Replacing Stock Receiver - How Important is the Driver Info Center?

215 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by closer9, 16 h ago

fatsarmstrong

Discussion Starter · 9 d ago

I am planning to replace the stock receiver in my 2006 Chevy Malibu and the installation kit with support for the Driver Info Center is out of stock. What I am trying to figure out is how much I should care about losing the Driver Info Center (as well as the Steering Wheel Controls). I know that the Driver Info Center has settings and things, but I feel like I don't really use much of that information. I have used Trip A/B in the past when my fuel guage was broken, I have looked at Average Fuel Economy at times, the Engine Oil Life but is it really intelligent beyond counting down to something like 3,000 miles? My remote start hasn't been functional in years, might be from when my Key Fob died. And I don't think I have seen many, if any, of the Warning Messages listed in the Users Manual. But the overly-cautious side of me is afraid to lose the ability to get this information, even if I don't think I use it very often. What are your thoughts?

Here are items listed in the User Manual that can be displayed via the DIC

Vehicle Information:

Trip A
Trip B
Fuel Range (until low fuel)
Average Fuel Economy
Average Speed
Engine Oil Life

Vehicle Feature Personalization:

Units Selection
Oil Life Reset
Remote Start Capability
Horn Chirp (during RKE locking)
Horn Chirp (during RKE unlocking)
Exterior Light Flash (during RKE locking or unlocking)
Delayed Locking
Automatic Vehicle Unlocking (specific doors)
Automatic Vehicle Unlocking (when key is off or shifted into Park)
Exterior Perimeter Lighting (during RKE unlocking)
Select Language

Warning and Messages:

AUTO (Automatic) Lights Off/On
Brake Fluid
Change Oil Soon
Check Gas Cap
Door Ajar
Engine Disabled
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) Reduced
Ice Possible
Key Fob Batt (Battery) Low
Low Coolant
Low Fuel
Low Washer Fluid
Power Steering
Push Park Pedal
Service Air bag
Trunk Ajar

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closer9

· #2 · 9 d ago

I was in the same boat last year. I really didn't think I'd need it, but what if? Mostly I was wanting to add a double DIN touch screen, but then found the Pioneer single DIN that uses my phone for a screen. So, I went ahead and got the aftermarket info center. I mounted it above my head unit, and it stays somewhat hidden behind the Pioneer phone holder.

I could probably live without the info center, but losing the steering wheel controls wasn't an option.

I generally keep it on fuel economy even though I track with an app. I do occasionally use odometer and miles to empty on road trips and temperature is nice to have as well.

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fatsarmstrong

Discussion Starter · #3 · 8 d ago

closer9 said:
I was in the same boat last year. I really didn't think I'd need it, but what if? Mostly I was wanting to add a double DIN touch screen, but then found the Pioneer single DIN that uses my phone for a screen. So, I went ahead and got the aftermarket info center. I mounted it above my head unit, and it stays somewhat hidden behind the Pioneer phone holder.

I could probably live without the info center, but losing the steering wheel controls wasn't an option.

I generally keep it on fuel economy even though I track with an app. I do occasionally use odometer and miles to empty on road trips and temperature is nice to have as well.

Thanks for that response, I feel the same way but I tend to worry much more than other people, so having a sanity check and getting some 3rd party opinions is helpful. I think I am going to just spend a few bucks extra to get the install kit with DIC support from amazon since they have it in stock.

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DrivenDaily

· #4 · 8 d ago

Have you checked out what Crutchfield offers? It's usually a bit more, but you also get support that may lead to a better outcome.

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fatsarmstrong

Discussion Starter · #5 · 7 d ago

DrivenDaily said:
Have you checked out what Crutchfield offers? It's usually a bit more, but you also get support that may lead to a better outcome.

Yeah, I started with Crutchfield as I would prefer to purchase from them. The Install Kit/Harness I needed is not in stock there. So I purchase the receiver and antenna adapter from Crutchfield and then just the install kit/harness from amazon, would have ordered all from Crutchfield if I could have.

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DrivenDaily

· #6 · 7 d ago

Bummer.

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mortten

· #7 · 19 h ago

DrivenDaily said:
Have you checked out what Crutchfield offers? It's usually a bit more, but you also get support that may lead to a better outcome.

I just put an aftermarket Sony in my 07 because the disc changer didn’t work and it wasn’t set up for satellite radio. Got the PAC install kit with the DIC and wheel interface. Crutchfield was out of stock on the radio I wanted and the PAC. Got those on Amazon. Got the XM receiver and antenna adapter from Crutchfield. I didn’t like the magnetic antenna that came with the reciever so I found a brand new GM antenna on eBay and got the cable and adapter bits on Amazon.

DrivenDaily said:
Have you checked out what Crutchfield offers? It's usually a bit more, but you also get support that may lead to a better outcome.

DrivenDaily said:
Bummer.

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mortten

· #8 · 19 h ago

A pic.

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closer9

· #9 · 16 h ago

mortten said:
A pic.
View attachment 74281

Looks good. Mine is just the opposite. My PAC unit is top right. My Pioneer has a built in phone holder that kinda hides it.

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