gm has released the 2/3500hd upfitter switches...

gemarsh

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For the refreshed AT4/Denali. I swear engineering departments are loosing their minds.

This has to be the most idiotic place to put a switch bank. Maybe if you all complain enough, they will cram the missing 12v cigarette port up there too!

1710957127023_1024x1024.webp
 

For the refreshed AT4/Denali. I swear engineering departments are loosing their minds.

This has to be the most idiotic place to put a switch bank. Maybe if you all complain enough, they will cram the missing 12v cigarette port up there too!

View attachment 8689
Yep. Couldn’t be dumber.

The other place they said the switches could be mounted is inside the console, although they provided no diagrams or pictures of that option.

At least the switches are expensive and a colossal pain in the ass to install…

I think the Garmin switch is a better, cheaper, simpler solution, and the switches should all be easily accessible on the infotainment system via CarPlay.

Unfortunately, GM doesn’t seem to care much about what its customers want: I doubt any customers were clamoring to eliminate accessory switches, under-hood lighting, and 12 volt outlets, but here we are.

My bigger concern is the rumor that GM intends to eventually eliminate CarPlay integration. Other manufacturers are expanding CarPlay functionality, but GM wants us held hostage to its subscription services, and as long as Apple offers better functionality for free that’s gonna be a very heavy lift.
 

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It looks real to me. I'd rather have the switches there, instead of the shifter.

Don't know what good that little indented pocket is going to be good for.

ETA... looks like it should be a easy upgrade for the 24's. I'd rather replace that part of the console instead of the knee bolster.
 

It does look real but I have not found a thing anywhere else about it. Saw it on Facebook.

As far as the shifter, all GM had to do was put D just a couple of degrees farther down in the shift pattern. In my case if I shift to L the shifter blocks nothing.
 

It looks real to me. I'd rather have the switches there, instead of the shifter.

Don't know what good that little indented pocket is going to be good for.

ETA... looks like it should be a easy upgrade for the 24's. I'd rather replace that part of the console instead of the knee bolster.
I agree.

The idiot who suggested the switch placement behind the steering wheel should be taken behind the barn for an ass-whipping. Encouraging people to reach around or through the steering wheel while driving is unsafe.

The “optional” wiring harness extension, which seems to be required for either installation location, may not be long enough to reach the console. I can’t find any information on that.

The biggest problem with this upfitter option is it doesn’t include the benefits of literally every other factory accessory switch package: folks who opt for this installation will have to run separate, fused, hot wires for every exterior accessory they want to run. GM engineers could have included a plug-n-play wiring harness in the factory loom. They’d still be able to gouge us for another $550 for the switch kit — in fact there would be more incentive to accept the beating, because once done you’d have a sanitary and complete solution. As it is, every trip through the firewall is a painful exercise in contortion, especially for those of us over 50. Or 60. I’m 6’3” with long arms, but reaching the preferred firewall hole is very difficult, and I have to feel, cut, and operate by braille. I can do it, but I’m cussing GM the entire time, and my time and discomfort are worth something (to me, obviously not to GM). Enough cussing and discomfort over stuff like this and I’ll be back to looking hard at the Ford F350 Tremors.
 

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I agree.

The idiot who suggested the switch placement behind the steering wheel should be taken behind the barn for an ass-whipping. Encouraging people to reach around or through the steering wheel while driving is unsafe.

The optional wiring “optional” wiring harness extension, which seems to be required for either installation location, may not be long enough to rach the console. I can’t find any information on that.

The biggest problem with this upfitter option is it doesn’t include the benefits of literally every other factory accessory switch package: folks who opt for this installation will have to run separate, fused, hot wires for every exterior accessory they want to run. GM engineers could have included a plug-n-play wiring harness in the factory loom. They’d still be able to gouge us for another $550 for the switch kit — in fact there would be more incentive to accept the beating, because once done you’d have a sanitary and complete solution. As it is, every trip through the firewall is a painful exercise in contortion, especially for those of us over 50. Or 60. I’m 6’3” with long arms, but reaching the preferred firewall hole is very difficult, and I have to feel, cut, and operate by braille. I can do it, but I’m cussing GM the entire time, and my time and discomfort are worth something (to me, obviously not to GM). Enough cussing and discomfort over stuff like this and I’ll be back to looking hard at the Ford F350 Tremors.
Going through the firewall was a complete nightmare on my 2015 truck. I have no looked into these to see if there are easier methods. On my old one I got so frustrated I scheduled an appointment with a local truck lighting shop just to get through the firewall. I ended up getting through before my appointment so I did have to do it. There was a way through but you had to remove a few electronic boxes to have access.
 

