OnStar Digital Upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
OnStar Digital Upgrade
I decided to upgrade the OnStar system on my 2005 C6 VERT to the "new and improved" OnStar generation 6, digital system. I am impressed with the new voice recognition. I don't have to pause between numbers .. just "rattle off" all 10 digits and away it goes. Oh yeah ... no more static (that alone is worth the upgrade) 
Here's an interesting twist to the install .. The blue "ONSTAR" button didn't work after the upgrade. The emergency and phone buttons worked, but no ONSTAR button. Dealer now has to order a new mirror. Funny thing is the TSB on the generation 6 onstar upgrade doesn't indicate the mirror needs to be replaced. The dealer made a couple of phone calls to the GM tech support line, then onstar tech support line .. it appears this is a somewhat widespread problem .. what's up with that ?
Anyhow .. if you're thinking about keeping onstar service past the first year, it seems to be a worthwhile upgrade.
Oh yeah .. while I was there .. I had the dealer install a Corsa Sport exhaust. Its like a whole new car .. sounds like a real American muscle car now
For all you long time vette owners .. does the itch to mod, upgrade, change, or just tinker ever go away ?? (Owning this baby is getting expensive .. but I never seem to stop smiling)
Here's an interesting twist to the install .. The blue "ONSTAR" button didn't work after the upgrade. The emergency and phone buttons worked, but no ONSTAR button. Dealer now has to order a new mirror. Funny thing is the TSB on the generation 6 onstar upgrade doesn't indicate the mirror needs to be replaced. The dealer made a couple of phone calls to the GM tech support line, then onstar tech support line .. it appears this is a somewhat widespread problem .. what's up with that ?
Anyhow .. if you're thinking about keeping onstar service past the first year, it seems to be a worthwhile upgrade.Oh yeah .. while I was there .. I had the dealer install a Corsa Sport exhaust. Its like a whole new car .. sounds like a real American muscle car now
For all you long time vette owners .. does the itch to mod, upgrade, change, or just tinker ever go away ?? (Owning this baby is getting expensive .. but I never seem to stop smiling)
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Is not the better question, do you WANT that feeling to go away?
To answer directly, it has not for me - still doing mods a year later.
This week was a Halltech Stinger and HP Tune by A & A (+21 RWHP).
In communication now with Downsouthvettes for custom Millennium Yellow leather interior.
Next is new brakes - at least rotors and pads (26,000 on the originals), or if I can find someone doing a package that fit Z51 A4 coupe with chromed stock wheels, a complete Z06 brake pkg, stainless lines, etc.
If not, that will force me to change wheels. oh well.
To answer directly, it has not for me - still doing mods a year later.
This week was a Halltech Stinger and HP Tune by A & A (+21 RWHP).
In communication now with Downsouthvettes for custom Millennium Yellow leather interior.
Next is new brakes - at least rotors and pads (26,000 on the originals), or if I can find someone doing a package that fit Z51 A4 coupe with chromed stock wheels, a complete Z06 brake pkg, stainless lines, etc.
If not, that will force me to change wheels. oh well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 944
Likes: 0
From: Bucks County Pa
[QUOTE=clambros]I decided to upgrade the OnStar system on my 2005 C6 VERT to the "new and improved" OnStar generation 6, digital system. I am impressed with the new voice recognition. I don't have to pause between numbers .. just "rattle off" all 10 digits and away it goes. Oh yeah ... no more static (that alone is worth the upgrade) ]
I never understood why I have (2) 2004 trucks with OnStar, both have the newer digital system - the very one that GM is making us PAY for to up-grade on the new vettes (meaning the new generation '05s)
Why did we get analog when digital was on all the other GM cars and trucks?
I never understood why I have (2) 2004 trucks with OnStar, both have the newer digital system - the very one that GM is making us PAY for to up-grade on the new vettes (meaning the new generation '05s)
Why did we get analog when digital was on all the other GM cars and trucks?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 13
From: Pasadena, CA
[QUOTE=drrichie]
and I've been on the phone over and over about this. like I said before, it would have probably been better if they just put a gun to my head and robbed me of that $695.00 option. Supposedly I can request that money back from Onstar... has anyone been successful at that?
Originally Posted by clambros
I decided to upgrade the OnStar system on my 2005 C6 VERT to the "new and improved" OnStar generation 6, digital system. I am impressed with the new voice recognition. I don't have to pause between numbers .. just "rattle off" all 10 digits and away it goes. Oh yeah ... no more static (that alone is worth the upgrade) ]
I never understood why I have (2) 2004 trucks with OnStar, both have the newer digital system - the very one that GM is making us PAY for to up-grade on the new vettes (meaning the new generation '05s)
Why did we get analog when digital was on all the other GM cars and trucks?
