OnStar is active, and still works. However, it does not play sound through my speakers anymore. I can hit the OnStar button, or the phone button, and you can tell it works because the info panel on the dash displays the number being called, the light on the mirror flashes, etc., however, I just can't hear anything through the speakers. I even called OnStar and had them unlock my doors, so I know the system still works. I'm wondering, why would the new Nav unit not allow the OnStar sounds through the speakers anymore? I connected the Voice Harness for the voice recognition features when installing the Nav unit. They work great: when I hold the steering wheel Mute button, it goes straight into Voice Command mode for the Nav (whereas before holding this button would go direct to OnStar). The voice command feature is somewhat cumbersome though and I could live without. If I just undo the red & black wires I used to connect the OnStar module to the radio harness (for the voice featers when installing the Nav), should my OnStar go back to it's regular method of playing through my HU & speakers? Or, does the head unit need to be programmed to accept sounds from the OnStar unit? I tried having the dealer program this yesterday, but after 3 hours they couldnt gain communication between the head unit and the OnStar module. I hope its as easy as removing the Nav voice harness and hopefully gain my OnStar back. Any advice here?

3) My DVD player still will not play most American DVDs (only homemade burnt ones). It is set for the wrong region, and needs to be set to Region 1 NTSC. Any easy way of doing this besides the dealer Tech 2? Or any possibility in a lockpick or some other device bypassing this region restriction? If this is that big of a deal, I can live without.

Thanks for any and all advice here. I really would like to somehow get my XM and chimes back. Everything else I could live without if need be.

glamisrob · May 2, 2009

I am having the exact and I mean exact same issues you are with the same NAV model that I just installed in my 07 Silverado with Bose and without Y91. The dealer could not get it figured out today after 2.5 hours. Lost XM, DVD says Region Code Error, Onstar, no chimes. I was with the Tech when he was programming. He tried Tech II and some new wireless tool that is synched to their PC. Nothing worked. Any help would be appreciated. VT Z71, if you are able to get this issues resolved please let me know how.

superjim · May 3, 2009

The 2007 and the 2009 use a different ONSTAR module.

It is a new generation...Version 8..I think.

I do not know if that is your problem or not...just thought I would mention it.

VT_Z71 · May 3, 2009

So I've started to wonder more about this. Does the XM module behind the glove box pass signal 'through' the vcim (OnStar) module before going on to the head unit? I was reading something on the Bluetooth topic that mentioned the Scoche BlueFusion unit mounts at the XM module. If that is the case and the OnStar steering wheel buttons are used to access BlueFusion bluetooth stuff, then that indicates that the XM and vcim might be interconnected.

Now follow me here. If that is the case, I'm wondering if my '09 nav unit is not communicating with my XM nor playing OnStar audio because the '07 vcim is not compatible with the '09 unit. I know there was an OnStar update between 07/08 and 09 that added factory bluetooth among other things, so if that is the case, maybe I would have to update to an '09 vcim. I wonder if my '09 nav head unit would then properly communicate with the vcim unit and access my XM.

In reading all 11 pages of the Bluetooth thread, I would be perfectly fine doing this if I knew my XM would work again. I don't think I would bother having the dealer program the OnStar portion.

Just a thought.

superjim · May 3, 2009

So I've started to wonder more about this. Does the XM module behind the glove box pass signal 'through' the vcim (OnStar) module before going on to the head unit? I was reading something on the Bluetooth topic that mentioned the Scoche BlueFusion unit mounts at the XM module. If that is the case and the OnStar steering wheel buttons are used to access BlueFusion bluetooth stuff, then that indicates that the XM and vcim might be interconnected.

Now follow me here. If that is the case, I'm wondering if my '09 nav unit is not communicating with my XM nor playing OnStar audio because the '07 vcim is not compatible with the '09 unit. I know there was an OnStar update between 07/08 and 09 that added factory bluetooth among other things, so if that is the case, maybe I would have to update to an '09 vcim. I wonder if my '09 nav head unit would then properly communicate with the vcim unit and access my XM.

