Kent1999

Just a reminder to those with factory Bluetooth in their Corvettes:

GM is offering a free "Over The Air" (OTA) Bluetooth update.

Supposedly, the update just updates the C6's OEM Bluetooth profile to allow pairing of more models of cell phone. My phone (iPhone 6+) was already supported, paired and working but decided I'd have them apply the update anyway. Some of my call recipients had mentioned they heard a fair amount of background noise on my calls, so I thought why not give it a try.

However, I was pleasantly surprised that after the update, people on the receiving end of my in-car BT calls reported that the connections now have noticeably less noise than they previously had. I could not hear the difference in the car, as it was always good, but apparently the receiving end is clearer.


Here's how to get it:

1) Press the blue OnStar button on your mirror, and ask for the "technical support dept". They'll ask about the nature of the request -- tell them you are calling about the "Over the Air Bluetooth update".

2) They'll check your hardware, and see if your equipment qualifies. (When they asked what specific problem I was experiencing, I told them I had some noise on my calls. Initially, they said my 2013 module didn't qualify, but upon further checking, they decided it *did* qualify)

3) They'll create a ticket, give you a case #, and inform you that it will take between 3-5 days for the update to be completed. The car does not have to go back to the dealer since the update is performed over the air.

4) Sometime in that timeframe, they'll give you a call back and tell you if the update was successful.



Apparently (?), the car does not have to be running when they do the update. I had been at work for 3-4 hours (with my car parked outside) when I got the call saying they had just completed it.

Also, if you don't have a current OnStar subscription, I have heard that they will give you a free 30 day trial to perform the update. (I already had OnStar service, so I can't confirm this)

Post-update, I deleted the current pairing of my phone and then re-paired it.

Can't say it will improve everyone's BT calls like it did mine, but for free, why not get it done?


Cheers,
Kent

PS: Apparently the update will be offered at no charge until Sept 2016.

Mikado463

thanks for the heads up Kent .

Hameister

Thank you, this may be of significant value to some folks!

A Marsh

Thanks.

ZR1Cat

Great upgrade tip! Thanks.

U DREM 2

Thanks for the info

Markk

billyboy47

Thanks. ....... Bvd

Tropicana

Three to five days? It should take three to five minutes! Actually, it should be done without any end-user involvement whatsoever. Thanks for the info though.

Snake.Oiler

Exactly, why don't they just push it to all calls that qualify?

Kent1999

Yeah, I too was a little surprised they didn't initiate the update right then and there, but it is what it is, I suppose.

Anyways, for a free update that I did not have to make a dealer visit to get, I was thankful, even with the 3 day wait!

Kent1999

I don't know... maybe the update process/patch is different depending on the version of OnStar hardware that is in place, and an automated process has not been developed?

(mine is OnStar v9.2. -- don't know how many other versions are in the wild since BT option was introduced.)

BearZ06

Thanks for the info. I was able to have my car checked and update installed if needed even though my OnStar subscription has expired.

Bob Paris

Called and they told me that my 2013 GS vert [built in Sept 2012] did not need an update.

Hameister

Same here, mine was built in January 2013, and I was also told I did not need the update.

unixcorn

Because of guys like me. As someone in IT, I know how automated updates go. The manufacturer sneaks in, applies new code and then I am left scratching my head wondering why stuff no longer works.
Nowadays I manage my patches and updates so I know why something doesn't work.

In the case of my car, I wouldn't want GM poking around in there without express permission, and so I know what they are doing. It even bugs me that they can do the update without the car running while I'm not even in it. Privacy is important to me and I want to be sure it's maintained.

By the way, excellent tip OP, thanks for taking the time to write it up for us!!

Kent1999

Odd, as my VCIM was from 2013 GS VIN 068xx, so it was likely a later build than yours? (I'm guessing November-ish 2012)

At first, they told me that I didn't need the update either, then changed their mind after I told them about the background noise issue.