Onstar issues...
January 8th, 2012, 3:59 AM
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Onstar issues...
The dealer I bought my 2005 Tahoe from seems to not want any future business from me, as they refuse to return calls or make promised repairs after the sale.
One issue I'm having is with Onstar. The 2005 system appears to be both analog as well as digital. I have been told by the dealer that they set up the subscription, that all I would have to do is press the blue button. I've done it and hear nothing but a beep every couple of seconds. I figured that they were blowing smoke my way, so I went to the Onstar site and activated the subscription (3 months for free) and was sent directions that said to press the blue button. I did, with the same result.
I'm getting very frustrated with this, and am about to rip the system out and install a module which would allow me to use bluetooth link with my phone through the truck's speaker system...but I'd lose the ability to track my truck if it were stolen.
Anyone able to help me with this??
One issue I'm having is with Onstar. The 2005 system appears to be both analog as well as digital. I have been told by the dealer that they set up the subscription, that all I would have to do is press the blue button. I've done it and hear nothing but a beep every couple of seconds. I figured that they were blowing smoke my way, so I went to the Onstar site and activated the subscription (3 months for free) and was sent directions that said to press the blue button. I did, with the same result.
I'm getting very frustrated with this, and am about to rip the system out and install a module which would allow me to use bluetooth link with my phone through the truck's speaker system...but I'd lose the ability to track my truck if it were stolen.
Anyone able to help me with this??
January 8th, 2012, 11:00 AM
#2
CF Active Member
First of all, I wouldn't take that "crap" from your dealer. That response from your dealership is absolutely inadequate. Have you tried taking a ride over there and "talking" to them in person? If that doesn't work I would consider finding a new dealer.
Now, to address your Onstar question -
1. Have you tried waiting while the system beeps to see if it eventually does anything? I am wondering if there is eventually a message that comes up about not being able to connect, or if those beeps are it establishing a connection.
2. I am sure you are, but are you outside with a clear view of the sky? It's best to eliminate anything that may be causing connection/interference issues.
3. Pushing the blue button is precisely what you are supposed to do. Therefore, if none of the above help, I would think there is another issue somewhere. Because your Tahoe is a 2005, and has both an analog and digital connection, I think you are okay of that part. The analog is outdated, but you also have a digital connection. This is a post I found on a different forum. This discusses the problem this volt owner had, and what the dealership did to "fix" it. I can't tell if there is any connection between your issue and his, but it's worth checking out.
4. Maybe something has come unplugged. The connection issues could be caused if the Onstar Antenna came unplugged, and therefore, not allowing for a connection with the satellite.
Either way, I hope you can get this resolved. I would not resort quite yet to ripping the system out.
I understand your frustration, but I am sure you can get this fixed. That being said, you may still have to visit a dealer as some point. I hate to always recommend the dealership, or rather stealership, but sometimes you just have to make the visit in order to get it fixed correctly. 
Good luck!!
Now, to address your Onstar question -
1. Have you tried waiting while the system beeps to see if it eventually does anything? I am wondering if there is eventually a message that comes up about not being able to connect, or if those beeps are it establishing a connection.
2. I am sure you are, but are you outside with a clear view of the sky? It's best to eliminate anything that may be causing connection/interference issues.
3. Pushing the blue button is precisely what you are supposed to do. Therefore, if none of the above help, I would think there is another issue somewhere. Because your Tahoe is a 2005, and has both an analog and digital connection, I think you are okay of that part. The analog is outdated, but you also have a digital connection. This is a post I found on a different forum. This discusses the problem this volt owner had, and what the dealership did to "fix" it. I can't tell if there is any connection between your issue and his, but it's worth checking out.
On delivery, when pressing my Volt's onStar button to set up the account, the system said "OnStar has not been activated. Press the blue button to connect to onStar." On pressing the button again, "Dialing onStar. Beep...beep...beep...beep...beep. Unable to connect to onStar, try again later." The same symptoms recurred several times in different locations during the week. OnStar technical was unable to contact the car either and said to bring to dealer.