In reading all 11 pages of the Bluetooth thread, I would be perfectly fine doing this if I knew my XM would work again. I don't think I would bother having the dealer program the OnStar portion.

Just a thought.

Clay,

I think you are definately on the right track.

My understanding is...The older XM/OnStar modules can not talk to the newer head units properly. They use a slightly different communation protacol.

I am very interested in your project.

I had to have the NAV system replaced in my 2006 Caddy under warranty...I wanted to upgrade to the 2009 unit and have the new modules upgraded so I could have the Bluetooth, NAV/TRAFFIC and the Onstar Turn by Turn directions downloaded to it.

I forget the $$ amount...but it was something totally ridiculous.

A lot of rewiring/labor was going to have to be done in the Caddy to make it all work together. The module cost wasn't too bad, but the labor cost was crazy.

Needless to say, I didn't have it done.

I will follow your progress and assist any way I can.

I may end up just doing mine myself...like you are doing.

VT_Z71 · May 7, 2009

Well I removed the DVD navigation unit from my truck today. I've had it installed for about a week now, and while it has its many fine points, there are too many programming hassles for me to worry about right now. My truck spends 99% of the time way in the backcountry, with nothing for FM radio. Especially after my antenna delete, I just can't live without my XM. I've gotten way too used to it. Also, believe it or not, I really missed not having the chimes. Twice this week I've left the truck while leaving the lights on, and there is just something kinda eerie about the silence (instead of the familiar click clack click clack) when the blinkers are on. I know all of these issues can be corrected by competant dealer programming, but I don't have the time to convince the local dealer (or GM Techline for that matter) the correct procedures/checked options/etc.etc.etc. to get it up to 100%. My local dealer where I bought the truck is 100 miles away from where I currently reside, so the only chance I would have to work with them would be during weekends when visiting the parents, of course when they're not open. They are the type that would let me actually sit with the Tech 2 operator and work on my truck (as I did in my LOOONG ordeal with GM Techline obtaining programming for my folding mirror swap), but they are just too far away from me during the work week.

Took a long business trip to Baltimore over the weekend and first half of the week. Purposily didn't print off any directions, and totally relied on the navigation system. I must say, it did an awesome job in getting me to my various destinations. It showed me which lanes to remain in when the Interstate split, the voice guidance is pretty cool, estimated distance & time to destination worked well, etc. The POI thing is pretty darn cool too in helping to locate hotels and gas stations in unfamiliar areas. Really enjoyed utilizing the system, except, I kept switching between Nav and Audio desperately searching for new FM stations worth a damn.

Anyway, my 1 week old Navigation/DVD with Version 4.0c disc is going up on the For Sale block. If nothing happens there in a week or so, I'm putting it on EBay. I'll take some of the money I make back and get a Garmin or Tom/Tom and get back in the Navigation game.

Plugged in my stock Bose 6-disc this evening, and having the XM back was literally music to my ears. My damn clock was back too (for some reason, it disappeared after the dealer attempted to program the Nav), and let me tell you, you never really appreciate it until its gone. Since my truck is now "Nav-Ready" (I kept the vss harness, OnStar voice harness, and GPS antenna in), maybe in the future I can find a 07/08 new Nav unit and try this whole game again. I think the majority of my issues with the unit not communicating with OnStar/XM was due to the 09's using a slightly different protocol than and 07/08 vcim units. If GM ever decides to sell these 09 upgrades for Bluetooth, that would be nice as I could again try the 09 Nav.

superjim · May 7, 2009

I am real sorry that it didn't all work out for you.

Thanks for updating the thread and the various things that you found out.

It will be a help to someone else somewhere down the line.

May 8, 2009

If you believe the XM module compatibility is the issue, why not try unplugging that unit just for a few minutes. If everything else comes back then you know the XM unit is the key. Then you can decide whether purchsing a "new" XM unit is worth trying.

