Adding CarPlay to a 2017 Chev SS (US version of the 🇦🇺 VF Holden Commodore SS)

So, I recently treated myself to a 2017 Chevy SS, which is a rebadged VF Holden Commodore SS. For context, the Chevy SS was sold in the United States from 2014–2017 and is mechanically identical to the Australian VF Commodore SS. I owned a 2003 VY SS back in the 2000s, and this was Holden's last model of the SS, so I thought I'd own one more before they get too old and vanish from earth.

The one must-have modern car feature missing — and where Holden was behind in 2017 — was CarPlay / Android Auto. So I put it in today. I also wanted to keep all of the factory controls working, and I found a way to achieve both.

Purchasing + Info

Just wanted to note what I did, as people have been asking and I don't want to keep repeating
myself.

1. Bought a Kayhan Audio CarPlay module
   1. https://kayhanaudio.com.au/product/wireless-apple-carplay-android-auto-module-for-holden-vf-commodore
   2. The Kayhan Audio K-Play module for Holden VF Series 2 ($599 AUD) provides wireless Apple
      CarPlay and Android Auto by integrating directly with the factory MyLink system. It is a
      plug-and-play solution that retains factory steering wheel controls, reverse camera, and
      climate settings, allowing switching via the factory 'Home' button.
2. They have a great YouTube video, but it focuses on the right-hand drive Holden — the Chevy SS
   had a few subtle differences.
   1. Official video: https://youtu.be/Py5TN_ZZZG4?si=eOZB_gThgfGlS5VJ
   2. Helpful Chevy SS video on a competitor's product that covers the Chevy SS dash specifics:
      https://youtu.be/iTpmtMQ4YHU?si=4Dy8a7KzuMuItn1R
      1. Main differences included some extra bolts, extra tools needed, and an airbag below the
         dashboard that needs to be removed.

Cost Breakdown

• $599 AU + postage for CarPlay unit ($499 for non VF2)
• ProClip holder and charger ~$130 (USD)
  • So say ~$650 USD ...

⚠️ Don't forget: The Kayhan module requires a USB-A to 3.5mm audio jack adapter in the
glovebox to pass audio through the factory system in a VF2

Bonus Hack — Add a Wireless Holder + Charger

To achieve this I bought:

• ProClip Right Console Mount for Chevy SS
  • https://www.proclipusa.com/products/855469-proclip-console-mount-chevrolet-ss-2014-2017
• MagicMount 15W Charge Elite Wireless Phone Holder
  • https://www.proclipusa.com/products/102814a-magicmount-charge-elite-wireless-phone-holder

This works great as the front center console has a cigarette lighter socket to power the wireless
charger.

⚠️ Manual transmission note: The mount position isn't super friendly with the reverse gear
throw. I have to angle the phone holder to the far right to clear the shifter.

Install Notes

It was, as they say, not super difficult — even for someone like me who is tool-challenged.
The main things I found:

• You will need to route a USB cable into the glovebox.
  • I drilled a hole in the left rear side of the glovebox. A small drill bit works well here

• In a VF Series 2, you have to use a USB-A to 3.5mm jack adapter in the glovebox to pass audio through to the factory system.
  • I didn't realize this was needed when purchasing

• Here is a view of the unit stuck down on top of the glovebox before install

I'm very happy with the end result. I called my wife, played music, and searched for a destination on the map — it all worked great.