Aftermarket bluetooth suggestions?

[Caligirl]

GM started adding BT (voice) to the trucks in 09. Prior to that, an OnStar subscription provided the option of making/taking calls through the OnStar VIM (voice integration module). It’s pricey and requires the OnStar subscription and then minutes have to be purchased from OnStar (Verizon). This feature can be trialed for free by pressing the blue OnStar button and asking the rep for a free trial. Attempting to sync a BT phone to a 07 or 08 truck is futile as there’s no BT electronics in the VIM.

Another option is to purchase and add a OnStar VIM from another 09 vehicle. The VIM carries the BT electronics inside and separate from the OnStar circuits. This method seamlessly integrates BT into the truck via the steering wheel controls and displays the phone numbers / data in the center console display and full voice control. This method makes OnStar see the truck it was donated from, not yours if you activate the OnStar account. Since some never active OnStar they don’t care because they only want the integrated BT. Expect to pay $25-$55 for a used VIM off eBay. OnStar subscription not needed.

Yet another option is BluStar by CoStar that replaces the OnStar module.

http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html

Another option is iSimple module but your truck must have XM radio to use this option.

https://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/e...&ds=0&t=1557026814000&ver=0&oversion=4f2cacd9









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How easy is it to do this and how much risk of damaging anything when removing? Dash is good now, don't want to rock the boat lol

 

[George B]

GM started adding BT (voice) to the trucks in 09. Prior to that, an OnStar subscription provided the option of making/taking calls through the OnStar VIM (voice integration module). It’s pricey and requires the OnStar subscription and then minutes have to be purchased from OnStar (Verizon). This feature can be trialed for free by pressing the blue OnStar button and asking the rep for a free trial. Attempting to sync a BT phone to a 07 or 08 truck is futile as there’s no BT electronics in the VIM.

Another option is to purchase and add a OnStar VIM from another 09 vehicle. The VIM carries the BT electronics inside and separate from the OnStar circuits. This method seamlessly integrates BT into the truck via the steering wheel controls and displays the phone numbers / data in the center console display and full voice control. This method makes OnStar see the truck it was donated from, not yours if you activate the OnStar account. Since some never active OnStar they don’t care because they only want the integrated BT. Expect to pay $25-$55 for a used VIM off eBay. OnStar subscription not needed.

Yet another option is BluStar by CoStar that replaces the OnStar module.

http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html

Another option is iSimple module but your truck must have XM radio to use this option.

https://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/e...&ds=0&t=1557026814000&ver=0&oversion=4f2cacd9









Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Nice info!

 

[petethepug]

Looks like the anachronym is VCIM not VIM. VIM is vehicle in motion. That’s the component I need to add as another member just posted up how to mirror your phone into your truck through the back seat audio inputs. Here’s a thread to get you started ...

The OnStar component itself sits directly under the Navi/radio. It’s a 30 min swap for the first timer. 5-10 once you’ve done it before.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...ivation?.101505/&share_type=t&link_source=app


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[Caligirl]

Went with this one...pretty good ratings and can see if husband can use it if I don't like it

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/isimpl...ds-free-calling-black/6411390.p?skuId=6411390

 

[89Suburban]

Went with this one...pretty good ratings and can see if husband can use it if I don't like it

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/isimpl...ds-free-calling-black/6411390.p?skuId=6411390

I like the dial button for the radio channel matching. Good luck with it.

 

[Caligirl]

Well, dang...it didn't work. Not sure if it was defective or not universal like it said. Hesitant to try another one, or another model, if it's just my vehicle that is not compatible with the FM transmitter type.