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OnStar?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
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From: New York NY
OnStar?
Does anyone know if you can install a OnStar computer onboard a C5 and have it function with an account. I tried going on OnStar's web site and they say it is only available on vehicles equipped with OnStar.
I bought a used onstar computer a little while ago off of ebay from an impala thinking I can install it on my c5, and I totally forgot about it.
Is it possible? Is it even worth it?
I bought a used onstar computer a little while ago off of ebay from an impala thinking I can install it on my c5, and I totally forgot about it.
Is it possible? Is it even worth it?
Administrator
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Have not heard of anyone doing this. IMO, probably not worth the cost and effort.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: St. Peters MO
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It would be an interesting install but there would be so much involved such as tying it in to the computer and such that you would be venturing into uncharted territory.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
If the computer you bought is analog, I wouldn't bother. Next year, all ONSTAR vehicles produced prior to '02 with analog systems will be phased out, authorized by the FCC. Some mid '02 analog cars might be able to be converted to digital. You might have lucked out and have one of those systems.
onstar.com might have information for you.
onstar.com might have information for you.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Feb 12, 2007 at 02:43 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Truer words have never been spoken!
Onstar includes a microphone.
Fact, here in San Diego a guy was convicted on (doesn't matter). The evidence used to convict was conversations he had in his Hummer (where his Onstar was tapped by the FBI).
Big Brother CAN LISTEN to you without your knowledge. If the FBI got a court order to tap into his Onstar, that means Onstar can turn your microphone on anytime! Or, maybe its on all the time and all they've got to do is make the connection from their office. So, I suppose the Onstar operators can listen in anytime if they wanted too.
I'm not a criminal but I DON'T WANT BIG BROTHER invading my privacy in yet another way so, if I were to buy a car WITH onstar I'd find the mike and cut the wire to it!
Can you tell? I'm NOT a fan of Onstar.
Onstar includes a microphone.
Fact, here in San Diego a guy was convicted on (doesn't matter). The evidence used to convict was conversations he had in his Hummer (where his Onstar was tapped by the FBI).
Big Brother CAN LISTEN to you without your knowledge. If the FBI got a court order to tap into his Onstar, that means Onstar can turn your microphone on anytime! Or, maybe its on all the time and all they've got to do is make the connection from their office. So, I suppose the Onstar operators can listen in anytime if they wanted too.
I'm not a criminal but I DON'T WANT BIG BROTHER invading my privacy in yet another way so, if I were to buy a car WITH onstar I'd find the mike and cut the wire to it!
Can you tell? I'm NOT a fan of Onstar.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Austin, Texas 2005 National Champs in Football and Baseball.
On Star came automatically with my Suburban. Would have deleted it for free (no credit) if they would have allowed it. They wouldn't. After I bought the truck, I just didn't activate the account even though the first year was free. It drove them crazy. They sent me letters, called my dealer, and more. They couldn't believe I didn't want their "service". Never did activate it.
Not signing up for On-Star and enjoying their discomfort was one of the best things about buying my Suburban.
Not signing up for On-Star and enjoying their discomfort was one of the best things about buying my Suburban.
Team Owner
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I cant think of what its called for Mercedes and they auto renenwed it last year on my wifes car , pizzed me off . 2 years and never used it , I sure need to find out what its called before its too late, I will cancel the card they put it on if I have to.Its the same as On-Star but called something else, I will look it up with the paper work on her car soon....
Melting Slicks
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The only valid use I see for Onstar is the auto-call function in a crash. Might be handy if you are incapacitated.
Otherwise, use your cell phone. Heck, you can even get navigation on your cell nowadays.
JMHO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Waldorf MD
Older On Star's were analog cellphones, hope yours is not. Not sure how or if they converted to digital?
One nice feature of On Star is that they can do a complete analysis of your car. If your 'Check Engine Light" comes on, they can tell you what it may be, and more important, if it needs immediate attention.
One nice feature of On Star is that they can do a complete analysis of your car. If your 'Check Engine Light" comes on, they can tell you what it may be, and more important, if it needs immediate attention.
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I just bought a vehicle that has On-Star. My first. I think it's very cool and as someone that has diabetes and a heart condition.....it might save my life some day. It also makes me feel that my wife could be alone in this vehicle and it might save her life. That sounds like it's worth $36 a month.
Spare me the nonsense about Big Brother looking over my shoulder - if you're so worried about that, move up to Montana with the Freemen, and don't forget to line your house with tin-foil so no one can intercept your signals or transmit any subliminal messages.
I think On-Star has enough subscribers to keep them busy so that they don't have time to be looking at what I'm doing, where I'm going, and how fast I'm getting there.
Don't look now - but there might be some Chinese Paratroopers dropping in from that airplane that just flew over.....
Spare me the nonsense about Big Brother looking over my shoulder - if you're so worried about that, move up to Montana with the Freemen, and don't forget to line your house with tin-foil so no one can intercept your signals or transmit any subliminal messages.
I think On-Star has enough subscribers to keep them busy so that they don't have time to be looking at what I'm doing, where I'm going, and how fast I'm getting there.
Don't look now - but there might be some Chinese Paratroopers dropping in from that airplane that just flew over.....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: New York NY
I just bought a vehicle that has On-Star. My first. I think it's very cool and as someone that has diabetes and a heart condition.....it might save my life some day. It also makes me feel that my wife could be alone in this vehicle and it might save her life. That sounds like it's worth $36 a month.
Spare me the nonsense about Big Brother looking over my shoulder - if you're so worried about that, move up to Montana with the Freemen, and don't forget to line your house with tin-foil so no one can intercept your signals or transmit any subliminal messages.
I think On-Star has enough subscribers to keep them busy so that they don't have time to be looking at what I'm doing, where I'm going, and how fast I'm getting there.
Don't look now - but there might be some Chinese Paratroopers dropping in from that airplane that just flew over.....
Spare me the nonsense about Big Brother looking over my shoulder - if you're so worried about that, move up to Montana with the Freemen, and don't forget to line your house with tin-foil so no one can intercept your signals or transmit any subliminal messages.
I think On-Star has enough subscribers to keep them busy so that they don't have time to be looking at what I'm doing, where I'm going, and how fast I'm getting there.
Don't look now - but there might be some Chinese Paratroopers dropping in from that airplane that just flew over.....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: New York NY
Older On Star's were analog cellphones, hope yours is not. Not sure how or if they converted to digital?
One nice feature of On Star is that they can do a complete analysis of your car. If your 'Check Engine Light" comes on, they can tell you what it may be, and more important, if it needs immediate attention.
One nice feature of On Star is that they can do a complete analysis of your car. If your 'Check Engine Light" comes on, they can tell you what it may be, and more important, if it needs immediate attention.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: New York NY
I honestly don't understand the "big brother" remark... What is it that I have to hide that I would hate for someone working for onstar to find out...This forum does not condone racing, or anything illegal so what in the world would I need to keep secret when driving my car?
All I see is a positive device, something that can only come in handy when needed.
All I see is a positive device, something that can only come in handy when needed.