Dealer had the Volt for two days. The transcript of the service record is:
Customer states unable to activate onStar at time of purchase and now when attempting to contact system beeps only as if dialing then unable to connect. Customer has contacted OnStar technical support by phone and was advised to take vehicle to dealer. Check and advise.
Verified customer complaint. Perform base check on vehicle and found both emergency button and blue onStar button both get no connection to onStar errors. Pressing white button gets menu items and will receive commands. No codes I in VCIM. Called TAC case # xxx. Will wait for TAC to return call with OnStar specialist.
Instructed to continue with PIC4310F. Gathered information as per PIC. Also install EL-49903 into system. Still has same issues with system.
Disconnected VCIM and let sit 3 minutes. Reconnected system. Attempted to connect to onStar (blue button). Vehicle connects and location of vehicle is given.
Called TAC for further instructions. Power cycle telematics communication interface control module. Connect to onStar and give location w blue button. System did connect. Performed verification phone call with TAC. Case Closed. Customer will need to setup through blue button and perform digit dial.
Dealer had the Volt for two days. The transcript of the service record is:
Customer states unable to activate onStar at time of purchase and now when attempting to contact system beeps only as if dialing then unable to connect. Customer has contacted OnStar technical support by phone and was advised to take vehicle to dealer. Check and advise.
Verified customer complaint. Perform base check on vehicle and found both emergency button and blue onStar button both get no connection to onStar errors. Pressing white button gets menu items and will receive commands. No codes I in VCIM. Called TAC case # xxx. Will wait for TAC to return call with OnStar specialist.
Instructed to continue with PIC4310F. Gathered information as per PIC. Also install EL-49903 into system. Still has same issues with system.
Disconnected VCIM and let sit 3 minutes. Reconnected system. Attempted to connect to onStar (blue button). Vehicle connects and location of vehicle is given.
Called TAC for further instructions. Power cycle telematics communication interface control module. Connect to onStar and give location w blue button. System did connect. Performed verification phone call with TAC. Case Closed. Customer will need to setup through blue button and perform digit dial.
Either way, I hope you can get this resolved. I would not resort quite yet to ripping the system out.
I understand your frustration, but I am sure you can get this fixed. That being said, you may still have to visit a dealer as some point. I hate to always recommend the dealership, or rather stealership, but sometimes you just have to make the visit in order to get it fixed correctly. Good luck!!
Last edited by ChevyFreak; January 8th, 2012 at 11:02 AM.
January 8th, 2012, 11:38 AM
#3
Administrator
I think ChevyFreak has you on the right track.. if you have not done so yet you may want to pull the fuse for the OnStar or just disconnect the battery for a bit to see if anything resets....
You may also want to call OnStar as they are some what vested in you getting it to work if they want your money....
You may also want to call OnStar as they are some what vested in you getting it to work if they want your money....
January 8th, 2012, 4:04 PM
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I disconnected the battery and let it sit for 30 minutes. I hooked it back up and still have the same danged problem.
The only reasons why I want OnStar to work is if there is an accident, and in case the truck is stolen. It's not that the stolen vehicle rate is high here, it isn't...it's that I paid cash for this vehicle, being told that it was a GM Certified Used Car, paid for an extended warranty, and invested a total of $14K into it, including purchase price. It's wasn't bought for me, I bought it as a Christmas gift for my wife. I want her and the kids to be taken care of with this truck. I personally drive $1000 beaters 'til they fall apart, then find another one and keep going. I didn't buy this for me...it was a gift, and needs to work properly. I worked 8 months of overtime, Sundays included, to be able to pay cash for a vehicle for her...she deserves it. She wanted to trade in our Mercedes, but I couldn't let her, as it used to belong to her dad, who passed away in 2009.
