Description
Add factory steering wheel audio and radio controls to your Silverado or Sierra. Base trucks with the IOR radio were built without them, and the reason is the cluster: the monochrome display cannot run the menus those buttons operate. This kit replaces it with the genuine GM 4.2″ color gauge cluster, programmed to your VIN, which unlocks full steering wheel control of the radio.
You also get the colour driver information display itself, with OEM menus the base cluster never had. Brand-new GM hardware, full warranty, plug and play.
What steering wheel controls you gain
With the cluster fitted and a steering wheel that has audio controls, your IOR radio gains:
- Volume, source and track control from the wheel
- Full cluster menu navigation from the wheel
- OEM-style driver information menus on the colour display
This is factory operation, not an aftermarket adapter. Everything is GM hardware behaving the way GM intended when the truck is built with these options.
The three parts you need
Steering wheel control is a system, not a single part. You need all three:
- This 4.2″ colour cluster, programmed to your VIN
- A steering wheel with audio controls, sold separately
- The HarnessDr LIN bus harness
The cluster on its own is a display upgrade and will not give you wheel controls. We sell the steering wheel separately for supplier reasons, not because it is optional to the result.
Which Silverado and Sierra does this cluster upgrade fit?
This kit is for T1 pickups with the base IOR radio.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 through 2022.1
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD / 3500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD / 3500HD, 2020 through 2023
Your radio must be RPO IOR. If your SPID label shows IOS or IOT, or you want the larger 8″ digital cluster, you need the Denali / High Country Cluster Upgrade instead.
It does not fit refresh trucks. That means 2022.5 and newer 1500s, and 2024 and newer HDs. Those use a different electrical architecture and take the 12.3″ Digital Cluster Upgrade. If you have a 2022 and are not sure which you have, here is how to tell.
How to order
Enter your VIN. We read your model year, engine and fuel type from it and select the correct cluster. For most trucks the only thing left to choose is your market, US (MPH) or Export (KPH).
You are asked about Auto Stop/Start only if your truck is a 2021 or 2022 half-ton with the 5.3L V8 (L84) or 6.2L V8 (L87). Those are the only trucks that could have been built either way, so they are the only ones we ask.
Everything else is settled from the VIN. A 4.3L V6, a 5.3L L82, a 2.7L turbo, any Duramax and every HD gas truck resolves without a question, because the configuration was never in doubt.
How to tell if your truck has Auto Stop/Start
Look at your tachometer. If there is no AUTO STOP marking on the dial, choose No Auto Stop. That covers heavy duty trucks with the L8T 6.6L gas engine, and 2021 to 2022 trucks built with the stop/start delete.
Cluster programming and custom work
Every cluster is programmed to your VIN and your options. We configure for factory fog lamps, front park assist and similar additions, and we can suppress warning indicators for equipment you have removed. That last one is custom work and priced separately, so contact us before ordering.
These are special order and lead times vary beyond our control. Check your selection carefully before checking out, as the order goes to the manufacturer automatically. US spec Chevrolet gas clusters, both variants, are currently on backorder with no posted ETA.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will this give me steering wheel radio controls?
A: Yes, with the other two parts. You need this cluster, a steering wheel with audio controls and the HarnessDr LIN bus harness. The cluster alone is a display upgrade; the three together give full steering wheel operation of an IOR radio.
Q: Why does the cluster matter for steering wheel controls?
A: The base monochrome cluster cannot run the menus the wheel buttons operate. Fitting a truck with the buttons but not the cluster leaves them doing nothing. The colour cluster is what makes them work.
Q: How do I order the right cluster for my truck?
A: Enter your VIN and we work out your model year, engine and fuel type. You choose your market, and on a 2021 or 2022 half-ton with the 5.3L L84 or 6.2L L87 you also choose whether the truck has Auto Stop/Start. Nothing else is asked because nothing else varies.
Q: Why am I not asked about my engine?
A: The VIN tells us. The 4.3L V6, 5.3L L82, 5.3L L84, 6.2L L87, 2.7L turbo, 3.0L Duramax and 6.6L Duramax each take a specific cluster, and we select it rather than asking you to match a part number.
Q: How do I know whether I have Auto Stop/Start?
A: Look at your tachometer. No AUTO STOP marking on the dial means you need the No Auto Stop version. Heavy duty trucks with the L8T 6.6L gas engine never had the feature, and some 2021 and 2022 trucks were built with it deleted.
Q: Does this include the steering wheel?
A: No. It is sold separately, as is the harness. All three parts are needed for the full result.
Q: Can you supply export or metric clusters?
A: Yes. Choose Export (KPH) when you order.
Q: Will this work in my 2022.5 or newer 1500, or 2024 or newer HD?
