INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES WITH ONSTAR EQUIPMENT.

Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for OnStar-equipped vehicles manufactured by General Motors.

Q1: What different types of equipment do OnStar-equipped GM vehicles have?
A1: All OnStar-equipped GM vehicles have one of three types of equipment:

Analog-Only:
OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog-only equipment were designed to operate only on the analog cellular network and there is no digital upgrade available. Vehicles with this equipment will no longer be able to receive OnStar services beginning January 1, 2008. At this time, service is available only through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. (Refer to Question #7 for additional details.)

Analog/Digital-Ready:
OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog/digital-ready equipment operated on the analog cellular network, but can be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment if available for that vehicle (while supplies last). Beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service will not be available on these vehicles unless the OnStar equipment has been upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.

Dual-Mode (Analog/Digital):
OnStar-equipped vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment operate on both the analog and digital cellular networks and will not require an upgrade in connection with the cellular industry's transition to the digital network.

Q2: How will I know what kind of OnStar equipment is in my GM vehicle?
A2: There are several ways to determine the type of equipment in an OnStar-equipped GM vehicle:

a. Click here
You will be prompted to input your vehicle identification number (VIN) into the OnStar look up tool and it will determine what type of equipment is installed in the vehicle.

b. Ask an OnStar Advisor
Call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and ask the OnStar Advisor what OnStar equipment type is installed in the vehicle.

c. Ask your GM dealer or retailer
Your GM dealer or retailer can determine what OnStar equipment type is installed in the vehicle from the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Q3: When will GM transition to digital OnStar equipment?
A3: GM has transitioned to digital OnStar equipment. Some 2004, most 2005, and all 2006 and newer model-year GM vehicles with OnStar are equipped with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment that is compatible with both the analog and digital cellular networks. Introducing new OnStar equipment is a complex process, since it is dependent upon aligning the timing of the vehicle-ready OnStar equipment with vehicle development plans. Because each vehicle has its own development and manufacturing schedule, not all vehicles will receive the same OnStar equipment at the same time.

Q4: Why are there mid-year OnStar equipment changes on some GM vehicles?
A4: Rather than wait for a new model year, GM made the decision to install dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment in vehicles as soon as development and testing permitted.

Q5: Will GM offer any digital upgrade programs?
A5: Yes. GM has engineered digital upgrade kits that can be installed in vehicles with analog/digital-ready equipment. (For more information, click here or refer to Questions #6, #9, and #10.)

Q6: Which GM vehicles are capable of being upgraded?
A6: Many GM vehicles equipped with analog/digital-ready equipment can be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. Upgrade kits are not available for vehicles equipped with analog-only equipment. To check if an upgrade kit is available for your vehicle, please contact your local GM dealership or retailer or click here to check your VIN in OnStar's look up tool (Please have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available.)

Q7: Why can't a GM vehicle's analog-only equipment be upgraded?
A7: Our objective for any digital upgrade kit is to ensure that the OnStar system is of sufficient reliability for provision of services. The electrical systems in vehicles with analog-only equipment are not compatible with digital OnStar equipment. Given the level of modifications that would be required for these vehicles, we did not believe it possible to develop an upgrade kit that could be installed at the dealership with sufficient reliability for provision of OnStar services.

Q8: My vehicle has analog-only equipment. How does the cellular industry's transition to the digital network affect me?
A8: OnStar service is no longer available for vehicles with analog-only equipment and unfortunately, upgrade kits are not available.

Q9: If my GM vehicle is capable of being upgraded, how much does the upgrade cost?
A9: Dual-mode (analog/digital) upgrade kits are available for many GM vehicles. Eligible OnStar subscribers who purchase a prepaid, non-refundable, non-transferable 1-year OnStar Safe & Sound subscription for $289* will receive an equipment upgrade including parts and labour for only $15.* A Directions & Connections subscription is available as well.

Contact your local GM dealership or retailer to arrange for an upgrade or click here for more information.

Q10: If my GM vehicle is capable of being upgraded, what is the process for having the dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment installed?
A10: All you need to do is contact your GM dealership or retailer to make arrangements to go in and have your OnStar equipment upgraded. Your GM dealer or retailer will order the equipment, install it for you, and add the 1-year subscription to your account. (Refer to Question #9 for pricing details.) When you make an appointment with your dealer or retailer, they will be able to tell you how long the work will take to install it — it is usually one to two hours. Contact your local GM dealership or retailer to arrange for an upgrade or click here for more information.

Q11: Will the upgrade to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment be paid for by my GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty?
A11: No. The digital upgrade is not covered by the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty because the upgrade is not required and is not due to any defect in material or workmanship. Because of this change in technology within the cellular industry, GM wanted to offer a digital upgrade kit to those who wish to acquire the OnStar services.

Q12: I have a vehicle with a handset version of OnStar instead of the three-button system. How does the cellular industry's transition to the digital network affect me?
A12: These handset-style OnStar systems are early versions of analog-only equipment. OnStar service is no longer available for vehicles with analog-only equipment and unfortunately, upgrade kits are not available.