Silverado Driver Information Center (DIC) Info

[03-Silverado]

Hello,

I have a 03 Silverado LS. I am assuming that I have the DIC in my truck, because everytime I start my truck it says, "driver 1" .... I get low fuel readings...etc

Since I do not have the steeing wheels controls, how can I access the DIC? I've heard people say that you can use a button on the radio??? I really want to see my mileage...and all the other fancy stuff.


Any ideas how I can access the DIC without the steering wheel controls?


Thanks again

[03-Silverado]

Okay, I am guessing since no one knows, that it can not be done.... darn it....lol

Really wanted to see my current fuel milage...and do all that other fancy stuff

[Ape0r]

I've never heard of it being done. I am curious to see if it is possible to get a steering wheel w/ buttons and hook it up without rewiring the whole cab.

[chcknugget]

I think the driver's information center is a feature that comes in the overhead console. I'm sorry if this is incorrect for the silverado, but I just installed a console in my jimmy and that's where these functions are located.

[03-Silverado]

Originally Posted by chcknugget

I think the driver's information center is a feature that comes in the overhead console. I'm sorry if this is incorrect for the silverado, but I just installed a console in my jimmy and that's where these functions are located.

Humm... could the buttons be located inside the rear view mirror? I have the mirror with the compass and the temp guage in it.


It's driving me freakin nuts try to access the DIC features...

[03-Silverado]

Originally Posted by Ape0r

I've never heard of it being done. I am curious to see if it is possible to get a steering wheel w/ buttons and hook it up without rewiring the whole cab.

I know that JP makes an aftermarket steering wheel with the buttons, but when I went to the dealership, they were all baffled. They told me to expect to have my entire steering column rewired, including turn signals...etc They said I may need a new computer chip which cost over $400 plus with all the labor. On top of that they said that it is possible for me to buy all the parts, and labor which could easily go up to 1K and they could not be able to do it, so everything would go to waste.

Bummer..... I wonder what the controls in the rear view mirror do? Got to go play with them now..

[chcknugget]

Are you sure you bought the option? There are 2 types of DIC's. One with "mode" and "US/metric" buttons, and one with "on/off" and "US/metric" buttons. If you have the on/off style I don't think you can access the extra features.

[chcknugget]

Oh yes, I think that "driver 1" thing may be for programming your seating comfort settings. I know in my parents Park Ave you can program 2 drivers settings. You just have to choose between driver 1 and 2 and the chair automatically moves to your programmed settings. I would consult your owners manual.

[03-Silverado]

I just looked at my owners manual, and it has alot of sections about the DIC however they are talking about the DIC for people with the steering wheel controls. I do not have the steering wheel controls on my truck.

I do think that I have the system, but I just can't access it anywhere.

[Ape0r]

Originally Posted by 03-Silverado

I do think that I have the system, but I just can't access it anywhere.

All Silverados have the system. You and I just don't have the fancy features like mpg, oil percentage, etc. The DIC is what gives you that ding ding ding "change engine oil" message. The problem is that without the steering wheel controls, its pretty much useless.

[chcknugget]

You can view those functions if you buy an 03 overhead console for about $40 off ebay. It'll take some hard wiring, and you'll lose your patience, but it's pretty easy to do in my opinion. You just have to tap a few basic connections and tap your serial data signal off of your drivers information connector below the steering wheel, and the display computer will be able to decode the signal into its appropriate mpg, range, etc functions. I've actually heard that some vehicles come with the wiring harness already installed in the headliner.

[jeverett]

I think your SOL. sorry, just my opinion.

[03-Silverado]

Originally Posted by chcknugget

You can view those functions if you buy an 03 overhead console for about $40 off ebay. It'll take some hard wiring, and you'll lose your patience, but it's pretty easy to do in my opinion. You just have to tap a few basic connections and tap your serial data signal off of your drivers information connector below the steering wheel, and the display computer will be able to decode the signal into its appropriate mpg, range, etc functions. I've actually heard that some vehicles come with the wiring harness already installed in the headliner.

If you find any links to where I can find this item please post it here... I am searching eBay now, and still have no luck

[wbs97gp]

I just bought a 2005 silverado, and it has the DIC and no steering buttons, and for what I read in the owners manual, all the information is already available in the DIC, it just isn't accessible without the steering wheel buttons. According to what I have seen, there is only 1 harness available for the steering column for $16, so that tells me that all the wires are in place from the factory, but not connected; this was the case with a 97 Pontiac that I have, I added options to the vehicle, and all I had to do is buy the particular item from Ebay or local dealer and plug it in.
I just purchased a brand new factory wheel from Ebay, and will try to install it asap, and will post results.

[crowebar]

From what I've read in other forums 03's to 05's do have what it takes for the DIC. However, adding a steering wheel and harnes won't be enough. You need to have the instument cluster flashed at the dealership to wake up the features. Here's the catch. You VIN will tell the computer that your truck didn't come with these features so the flashing won't work.

I've only heard of one guy who got his factory 03 cluster to work and he did it by having the tech at the dealership get his hands on the overide codes from GM (which GM doesn't like to do from what he said), but his friend at the dealership was persistant and was able to get the correct VCI#'s for the BCM and and IPC. Apparently these numbers are specific to each vehicles VIN.

One other way I've heard that worked was when another guy bought a Denali instrument cluster and installed it. However, if you decide to have the cluster flashed to get your odometer readings you will loose the DIC info (cause your truck wasn't supposed to have). In this case the owner opted to have a milage decalration sticker in his doorjam so that he wouldn't have to flash the cluster and loose the DIC stuff.

There's an article on how to make your own buttons (if you don't want to buy the wheel with the buttons) if you have a cluster with DIC enabled at:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/inde...pic=30133&st=0

If anyone has any other info on how to make this work or who can flash the cluster without twisting some arms I'd love to know. I just picked up an 05 crew cab and am kicking myself for leaving out that option.