This is my first Chevy vehicle in nearly 20 years, and I'm already wondering if I made a mistake. I'm headed to the dealer on Tuesday morning, and will make them see the error of their ways. I'll be the loudest, most irritating customer they've seen in years. LOL
The only reasons why I want OnStar to work is if there is an accident, and in case the truck is stolen. It's not that the stolen vehicle rate is high here, it isn't...it's that I paid cash for this vehicle, being told that it was a GM Certified Used Car, paid for an extended warranty, and invested a total of $14K into it, including purchase price. It's wasn't bought for me, I bought it as a Christmas gift for my wife. I want her and the kids to be taken care of with this truck. I personally drive $1000 beaters 'til they fall apart, then find another one and keep going. I didn't buy this for me...it was a gift, and needs to work properly. I worked 8 months of overtime, Sundays included, to be able to pay cash for a vehicle for her...she deserves it. She wanted to trade in our Mercedes, but I couldn't let her, as it used to belong to her dad, who passed away in 2009.
This is my first Chevy vehicle in nearly 20 years, and I'm already wondering if I made a mistake. I'm headed to the dealer on Tuesday morning, and will make them see the error of their ways. I'll be the loudest, most irritating customer they've seen in years. LOL
Last edited by jplinville; January 8th, 2012 at 4:07 PM.
January 8th, 2012, 4:38 PM
#5
Administrator
I know its not a fix but something to consider is the OnStar FMV, which can be installed and is Independent of the vehicles OnStar...
I would talk to the OnStar folks first and get there input before going to the dealer just to see if they can recommend a "preferred" Dealer in your area...
I agree the dealer that sold it should take care of it but maybe the OnStar folks can at least give you some diagnostics from there end of what is wrong...
I would talk to the OnStar folks first and get there input before going to the dealer just to see if they can recommend a "preferred" Dealer in your area...
I agree the dealer that sold it should take care of it but maybe the OnStar folks can at least give you some diagnostics from there end of what is wrong...
January 8th, 2012, 5:15 PM
#6
The bumper-to-bumper warranty on a "GM Certified Pre-Owned" vehicle is provided by GM, i.e., can be fulfilled by any GM service department. I hope this isn't a case of a unscrupulous dealer using the term "Certified" loosely.
P.S. On second thought, a 2005 cannot be a "GM Certified Pre-Owned" vehicle. I hope at least the extended warranty is one of the GM Protection Plan. Otherwise, caveat emptor.
P.S. On second thought, a 2005 cannot be a "GM Certified Pre-Owned" vehicle. I hope at least the extended warranty is one of the GM Protection Plan. Otherwise, caveat emptor.
Last edited by EinST; January 8th, 2012 at 6:00 PM. Reason: Addendum
January 12th, 2012, 10:14 AM
#7
One issue I'm having is with Onstar. The 2005 system appears to be both analog as well as digital. I have been told by the dealer that they set up the subscription, that all I would have to do is press the blue button. I've done it and hear nothing but a beep every couple of seconds. I figured that they were blowing smoke my way, so I went to the Onstar site and activated the subscription (3 months for free) and was sent directions that said to press the blue button. I did, with the same result.
Anyone able to help me with this??
Anyone able to help me with this??
Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
- Lisa
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January 12th, 2012, 12:56 PM
#8
Privacy
"We take your privacy very seriously, and will only use this information to resolve your issue."
Which is why you will be submitting your Name, Email, phone number, account number, and issue via HTTP and not HTTPS.
snopes.com: http vs. https
Which is why you will be submitting your Name, Email, phone number, account number, and issue via HTTP and not HTTPS.
snopes.com: http vs. https
January 14th, 2012, 12:40 PM
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Hmmm...first post with a link to a site asking for my name, contact info and VIN. Excuse me if I seem leery, but I'll pass.
I'm taking the truck to a different dealer on Monday...hopefully they'll be able to work on it.
The selling dealer won't get my business anymore.
I'm taking the truck to a different dealer on Monday...hopefully they'll be able to work on it.
The selling dealer won't get my business anymore.
