BuyBigSUV

With all the negative things about Onstar (can be hacked, remote people 100% gas pedal your vehicle, constant tracking, etc), I was thinking that maybe some of you guys have disabled it. By disable, I don't mean no longer have an active subscription, as all these negatives don't depend on a subscription active.

Does anybody have a guide to removing the full Onstar unit, including the communications array, all the equipment, etc., from their vehicle?

73shark

Is it on a separate fuse?

in2pro

It looks to me that the bulk of OnStar is in the VCIM, if you remove the VCIM you will most likely loose other features, like navigation, radio, and possibly any steering wheel control features...but it does contain the communication modems..

Its my understanding though that once the subscription has ended, it requires user input from the vehicle (You have to push the button) to reactivate, it cannot be remotely re-activated...


2007 Chevrolet Chevy Suburban - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1960657
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OnStar Description and Operation
Table 1: To Dial a Number
Table 2: To Dial a Number Using Digit Dial
Table 3: To Place a Call Using a Stored Nametag
Table 4: To Place a Call Using the "Redial" Command
Table 5: General Tips for Better Speech Recognition
Table 6: Personal Calling Commands

This vehicle uses the Generation 7.0 version of the OnStar® system. This system consists of the following components:

• Vehicle communication interface module (VCIM)

• OnStar® button assembly

• Microphone

• Cellular antenna

• Navigation antenna

This system also interfaces with the factory installed vehicle audio system.

New Features
New Features for this version of OnStar® include Turn by Turn Navigation and the Advisor Record Feature. Turn by Turn Navigation allows the driver to contact OnStar® to obtain directions for driving from a current location to a desired location. The Turn by Turn Navigation system stores your planned route and continually checks your position along that route, when you deviate from the planned route, the system will recognize this and prompt the driver with verbal prompts for how to proceed. The driver then responds verbally to direct the system to continue the current routing or to recalculate the route because of a missed turn. Turn by Turn Navigation instructions are displayed to the driver by the radio display or the driver information center (DIC). The Advisor Record Feature allows the driver to store any information given to you during a call with an OnStar® Advisor.

Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM)
The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) is a 3-watt cellular device that allows the user to communicate data and voice signals over the national cellular network. It is powered by a fused battery positive voltage circuit, connected through the vehicle wiring to the 3-button assembly and the radio, and attached by means of coax cables to the cellular and navigation antennas. Ground for the module is accomplished by means of dedicated circuits that are routed with body wiring systems to chassis ground points. The module houses 2 modems, one to process global positioning system (GPS) data, and the other for cellular information. Satellites orbiting earth are constantly transmitting signals of their current location, from which the OnStar® system is able to pinpoint its own location. The navigation antenna receives these GPS signals and provides the data to the VCIM to be processed. The VCIM communicates with the rest of the vehicle over the class 2 or GMLAN serial data bus, depending upon the serial data architecture of the vehicle. The ignition state is determined by the VCIM through serial data messaging. The module also has the capability of commanding the horn, initiating door lock/unlock and operating the exterior lamps using the serial data circuits. When an OnStar® keypress is made, a serial data message is sent to the audio system to mute all radio functions and transmit OnStar® originated audio. After the audio system is muted, the OnStar® signals are transmitted to the audio system on the cellular telephone voice signal circuit, and returned to the module on the cellular telephone voice low reference circuit. The cellular modem connects the OnStar® system to the cellular carriers communication system by interacting with the national cellular infrastructure. The module sends and receives all cellular communications over the cellular antenna and cellular antenna coax.

OnStar® Button Assembly
The OnStar® button assembly may be part of the rearview mirror on some vehicles or a separate unit on others. The button assembly is comprised of 3 buttons and a status LED. The buttons are defined as follows:

• The answer/end call button, which is black with a white phone icon allows the user to answer and end calls or initiate the personal calling feature, if equipped.

• The blue OnStar® call center button, which displays the OnStar® logo, allows the user to connect to the OnStar® call center.

• The emergency button, which displays a white cross with a red background, sends a high priority emergency call to the OnStar® call center when pressed.

The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) supplies 10 volts to the OnStar® button assembly, on the keypad supply voltage circuit. When pressed, each button completes a circuit across a resister allowing a specific voltage to be returned to the vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) on the keypad signal circuit. Depending upon the voltage range returned, the VCIM is able to identify which button has been pressed.

