mg777

Ok so I have called the dealership a couple times with some random questions relating to my new '13 coupe, and every time, whoever talks to me, they casually mention at the end of the conversation, "Oh and can you do me favor and make sure you push that blue Onstar button". Then, today I got an email making sure all has been well with my purchase, and again "Make sure you press the button."

Does the dealership get a litte kick-back from OnStar from every customer that manages to "figure out" how to push the button?

I currently have AAA and am happy with that for road-side assistance and discounts on travel. No plans for On-Star in my future, and Ill have to break this to dealership next time they explain how that buttonw works.

Anyone that has OnStar care to share their opinion of the service?

ButWhatDoIKnow

Don't push the button unless you need to.

GM'er

I can tell you why the sales people are so insistent on it. Most are on a bonus program with GM, and if they do not get at least 70% of their customers to push the button at delivery, they do not get paid any of their bonus for three months. For a good sales person that could be a couple thousand dollars. Do them a favor, push the button at delivery, then do what ever you want after that.

glenB

Push the button, push the button .....

JCtx

Not worth paying for it in my case, so will just let it expire. But you have to call to 'opt out' of monitoring your car, which you can confirm with no OnStar red light (the right one) on your mirror. Green means active. Red inactive but car monitored. No light, no communication with your car. I'll call to 'opt out' the moment mine expires in a few days.

EDIT: Saw this is about initial activation. Of course activate it; you already paid for it. It was 9 months on the GS 4LT.

Bill Dearborn

You already paid for the service so you might as well push the button. I have OnStar on 3 vehicles. Had it on my 03 Tahoe when I took delivery, updated the Tahoe module when the service went digital about 5 years ago and still have it active on the Tahoe after 10 years. I have the standard plan not the Directions plan. Hard to say whether it is worth it or not but the ability to get codes read, make phone calls in fringe areas where handheld cell phones can't reach cell towers, and the emergency support service are worth it in my opinion. Know two people who had OnStar call support for them after an accident, one of the accidents was particularly violent in a remote area and OnStar made the difference between a quick Vs a slow response.

By the way AAA can't provide the service that you get from the Safe and Sound plan.

Bill

blitzebill

you should have gotten a 6 month free trial for OnStar...so it costs you nothing to push the button so your salesman can get their bonus.

push the button.

09 GMX245

They want you to complete the welcome call when you press the Onstar button for the 1st time.
It's no big deal, just press it.

saplumr

Just because you push the button doesn't mean you buy anything. Is it possible you and your salesman didn't make the original call upon vehicle purchase?

Tom45

I did push the button and called about a month before it expired and cancelled it. The On-Star person will be very persistent in trying to get you to continue the service. Just keep saying NO!

Also, write down the name of On-Star person you spoke to when you cancel and the date. You may need this if for some reason it doesn't actually get cancelled. I tried to get a cancellation number or an e-mail confirming the cancellation and they wouldn't do it. Fortunately, it did get cancelled

You_Vette_Your_Ass

I pressed the button. Some annoying salesperson tried to get me to buy more OS service. They were very persistent. After I refused probably 5 times, the salesperson asks: "do you want to give me your credit card number so that we have it on file?" I am not kidding. Yes, this is after I refused to purchase anything from them.

incabird

I never gave a credit card number when they asked me. I did not opt for any add-ons or cell minutes. I just purchased a new Silverado and went thru the same sales pitch to buy minutes and extras. I just said no. When the free service ends I just let it run out. No credit card on file and no way to bill you to extend it. No contract and it just goes away.

dun4791

same thing with satellite radio!

Tally Ho

I pushed the button, listened to the pitch and then refused to give out my CC info. The only thing I have received from OnStar since is two diagnostic reports via e-mail. I don't need OnStar but it was part of the 1SB package on my 427. Once the trial period is over, it's over with OnStar.

Back when I ordered my 2006, OnStar was a separate option so I could get the 3LT package w/o OnStar.

blitzebill

OnStar has never bugged me about renewing. I currently have no subscription.

You_Vette_Your_Ass

You gave them a fake phone number.

blitzebill

LOL. Nope just never gave them a CC #.

CSixDude

Install a CoStar Bluestar unit instead. It links to your cell phone via bluetooth and works with the Onstar buttons on the mirror. You unplug the Onstar VCIM from the LAN buss (in the trunk) and plug the CoStar in it's place. OnStar can no longer monitor your car since its now disconnected, and you still have in car phone service, but it uses your cell phone minutes instead. Cheaper, better, and no privacy issues with OnStar ever monitoring any data from your car again. It even works with Siri on the Iphone. So now you can simply press the OnStar button and ask Siri any question you want, or do voice dialing without ever taking your hands off the wheel. Works like a charm.

There is just no reason to have or use Onstar anymore. It's overpriced and antiquated technology.

b4i4getit

OnStar is hopelessly obsolete. What a lot of people don't know is that the OnStar hardware in your car is very vulnerable. They did not protect it like the black box in a plane. What this means is that if you are in a serious crash where you really need OnStar it will not be there to help you. Shame on GM for continuing to sell this technology where it cannot be relied upon when you need it most.

JLB768

Push the button, and before the advisor can get past your name, tell them you will not give them a credit card number, or buy minutes for the phone...watch how quickly your conversation ends