Looking for feedback on my GM app project

Discussion Forum
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Hey everyone, I’m a software developer working on a project specifically for older GM vehicles, focusing on the Impala series. Unlike newer vehicles that have convenience features through apps like myGMC or myChevy, there’s nothing similar for older models. My app, GMControl, aims to bring back features like remote start and the ability to lock/unlock doors and the trunk. I also plan to include features for reading GM-specific DTC codes, resetting modules, checking real-time TPMS status, and more. GMControl uses an OBD-II dongle for vehicle communication and will support any genuine ELM-327 dongle. The website is at https://gmcontrol.app/, but the app is still in development and not available yet. The UI is still a work in progress, but the main features are functional. I’m looking for feedback on the website and any suggestions or criticisms you might have. I’d also love to hear if anyone would be interested in this project.

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What kind of older Impalas are you talking about? The first Impala came out in 1958, so that’s a pretty wide range.

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Hal said:
What kind of older Impalas are you talking about? The first Impala came out in 1958, so that’s a pretty wide range.

I own a 2008 Impala, but I think late 90s models would be the cutoff for some features. At a minimum, they’d need OBD-II or CAN bus support. I still have to create a proper list of supported vehicles.

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@Rowan
Got it, so you’re focusing on the ones that have more modern features. That makes sense.

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Raven said:
I’m curious about how you’ll handle data access. Is it going to be similar to newer cars that use encrypted systems?

Great question! My Impala uses the GlobalA protocol, which is what most cars from 2008 to around 2020 use for communication. After that, GM moved to GlobalB, which is encrypted and wouldn’t work for this project.

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Have you thought about what kind of data you’ll be able to read? Will it just be the standard OBD-II PIDs?

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MissNicklaus said:
Have you thought about what kind of data you’ll be able to read? Will it just be the standard OBD-II PIDs?

The app will read and decode real-time data that goes beyond just the standard OBD-II PIDs. For example, it can show the current gear or when a button on the steering wheel is pressed. There’s not a lot of documentation out there, and much of it is behind paywalls.

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@Rowan
That sounds useful. Getting access to proprietary data is a challenge for sure.

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I think this app could really benefit older car owners. It’s awesome that you’re bringing these features back for vehicles that lack them.

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Sam said:
I think this app could really benefit older car owners. It’s awesome that you’re bringing these features back for vehicles that lack them.

Thanks! I hope it makes a difference for those who want to keep their older cars functional and convenient.

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You might want to check out some resources on CAN bus protocols. There are some good guides out there.

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Kingsley said:
You might want to check out some resources on CAN bus protocols. There are some good guides out there.

Yeah, definitely. I’ve seen some useful links, like the GM Data Bus Diagnostic Tool User Guide and other CAN bus tutorials. Those could help a lot.