I never understood why I have (2) 2004 trucks with OnStar, both have the newer digital system - the very one that GM is making us PAY for to up-grade on the new vettes (meaning the new generation '05s)
Why did we get analog when digital was on all the other GM cars and trucks?
and I've been on the phone over and over about this. like I said before, it would have probably been better if they just put a gun to my head and robbed me of that $695.00 option. Supposedly I can request that money back from Onstar... has anyone been successful at that?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 13
From: Anywhere where Cones need hit
Cruise-In 9-10 Veteran
CI-X Auto-X Champ (race tires)
St. Jude Donor '07-'09
here's a question about the upgrade....
Is this going on with ALL GM cars equipped w/ OnStar? I have an 06 Cobalt SS/SC with it, and am curious if it will be affected.
I know it's not vette related, but topic related...
THanks
Is this going on with ALL GM cars equipped w/ OnStar? I have an 06 Cobalt SS/SC with it, and am curious if it will be affected.
I know it's not vette related, but topic related...
THanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
I was going to do the upgrade in my car. You save $50 over three years if you elect to do it. What stopped me was my Verizon cell account. I get a 12% discount through my employer with Verizon. With the OnStar upgrade I can add a second phone (my C6) to my account and the minutes are deducted from my Verizon account, not the 40 cents a minute OnStar sells. Problem is, because of my employer discount, I'm now considered a commercial account and the OnStar agreement is not valid with a commercial account. So that would mean I'd have to drop my discount $12/mo, add a second line- $10/mo, lay out over $500 to upgrade to digital OnStar. I decided I don't use the phone that often in the car!
I'm going to wait them out! There will be thousands of us out here who's OnStar systems will be obsolete in a few years. I'm betting that GM will come up with a cheaper way to keep our business.
Here's a link to the OnStar upgrade:
http://www.aeorder.com/upgradeInfo.html
I'm going to wait them out! There will be thousands of us out here who's OnStar systems will be obsolete in a few years. I'm betting that GM will come up with a cheaper way to keep our business.
Here's a link to the OnStar upgrade:
http://www.aeorder.com/upgradeInfo.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 809
Likes: 1
From: Grosse Pointe Shores Michigan
Originally Posted by clambros
I decided to upgrade the OnStar system on my 2005 C6 VERT to the "new and improved" OnStar generation 6, digital system. I am impressed with the new voice recognition. I don't have to pause between numbers .. just "rattle off" all 10 digits and away it goes. Oh yeah ... no more static (that alone is worth the upgrade)
Here's an interesting twist to the install .. The blue "ONSTAR" button didn't work after the upgrade. The emergency and phone buttons worked, but no ONSTAR button. Dealer now has to order a new mirror. Funny thing is the TSB on the generation 6 onstar upgrade doesn't indicate the mirror needs to be replaced. The dealer made a couple of phone calls to the GM tech support line, then onstar tech support line .. it appears this is a somewhat widespread problem .. what's up with that ? Anyhow .. if you're thinking about keeping onstar service past the first year, it seems to be a worthwhile upgrade.
Oh yeah .. while I was there .. I had the dealer install a Corsa Sport exhaust. Its like a whole new car .. sounds like a real American muscle car now
For all you long time vette owners .. does the itch to mod, upgrade, change, or just tinker ever go away ?? (Owning this baby is getting expensive .. but I never seem to stop smiling)
Here's an interesting twist to the install .. The blue "ONSTAR" button didn't work after the upgrade. The emergency and phone buttons worked, but no ONSTAR button. Dealer now has to order a new mirror. Funny thing is the TSB on the generation 6 onstar upgrade doesn't indicate the mirror needs to be replaced. The dealer made a couple of phone calls to the GM tech support line, then onstar tech support line .. it appears this is a somewhat widespread problem .. what's up with that ?
Anyhow .. if you're thinking about keeping onstar service past the first year, it seems to be a worthwhile upgrade.Oh yeah .. while I was there .. I had the dealer install a Corsa Sport exhaust. Its like a whole new car .. sounds like a real American muscle car now
For all you long time vette owners .. does the itch to mod, upgrade, change, or just tinker ever go away ?? (Owning this baby is getting expensive .. but I never seem to stop smiling)
So, you are the ONE that renewed his onstar.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Originally Posted by Kenny94945
How much was the upgrade?
How much of the car needed to be disassembled by the dealer to install?
Could it be a DIY install; Tech II required?
How much of the car needed to be disassembled by the dealer to install?
Could it be a DIY install; Tech II required?
