Filter
Top Products
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record
and transmit vehicle information.
This information is automatically
sent to an OnStar Call Center when
the OnStar button is pressed, the
emergency button is pressed,
or if the airbags or AACN system
deploy. This information usually
includes the vehicle’s GPS location
and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding
the crash that the vehicle was
involved in (e.g. the direction from
which the vehicle was hit). When the
Virtual Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used,
the vehicle also sends OnStar the
vehicle’s GPS location so they
can provide services where
it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless the vehicle is in
a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired for
that area has coverage, network
capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and
technology that is compatible with
the OnStar service. Not all services
are available everywhere,
particularly in remote or enclosed
areas, or at all times.
Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed
and available.
The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including
adequate battery power, for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent
OnStar from providing OnStar
service at any particular time or
place. Some examples are damage
to important parts of the vehicle
in a crash, hills, tall buildings,
tunnels, weather or wireless phone
network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may not
be functioning properly. Press
the OnStar button and request a
vehicle diagnostic. If the light
appears clear (no light is appearing),
your OnStar subscription has
expired and all services have been
deactivated. Press the OnStar
button to confirm that the OnStar
equipment is active.
2-44 Features and Controls