Going through the firewall was a complete nightmare on my 2015 truck. I have no looked into these to see if there are easier methods. On my old one I got so frustrated I scheduled an appointment with a local truck lighting shop just to get through the firewall. I ended up getting through before my appointment so I did have to do it. There was a way through but you had to remove a few electronic boxes to have access.

Don't have to remove anything, but being young or a contortionist will help.

A 3' piece of #12 solid shoved thru the nipple from the engine bay has been about the easiest I have found. Use it to pull the 4 wires that you ha e to add onto the short gm wires that they give you.

Even though you may never need all 4 switches, take it from and old man, pull all 4 wires to the engine bay. If you want to switch something in the cab, later, cut your 4th wire under the dash from your firewall bundle.
 

Don't have to remove anything, but being young or a contortionist will help.

A 3' piece of #12 solid shoved thru the nipple from the engine bay has been about the easiest I have found. Use it to pull the 4 wires that you ha e to add onto the short gm wires that they give you.

Even though you may never need all 4 switches, take it from and old man, pull all 4 wires to the engine bay. If you want to switch something in the cab, later, cut your 4th wire under the dash from your firewall bundle.
Very good advice.

Or get a Garmin switch and skip the fight altogether.
 

IMG_8386.webp
I saw my local dealer had a 25 with the upfitter switches so I swung by today. Thankfully not the position they are in the OP.

I agree.

The idiot who suggested the switch placement behind the steering wheel should be taken behind the barn for an ass-whipping. Encouraging people to reach around or through the steering wheel while driving is unsafe.

The optional wiring “optional” wiring harness extension, which seems to be required for either installation location, may not be long enough to rach the console. I can’t find any information on that.

The biggest problem with this upfitter option is it doesn’t include the benefits of literally every other factory accessory switch package: folks who opt for this installation will have to run separate, fused, hot wires for every exterior accessory they want to run. GM engineers could have included a plug-n-play wiring harness in the factory loom. They’d still be able to gouge us for another $550 for the switch kit — in fact there would be more incentive to accept the beating, because once done you’d have a sanitary and complete solution. As it is, every trip through the firewall is a painful exercise in contortion, especially for those of us over 50. Or 60. I’m 6’3” with long arms, but reaching the preferred firewall hole is very difficult, and I have to feel, cut, and operate by braille. I can do it, but I’m cussing GM the entire time, and my time and discomfort are worth something (to me, obviously not to GM). Enough cussing and discomfort over stuff like this and I’ll be back to looking hard at the Ford F350 Tremors.
I was planning on installing some accessories that would require switches on this truck, but I haven’t installed them or had upfitter switches on any previous trucks so forgive my ignorant question: factory upfitter switches not only don’t include a wiring harness, but no wiring fed through the firewall from the facotry?
 

View attachment 10131I saw my local dealer had a 25 with the upfitter switches so I swung by today. Thankfully not the position they are in the OP.


I was planning on installing some accessories that would require switches on this truck, but I haven’t installed them or had upfitter switches on any previous trucks so forgive my ignorant question: factory upfitter switches not only don’t include a wiring harness, but no wiring fed through the firewall from the facotry?
I have checked GMC.com and there is not even an option to search for a 2025 GMC Truck.

The ordering guide for 2025 made no mention of upfitter switches.

Cant speak for these new 2025 trucks but in my Jeep there are 4 switches with leads inside the cabin and in the engine bay for all 4. Wiring is up to you but the circuits are relay/fuse protected.
 

SNIP...
factory upfitter switches not only don’t include a wiring harness, but no wiring fed through the firewall from the facotry?

gm upfitter switches do have a complete wiring harness from the battery to a relay/fuse block, behind the knee bolster and to the 5 switches, and back to the relay/fuse box that includes a 4 wire short stubbed out pigtail, that might reach to the brake pedal.

But here is the kicker, when you option for the upfitter switches, all that is installed from the factory is the switches. (Just to plug the knee bolster hole.)

Also, the 5th switch wire is in another harness that plugs into a existing harness under the dash. It is wired all the way up to the 3rd brake light for a roof mount beacon. You can extract that 5th green wire easily for other uses.

WARNING...the above information is referenced for the 19-22½ ld and 20-23 hd. But why would gm change anything for the better. 🤔
 

I just installed the Switchworks Alpha12 (https://ssvworks.com/products/alpha12-digital-smart-switcher-with-12-outputs).

A, few weeks ago, I ran an extension control wire through the firewall going through the same pass through used for the Boss Subwoofer, under the glove box. It was a PITA because of the battery being in the way.

Ill post pictures later, but I installed my LED bars behind the grille, along with illuminated GMC emblem.
 

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