dsrok, that is very interesting, I would love to put that functionality into my 2014 2LTZ.
Would you be willing to share the approximate cost to do that? If not, I understand, I did find the supplier and will likely be contacting the. Thanks!

 

Seeing there were so many options, I didn't indicate what I paid as YMMV. Would be best to contact them, but to give you an idea as of today I saw on their e-bay store front that $550 gets you the io5 to io6 factory Nav upgrade (which from my understanding just requires swapping the HMI module & adding the GPS antenna).
Considering that getting io6 was a $795 factory option in 2014 I think that listing is not too shabby. Any additional functionality would obviously only add to the price from there but best to get the price from the horses mouth dependent on what you want...2014 functionality, 2015 functionality or 2016 functionality...

 

Dsrok, CONGRATS! I have a question that maybe you can help with. I have a NEW ONE DAY OLD 2015 2LTZ with full factory NAV and Bose system with MYLINK. I thought that it was compatible with CAR PLAY but I was wrong. Can the CAR PLAY option be added to my system as well from the same company? Thank you

 

That was an option they presented to me, to go with 2015 functionality if I didn't want the projection option (I.e. CarPlay/Android Auto). So based upon that I believe that the following applies:
2014 used a 1.0 HMI module
2015 used a 2.0 HMI module
2016 (w/ Projection feature) uses the new 2.5 HMI module (and a different USB port ass'y).

I'd say definitely give 'em a call or shoot 'em an e-mail, as I suspect they can help you out! They helped me out to get CarPlay, which I'm loving every minute of, along with the Factory Nav, XM Weather & XM Traffic!

 

This company makes all the options I want available in a plug and play unit. SNR= Yes they can add the projection feature to your vehicle.

It just makes me wonder if they can simply mod OEM software to add this feature why can't someone else? Im surprised no one has done this considering the limited number of options available for the 2014-2016 Impalas.

 

If I remember correctly, it's not just a software modification - you have to swap out some hardware as well.

Sent from my HP SlateBook 10 x2 PC using Tapatalk

 

I did the upgrade

I purchased the HMI 2.5 from DDS IN CT.


Took about 30 minutes to get the connectors off since it was tucked up in there
I had to use the GPS antenna they gave me since that connector was different than what is in the car.

YIPPIE the texting works like a charm. It interrupts the XM and reads them and can reply from predefined messages. I tested with my Galaxy S5 .
I will check with an iPhone tomorrow .

Projection did not work on the Galaxy. I will check with the iPhone .
I was told I will have to replace the USB harness in the console for android auto to work and apply another software update.

I can reply to the text using my voice by touching the phone - but not directly from the steering wheel. So almost perfect - we will see with the iPhone .
If that works well I'll just switch back to iPhone .

I had a windows phone for a while -ditched it when Bank of America dropped support for the mobile banking app. I have used the Galaxy S5 for about 8 months and I'm not so enamored with android - take it or leave it. I'm due for an upgrade so I'm going to test some other phones. Nexus , etc.

Btw with the old HMI 1.0 with the windows phone worked perfect for texting - read and reply by voice. I think we all know Windows phones are less than desirable due to the limited number of apps available.

 

I think we all know Windows phones are less than desirable due to the limited number of apps available.

Not us dinosaurs... My requirements for a cell phone - can I hear the voice on the other end? Yes. SOLD Oh, it takes pictures too? Nice, might use that some day... How in the hell do I call someone without any buttons to push? :lol:

 

After receiving the parts (where the modules were preprogrammed to my VIN), a little over 1 1/4 hrs later, all was self-installed (by swapping the modules in the front pssngr kick panel & USB ass'y in the center console, and installing the GPS antenna under the A pillar cover near the windshield)

Ok i plan on getting that kit for android auto from Digital Dash Ebay page. Are the two modules side by side?

 

Yes, they can help you out, give 'me a call and they'll tell you exactly what needs to be replaced to get CarPlay/Android Auto into your 2015.
In my case I had to change 3 items (HMI module, Radio Module & USB port module), I suspect yours will be less to change...