Just a thought. I'd hate to see you give up that easily.

VT_Z71 · May 8, 2009

I tried that. Unplugged the XM unit, then plugged it back in. Nothing with the nav. Tried unplugging my vcim from the nav and reboothing, again, nothing. I believe the XM runs through the vehicle's high-speed network to the the vcim, where the data is processed and then run as sound signal to the head unit. If what I'm hearing is correct, the vcim in the 07/08 uses a slightly different communications protocol than the '09 models. Therefore, my thought is that the '09 Nav head unit can not properly read the signal it was getting from my 07/08 vcim, therefore giving me no OnStar or XM sound. Kinda odd though, with the Nav in, my OnStar still worked, as I tested it by calling OnStar to unlock my doors. All went well, just I couldnt hear the "OnStar Ready" or any other audio from the system with the Nav unit in. Also, I know the Nav unit was communicating in some sense with the vcim because I did have my Voice Recognition features (which run through the vcim unit), chimes at first (until the dealer programming screwed that up) and a few other hints. From the countless nights of research I put into this though, I believe just the OnStar and XM audio signal is what is different between the 07/08 vcim units and the 09 units (probably due to the addition of Bluetooth but who knows).

I have my stock Bose 6-disc back in now, and OnStar, XM, chimes, etc. are all back to normal like nothing ever happened.

lucio1996 · May 15, 2009

So I installed a brand new, 2009 GM navigation unit w/ DVD (Part #25891155) into my '07 Sierra (which has Bose and the 6-disc dash changer). I installed the correct VSS harness, OnStar voice harness and ACDelco antenna. Since it was a brand new unit, it was pretty much plug-n-play with a few issues. Radio, navigation, voice directions, and voice recognition worked great. Few things I noticed though: DVD would not play most items because it was set to the wrong region (I need it set to Region 1 NTSC), my XM was not recognized by the new headunit, and my OnStar would not transmit sound through my speakers. So, I took my truck to the dealer to have the new unit programmed to 'recognize' my XM, play my OnStar, and set to the right DVD region. 3 hours and $145 dollars later, my dealer was able to reset the programming of my unit, however, they were not able to connect the XM, OnStar and DVD issue. Since my dealer program, here is the changes that I've noticed since initial installation:

1) when initially installed, the welcome screen showd the GMC logo, and said "powered by Bose" in the bottom left corner. Since my dealer program, it just says GMC, no Bose logo. This really isnt a big deal

2) since my reprogram, I no longer have the clock shown on my screen. I don't even have the option of setting my clock anymore. This was all present when I initially installed. What gives?

3) since the reprogram, I've lost all my chimes/blinker/warning sounds. These all worked when I initially installed the radio. Just since the reprogram have they disappeared. I don't really mind, just kind of miss the beeping of the Backup System already.

I've tried resetting the battery. This did not work to regain these functions. Here is my thought though. If I take my dash apart, and unhook the radio connetions from the back, wait a few minutes, then reinstall, will the Nav unit revert back to its 'stock' programming where I at least have my chimes back again? I shouldnt have any theftlock issues should I, since my truck's VIN is the one 'burnt' into this unit from the first time it was ever turned on?

These things above I can live with or without, just would sortof like my chimes & sounds back. Below are my real questions:

1) My truck is in the boonies most of the time and I live by my XM. FM just doesnt cut it usually. Before removing my stock unit, I got my XM ID# from Channel O and recorded it. Now, my NAV unit does not seem to be connecting with my XM box. The unit menu shows AM, FM, CD, & Aux, but no XM option. I've checked all the connections behind the dash, which are good, and my XM subscription is still active. I thought this was a matter of my radio unit just needing programming to recognize the XM option, however, after trying for 3 hours yesterday, my dealer said they could not get the Nav unit to connect to the XM. My question is this: is this really a programming issue where I need to have the dealer try again to connect the head unit with my XM which should still be active? Or, is it as simple as calling XM and informing them that I've changed head units and they need to re-activate my service? I know the XM unit is separate from the head unit, and located behind the glove box. I know the XM ID#. I just need to know how to have my head unit show the XM option and connect with the XM box behind the dash. If XM has to reactivate my service since I changed head units, will the option just show up on my nav screen once complete? Any help here is immensly appreciated.

