Thread: 2003 Tahoe Install

last night sucked - couldn't get the screen working - turns out 2 wires to the bulbs had broken off - once I found that out, I had to solder them back:



and now for today - 2 steps forward, 1 step back...
the mess of wires, but the power wires for the screen are soldered in:


getting everything packed in and lined up:


installed in the bezel:


nothing.


swapped out the POS VGA cable that came with the screen for a new one and success!!!


gps receiver installed:


another of the screen closer to it's final location:


cleaned up the wiring quite a bit:

like I said, 2 steps forward 1 step back. As we were installing the new drivers for the TS and trying to calibrate it, the screen kept flashing on and off. We think what happened is that one of the boards some how touched the screen causing a short. We pulled it all apart again and and taped padding in place and put the boards back in. Tomorrow I am hoping to show up, hook the screen up and everything work as expected.

I do need to get a longer IDE cable for the DVD - will get that this weekend, then will get the DVD drive running.

After that the last thing I need is my AUX in - was sent out yesterday from CA - should have that later next week.

With any luck most of the major stuff will be done tomorrow/later this weekend.

well guys, hard to believe this but the install is 99% complete. It's been 6 months of hard work, planning and patience along with 6 months of my truck being torn apart. Today I was able to put everything back together:

the last few remaining items:
adjust the DVD drive so it fits correctly
figure out why when coming out of hibernate, touch screen doesn't work
chase down a hiss in the audio

Overall I couldn't be happier with the install. Looking back over my main goals, I'd say I met each and every one.
Factory Install:
I've had a couple of friends in the car already and they asked where I bought the bezel - they couldn't tell it was hand made. To me, it looks like the whole unit belongs there.

Ability to play DVDs, CDs, and mp3s:
Well, once I'm able to get the DVD drive mounted correctly this will have been accomplished. I'm using the onboard sound from my vai mobo - I've never heard my truck sound that good! Stay tuned for future work as I'm convinced that letting the cpu handle all media is the way to go.

GPS:
Yup and it works really good too!

Quick boot and shutdown time:
Coming out of hibernate, my boot time is under 30 seconds. It's not much more for a cold boot either. I'm pleased with this - I might try to get it faster, but right now it's not a priority.

Ability to remove CPU as need:
There is some work involved to remove the cpu, but hopefully I won't need to do it that often. If I fell short on any of my objectives, this is where I did.

Going forward:
Once I get the DVD working, I plan on just using the system and seeing how it performs. That and I really need a break from this project. However, I already know of some new enhancements for when I decide to come back to this. They are:

additional USB ports - especially one easily accessible
reverse camera
OBDII - just need to get the plug - software is already capable
phone - need an IR port - software is already capable
screens in the headrests

I guess that's about it.

Very nice install!!!!!!!! I would consider a tahoe but thats got a v8 what a gas hog. I'll be going with a 07 GMC Canyon I-5cyl.

Congratulations, it looks 100% OEM also. I wish I had those fabbing skills. I wasnt happy with my install so I pulled it out completely. Im missing key parts (replaced alot of stuff with better stuff), once I get them, I will reinstall my system and this time do it correctly.

As for the gas hog comment, SUV are meant to be big and powerful, that requires a big powerful engine. Please people, dont bash me, but I think if a truck is under 6 cylinders, then it really isnt a true truck. My Cherokee was a V6 and I hated it so much, I felt the engine was tiny for such a large car. I was happy when that car blew up and I replaced it with my D. It has good pickup and is very fast, and once I get the speed limiter removed it will be scary fast.

I have a Suburban and I get about 19-20mpg around town and about 24 on the highway. I would not call that a Hog!

yeah gas milage isn't as bad as people who haven't experienced it first hand would think. But have fun with that I-5 - wife has one of those in her truck and the thing has no balls what-so-ever.

They do have a hybrid Tahoe now. Have you considered one of those?

Originally Posted by bruceleroy

I have a Suburban and I get about 19-20mpg around town and about 24 on the highway. I would not call that a Hog!

What year is your suburban and what is the engine type?

What I do like about the new SUV's, especially the ones from Chrysler, Dodge, is that it has a V8 Hemi and when in cruising conditions, it shuts down 4 cylinders, saving gas. Then when you floor it for high speed situations, it automatically activates all 8 cylinders.

Its just to bad I cant stand the way the new trucks look.....