 

Yes they were side by side

 

Yeah, took my 1 1/4 hours instead of 30 min for 2 reasons...
1) Originally thought the radio module was located where the center stack meets the front of the center console...which I then found out after disassembling that it is not.
2) My back back prevented me from contouring enough :galah: to work under the pSsenger side dash/kick panel area for any length of time and the modules were very tightly tucked up in there.

So in reality it's a 1/2 job!

 

dsrok, thanks for starting this thread. I did the upgrade from DDS as well. I spoke with Carl Cowles who provided me with the exact parts I needed. They were shipped promptly and well packed. It was the IO5 to IO6 2016 HMI w/ antenna and Carplay Kit.

Working in the passenger side kick panel is quite a contortion as you stated, and it took me nearly two hours to replace the HMI module, Satellite radio module, and the USB connector in the center console. (I worked slowly so as to avoid frustration and pulled muscles from being contorted.)

The socket I used to take off the kick panel screws was 7mm.

I also used a T15 torx to remove the screws holding the plastic plate above the USB connector in place.

You may need a flashlight, flat head screwdriver, black electricians tape, and an exacto knife.
(I had to cut some black tape already in the Impala to move a wire and replace it when done.)

There is a video on YouTube showing how to remove the HMI module. The Satellite Radio module is right next to it.
After following that video...

I popped both sides of the center arm rest out by pulling them towards the door.
That lets you get at the two T15 screws. After removing them, the plastic that surrounds the USB connector can be carefully popped off. The USB connector itself has a slot on the side, I stuck a screwdriver in that and gently popped it out.

If you don't replace the USB connector in the center arm rest module, you can't use Apple Car Play there. (However, it did work for me as-is in the single USB port hidden behind the pop up radio screen.) If you do replace the center arm rest USB that means you lose the mmc port (2014), but no big loss there.

HD Radio, Navigation, Apple Car Play, all work as expected. Satellite test station came in fine, but I don't subscribe, so I assume that worked. Reverse camera kept working fine. USB drive continued working as expected.

Exactly what I hoped for:
I lost:
MMC connector in center console.

I gained:
Apple Car Play
Navigation
Traffic Report
Seems faster overall since the CPU in the HMI module is supposed to be faster.

 

My earlier post should read:

Exactly what I hoped for:
I lost:
MMC connector in center console
Radio DVR
Customizable Themes

I gained:
Apple Car Play
Navigation
Traffic Report
Text message icon
Seems faster overall since the CPU in the HMI module is supposed to be faster.

 

Are you sure you still have HD radio? That was only in the 2014 and since you upgraded to a newer radio system it shouldn't be functioning. You also should have lost the custom themes.

 

I'm sure it's HD.

I don't have custom themes- that's in the HMI. The radio is a separate unit.

 

Hmm didn't know that you would keep the HD radio.
Did the 2014 have the radio dvr like capabilities where you could pause, rewind and ffw live radio or XM? The 2015 did and the 2016 doesn't. Do you have that capability now? You should have also gained texting features you didn't have before.

 

Yes, the 2014 had radio DVR, which is missing in the new unit. I was warned about that before upgrading.

There is a new text message icon that wasn't there before.

 

2014 Impala owner new to the forum. I just want to thank you all for great information and ask for a little more. I would like to upgrade my car to have the newer features like integrated gps and carplay, but with more of a budget in mind. Most places you can buy the kits it is around $1000. From my understand you need a 2.5 HMI, a new radio module, gps antenna diplexer, and replacement usb port for the center console.

Does anyone have model numbers for the hmi and radio module? I have found some for the 2.0, but not the 2.5. I will have to send it to someone to be programmed to my vin, but if I can find it in a salvage yard or somewhere similar I can save some money.

Thanks

 

Reviving an old thread. Where is the radio module located in a 2015? I have gotten three different answers from three vendors: behind the 8" screen, in the trunk and under the glove box. Can anyone confirm location?

 

In every video I've seen of people replacing these, they're under the glove box.

 

I know this is an ancient thread but adding...

