Hello everyone,

I’m new here and far from being a car electronics expert. I recently bought a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado that came with the factory HMI 2.0 system. Since I wanted to have Android Auto, I purchased an HMI 2.5 unit and installed it in the truck. However, the screen stays completely black — no display, no boot.

Now I’ve read that the new unit must be reprogrammed using the vehicle’s VIN in order to work properly.

Would any of you be able to point me in the right direction on how to do this, or how to get it done (software, compatible module, tools, or service)?

Thanks in advance for your guidance! 😄

7 hours ago, brain_d said:

Hello everyone,

I’m new here and far from being a car electronics expert. I recently bought a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado that came with the factory HMI 2.0 system. Since I wanted to have Android Auto, I purchased an HMI 2.5 unit and installed it in the truck. However, the screen stays completely black — no display, no boot.

Now I’ve read that the new unit must be reprogrammed using the vehicle’s VIN in order to work properly.

Would any of you be able to point me in the right direction on how to do this, or how to get it done (software, compatible module, tools, or service)?

Thanks in advance for your guidance! 😄

Hi, the used HMI is locked to the other vehicle. The file below will remove the theft lock from the used secondhand HMI. If the HMI module is new from GM, use the GM SPS service to program the HMI to the vehicle.

1. You must also upgrade the radio module to one taken from a vehicle that had the HMI 2.5 module.

2. You must replace the dual USB port with a single USB port.

3. You must program the HMI via the GM SPS service or DPS, according to your vehicle's specs. (A used HMI 2.5 module will have the other vehicle specs coded onto it)

A used HMI module connected should not show a black screen; it should display "Theft Lock". A black screen indicates that the used HMI 2.5 module is faulty or has other issues.

A new HMI module connected showing a black screen indicates that the new HMI 2.5 module must be programmed to the vehicle via the GM SPS service.