2008 Tahoe LT VCIM Swap

[UpAndDown]

I have a 2008 Tahoe LT with XM and Bose but no nav and I am swapping in a 2010 Continental VCIM to get factory Bluetooth functionality for the phone. I have a question on the mechanicals of it though. I took off the trim piece around the radio/hvac and took out the bottom module for the power ports, adjustable pedals, etc. as well as the automatic HVAC control module above it and I can see the VCIM. There’s a bracket running just above it which looks like making access to it hard. I took the radio out also but as I thought it doesn’t seem to help in removing the VCIM. I see there are plastic extension pieces at the very front of the console on the outsides. Is this the way to get in there to release the VCIM as well as unplug it? If it comes out the front, are the wiring harnesses long enough to get at the plugs or does it somehow have to be disconnected before removing it? It looks like there are 2 plastic tabs holding it in place I’m just it sure of the easiest way to get this out of there and I know a bunch of guys here have done this swap so I figured I’d ask rather than fight with it. Thanks for all replies.

 

[swathdiver]

@petethepug Let's ask Michael, he's forgotten more about this than I'll ever know.

 

[UpAndDown]

 

[UpAndDown]

 

[petethepug]

Whoa, a 2010 VCIM with the 3rd post for the clip on BT antenna. Those are not common. Yup, that’s a direct swap for the one in your truck.

Here’s the how to for accessing the VCIM.

I haven’t been inside the dash of a truck with just a radio yet. It’s easiest if you can get the entire front console off to get to the VCIM. It comes off in layers from the radio down

 

[UpAndDown]

Thanks Michael. I had it as far as your video shows today, but getting the actual VCIM out of the cavity looked like a bear as there is a plastic brace that runs right over it. I didn’t know if the front sides of the console had to be removed so that the wiring could all be unplugged before removing the VCIM or if there is enough slack to get the module out the front and unplug everything then. How’s everyone with this platform vehicle swapping these out? Just looking for the easiest route. Thanks again to everyone for all the help. Hoping this VCIM isn’t DOA once it’s all in.

 

[UpAndDown]

Here’s a pic I found in the archives of exactly what it looks like once the HVAC and bottom module are removed. I took out the radio as well but it doesn’t really provide any more room down the bottom where space is needed. I pried the 2 clips apart but the module didn’t want to slide up and towards me like it needs to. Still not sure if the wiring, which is in the back of the VCIM, needs to be disconnected first or if there is enough slack once the unit is unclipped and somehow maneuvered up over the obstacle in front of it and out the front opening. Ideas?

 

[UpAndDown]

Hmmmmm. Looking at that pic again I bet I have to remove those 2 bolts in front of the VCIM and whatever those are holding down. It will probably slide right out the front then. I’ll post back tomorrow.

 

[mikez71]

Even with the two bolts out, the bracket just falls down a little which didn't seem to help..

Not much space to lift up before it hits the dash, some people cut the dash part above it.
I cut my VCIM bracket because I eliminated the VCIM and no longer needed it..
(May have cut it just to remove the bracket after VCIM was already out, can't remember)

Think I used a screwdriver to push on the side tabs and spread them further than I could by hand..

Good luck!

 

[UpAndDown]

So I got this far. The VCIM is loose (old brittle plastic doesn’t like to bend so it snapped as soon as I tried to pry 1 side with my fingers) but the wiring doesn’t let it slide out the front enough to disconnect everything. I see that the front portion of the console is separate from the rest of it. Does this have to be removed somehow and the wiring disconnected that way? Or are we expected to disconnect the wiring through that slot above the VCIM? Either way doesn’t seem like much fun at all. I thought there would be enough slack to pull it out like the radio and hvac controls and disconnect it like a gentleman. Anyone who has done this swap please reply. Thanks for all the help.

 

[UpAndDown]

Well it is possible, but it’s not fun. As you can see in the pic, the blue and purple plugs are actually long enough to disconnect from the front, but mine must have been caught up on something in the back because after unplugging the 2 molex type connectors by reaching through the slot with 1 hand, the unit wouldn’t pull out far enough to get at the colored plugs from the front. So, while it is possible to get all of them through the slot in the dash, it’s only necessary to get the 2 white plugs that way and then you can actually pull it out and get the other 2 like a gentleman. Paired it up with no issues. Question though, if I allow access to my phone book can I dial by name hands free? I couldn’t get that to work but I’m not sure if it’s even possible with this system. Hope this helps anyone else in the future doing this swap.

 

[petethepug]

Hell yes, that’ll help owners without Navi set ups adding BT VCIM to the trucks.

Your hands probably look like you fed em to a chihuahua for a manicure. GM left a lot of raw cut edges inside the dash.

Nice work on disassembling the puzzle.

 

[UpAndDown]

Petethepug yes lots of sharp edges back there with no room to work. Those plugs do not want to be separated from their homes after 17 years either.

 

[UpAndDown]

Just to update, the unit works great. Sounds good too especially considering the age of the hardware. Now I’m looking for a solution to stream music. The Crux BTS-GM1X seems to be exactly what I’m looking for but it’s hard to come by. It’s for music only, no phone, and plugs in at the XM module as opposed to behind the radio which is what I’m looking for. Some if the other adapters also only play music through the front speakers and this one uses all speakers. If anyone has one for sale please PM me. I can’t post in the classifieds here for sone reason. Thanks

 

[petethepug]

I wonder why CRUX stopped making them again. If they stay true to form they’ll make make more on a private label for some company like they did for ISS Automotive with the Xms-bt1 back in ’21

 

[Fless]

Have you looked in FB Marketplace? I see a few listings, although they may not be fresh. Might be worth a try.

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[UpAndDown]

Thanks for that Fless. I did look but nothing is available in my area. Not sure how you do a nationwide search but I’ll try to figure it out and see if any are available to ship.

 

[UpAndDown]

The top ad in your post is already sold. Waiting on a response from the other one.