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Steering Wheel Replacement

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38K views 54 replies 31 participants last post by  00Z85  
#1 ·
I am thinking of changing out the steering wheel in my WT colorado as the current one is actually a different steering wheel than the one in the LT and Z71. It is thinner and harder. Mine also does not have steering wheels controls for the radio.

What I am wondering if the wires to control the radio are already ran behind the wheel?
 
#2 ·
If the WT is available with radio control buttons as an option, then probably. But, you will have to have the dealer flash the BCM to recognize them to use. I did this on my wife's LS Camaro, along with adding bluetooth for hands free phone use.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Better to get an aftermarket setup.
Steering wheels don't have wires that go through the steering column. That would twist around and short circuit in a few months. They use a wind up "clock spring" for the airbags. All of those buttons send different voltage signals to the associated computers as data bits to request a response. I don't think GM is providing dealers with any way to upgrade vehicles to more features with software upgrades.

I couldn't even add keyless entry to our 2011 Chevy 2500 HD WT. Got the remotes paired to the receiver, but no one can get the required calibration software for the truck to make it respond to the lock/unlock request.
 
#4 ·
Took the truck to the dealer today to inquire about replacing the steering wheel and reprogramming the BCM. They said they could install it but couldn't guarantee it would work. Something about the radio and truck options are tied to the VIN number and since my didn't have it to begin with, he didn't know if it would take the new programming.

He did say my truck had all the parts it needed (ie spring, airbag, retainer, etc.) just wasn't sure about the flashing BCM would hold.

Here is the steering wheel I was going to get and have them install:

2015 Colorado Canyon Steering Wheel New 23331083 Ebony Black Leather | eBay
 
#8 · (Edited)
I have gotten the steering wheel installed. They attempted to update the BCM today but, they couldn't figure out what to dol. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. After calling a GM tech number to ask the process, they informed me they couldn't tell me because I didn't work for the dealership. They said have the dealer call them and they will walk them through it. I go back next week.

FYI - they are going to charge me $100

Edit: The cruise control buttons that I had on the original steering wheel still work.
 

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#15 · (Edited)
if they cant get the radio controls to work there's another way, if you install an after market radio that allows factory controls there is a box you buy and program with your computer to give it the right commands for the radio, that's how they make it work for trucks who have steering wheel controls but a basic radio and upgrade to a double din.


This is the piece i am referring too this is the one for the canyon

http://maestro.idatalink.com/produc...icle_make_id/14/vehicle_year_id/2015/vehicle_model_id/69/vehicle_audio_id/10146
 
#12 ·
I actually attempted to do this. I ended up breaking it though trying to get to the dummy plate. The trim peice i removed has 6 holes/clips thar snap on. What you cant really see and what i broke is the trim peice is also molded in to the steering wheel. Technically it still pops back in, it is just loose and rocks back and forth.

As you can see, the dummy plate looks to be held on by some type of rivots. You can also see that the plug for steering wheel controls is already there behind the dummy plate.
 

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#11 ·
Its a no go on getting the BCM updated for the steering wheel. The manager of the service department was on the phone with GM for over and hour. Bottom line is GM will not release the update for the steering wheel to anyone right now and was unable to provide a time they will. I will recheck at a later date.
 
#20 · (Edited)
#24 ·
Hi Guys, new to forum and first post. I bought a 2017 Canyon SLT Diesel last weekend and am also waiting for the Denali wheel to become available. I also have a 2010 Avalanche and I recently installed a heated wheel into it so I'm hoping this will be similar or hopefully even easier. On the Avalanche I also had to replace the clockspring with one that supported the heated wheel but after that it was just a simple matter of hooking up a power and ground wire that came with the new clockspring. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that maybe GM used a standard clockspring in 2017 but I'd actually be surprised if they did. My guess is we're going to have to replace the clockspring as well as the wheel.
 
#27 ·
Just a question on this (didn't want to start a new thread). I have a 2016 WT with Convenience package but NOT audio controls on the steering wheel. I am adding a Double DIN set up with Maestro ADS-MRR and appropriate harness (GM3) I am adding mostly to keep the Door chimes, Climate control through receiver and reverse camera.

A couple questions...
Is there already a Microphone in the headliner ? I can add aftermarket of course but wanted to use as much of the OEM stuff as I can.
If I add the module below do I need to do anything else ?
 

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#29 ·
Any update to getting the BCM flashed?

Does Chevrolet use the same clock spring no matter if you don't have the radio buttons, but do have cruise? It looks like in one of the pictures with the new wheel installed that the radio buttons light up.

What is the process for removing and replacing the steering wheel on the Colorado? I might just do the swap for the nicer, leather wrapped steering wheel since they are going fairly cheap on eBay. I drive a lot so the leather wrapped wheel would be nice.
 
#30 ·
Just an FYI for @Coloanyon the cluster will have to be swapped out for the color DIC cluster and it will have to have custom programming for the radio controls to work. The programming is in the cluster, not the BCM.

Below is a website for someone who does this. I'm working with them now to see what it is going to take to have it done.

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