2007 Tahoe Onstar Module Bluetooth Replacement

[ST7-OKT]

I’ve owned my 2007 Tahoe (VIN 1GNFK13087R398559) since new and I’m finally getting around to some quality of life upgrades. One of the things I’m working on now is getting Bluetooth to function with the existing factory radio. I have already purchased and installed a Crux BTS-GM1X module for Bluetooth music but I would like to add Bluetooth support for phone calls as well.

I read through this forum and found that the Onstar Module (VCIM) contains the Bluetooth functionality for Phone calls, and that it was an easy swap. I purchased an Onstar Module from a 2012 Tahoe (P/N 22832743) from eBay and made the swap today.

The module I received from eBay has a single coaxial plug and three sockets labelled J1, J2, and J3. Its P/N is 22832743.

The module I removed from my 2007 Tahoe has two coaxial plugs and four sockets labelled J1, J2, J3, and J4. Socket J4 did not have anything plugged into it. This module’s P/N is 25826499.

Despite the differences, I swapped the module anyway. The vehicle turned on as usual and I received no error codes, but I was unable to pair anything to the Bluetooth. Here are my current theories:

1. I am not doing the correct Bluetooth Pairing procedure. I am holding the “talk” button on the wheel but the system does not recognize any pairing commands

2. I have the incorrect module and it is not compatible with my vehicle, a new module is required. What part number do I need?

3. My vehicle’s Navigation System is incompatible with Bluetooth Pairing and I will need a new Navigation Unit.

4. My vehicle is simply incompatible with Bluetooth calling and I will have to settle for a third-party integration or nothing at all.


I’m really stuck here and would greatly appreciate any help. I want to keep my vehicle as close to stock appearance and possible and don’t want to change to an aftermarket Navigation unit.
Thanks,

 

[Fless]

Maybe @petethepug might have a suggestion.

 

[mikez71]

LOOKS just like my 2012 onstar module..
BUT mine is part # 22898335
Assembled: 01/12/12
Model: LT-93GABJ

 

[petethepug]

Welcome from SoCal. Ty for being so thorough on including all the details. You’re so close on completing the install. I haven’t used the VCIM with only one antenna output before but it should still work if it has the BT logo on the tag.

The fix … order one of these …

Adapter for Fakra Female to Two Fakra Male Y Spliter SKAA-53A

https://a.co/d/8fJgG87

And order one of these …
GM Genuine Part 15938939 BT Radio Antenna

https://a.co/d/3U92ZDx

Early VCIM had two antenna outlets. 09 / early 10 had three. After that, back to one or two. GM integrated the Phone BT antenna into the truck and out of the VCIM.

Below is an 09 VCIM where GM actually added a BT antenna to an extra outlet on the VCIM.

Below on the right is a 2011 VCIM. A wye is attached to the BT antenna from the 09 and it integrates the BT antenna into the later model VCIM

Reinstall the VCIM into your truck with the wye on your single antenna wire connected to the wye and the BT antenna. You’ll be good to go.

A little more in depth reading …

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/2007-escalade-install-of-2011-tahoe-vcim-22794713-help-with-onstar-activation-tech-2.272136/page-3

 

[ST7-OKT]

Welcome from SoCal. Ty for being so thorough on including all the details. You’re so close on completing the install. I haven’t used the VCIM with only one antenna output before but it should still work if it has the BT logo on the tag.

The fix … order one of these …

Adapter for Fakra Female to Two Fakra Male Y Spliter SKAA-53A

https://a.co/d/8fJgG87

And order one of these …
GM Genuine Part 15938939 BT Radio Antenna

https://a.co/d/3U92ZDx

Early VCIM had two antenna outlets. 09 / early 10 had three. After that, back to one or two. GM integrated the Phone BT antenna into the truck and out of the VCIM.

Below is an 09 VCIM where GM actually added a BT antenna to an extra outlet on the VCIM.

View attachment 445930

Below on the right is a 2011 VCIM. A wye is attached to the BT antenna from the 09 and it integrates the BT antenna into the later model VCIM

View attachment 445931

Reinstall the VCIM into your truck with the wye on your single antenna wire connected to the wye and the BT antenna. You’ll be good to go.

A little more in depth reading …

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/2007-escalade-install-of-2011-tahoe-vcim-22794713-help-with-onstar-activation-tech-2.272136/page-3

Thanks, just ordered the parts you listed. Will install them and attempt again when they get here.

However, unless I’m mistaken, I’m still missing some critical step. Shouldn’t I be able to put the vehicle into a pairing mode at the very least (which would fail due to the lack of an antenna). I’m not able to get my vehicle to attempt to pair, maybe I’m using the wrong voice commands?
I have not reprogrammed anything of that is a step I require.

 

[petethepug]

Nothing will appear on the DIC / Center dash display until the VCIM shakes hands with the phone. Without the BT antenna connected to the VCIM via the wye, there’s no communication between the two.

 

[petethepug]

Any luck with the wye & bt antenna @ST7-OKT ?

 

[ST7-OKT]

Any luck with the wye & bt antenna @ST7-OKT ?

