this is Gonna be long.....
So a bit of an update. Started a few projects that I've been eyeing and working through in my head the past year or two.
Since the current OnStar VCIM is gonna be completely defunct this month, I decided to do something with the onstar hardware in the truck. Recently read an article about people swapping the VCIM from a 2008-2009 traiblazer to get built in bluetooth phone call functionality with the factory stereo/hardware. After looking into it more I found that a VCIM from 2010 C6 Corvettes should also work, same Class 2 data, but has bluetooth functionality added. I pulled my VCIM and swapped in the C6 module. At first it didnt seem happy (onstar error on stereo display) but I hooked up the tech2 to see if I could do anything to fix it. connected it and didnt see much other than it could read the data from the vcim. Disconnected tech 2 restarted the truck and it started working. was able to pair my iphone and it functions with the factory steering wheel and mirror buttons. Cool.
Next I wanted to figure out bluetooth music/audio. I had been using a Dual Aux input unit from iSimple for quite some time with a headphone jack plugged into my phone. add the charging cable for my phone with the iphone adapter for lightning because they got rid of the headphone jack on the phone it became a mess of cables that I got tired of really quick. So, I found a USB powered bluetooth audio receiver by AudioEngine (B1). I was able to stuff this under the cup holders in the center console and connect the output from the this box to the input on the isimple aux box and put a 4 circuit fuse box under the cup holders as well thats powered from the SEO upfitter plugs under the dash that is powered up with ignition in Acc/Run. so now I have a magnetic phone holder that holds and charges my phone, bluetooth audio for music through the AudioEngine B1, and bluetooth phone calls through the Corvette Onstar VCIM module. I feel like I moved into the year 2010.
While I was at it, I hardwired my dash cam to the same ignition switched fuse block under the cup holders. I'm loving the clean stock look but having the full functionality.
After that I started work on getting a "house" battery setup for the ARB fridge that I keep in the back cargo area. I originally planned to add the GMC savanna van battery tray under the passenger floorboard along the frame rail, but the more I thought about it, I wasnt too thrilled with having a battery that low on the chassis in the event I need to traverse water or hit some flooded roadway, etc. So I remembered that in 2003 GM moved the factory bose sub from the right rear cargo area to under the center console. This opened up some space behind the side trim panel in the right rear corner of the cargo area. So I got in there and started measuring and figured out that I can fit a 100ah Battleborn lithium battery in there as well as a 50 amp Redarc DC to DC charger and associated fuses/breakers etc to connect the fridge and a battery monitor shunt. I learned alot about this stuff when I upgraded the batteries and electrical on our travel trailer last year. I decided to use a marine solenoid under the hood to trigger with ignition on to connect the DC to DC charger which will then charge/isolate the "house" battery in the rear cargo space and keep it completely separate from the trucks stock electrical system. I'm still tidying up the rear area and finishing mounting a few things, but once I do I'll get some pics up of that.
one other things I'm hoping to do is add a 2nd stock alternator in factory form to have dual alternators controlled via the ECM as it is done from the factory.
I think the final thing is to finally install my high idle switch that I bought for the dually that never got installed. So that will be nice. I'll update with some more pics when I get them. but here's a few for now.
New fuse box and ground stud under hood (hot at all times). Currently used for 2m radio, AMP steps controller, and power feed to FASS lift pump relay:
New solenoid controlled by SEO connection to trigger when ignition is in RUN/Crank. This sends power to the rear DC to DC charger via a 2awg cable:
Noco bumper plug to connect onboard charger maintainer for truck start batteries, a 12v power supply to allow DC to DC charger to charger/maintain the "house" battery in back, as well as the engine block heater (with a switch) for when its needed in cold weather. All conveniently connected with a single extension cord connection without popping the hood:
Both the Noco onboard charger and power supply for the rear DC to DC charger are mounted under the air box in front of the front passenger wheel well. Both are IP68 rated and fully submersible by Noco:
Test fitting the battery in the rear space behind the side trim panel. The goal is to keep it all hidden and out of the way of the rear cargo area:
oh and almost forgot, I finally got my rear bumper reverse lights wired:
Thats all for now. I'll have some more pics in the next week.
