Guess I Can Yank My OnStar Now

[SyntheticShield]

I got a letter in the mail yesterday that they are officially no longer supporting the analog OnStar. Guess Im free to hack that thing up and tap into the GPS if that is still possible, LOL.

[04GTP]

hack away then lol

[GeddyLee]

I still have my OnStar hooked up, well sorta, in my 03 GTX, just undid the antenna when I did my tint. How or what are you gonna use to make the GPS work? I am quite curious about this.

This is my own ingornance about GPS, but does it run off Digital and Analog Frequencies?

I look forward to hearing more about this.

[webracin]

Here ya go guys...

Tap into OnStar

webracin

[Sabrewings]

This is my own ingornance about GPS, but does it run off Digital and Analog Frequencies?

GPS has nothing to do with OnStar changing frequencies. It uses signals from satellites and uses the time delay between at least three of them to figure your exact location. All it needs is a receive antenna and it can do its job.

It's a cool idea to tap the OnStar GPS, but for what? I'd want some map software or something to go along with it so I can see where I am and yadda yadda. It's become an even more moot point since my phone comes with free GPS navigation service from Verizon...

[02BlueGT]

I read this earlier in the year, It has to do with cell phone companies not using analog signals anymore, and the onstars in 2003 and older GMs' are analog only, so they cannot be used not because of GM, but because of the axe against analog signals

[archemedes]

isn't there a retro fit kit being offered (I got something in the mail on my buick about it)

[GeddyLee]

I checked out that post that Web made. It looks interesting but you have to have your laptop onboard to make it work obviously. And you can just M.S. Streets software with their accompanying GPS unit to do the same. I guess I will just remove it from the trunk and save a little bit of weight in the process

[SyntheticShield]

True, but whats the fun of doing it the easy way. Thanks Chris for posting the link, that was the how to I had ran across before.

Archemedes, if that is true can you post up some info about it? The letter I got stated I could take my car to the dealership and they would disable it, otherwise in certain situations it could drain the battery if triggered in some way (forgot the scenario they used). I wonder if I told them my car was scattered across my garage if they would make a house call.

I think I would rather upgrade it though if that option was available, easy enough and didnt cost an arm and a leg.

[archemedes]

I'll see if I can find the info, it's been a while now (never planned on using it)

[hotshot]

i have a friend with an 04 buick and he said it was about 250 to have the dealer upgrade his onstar to the digital one.i guess it depends on if you like it enough to spend money to keep it.

[SyntheticShield]

Well the thing is I never activated it, mainly because it was analog and I figured it was just a matter of time before it went the way of the dinosaur. Now if I could get a digital set up I would more likely activate it for no other reason than I end up in some pretty remote areas chasing storms and in case of emergency it would be nice to know they could find me. Though I may take the GP out of storm chasing duty now that I have the Rodeo.

[webracin]

UPGADE INFO

ONSTAR | ANALOG TO DIGITAL TRANSITION | UPGRADE OFFER

GENERAL MOTORS DIGITAL UPGRADE PROGRAM

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that cellular carriers will not be required to support the analog cellular network beginning in early 2008. As a result, beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service will be available only through vehicles that are capable of operating on the digital cellular network. GM engineered digital upgrade kits for their analog OnStar-equipped vehicles that were capable of being upgraded to give many OnStar subscribers the opportunity to continue service after January 1, 2008.

Eligibility requirements
Many GM vehicles with analog/digital-ready OnStar equipment are eligible for the digital upgrade. Click here to see if your vehicle is eligible. You will be prompted to input your vehicle identification number (VIN) into the OnStar look-up tool, which will determine what type of OnStar equipment is currently installed in the vehicle.

Program cost
Eligible customers who purchase a prepaid, non-refundable, non-transferable 1-year OnStar Safe & Sound subscription for $199 (plus applicable subscription tax) will receive an equipment upgrade including parts and labor for only $15.* A Directions & Connections subscription is available as well.

Vehicles that activated OnStar subscriptions on or after February 20, 2007 will be charged an additional $100 activation fee.

Digital upgrade process
You must visit your GM dealer to have your OnStar equipment upgraded. They will order your vehicle's digital upgrade kit and in most cases you will be asked to return to the dealership one to two days later to have your upgrade performed. The installation usually takes one to two hours. They will also add the 1-year subscription to your account and collect payment from you.

Your vehicle's new digital equipment will be activated automatically — usually within 24 hours. You will receive a new Hands-Free Calling† number and any previously stored nametags will need to be reprogrammed into your new digital system.

If you would like to upgrade, contact your GM dealer today. Upgrade kits are only available while supplies last. Click here to find your dealer.

Upgrade benefits
When you upgrade your GM vehicle's OnStar equipment you will be eligible for OnStar service beyond January 1, 2008 and your new digital system will feature the following enhancements:

OnStar Hands-Free Calling continuous-digit dialing
Improved voice recognition
Access to the Verizon Wireless Nationwide Plan with OnStar®§
English, Spanish or French language capability
After you upgrade
To learn more about your new digital system, review the new OnStar materials in your glove box and press your blue OnStar button 24-48 hours after your digital upgrade has been completed and ask the Advisor for a brief orientation.

*Excludes GM Family First pricing. Upgrade pricing is good through 6/30/08. Upgraders can apply unused subscription months to a new or certified pre-owned digital OnStar equipped GM vehicle purchase or lease. Subscription cannot be transferred to another person.

† OnStar Hands-Free Calling requires a Hands-Free Calling enabled vehicle, existing OnStar service contract, and prepaid minutes or enrollment in a shared minutes plan. Not available in certain markets. Calls may be made to the U.S. and Canada only.

§ Available on most GM vehicles equipped with OnStar digital hardware. Minimum one-year OnStar subscription and Verizon Wireless contract required. Available in select markets. Visit www.VerizonWireless.com/onstar or call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) for details.

Looks like it will cost you $314.00 plus tax to upgrade, but that comes with 1 year of Safe & Sound service

webracin

[SyntheticShield]

Thats not too terrible, may have to look into that.

[webracin]

I just noticed that the upgrade pricing is good until June 30th, 2008, might want to look fast....

webracin

[SyntheticShield]

Oh well, unless they will take my car on a tow truck, it wont happen. I'll just yank it and save the weight. Ive been challenged by a 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and a '67 Mustang with a 306 so Im gonna have to open up a can of whoop $%#.