BT Antenna won’t get here until Tuesday, I’ll update when I get it installed.
Thanks for checking in!

 

[ST7-OKT]

Any luck with the wye & bt antenna @ST7-OKT ?

Installed the splitter and bluetooth antenna, still no luck. Nothing is showing up on my phone as a pair-able device.
I am pressing the Voice button on my steering wheel but all combinations of “Pair”, “Bluetooth”, and “Phone” are met with the response “Did not recognize, try again.”.
I pressed the Phone icon on my mirror (next to the OnStar button) and attempted the same commands, Onstar suggested I check my owners manual.
Any suggestions?

 

[petethepug]

Give this a whirl …

Post in thread 'No “ready” response when trying to pair to bluetooth.'
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/no-“ready”-response-when-trying-to-pair-to-bluetooth.117277/post-1514153

Found this ol bit of info related to too many users added into the VCIM for bt.

Press the push to talk button. Say "Hands Free" then at the next prompt say "Bluetooth". Then say "List," which will provide the nametags of all the phones paired. Now start again with "Hands Free" then "Bluetooth" then say "Delete" and give the name tags of the phones to remove.

If neither of those cured it the cause may be that the VCIM module with just one antenna input is not capable or pinned out differently than the version with two or three inputs.

 

[ST7-OKT]

Give this a whirl …

Post in thread 'No “ready” response when trying to pair to bluetooth.'
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/no-“ready”-response-when-trying-to-pair-to-bluetooth.117277/post-1514153

Found this ol bit of info related to too many users added into the VCIM for bt.

Press the push to talk button. Say "Hands Free" then at the next prompt say "Bluetooth". Then say "List," which will provide the nametags of all the phones paired. Now start again with "Hands Free" then "Bluetooth" then say "Delete" and give the name tags of the phones to remove.

If neither of those cured it the cause may be that the VCIM module with just one antenna input is not capable or pinned out differently than the version with two or three inputs.

Didn’t work, doesn’t you have a part number for a style of VCImM that we know functions for certain? I may just need a different part.

 

[petethepug]

Part numbers are numerous. Best bet is an 09-14 Tahoe, Yuke, Burb, Esky or 09-13 Sierra or Silverado with either 2 or 3 antenna inputs on the VCIM module.

 

[mikez71]

Will it say 'does not recognize' if you say nothing?
If not, and it does hear you, maybe the mic is bad/noisy?

Also, any possibility the Crux module is interfering somehow?
Antenna splitter faulty? Maybe swap connections?

 

[ST7-OKT]

Will it say 'does not recognize' if you say nothing?
If not, and it does hear you, maybe the mic is bad/noisy?

Also, any possibility the Crux module is interfering somehow?
Antenna splitter faulty? Maybe swap connections?

Definitely recognizes commands, microphone is working fine.

 

[ST7-OKT]

Part numbers are numerous. Best bet is an 09-14 Tahoe, Yuke, Burb, Esky or 09-13 Sierra or Silverado with either 2 or 3 antenna inputs on the VCIM module.

Ordered new VCIM, one with two antenna outputs and a Bluetooth Antenna already attached (figured it was my best bet). Still no prompt to pair, or find devices, or anything of the sort. Navigated through every help menu on the Voice command system.

 

[swathdiver]

Doesn't the VCIM have to be programmed?

 

[mikez71]

You are pressing and holding the button for 2 seconds?

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10118256-9999.pdf

2010 and up have a combined programming and onstar activation procedure via SPS.
But it seems to only mention the onstar working or not, and doesn't mention other functions not working...

Looking through the older threads, some people say everything is plug and play. None have mentioned programming.
(Though some called onstar for help, it seemed to be related to onstar subscription functions)

 

[ST7-OKT]

You are pressing and holding the button for 2 seconds?

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10118256-9999.pdf

2010 and up have a combined programming and onstar activation procedure via SPS.
But it seems to only mention the onstar working or not, and doesn't mention other functions not working...

Looking through the older threads, some people say everything is plug and play. None have mentioned programming.
(Though some called onstar for help, it seemed to be related to onstar subscription functions)

Yes, holding for 2 seconds. I am able to utilize any other voice command (tested it by selecting radio stations).

 

[mikez71]

I'm not sure if the phone pairing commands are on the antenna board or not, but there is a jumper connector inside, connecting the main board to the antenna board/connector. I had removed mine back in the day to disable onstar. Might be worth a shot to open it up and re-seat the connector maybe.. ?
Pull straight up on the main board, it's just being held down by the pin connector.. (no tabs to release or anything)

 

[petethepug]

That part # comes back to an 07-14 Acadia as well. I’ve wondered if those would work on our full size SUV because they don’t have V8 motors. The Acadia Navi do look similar to ours though.

Pardon Our Interruption...

I’d go with an VCIM / OnStar without the BT antenna connected. Part # 22794713 comes back to Acadia as well as full size SUV. The one below is known to be out of a V8 vehicle because of its harness was clipped.

Pardon Our Interruption...

I’ve also gotten dud VCIM from sellers that were likely bad because the vehicle was totaled and the internal O/S battery was comprised by running down to full depletion.