Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

I did quite a bit of research before I took this project on, but like the results. When I got my 05, it didn't have the steering wheel controls. I don't know why I had to have them.....just a button and gadget kind of guy I guess. I like all the options you get, plus I don't need to look over or reach for the radio controls anymore while driving. Anyway, what you will need is....

New/used steering wheel with the controls and wiring in it.

Clockspring and wiring harness to accomodate the controls. There are 2 different harnesses. One for the light duty's, and another for the HD's. You can tell the difference by the number of connectors on your airbag. HD's only have one.

Steering wheel puller

The conversion took me approx 1 hour to complete. Swapping out the harness was easy although it looks complicated. Lots of little connections to undo.

Once you have the conversion complete, set up a date with your dealer to reprogram it for you.

My cost:
Steering wheel w/controls and harness (ebay) $125
Reprogram by dealer $35
6 pack of Moose Drool.....$7.50
Quality Control at your fingertips........priceless (sorry I had to do it)

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

"This is what I understand must be done to add rpo code UK3 redundant radio controls. The dealer must call the techline support center. This is not the same as TAC. Techline is for software programming...ect. They need to explain what they are doing and request a 2 VCI numbers. A VCI number is a new calibration code which will allow your controllers to turn on the radio and DIC controls. they need to get a code for the IPC and one for the TBC. They will then request info from your truck with their Tech 2 handheld device. They then thke the Tech 2 to their PC loaded with TIS2000 and perform a SPS programming function using the VCI numbers. This will load the calibration into the Tech 2. They then take the Tech 2 back to your truck and load the new calibration into the truck. They will need to go through this process twice, once for the IPC and again for the TBC using the new VCI numbers."

This is what the dealer does for you. Mine didn't understand until I brought them in this exact quote from another forum. Half hour labor was all it took.

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

A couple of pics. Notice this particular harness has 2 yellow pigtails coming from the clockspring. Like I said, the HD's only have one.

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

nice, does it work with an aftermarket stereo?

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

You got the steering wheel with controls off ebay. What about the SIR coil (clock spring) and long harness. Got the part numbers?

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

Part numbers for the harness. If you have a light duty pickup, you will need part number 26101829. This is for a 2 stage air bag. If you have a heavy duty, order part number 26101828. I did luck out and got the whole deal on ebay. I ended up with steering wheel with controls, harness with clockspring, turn signal lever, shift lever, ignition switch with key, and plastic surround. Not that I needed it all. If you have a junkyard nearby, that would be a good place also. I just couldn't see going to the dealership and pay close to $500 or more for everything.

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

Priceless.... great job!

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

How did you deal with the airbag ? I heard it was dangerous to handle them ?

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

Good writeup :D

Need to stress to people the importance of PROPERLY removing the airbag.

I installed a kit from jpcustoms.com on my 2000 GMC a few years ago. Went perfect :D

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

Ahhh yes, the airbag. Probably of most concern for the whole job.

Disclaimer: I am NOT an expert on airbags!!

I asked the Service Manager the proper way to disconnect the airbag, and he told me to pull the 15a airbag fuse in the fuseblock under the hood before removing it. That is all I did. I did not disconnect the battery and felt completely safe taking the airbag off. It was very simple and after I took it off, I put it aside in the backseat, facedown as recommended. Mine had one quick disconnect lead(HD model), and was set up so you could only put it back on one way. After everything is back together, put the fuse back in!

Re: Add Steering wheel controls to your 03-06 Chevy
 

I called the dealership to add the RPO code UK3 to my 05 Silverado and they want $100 to program and now GM charges $100 for the codes. It will cost $200 to add this feature.