Options for 07 Yukon Bluetooth

[JNUTZ]

Okay so i'm new to the boards, and my Yukon (navi w/ Bose). However I've been sifting threw forums and posts for a few days now on this subject. And I've came up with a few options and hoping I can get some answers from those that have them.

Option 1

Install Bluestar, from www.costartech.com (don't care about losing on star)
but I've read that you lose your voice Navi controls. $279

Option 2

Order parts and have them installed at GM and have them reflash it.

vcim # 20783877 $263
antenna # 15938939 $30
steering wheel switch # 25851951 $30

So can anyone that's done either of these chime in and give solid pros/cons.

 

[stevek]

Okay so i'm new to the boards, and my Yukon (navi w/ Bose). However I've been sifting threw forums and posts for a few days now on this subject. And I've came up with a few options and hoping I can get some answers from those that have them.

Option 1

Install Bluestar, from www.costartech.com (don't care about losing on star)
but I've read that you lose your voice Navi controls. $279

Option 2

Order parts and have them installed at GM and have them reflash it.

vcim # 20783877 $263
antenna # 15938939 $30
steering wheel switch # 25851951 $30

So can anyone that's done either of these chime in and give solid pros/cons.

The hardest part is getting the VCIM... I'm still waiting for an order confirmation from mine I put in earlier this week

 

[zach2011]

They are not going to be able to reflash it. You just have to hope the VCIM will be nice and let OnStar program it.

I tried to order a 2010 model VCIM (because it had USB connectivity) but it wouldn't go through, but after reading that 99% of attempts turn to failures in terms of getting OnStar back, Bluetooth isn't worth it for me.

 

[JNUTZ]

Stevek-Keep us posted on how yours goes. I found a member on another site that might be able to order them.


Zach-for me onstar isn't something I'll ever use anyways so bluetooth is the simple choice. I have a cell phone that I pay for, no reason to pay for another phone service...

 

[zach2011]

That's why I would pick Bluetooth over Onstar, but according to some people you lose things like automatic crash response and what not. I didn't care about losing minutes obviously but I do want safety when I have a wreck. Hopefully those things aren't really lost.

But, the Bluetooth works flawlessly right when you install it, so that would be my pick since it's OEM.

 

[JNUTZ]

But, the Bluetooth works flawlessly right when you install it, so that would be my pick since it's OEM.

the only negative I'm hearing is that with bluestar you lose your voice commands to the navigation. Trying to find out if this is true or not.

 

[sparky5309]

Onstar VCIM Location

I'm seriously considering the Bluestar option myself - But for those of you that own a '07 Yukon Denali - where is the Onstar VCIM module located? I've heard behind the glove box - Nope that's the XM - under the center console - Nope that's the amp and sub. What I wouldn't give for a diagram that labeled everything. Getting tired of tearing the truck apart, so if anyone knows where it's at - lemme know! thanks

One other thing - I've scrapped the idea of replacing the head unit. Sounds to me like the radio controls the whole friggin truck! Has anyone been brave enough to try this with any success?

 

[JNUTZ]

I'm seriously considering the Bluestar option myself - But for those of you that own a '07 Yukon Denali - where is the Onstar VCIM module located? I've heard behind the glove box - Nope that's the XM - under the center console - Nope that's the amp and sub. What I wouldn't give for a diagram that labeled everything. Getting tired of tearing the truck apart, so if anyone knows where it's at - lemme know! thanks

One other thing - I've scrapped the idea of replacing the head unit. Sounds to me like the radio controls the whole friggin truck! Has anyone been brave enough to try this with any success?

Well I couldn't find a diagram for it, but I read somewhere that it was behind the stereo. I'm sure tearing everything apart is a pain.

I'm gonna call the dealership later this week and ask them if they will do the upgrade there

 

[zach2011]

It is right below the HVAC controls. This swap will work fine but if you wish to keep OnStar then I do NOT recommend doing it. I have read countless stories where GMT900 owners do the swap and never get the OnStar to work again, no matter how many times they call OnStar or take a trip to the dealer. I have only seen 1 user who said it worked for them, but still took a while.

But, if you do not care about the OnStar functionality, it is an easy and satisfying swap.

 

[SAPMAN]

New here. Thinking of Bluetooth -- do not use OnStar. But looks like there could be other issues. I will monitor this board to see how others fare.

 

[Freenaz]

the only negative I'm hearing is that with bluestar you lose your voice commands to the navigation. Trying to find out if this is true or not.

JNUTZ didn't see a response to your question so I checked the website and Costartech.com website disclaimer at the bottom says it does disable the voice command feature.


"COSTAR Technologies and the BLUESTAR product are not affiliated with OnStar LLC or General Motors LLC. Use of the BLUESTAR product disables the OnStar equipment in the vehicle so that none of its safety and security features will function, including emergency assistance, or voice control for naviagation if equipped. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to advise subsequent owners of his vehicle that the OnStar system has been disabled."

 

[JNUTZ]

It's been awhile since I've been online and I still haven't done anything in regards to the bluetooth.

But in the last few months I haven't used the voice controls for the Navi at all. I thought I would but nope.

I'm gonna have to look into getting the costar up and running.

 

[1STIMEYUKON]

i ordered a new vcim from the dealer and the antenna. should be here today to install in my 08 yukon. ill post an update given that its a new vcim and not a used one out of an acadia or something. i heard that is whats giving the problem with reflashing the vcim to the new vehicle

 

[JNUTZ]

I'll know today if I have a bluestar on the way or not since it seems to be the cheapest way, but let me know how the vcim works out and how much everything ended up costing you.

 

[JNUTZ]

Well i didn't end up getting that bluestar, someone must have seen my post and jumped on Ebay real quick cause it was almost over and then the price jump way up. If you are the one who picked it up let me know how the install goes and how everything works out.

 

[1STIMEYUKON]

no definatley wasnt me. i work at an autobody shop and there was a 2010 silverado that totaled out. i hopped in there and took the vcim out of that truck and it had bluetooth and the antenna. so i didnt cost anything. only downside was that i had previously changed my headunit (single disc stock radio) to the oem navigation and i lost the voice commands. unfortunatley i had to switch out my headunits again to get the bluetooth to work. and everything is working fine.