Dash Wiring Harness - Project Feasibility

DarkAbyss

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On a 2004 Silverado C1500 WT, I'm considering swapping out the Dash wiring harness with another truck.

WT models don't have the same wiring features as base models, steering wheel controls, electronic mirrors, etc.

In 2004 and up, GM deleted courtesy lights.

I've heard that GM changed wiring between 2002 and 2003. However, the wiring harness (GM Part # 15196623) on some sites is listed as fitting 1999-2007 Silverado and Sierra Trucks.

I can likely pick up a harness for $35 at a junk yard. So I'm thinking a 1999-2002 Sierra/Silverado may work...and a 2003 should work.

Any thoughts/comments/corrections/tips/gotcha's on the above information? Will a harness with Onstar/power windows/etc. still work? Will the heater core need to be removed? Anyone have any information on which harness will fit mine for sure?

If feasible, is there anything you would recommend replacing during this massive swap?
 

ScottyBoy

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I can tell you for SURE that the wiring was indeed changed in 2003. So a 99-02 harness will NOT work in a 2004. A 2003-2006 harness should work fine though. And the lower courtesy lights stopped in 02, the 2003's did not have them. But it's a very simple upgrade to just add some lights and splice them in.
As far as the heater core, I don't think you need to remove it unless you really want to replace it while you have the dash apart. I DO know that the entire dash needs to be removed in order to replace the heater core or the AC evaporator core.

Also, you might want to grab the Body Control Module from the donor truck that you get the harness from, or else you may run into even more headaches as your current BCM isn't programmed for those additional features like power mirrors and windows.
 

Zembonez

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Swapping harnesses in ANY big 3 late model truck is not a project for the easily spooked.

Proceed with caution and LOTS of patience.
 

DarkAbyss

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I can tell you for SURE that the wiring was indeed changed in 2003. So a 99-02 harness will NOT work in a 2004. A 2003-2006 harness should work fine though. And the lower courtesy lights stopped in 02, the 2003's did not have them. But it's a very simple upgrade to just add some lights and splice them in.
As far as the heater core, I don't think you need to remove it unless you really want to replace it while you have the dash apart. I DO know that the entire dash needs to be removed in order to replace the heater core or the AC evaporator core.

Also, you might want to grab the Body Control Module from the donor truck that you get the harness from, or else you may run into even more headaches as your current BCM isn't programmed for those additional features like power mirrors and windows.

I might want to grab a few tidbits when it's apart. I think it was 2004 when GM decided "We don’t need no stink’n cabin filters".


Good point about the BCM, I never thought about that!
 

DarkAbyss

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Swapping harnesses in ANY big 3 late model truck is not a project for the easily spooked.

Proceed with caution and LOTS of patience.

I'm not too spooked, just doing research.

What I really need to find out is what truck dash harness's are officially compatible. I'm thinking a Yukon or other big truck might fit too. GM seemed lazy in their designs.
 

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