Newbie ... Questions about 2003 model

[typecast]

The truck I'm interested in ordering is the 2500HD CC SB 4WD, LT model, with Duramax/Allison. As I said in a couple other threads, I'm a total newbie to the diesel world, GM, and full size trucks... but excited about possibly getting this cool truck and having the ability to tow a serious trailer and get decent gas mileage driving this thing every day.


1. I think XM radio would be cool, but the Bose that comes with the LT package looks like a great unit too. Is the XM radio a separate unit in another part of the dash/console? Or does it replace the Bose? Am I getting less of a stereo/CD/Cassette if I get the XM?

2. I've read here that an overdrive lockout feature for the Allison is new for '03. It looks to me like the button on the end of the shift lever, where I'd expect an overdrive lockout button to be, is actually the tow/haul button. If it is, how do you lock out overdrive and hold the Allison in 4th gear? Can you still manually hold it in 3,2,& 1 also?

3. The Chevy site says the '03 has an enhanced Driver Information Center that monitors some number of functions "depending on application". Ok, so with a Duramax/Allison 4x4 etc, what are the functions this thing monitors? I would really like to see a list of everything this Driver Information Center supposedly does in a 2500HD Diesel. As a software engineer working on F/A-18 cockpit displays, this kind of geeky crap really appeals to me. :D Also, has anyone figured out what 265/75 or 285/75 tires do to the message center, and will a Superlift Truespeed recalibration correct the DIC display?

4. Does the optional DVD player allow you to plug in external video inputs, such as from a VHS player, laptop, game, or camcorder?

Thanks for all your help. Reading this board is obviously half the fun of owning a Dmax.

-- Galen

[ 09-17-2002: Message edited by: typecast ]</p>

[JEBar]

Galen...."Thanks for all your help. Reading this board is obviously half the fun of owning a Dmax."
===&gt; I own an '02 3500 but have no clue as to the answers you are seeking!?!? Can tell you that the '03's are supposed to be pretty much the same where it counts (engine, transmission and such) as the '02's .... have driven many trucks (some foreign but most domestic) since purchasing my first one back in '65 and can say without any hesitation that my current truck is the best I've ever owned ... as to the add on options, get what you like and modify any areas which you feel need it ... am certain you will find a crew cab Duramax/Allison is state of the art and I have no doubt that mine will be with me for many years to come .... Jim
:cool:

[Budz]

I have a 2003 CC D/A SB LT with Bose/6 CD changer/XM. XM receiver is built into the unit. A very nice system.

The OD lockout and tow/haul button are the same on the end of the shift lever.

The DIC is awesome. Program locks, alarm, Driver1/2 options, trip logs personal/business, % business miles, avg. mpg, instant mpg, projected range with remaining fuel, odometer, oil life remaining, transmission hot when temp. hits 265 deg., water in fuel, reduced engine power, hour meter, seasonal odometer, annual log, low coolant, eng. coolant hot, oil pressure low, battery not charging, service airbag, service brake system, service brake booster, door ajar, and more.

Did not opt for DVD.

Budz 2003 2500HD D/A CC SB

[ 09-17-2002: Message edited by: Budz ]</p>

[ChopperBill]

The DIC is a nice feature but I went up a tire size and my speedo is 2 MPH slow compared to the GPS , at 65, so I am guessing I am getting false readings from all of the programs. Just why in the heck does GM put those little tires on an HD truck anyway. They should make it easy to recalabrate the speedo. They hooked mine up to a putor and changed the tire size to 2.65's but made no difference on the speedo. :(

[typecast]

How does that Tow/Haul switch work? You can tow in 5th in Tow/Haul mode can't you, or not?

Galen

[Tsckey]

Tow/Haul and the 5th gear lockout are both on the end of the gearshift lever. Tap the button once and you get T/H hold it a bit longer and you get the 5th gear lockout. You CAN tow in 5th in T/H by not activating the lockout.

[Budz]

Tsckey, you are right on that. I was disappointed thinking that they had to be on together. What a relief. Thanks for the info. The manual is behind the curve in some respects. It seems that a light depression gets tow/haul and press deeper to get OD lockout. Very nice. Dash lights cue what has been achieved.

[typecast]

Another thing I was wondering about is Onstar... What does it all do and capable of doing? Can I use it with my Sprint PCS service?

[edit] Oops, I tried http://www.onstar.com and that seems to have the answers to the questions I have about it.

If any of you have some pics of your '03s I'd love to see them.

Thanks,

Galen

[ 09-19-2002: Message edited by: typecast ]</p>

[DMAX Daddy]

See signature for pictures.

The DVD player has connections for right/left audio and video, standard RCA plugs.

The driver information center has anything you can think of. Way too much to list here (expecially since I would forget something)

[SoCalDMAX]

Randy,

Loved your pics of all the symbols and the catalytic beer keg.LOL Doesn't the beer get kinda warm in there? ;)

Regards, Steve

[TBC]

I find it interesting that the 03 has a factory 5th gear lockout and the dealer tells me that there is a later update for the 01's that does not include the lockout that was in the 3/20/02 ver 3.5 update. I think I will quiz the dealer over this since it appears that a lockout must be preferred to prevent the busy shifting from 5th to 4th when towing. I have not yet towed since the latest update but will this weekend. Time will tell.

[DMAX Daddy]

Aye the beer gets warm. Im very curious as too whether or not I actually need the Cat Converter, but Im fairly sure I have an EGR. Just did a big favor for the wife so I might get some serious performance upgardes soon. smile.gif

For the OD lockout, pressing and holding the button on the end for 2 seconds or so give OD lockout. Tapping it (momentary touch) take it in/out of tow haul mode.

[ 09-19-2002: Message edited by: DMAX Daddy ]</p>