2) My OnStar is active, and still works. However, it does not play sound through my speakers anymore. I can hit the OnStar button, or the phone button, and you can tell it works because the info panel on the dash displays the number being called, the light on the mirror flashes, etc., however, I just can't hear anything through the speakers. I even called OnStar and had them unlock my doors, so I know the system still works. I'm wondering, why would the new Nav unit not allow the OnStar sounds through the speakers anymore? I connected the Voice Harness for the voice recognition features when installing the Nav unit. They work great: when I hold the steering wheel Mute button, it goes straight into Voice Command mode for the Nav (whereas before holding this button would go direct to OnStar). The voice command feature is somewhat cumbersome though and I could live without. If I just undo the red & black wires I used to connect the OnStar module to the radio harness (for the voice featers when installing the Nav), should my OnStar go back to it's regular method of playing through my HU & speakers? Or, does the head unit need to be programmed to accept sounds from the OnStar unit? I tried having the dealer program this yesterday, but after 3 hours they couldnt gain communication between the head unit and the OnStar module. I hope its as easy as removing the Nav voice harness and hopefully gain my OnStar back. Any advice here?

3) My DVD player still will not play most American DVDs (only homemade burnt ones). It is set for the wrong region, and needs to be set to Region 1 NTSC. Any easy way of doing this besides the dealer Tech 2? Or any possibility in a lockpick or some other device bypassing this region restriction? If this is that big of a deal, I can live without.

Thanks for any and all advice here. I really would like to somehow get my XM and chimes back. Everything else I could live without if need be.

lucio1996 · May 15, 2009

So I installed a brand new, 2009 GM navigation unit w/ DVD (Part #25891155) into my '07 Sierra (which has Bose and the 6-disc dash changer). I installed the correct VSS harness, OnStar voice harness and ACDelco antenna. Since it was a brand new unit, it was pretty much plug-n-play with a few issues. Radio, navigation, voice directions, and voice recognition worked great. Few things I noticed though: DVD would not play most items because it was set to the wrong region (I need it set to Region 1 NTSC), my XM was not recognized by the new headunit, and my OnStar would not transmit sound through my speakers. So, I took my truck to the dealer to have the new unit programmed to 'recognize' my XM, play my OnStar, and set to the right DVD region. 3 hours and $145 dollars later, my dealer was able to reset the programming of my unit, however, they were not able to connect the XM, OnStar and DVD issue. Since my dealer program, here is the changes that I've noticed since initial installation:

1) when initially installed, the welcome screen showd the GMC logo, and said "powered by Bose" in the bottom left corner. Since my dealer program, it just says GMC, no Bose logo. This really isnt a big deal

2) since my reprogram, I no longer have the clock shown on my screen. I don't even have the option of setting my clock anymore. This was all present when I initially installed. What gives?

3) since the reprogram, I've lost all my chimes/blinker/warning sounds. These all worked when I initially installed the radio. Just since the reprogram have they disappeared. I don't really mind, just kind of miss the beeping of the Backup System already.

I've tried resetting the battery. This did not work to regain these functions. Here is my thought though. If I take my dash apart, and unhook the radio connetions from the back, wait a few minutes, then reinstall, will the Nav unit revert back to its 'stock' programming where I at least have my chimes back again? I shouldnt have any theftlock issues should I, since my truck's VIN is the one 'burnt' into this unit from the first time it was ever turned on?

