99-02 Steering Wheel Audio Control Install

[88GMCtruck]

Here is an install of steering wheel audio controls I did on my 2002 Sierra. It requires very minimal parts surprisingly.

Parts:
Denali/Escalade/Jimmy Steering Wheel - $65 shipped on eBay (you can buy the buttons and steering wheel trim from GM separately)
Denali SIR Clockspring Part # 26087300 - $85 shipped on eBay
Plastic paint (for trim) - $5
Misc Wire
PAC adapter (if you have an aftermarket stereo)

Tools:
Steering Wheel puller
Small flat screwdriver
Torx bits
The usual wiring "stuff"

Start by disconnecting your battery AND pulling the airbag fuse un the door jamb. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Let the truck sit for 15+ mins to allow for the electrical system to discharge. You don't want your airbag to go off in your face!


Start by first removing the dash bezel and lower dash panel. Under the lower dash panel also remove the metal shield with a 10MM socket. You'll need these out of the way part way into the project (found that out the hard way)

Now, removing the airbag. There are two small openings in the back, use a small screwdriver to release the clips holding it in. You'll figure it out after awhile.



Once the bag is released, unclip the electrical connector and carefully set the bag aside. Un-hook your horn wire (red) by turning counter clockwise. Then take the steering wheel puller and remove the wheel.



Now your wheel is gone and you have this left.



Now take the cover off the column by simply pulling it apart (I think older models had torx screws). You’ll also have to unclip the tilt lever (I think I used a small screwdriver on this too). No you are going to take the old SIR coil out of the column (the black thing with the airbag wire) and unhook it under the dash. You’ll have to cut some zip-ties and such. Take the new SIR coil and route the new wires and plug it all in. Route the new 4 wire plug for the audio controls where you can easily work on it later. Now, If you have a new SIR coil, follow the GM instructions that came with it and install it on the column. If you have a used coil, be sure it is centered on the column and you can see the orange thing in the window indicating it''s centered. If you don’t install it correctly it will become damaged and your air bag will not function, along with your horn and new radio controls.



Now move on to your steering wheel. If you bought a complete Denali/Escalade/Jimmy wheel and want to keep your factory wheel like I did (mines factory yellow, plus the Denali one I bought was very light grey) You will have to remove the controls and trim cover from the back, the re-install on your existing wheel. These all take torx bits. The back trim piece will also need painted if it doesn't match your interior color.



Put the trim back on the column, and then install the steering wheel. Install is reverse of removal. Be sure you plug your airbag back in, and it just pushes back onto the wheel.




At this point you can re-connect your battery and put your airbag fuse back. Before going any further test for proper horn and airbag functioning. I suggest standing out of the truck the first time you start it. You can also (while still standing outside) cycle the wheels back and forth to make sure your SIR coil is installed correctly.


If the airbag light is off and it didn't deploy, you’re ready to hook the controls up!


Wiring Info:

Black - Ground
Grey - Dash light dimmer +12v
Green - Keyed power
Yellow - Data wire

I will update with exact plug locations on the radio next time my dash is apart.

1. Cut the plug from the SIR coil and connect 4 wires to it, long enough to run to your stereo. I used OEM colors for simplicity.

2. Splice your ground, power and lights into your radio harness wiring however you choose. The Yellow signal wire goes to a pin in the radio plug that is empty. I shoved it in the socket and taped it in. It was on the bottom left of the connector next to the left most wire. (I’m going to get the pin number later).


Test out your new controls!!! If everything is wired correctly, the controls will do what they say on them (consequently, if they aren't they will do other things, such as not work or change channels with the mute switch). Be sure to check them at night to see if the backlighting works as well!!!

[TheBigBlackHD]

awesome write up man, if i get some extra cash i might have to do this.

[99-2door]

This is a great mod, I did this to my 99 Tahoe, my brother's 2001 D-max truck and the 2004 Blazer my wife used to have. My C3 has them from the factory. You will try to push them on every truck you drive that doesn't have them now.

The only thing I have to add is make sure the SIR coil is centered before you install it. If it isn't and you turn the wheel to see if it is you will break it. If it is a new coil it should come pre-centered.

[88GMCtruck]

Originally Posted by 99-2door

The only thing I have to add is make sure the SIR coil is centered before you install it. If it isn't and you turn the wheel to see if it is you will break it. If it is a new coil it should come pre-centered.

Yeah when I wrote the instructions I assumed that most people would be using a new SIR coil, which come with install instructions. Good point to make for anyone getting a used coil.

[Size Matters]

looks good

[TheBigBlackHD]

ordering the parts tonight, i found the steering wheel for $65 shipped also. Now as for the clockspring, its listed as 96 97 98 99 00 GMC Yukon Clockspring New, its 104.92, kinda steep but o well. Is that the proper one. Heres the lik to the steering wheel and clockspring:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-02...spagenameZWDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-96...3286.m20.l1116

[88GMCtruck]

Originally Posted by TheBigRedZ71

ordering the parts tonight, i found the steering wheel for $65 shipped also. Now as for the clockspring, its listed as 96 97 98 99 00 GMC Yukon Clockspring New, its 104.92, kinda steep but o well. Is that the proper one.

