Between buried software menus and hardware GM builds in but doesn't always wire up on lower trims, most owners are using a fraction of what their vehicle is actually capable of. Here's what's easy to miss.
Hidden Menus in Your Driver Information Center
Holding the volume or menu button through the steering wheel controls typically opens a Vehicle Info or Settings submenu with tire pressure history, average speed, digital compass calibration, and oil life percentage — not just the reset function most owners only use once a year.
Menu paths differ by model and model year, so treat that as a starting point rather than a universal sequence. Your owner's manual has the exact path for your vehicle.
Scan tools with coding
FOXWELL NT726 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner
$368.99Scanners with module configuration on supported GM vehicles.
FOXWELL NT624 Elite OBD2 Scanner, All-System Scan Tool
$332.09Scanners with module configuration on supported GM vehicles.
Launch CRE 2.0 for Buick/Chevrolet/Cadillac All System
$159.00Scanners with module configuration on supported GM vehicles.
2026 KONNWEI KW850 Full OBD2 Car Scanner Professional Auto
$100.69Scanners with module configuration on supported GM vehicles.
Your App Does More Than Remote Start
The myChevrolet and myGMC apps can send scheduled maintenance reminders based on your actual driving data, set geofence and speed alerts if someone else drives the vehicle, and in many cases let you check exact fuel level and range remotely before you even walk outside.
A Steering Wheel Shortcut Most Owners Never Use
On most modern GM trucks and SUVs, pressing and holding the voice command button (rather than tapping it) skips the prompt tone and lets you speak your command immediately — a small thing that saves a second every single time you use it.
Plug-and-Play Harnesses Unlock Hardware GM Didn't Wire For Your Trim
Some of the biggest hidden features aren't software at all — they're hardware GM builds into the harness but doesn't activate on lower trims. A properly designed plug-and-play harness lets you add a radar detector, upgrade to brighter LED lighting, or wire in accessories the factory harness already has provisions for, without cutting a single wire.
That last point matters more than it sounds. Splicing into factory wiring is the most common way owners create electrical faults that take hours to trace later, and on circuits the body control module monitors it can set warnings that look like a component failure. A harness that taps power the way the vehicle expects avoids the whole category of problem.
Plug-and-play upgrades
Canbus LED Brake Light Lamp 2pcs Accessories For Chevrolet
$43.88Harnesses and adapters for GM upgrades. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
Car Interior LED Light For GMC Acadia Canyon Envoy Jimmy
$13.28Harnesses and adapters for GM upgrades. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
For GMC Terrain 2010-2023 Acadia 2017-2019 Chevy Equinox
$31.86Harnesses and adapters for GM upgrades. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
2pcs For Chevrolet Captiva 2006-2018 LED Brake Light 2007
$15.62Harnesses and adapters for GM upgrades. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
Five Ways to Actually Unlock More From Your GM Vehicle
Bottom Line
Between the software menus you've probably never opened and the hardware GM already wired for behind your dash, there's a real chance your vehicle can do more than you're using today. Ten minutes in the settings menu and one plug-and-play harness go a long way. If you are adding LED lighting specifically, our guide to LED conversions and CANbus circuit monitoring covers why some circuits complain when you change what is plugged into them.
Tech accessories
7inch Wireless Carplay Android Auto Car Radio For Chevrolet
$171.19Tech accessories for GM vehicles. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
Chevrolet Equinox (2016-2017) OEM Replacement Backup Camera
$102.99Tech accessories for GM vehicles. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
Chevrolet Traverse (2009-2012) OEM Replacement Backup Camera
$119.99Tech accessories for GM vehicles. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
Chevrolet C/K 1500 (1988-2002) Black Replacement Tailgate
$134.99Tech accessories for GM vehicles. Confirm fitment by VIN before ordering.