These things above I can live with or without, just would sortof like my chimes & sounds back. Below are my real questions:

1) My truck is in the boonies most of the time and I live by my XM. FM just doesnt cut it usually. Before removing my stock unit, I got my XM ID# from Channel O and recorded it. Now, my NAV unit does not seem to be connecting with my XM box. The unit menu shows AM, FM, CD, & Aux, but no XM option. I've checked all the connections behind the dash, which are good, and my XM subscription is still active. I thought this was a matter of my radio unit just needing programming to recognize the XM option, however, after trying for 3 hours yesterday, my dealer said they could not get the Nav unit to connect to the XM. My question is this: is this really a programming issue where I need to have the dealer try again to connect the head unit with my XM which should still be active? Or, is it as simple as calling XM and informing them that I've changed head units and they need to re-activate my service? I know the XM unit is separate from the head unit, and located behind the glove box. I know the XM ID#. I just need to know how to have my head unit show the XM option and connect with the XM box behind the dash. If XM has to reactivate my service since I changed head units, will the option just show up on my nav screen once complete? Any help here is immensly appreciated.

2) My OnStar is active, and still works. However, it does not play sound through my speakers anymore. I can hit the OnStar button, or the phone button, and you can tell it works because the info panel on the dash displays the number being called, the light on the mirror flashes, etc., however, I just can't hear anything through the speakers. I even called OnStar and had them unlock my doors, so I know the system still works. I'm wondering, why would the new Nav unit not allow the OnStar sounds through the speakers anymore? I connected the Voice Harness for the voice recognition features when installing the Nav unit. They work great: when I hold the steering wheel Mute button, it goes straight into Voice Command mode for the Nav (whereas before holding this button would go direct to OnStar). The voice command feature is somewhat cumbersome though and I could live without. If I just undo the red & black wires I used to connect the OnStar module to the radio harness (for the voice featers when installing the Nav), should my OnStar go back to it's regular method of playing through my HU & speakers? Or, does the head unit need to be programmed to accept sounds from the OnStar unit? I tried having the dealer program this yesterday, but after 3 hours they couldnt gain communication between the head unit and the OnStar module. I hope its as easy as removing the Nav voice harness and hopefully gain my OnStar back. Any advice here?

3) My DVD player still will not play most American DVDs (only homemade burnt ones). It is set for the wrong region, and needs to be set to Region 1 NTSC. Any easy way of doing this besides the dealer Tech 2? Or any possibility in a lockpick or some other device bypassing this region restriction? If this is that big of a deal, I can live without.

Thanks for any and all advice here. I really would like to somehow get my XM and chimes back. Everything else I could live without if need be.

Dude, I did the same thing on my 07 sierra and the only thing i am having issues with is the non OEM radio amp staying on. mine works ok and I retained all the chimes!

VT_Z71 · May 15, 2009

I had all my chimes when I first installed the unit. After the dealer attempted to program the unit to get my XM and OnStar working, my chimes and clock went away.

itlbtu · May 19, 2009

I had all my chimes when I first installed the unit. After the dealer attempted to program the unit to get my XM and OnStar working, my chimes and clock went away.

Maybe I'm missing something here... Why couldn't you install an '07 Nav unit, and get a lockpick and a bluetooth adapter?

glamisrob · May 20, 2009

I scrapped the OEM NAV idea. I posted earlier about having th same problems as you. I sold my OEM NAV and bought the Kenwood DNX 6140. I was able. Great unit and I am glad I made the switch. It has the Garmin NAV built in plus Parrot bluetooth which works really well. Much better than the stock set-up in my opinion. I paid about $1200 for the Kenwood unit, XM module, wiring harness for the Bose amp and speakers and wiring harness to retain steering wheel controls, dash kit. Install was easy. I sold my OEM NAV for $600, the original 6 disc player for $100, My old Parrot Blutooth for $150 and my old Peripheral Ipod and HD radio interfaces for $100 for a total of $950. Plus I would have purchased the lockpick for the OEM which was about $250. So, for me it ended up being about a wash in the end and I got a much better aftermarket unit.

With the Kenwood I was able to use the factory XM antenna and installed the GPS antenna in the same place the OEM GPS antenna goes.