The OnStar® status LED is located to the right of the emergency button on a mirror-mounted assembly and to the left of the answer/end call button when the assembly is mounted on the dash or overhead console. The LED is green when the system is ON and operating normally. When the status LED is green and flashing, it is an indication that a call is in progress. When the LED is red, this indicates a system malfunction is present. In the event there is a system malfunction and the OnStar® system is still able to make a call, the LED will flash red during the call. The OnStar® LED is controlled by the VCIM over the keypad red LED signal circuit and the keypad green LED signal circuit.

OnStar® Microphone
The OnStar®, or cellular microphone can be a part of the rearview mirror assembly, or on some vehicle lines, can be a separate, stand alone unit. In either case, the vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) supplies voltage to the microphone on the cellular microphone signal circuit, while voice data from the user is sent back to the VCIM by means of either a cellular microphone low reference circuit or a drain wire.

Cellular and Navigation Antennas
This vehicle will be equipped with one of the following types of antennas:

• Separate, standalone cellular and navigation antennas

• A combination cellular and navigation antenna, which brings the functions of both into a single part

• A cellular, navigation, and digital radio antenna, which also incorporates the functionality of the digital radio receiver satellite and terrestrial antennas (XM)

The cellular antenna is the component that allows the OnStar® system to send and receive data over airwaves by means of cellular technology. This antenna is connected at the base to a coax cable that plugs directly into the vehicle communication interface module (VCIM). The navigation antenna is used to collect the constant signals of the orbiting satellites. Within the antenna, is housed a low noise amplifier that allows for a more broad and precise reception of this data. The current global positioning system (GPS) location is collected by the module every time a keypress is made. The OnStar® Call Center also has the capability of pinging the vehicle during an OnStar® call, which commands the module to retrieve the latest GPS location and transmit it to the OnStar® Call Center. A history location of the last recorded position of the vehicle is stored in the module and marked as aged. In the event the VCP loses, or is removed from power, this history location is used by the OnStar® Call Center as a default. Actual GPS location may take up to 10 minutes to register in the event of a loss of power. This antenna requires a clear and unobstructed path to the satellites in the sky. Window tinting on vehicles may interfere with the GPS sensor functions, depending upon the location of the GPS antenna and the amount of darkening and/or metallic particles that are embedded in the film of the tinting material.

OnStar® Sleep Cycle
The OnStar® system uses a unique sleep cycle to allow the system to receive cellular calls while the ignition is in the OFF position. This cycle enables the vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) to perform remote functions, such as door unlock, as commanded over the air by the OnStar® Call Center, when requested by the customer, and to continue to maintain an acceptable level of battery electrical drain.

This Generation version of OnStar® uses 4 states of readiness, depending upon the type of cellular market the vehicle is in when the ignition is put into the OFF state:

• High power

• Low power

• Sleep

• Digital standby

When in an analog cellular market, the high power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the ON or RUN position, and enables the OnStar® system to send and receive cellular calls and perform all remote functions. The low power state is entered once the vehicle ignition is placed in the OFF position and the retained accessory power (RAP) function has been turned OFF, or times out. This state will last for 1 minute and allows incoming cellular calls to be received. After the 1 minute window, the OnStar® system moves to the sleep state. This state will not recognize or receive incoming cellular calls. At a predetermined time recorded within the VCIM, up to 9 minutes, the system re-enters the low power state to listen for a call from the OnStar® Call Center for 1 minute. After this interval, the system will again return to the sleep state for 9 minutes. After these 9 minutes, the system will again enter the low state of power and listen for any incoming calls that the OnStar® Call Center may be sending. In the event a call is being sent, the OnStar® system will receive the call and immediately go into the high power mode to perform any requested functions. If no call is received during the 1 minute interval, the system will go back into the sleep mode for another 9 minutes. This process will continue for up to 48 hours, after which, the OnStar® system will permanently enter the sleep state until the ignition is once again turned to the ON or RUN position.

In a digital cellular service market the high power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the ON or RUN position, and also enables the OnStar® system to send and receive cellular calls and perform all remote functions. The digital standby power state is in effect after the vehicle has been shut off and the RAP has timed out. When in digital standby mode, the OnStar® module is able to perform all remote functions as commanded by an OnStar® advisor at any time, for a continuous 8 hours. After 8 hours, the OnStar® module will follow the standard sleep state as though in an analog cellular market (9 minutes OFF, 1 minute of digital standby, based on the time of the global positioning system (GPS) signals).