CPLAY2air wireless adapter for factory CarPlay on CARPLAY2air.com

Connect wirelessly to your factory Carplay in your Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo or Porsche vehicle what was not possible before. Wired Android auto module inside. Convert wired CarPlay connection to the wireless one!

carplay2air.com

Gives you Wireless Apple CarPlay if you already have CarPlay on your head unit.

I added that USB adapter to my Impala via simple USB plug in, and now I have Apple Wireless CarPlay. It's not perfect, nothing wireless is, but it works. If you decide to add it, DO NOT upgrade the stock firmware in carplay2air. The latest version doesn't seem to work as of 7/10/2020, and you can't easily downgrade the firmware. I took the unit with the new firmware and moved it to another car, so I didn't have to send it back.

I keep my phone in my left back pocket, and the wireless signal through my butt is good enough that it works most of the time. If I put the phone in the cupholder instead, it's more reliable. It's not 100% though, anything wireless occasionally has drops, etc. where the map on the Apple CarPlay won't update.

 

im still interdasted in all of this--- my gripe about my 15 is that it DOSENT have HD radio!!!!# $#@$##@$%!!
i would trade my 15 radio for a 14 with HD in a minute,
i am just concerned it dosnet have the settings i may need for my 15??????

 

@Cleatus I'm surprised, my '14 has HD radio. Same option as the Bose speaker system. Honestly, HD Radio is more of a nuisance imo, when I tune to stations it takes 30 seconds "adjusting it to HD". I turned it off lol. But I guess the entire point of this thread is I don't use the radio anyways..hence android auto. You're probably good on settings if you install one of these modules, but you'd have to clarify more on the settings you're talking about.

For anyone else coming to this thread later referring to my problem above, it ended up being a push pin (black) that you press in at the top in the same direction that the plug plugs in. The pink marker is a red herring. Installed an android auto module and it works perfectly!

 

I had HD radio in my 02 Sierra when I installed a Kenwood stereo in it. When you get a good signal it is nice but when it goes in and out going back and forth between HD and normal signal it sucks hard. I guess it depends on where you are and if the stations have good HD signals.
Cleatus do you know how good the signals are around you for HD radio and which stations have it?

 

I kicked myself since buying my '14 Impala LTZ/LS2 w/ io5 OnStar navigation and cheaping out on the $795 avoiding going with the io6 factory navigation. I, like many others, was lied to by the dealer that my MyLink system could be upgraded in the future if I wanted. When I finally approached them (& a couple other dealers) about upgrading, the answer was "it can't be done". Which I personally think, they simply don't know how & would rather sell a new vehicle...

So here we are and now the '16 Impalas offer io6 factory navigation, with XM weather, XM traffic and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support, which I'd be damned if I was going to trade in my '14 to get '16 MyLink functionality. Constantly connecting/disconnecting a stand alone GPS became a hassle and a hated ritual.

Thanks to an outfit in Putnam, CT who specializes in "Digital Dash Solutions" (Google hint) for GM vehicles, 2016 MyLink functionality finally became an option for my 2014 Impala. After many questions, I finally bit the bullet and pulled the trigger to order the required parts (io6 2016 2.5 HMI module w/ CarPlay & voice Texting, 2016 Radio ACM module, 2016 USB ass'y & a GPS antenna).

After receiving the parts (where the modules were preprogrammed to my VIN), a little over 1 1/4 hrs later, all was self-installed (by swapping the modules in the front pssngr kick panel & USB ass'y in the center console, and installing the GPS antenna under the A pillar cover near the windshield) and is functioning beautifully. So now I'm finally a happy camper :yahoo: and absolutely love CarPlay (haven't tried Android Auto yet), voice texting, and the option of using either factory Nav or Apple maps via CarPlay and feel way less distracted with this new interface. XM weather & traffic that are now at my disposal are simply an added bonus! So a big thumbs up k3: to DDS, who were great to deal with from start to finish. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to upgrade their GM infotainment system!

How did you get the center usb out. I tried and damaged the connector.Need to know how to get to the wire so it can hopefully slice and connection.