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-M...06E/index.html
The total cost was $549 (which includes 3 years of the safe and sound plan. Depending on your view .. you pay $549 for 3 years of OnStar "safe and sound" and get the digital upgrade for free, or you pay $549 for the digital upgrade and get 3 years of OnStar "safe and sound" for free).
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
I just talked with my GM service advisor, who talked to OnStar. Apparently, the need for the new review mirror is VIN specific. OnStar supposedly knows which cars need the new mirror. We'll see....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Originally Posted by clambros
... Here's an interesting twist to the install .. The blue "ONSTAR" button didn't work after the upgrade. The emergency and phone buttons worked, but no ONSTAR button. Dealer now has to order a new mirror. Funny thing is the TSB on the generation 6 onstar upgrade doesn't indicate the mirror needs to be replaced. The dealer made a couple of phone calls to the GM tech support line, then onstar tech support line .. it appears this is a somewhat widespread problem .. what's up with that ? ...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,813
Likes: 287
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Originally Posted by clambros
Here's a follow-up .. an probably no surprise. New mirror installed, still no blue OnStar button. Dealer claims the ECM had to be re-programmed (upgraded) with the Tech II to fix the communications problem. Go figure !
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Originally Posted by clambros
Here's a follow-up .. an probably no surprise. New mirror installed, still no blue OnStar button. Dealer claims the ECM had to be re-programmed (upgraded) with the Tech II to fix the communications problem. Go figure !
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Naperville Illinois
Originally Posted by clambros
They only give the dealer .7HR to complete the install, so it can't be too difficult. From the looks of the kit, its just a swapping of the VCIM (at least for the vette). In my case, they also have to replace the mirror to make the blue OnStar buttton work again, but that is warranty work. The TSB seems to indicate you need a Tech II to complete the install.
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-M...06E/index.html
The total cost was $549 (which includes 3 years of the safe and sound plan. Depending on your view .. you pay $549 for 3 years of OnStar "safe and sound" and get the digital upgrade for free, or you pay $549 for the digital upgrade and get 3 years of OnStar "safe and sound" for free).
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-M...06E/index.html
The total cost was $549 (which includes 3 years of the safe and sound plan. Depending on your view .. you pay $549 for 3 years of OnStar "safe and sound" and get the digital upgrade for free, or you pay $549 for the digital upgrade and get 3 years of OnStar "safe and sound" for free).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 13
From: Pasadena, CA
Originally Posted by clambros
I decided to upgrade the OnStar system on my 2005 C6 VERT to the "new and improved" OnStar generation 6, digital system. I am impressed with the new voice recognition. I don't have to pause between numbers .. just "rattle off" all 10 digits and away it goes. Oh yeah ... no more static (that alone is worth the upgrade)
Here's an interesting twist to the install .. The blue "ONSTAR" button didn't work after the upgrade. The emergency and phone buttons worked, but no ONSTAR button. Dealer now has to order a new mirror. Funny thing is the TSB on the generation 6 onstar upgrade doesn't indicate the mirror needs to be replaced. The dealer made a couple of phone calls to the GM tech support line, then onstar tech support line .. it appears this is a somewhat widespread problem .. what's up with that ? Anyhow .. if you're thinking about keeping onstar service past the first year, it seems to be a worthwhile upgrade.
Oh yeah .. while I was there .. I had the dealer install a Corsa Sport exhaust. Its like a whole new car .. sounds like a real American muscle car now
For all you long time vette owners .. does the itch to mod, upgrade, change, or just tinker ever go away ?? (Owning this baby is getting expensive .. but I never seem to stop smiling)
Here's an interesting twist to the install .. The blue "ONSTAR" button didn't work after the upgrade. The emergency and phone buttons worked, but no ONSTAR button. Dealer now has to order a new mirror. Funny thing is the TSB on the generation 6 onstar upgrade doesn't indicate the mirror needs to be replaced. The dealer made a couple of phone calls to the GM tech support line, then onstar tech support line .. it appears this is a somewhat widespread problem .. what's up with that ?
Anyhow .. if you're thinking about keeping onstar service past the first year, it seems to be a worthwhile upgrade.Oh yeah .. while I was there .. I had the dealer install a Corsa Sport exhaust. Its like a whole new car .. sounds like a real American muscle car now
For all you long time vette owners .. does the itch to mod, upgrade, change, or just tinker ever go away ?? (Owning this baby is getting expensive .. but I never seem to stop smiling)
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,434
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05
I'll wait until they figure out how to keep the onstar button working after the upgrade. I attached the Great Lakes Trophies Valentine-1 mount to my mirror, and it would a real pisser to have to replace that too.