In the event the OnStar® system loses, or is temporarily removed from battery power, the system will remain in the sleep state while the key in the OFF position. It will not begin to cycle until the vehicle passes into an open outside area with the ignition ON, where a GPS signal can be acquired, providing a reference for time. The OnStar® Call Center is able to maintain a record of exactly what time each vehicle will enter the 1 minute low power state by synchronizing their clocks with those of the vehicle, based on GPS signals.

Deactivated OnStar® Accounts
In the event a customer has not renewed their OnStar® account after expiration or the account was never activated, OnStar® will make a discrete cellular call to the vehicle to deactivate the OnStar® system. Before taking this action, customers are notified that the OnStar® system in their vehicle will be deactivated unless they elect to renew the account. After the vehicle has been successfully deactivated, customers will experience the following when attempting to contact OnStar® from their vehicle:

• During an OnStar® Call Center button press, the customer will be connected to a dedicated sales team who can sell an OnStar® subscription and reactivate the vehicle. Depending on the type of OnStar® hardware in the vehicle, the customer may first hear a demonstration message stating there is no current OnStar® subscription for the vehicle, and directing the customer what to do to activate services.

• During an emergency button press, a demo message will be played indicating the service has been deactivated.

• OnStar® personal calling (OPC) will not be available, as this feature requires the customer to have a current OnStar® account. Attempts to use this feature may result in cellular connection failure messages and the inability to connect to the number dialed.

It is of particular note, that when an OnStar® system is successfully deactivated, it will NOT attempt to connect to the OnStar® Call Center in the event of a collision or if the vehicle's front air bags deploy for any other reason.

Certain vehicles that have never had an active OnStar® account, that have been deactivated, may be unable to establish a connection with the OnStar® Call Center. When normal published diagnostic procedures do not indicate a possible cause for the no connect concern, the vehicle may have been deactivated. For deactivated vehicles, a no connect response should be considered normal operation. Further diagnosis and subsequent repair is only necessary should the customer elect to become an active OnStar® subscriber.

in2pro

Use at your own risk....
the second doc was too big so I had to post a picture of it... but there are 2 documents

jrlc

I have the same concern on my 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The real issue is that the system is not well secured from hackers. Someone in my neighborhood is hacking into GM vehicles, unlocking the doors without triggering any alarms, and stealing personal property. GM moves much more slowly than the black-hat community. I am not so worried about GM doing something wrong, though. They have a reputation to uphold. Nor am I worried about the NSA. When they start disabling the cars of their political enemies, will will have bigger problems.

The real problem is the smart kid down the street with a fast computer and too much time on his hands.

You should be safe from malicious interference if you simply unplug the cellular antenna from the Telematics Communication Interface Control Module (OnStar). According to the GM up-fitters guide at https://www.gmupfitter.com it is located just above the glove box, to the right of the Human Machine Interface Control Module (the radio/nav module).

The only problem might be if you are parked right under an AT&T cell site. If the signal is strong enough, the signal might get into the receiver, even without the antenna plugged in.What you should do is unplug the antenna and replace it with a 50 ohm resistor. This will lessen any signals leaking in.

I haven't tried this on the 2016 model yet, but will tackle it tomorrow in the daylight and post pictures.

jrlc

Also, there is a major security flaw in the inexpensive Bluetooth OBDII interface plugs. There is a known exploit of these devices, whereby a hacker can gain access to the vehicle LAN and unlock doors. This is not a problem with the Bluetooth phone interface, as it is powered down as soon as retained accessory power times out after you take the key out of the ignition. But the OBDII jack is apparently hot at all times, and the little Bluetooth plug is always transmitting, and ready to be be hacked.

So just make sure you dont leave it plugged in all the time. Only when you need to read out codes.

Angrybird12

I would rather someone hack into my door locks and unlock the doors that way than bust out a window to get in.
Anyway I have been driving cars with OnStar for over 15 years and never had any problems. If something happens my insurance will cover it.

SabrToothSqrl

I never knew so many people had these concerns... interesting for sure.

M42duster

I want to remove the whole hotspot unit to use at home. I was offered an unlimited internet plan for $12.95 a month. That's a good deal. When I junk my car, I'd like to be able to rip it out and use my subscription at home.