That is the correct steering wheel (same one I bought) but that is the incorrect clockpring (also known as an SIR coil). You need one from a 2001-2002 Denali or Escalade, GM part number 26087300 which is $105.99 + shipping on GMpartsdirect.com

Here is a link to the clockspring I bought on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...045737517&rd=1

[TheBigBlackHD]

thanks for your help, ill probably end up gettin the one from gmpartsdirect.com

[TheBigBlackHD]

another question, for the PAC adaptor, i need one for a 01-02 Yukon right?

[TheBigBlackHD]

also, I'm havin trouble findin a PAC for a Sony CDX-GT500

[91blkstpsd]

Sweet, I just need these instructions to install a new coil in my o6. Its broken. It has all the audio and onstar controls already on it. So if its a new coil I should have no problem installing it and centering?

[daved931]

Originally Posted by 99-2door

This is a great mod, I did this to my 99 Tahoe

So this is do-able on an OBS? Damn, that would be a good mod.

What did you use for steering wheel controls? Did you you order some from a NBS or did you use a whole steering wheel with the controls built in?

[Joe]

Great mod and thanks for the write up.

I did this with the www.jpcustoms.com kit a few years back. All I will add is also disconnect the airbag switch itself, just to be safe

[88GMCtruck]

Originally Posted by TheBigRedZ71

another question, for the PAC adaptor, i need one for a 01-02 Yukon right?

Yes, 01-02 Yukon Denali or Escalade are the two vehicles that had the controls in them.

Originally Posted by 91blkstpsd

Sweet, I just need these instructions to install a new coil in my o6. Its broken. It has all the audio and onstar controls already on it. So if its a new coil I should have no problem installing it and centering?

Yes, if you buy a new coil it should be pre centered as it has a little tab thing you have to break off..... Mine also came with instructions.

Originally Posted by daved931

So this is do-able on an OBS? Damn, that would be a good mod.

What did you use for steering wheel controls? Did you you order some from a NBS or did you use a whole steering wheel with the controls built in?

In 98 the OBS trucks/SUVs used the same steering wheel as this truck. The SIR coil, I assume, would be the same (since the airbag is the same, the denali coil just adds 4 wires for the audio controls). I have seen someone upgrade the older (wide airbag) style wheel for a 98+ wheel before, both with and without controls, so yes it is possible. You should need the same parts listed above, but I would veryify that first.

Originally Posted by Joe

Great mod and thanks for the write up.

I did this with the www.jpcustoms.com kit a few years back. All I will add is also disconnect the airbag switch itself, just to be safe

Airbag switch? Are you talking about the passenger switch OR the impact sensors down on the frame. Everything I've heard about working with the driver's bag just mentioned disconnecting the battery for 15+ mins and the fuse for the airbag, I was just careful to not touch the posts on the bag itself and set it aside.

[thebigcheez]

jjeez

[Joe]

Originally Posted by 88GMCtruck

Airbag switch? Are you talking about the passenger switch OR the impact sensors down on the frame. Everything I've heard about working with the driver's bag just mentioned disconnecting the battery for 15+ mins and the fuse for the airbag, I was just careful to not touch the posts on the bag itself and set it aside.

I believe there was a wire I disconnected under the seat someplace. My instructions are packed away in storage.

[99-2door]

Originally Posted by daved931

So this is do-able on an OBS? Damn, that would be a good mod.

What did you use for steering wheel controls? Did you you order some from a NBS or did you use a whole steering wheel with the controls built in?

Yes it will work in 98-99-2000 OBS stuff as well. The steering wheels are the same as the 99-02 trucks. I did this about 5 years ago and the controls were much harder to come by then. Now you can buy a wheel with the controls and bezel for like $60 on ebay. I used a coil from a 2001/02 Yukon Denali or 2001 C3. The coils will interchange, but the plugs for the airbag on the end are different. I just spliced the plug from the old coil onto it.
I used a PAC SWI-x to adapt it to my Pioneer stereo through IR, but now they have a wired version, mush easier to install. SWI-PS or SP is what I installed in my C3.

[glnamh]

can you use a steering wheel from a newer vehicle like a 2003 silverado, escalade or tahoe in say a 2000 silverado.

[TSS]

Originally Posted by glnamh

can you use a steering wheel from a newer vehicle like a 2003 silverado, escalade or tahoe in say a 2000 silverado.

I am guessing the airbag has changed somewhat. Again, just guessing. So, if you intend to use your old airbag, may be some issues...

[99-2door]

Originally Posted by glnamh

can you use a steering wheel from a newer vehicle like a 2003 silverado, escalade or tahoe in say a 2000 silverado.

It may be possible, there would be issues, but that's not what this thread is about. Let's keep it on topic of the 99-02 controls.