A: No. Those are refresh trucks with a different electrical architecture, and they take the 12.3″ Digital Cluster Upgrade. If you enter a refresh VIN here, the selector will tell you and point you to the right product. Here is how to tell whether a 2022 is a refresh.
Q: Will I lose any features?
A: No. Some functions operate slightly differently because the cluster logic changed, and anything worth knowing is covered in these questions.
Q: Will I gain any features?
A: Yes. Steering wheel radio control is the main one, with the right wheel and harness. The 4.2″ cluster also has a different menu structure, so you may find options the monochrome cluster did not offer.
Q: I added fog lamps. Will the indicator work?
A: Yes. Every cluster ships configured for fog lamp support, whether you have them now or add them later.
Q: What happens to my odometer?
A: It synchronises to your vehicle at installation and shows your correct mileage. Nothing is required from you, which is why we do not ask for it.
Q: What about my engine hours?
A: These ship at zero. Engine hours are not required at state or federal level, but if you want them carried over we need a GDS2 report from a dealership showing your VIN with idle and total hours. Note the hours on your order and email us the report.
Q: My MPG and range readings are wrong after installation.
A: Normal. The cluster has no fuel consumption baseline yet. Readings settle after about one full tank. The mobile app takes longer because it averages over the life of the vehicle.
Q: Do I need to send in my old cluster?
A: No. There is no core charge and no core return. The cluster you receive is factory fresh and you keep your original.
Thomas Peet (verified owner) –
2019 Trail Boss Custom. Came across these cluster upgrades on a Trail Boss board and was impressed. I held out for a while but finally caved after upgrading to a leather full functioning steering wheel. I opted for this version upgrade primarily for the price difference having the same functions. I coupled the cluster with the Harness Dr wire for all functions on the wheel (except heat). Found a very detailed install on youtube. The cluster itself is quality made with a bigger screen in color. The pesky reset pin is also gone ! The new and different lighting around the dials looks better.
Demar Pitchford (verified owner) –
I originally ordered this cluster, but due to delays, I decided to upgrade to the High Country Edition. I can only comment on the one I purchased, but both install and function the same way. I would caution anyone with the Work Truck trim to remove the steering wheel and ensure you have the correct clock spring. As noted on Harness Dr., you may need to install a new clock spring due to missing pins. If your truck did not come with any controls on the wheel, including cruise control, you will most likely need to replace the clock spring part number ( 86507598). When I first installed it, I made the mistake of not checking this, which left me unable to use any controls on the wheel for a while. However, I believe most trims come with the proper clock spring. Despite that, I can say this was a great upgrade and honestly a must-have for trucks that didn’t come with it. Great work to the WAMS team.
Chris De Jesus (verified owner) –
I installed this cluster with the Dr. Harness wire and steering wheel with controls on my 2020 WT. I’m really happy with how it came out. I like the interface a lot more than the Denali/High Country dash as it suits the lower model trim nicer and isn’t too far off from the OEM one. However, the little things such as the color screen I can now toggle through with the steering wheel, the light around the main gauges, and obviously the radio controls via steering wheel is super nice to have. It’s the little things! This particular cluster was on back-order so I didn’t receive it until four months later, but I really appreciate WAMS posting up their current processing/lead times with an updated date. Although it took a long time to come in for reasons beyond their control, they came through and delivered so I recommend you trust the process.
John VANDERHOOGT (verified owner) –
Shipping was fast 2 week turnaround my only concern was I never received a email indicating it was shipped until it was arriving on my doorstep.
But it was a fast install took about a hour and everything looks and works perfectly.
Big thanks for a great product!
Matt Womack (verified owner) –
Not only do they have great product, they have the BEST customer service. I highly recommend these guys!
Seth Anderson (verified owner) –
Installed this in my 2022 Silverado 2500HD W/T utility truck. Worked perfectly! Got the harness from Dr Harness to go with it, found the OEM steering wheel on Ebay. Took about 2hrs to put it all together, and now I have what feels like an LT truck. All functions/buttons work on the steering wheel, and I now have access to so many more menus on the dash compared to the W/T cluster. Love it. Very satisfied with WAMS product.
Michael Marcasciano (verified owner) –
Great service and delivered earlier than expected. Gauge cluster adds a whole other element to the Custom Trail Boss.
Christopher Ogden (verified owner) –
I installed this cluster last night in my 2020 Custom Trail Boss, along with the wire from Dr. Harness. It was a relatively easy mod, although the wire installation was a bit cumbersome (mainly because of my aging eyesight). I am happy to report that all of the steering wheel controls work on the new steering wheel, and the backlighting is also functional. It was an excellent upgrade. In addition, the cluster arrived in just over a week from the initial order. Very satisfied with the purchase.