Adding Driver Information Center to a New Chevy Truck

This is an instructable showing the steps needed to add the Driver Information Center to an '07 or '08 Chevy truck.

Step 1: Determine You Don't Have the DIC Buttons

If you have purchased a new Chevy truck and you do not have a series of four vertical buttons on the dash panel to the left of the steering wheel you have a very limited version of the Driver Information Center. Your dash panel will look like this.

Step 2: Order the Parts

The parts you need can be purchased directly from your local Chevy parts dealer or from www.gmpartsdirect.com. The part number is 19159438. It consists of the 4 buttons and a new dash panel with the correct cut out for the buttons. The cost for the new panel and the four buttons from GmPartsDirect is $84.70 plus shipping and tax (if applicable).

Step 3: Removing the Original Dash Panel

The is where it gets a little nerve racking. You can follow the directions that are included in the box, which consist of removing the side dash panel, then the lower dash panel under the steering wheel, and finally the dash panel that houses the DIC buttons. I really didn't want to go through all that trouble so I went straight to the removal of the dash panel. Here is my disclaimer, I am not responsible for any damage you may cause your vehicle or your finger nails. The panel is held to the dash with a series of plastic pegs that fit into corresponding holes in the dash. Pull the panel carefully from the dash by placing your fingers between the dash panel and the dash, then slowly pull the panel while moving around the edge to make sure you do not break the panel. It really is easier than it sounds. I have removed mine several times without damage.

Step 4: Preparing the New Panel

Now we are ready to remove the headlight switch from the old panel and place it into the new panel. Carefully remove the switch by prying the holding clips with your finger or small flat head screw driver. There are three clips total, two on one side with a larger single clip on the other. Don't forget to remove the headlight switch wiring harness from the switch. I forgot to take a picture of that, but just depress the side of the harness that has a tab that clips into the socket, then gently pull it out. That is all there is to removing the parts that need to be placed into the new dash panel. Now, reverse the steps and install the headlight switch in the new panel and connect the wiring harness. Now it is time to connect the DIC wiring harness to the DIC buttons as shown in the second photo below.

Step 5: Re-install the Dash Panel

This part is a little tricky, you need to be sure to get the dash panel to slip back into place properly. To do this make sure the lower lip of the dash panel slips behind the top of lower dash panel. Then, gently work the dash panel back into the dash by aligning the pegs with the holes and making sure they properly clip into place. The panel should look like the photo below when you have finished. Now it is time to fire you truck up and check your work. If you have done all the steps correctly you now have access to the complete Driver Information Center. So, for about $100 and 10 minutes worth of work you have installed a $300 option. Good luck.