Steering Wheel Audio Controls

[TheQuads]

I did a search and the posts mostly referred to people with aftermarket radios and an adapter from jpcustoms for it.

I have a stock Radio, and I would like to get a steering wheel with audio controls. Will I need an adapter too or would this be a plug and play thing ?

I am assuming it would cost GM more to not make the same steering column and wiring.

[rjwms]

I think that either summitracing.com or truckperformance.com had a bolt on type of stearing wheel. I think...I'm not sure.

[TheQuads]

I am actually looking at some on EBAY. I am hoping its just swapping them out.

[lrymal]

I am actually looking at some on EBAY. I am hoping its just swapping them out.

The follow explantion explains it fairly well and comes from:
http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17291&st=100&p=265087&#entry265087


First, You must get the steering wheel with controls. I believe part numbers were listed above, but bottom line, make sure you get the right color if you are ordering. The black one is called ebony. Prices vary depending on where you get them. I got mine from a salvage yard brand new for $75. Second, You must replace the clockspring with the column harness. If you have a light duty pickup, you will need part number 26101829. This is for a 2 stage air bag. If you have a heavy duty, order part number 26101828. This is for a single stage air bag. If you are unsure, take off your airbag and look to see if it has 1 or 2 pigtails connected to it. 1 is a single stage, 2 is a 2 stage. GM has reduced the number of part numbers available to simplify things. Therefore, you will get a harness equipped with an additional 8 pin connector. This is for the steering wheel speed sensor for quadrasteer. If you do not have quadrasteer, just tape it to the column and don't worry about it.

Be careful when installing the harness, there are about 14 connectors, I spent 2 hours installing the harness and wheel.

Now the part which has been the most confusing. If your truck was not equipped with rpo code (UK3) which is redundant radio controls, your body controller will not recognize or (turn on) the radio controls. In addition the instrument cluster will not recognize or turn on the DIC functionality. Therefore, your dealer will have to call the Techline Support center. This is not the same as TAC. Techline is for software, programming...etc. They need to explain what they are doing and request a 2 VCI numbers. A VCI number is a new calibration code which will allow your controllers to turn on the radio and DIC controls. They need to get a code for the IPC and one for the TBC. They will then request info from the vehicle with their Tech 2 handheld device. They then take the Tech 2 to their PC loaded with TIS2000 and perform a SPS programming function using the VCI numbers. This will load the calibration into the Tech 2. They then take the Tech 2 back to the vehicle and load the new calibration into the vehicle. They will need to go through this process twice, once for the IPC and again for the TBC using the new VCI numbers.

I personally did every part of this on my own truck today (yes, the programming also) and it does work. The Dealers do not get this request often, so probably will not know the process. Therefore, print out this message and they will then understand.

[Joe]

I bought the kit from JPCustoms and installed it on my GMC last spring, no problems at all :cool:

[JB]

I did a search and the posts mostly referred to people with aftermarket radios and an adapter from jpcustoms for it.

I have a stock Radio, and I would like to get a steering wheel with audio controls. Will I need an adapter too or would this be a plug and play thing ?

I am assuming it would cost GM more to not make the same steering column and wiring.

Send Jason an email, Im sure he will be glad to help you. He has sold and installed hundreds of these.

http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/customer/home.php?cat=311

[Izzy]

I wonder if he has one for the 03+ since the audio controls are actually on the spokes of the steering wheel.

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/gallery/silverado/int_gallery03.jpg

Can anyone tell me if that wheel would physically install on a 96-98? Also would the air bag have the same wiring?

[TheQuads]

Thanks guys, it seems like a little bit of a mission to get the dealer to flash the system and all that, I just happened to see a steering wheel on ebay for like $75 and sounded like a great addition.

$230.00 is a little far from my budget right now since I just finished a Denali Console Conversion, too soon for another big spend on the truck.

Was hoping it would have been a simple swap.

[DownSouthGMC]

I want to put that wheel Izzy shows in my 01 ... I can't find any info as to it working ...

[TheQuads]

Thats the wheel I want, saw one on ebay. Sold for $75 bucks, but since its not a plug and play thing, didnt go for it.

[Izzy]

Yeah I saw it, the airbag is gonna cost extra though 'cuz most auctions seperate them out.

[TheQuads]

I have an 04, so I have the exact same wheel, just without the AUDIO CONTROLS.
So I would have been saved there, who knows, If I find a steering wheel cheap enough, I just might go through with the hassle....that one was at $10 until about 20 minutes before the auction ended, then it skyrocketed to $75.

[DownSouthGMC]

[QUOTE=Izzy]http://www.chevrolet.com/i/gallery/silverado/int_gallery03.jpg

QUOTE] So does anyone know if this can be swapped into a 01 and have it all work? or maybe even the whole colum?

[deoncollins69]

The columbs are all the same from 95 and up. So with a little wiring and swapping the clock springs these will fit no problem. I just pu a 2000 envoy wheel in my Z-71 97 and it took me only 45 minutes. You may have to replace the plug for the air bag under the dash but that was no bug deal. 2 wires and some solder. I would have went with the newer wheel but it has buttons I cant use in my 97.