| Q1. | What is OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics? |
| A1. | OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is a comprehensive, automatic diagnostics systems check and report service, now available on most new GM vehicles. Once you sign up, OnStar will collect diagnostic information about some of your vehicle's key operating systems about every 30 days while you drive. Then you'll receive monthly reports and scheduled maintenance alerts by email. |
| Q2. | How does OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics work? |
| A2. | About every 30 days, your vehicle will automatically transmit diagnostic data on key systems like your engine, air bag, antilock brake, electrical and OnStar systems, as well as your odometer reading and remaining oil life. After OnStar receives the information, we'll send it to you in a simple email report. So you'll know each month that your car is in good driving condition — or if something needs attention right away. You'll also get reminders to make scheduled maintenance appointments and to add more OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes when yours are running low. For more information on the systems that are monitored, click here. |
| Q3. | Will I know when my vehicle is sending information to OnStar? |
| A3. | Your vehicle will call OnStar over a cellular network while you drive, without your even noticing it. The process will take place about every 30 days on a predetermined date and time. If no one drives your vehicle on that date, the call will take place the next time your engine is turned on. |
| Q4. | Is there any charge for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics service? |
| A4. | There's no additional cost as long as you're an OnStar subscriber. OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is included in the OnStar Safe & Sound Plan. |
| Q5. | How can I tell if my vehicle is eligible for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics? |
| A5. | In most cases, your vehicle qualifies if it meets all of these conditions:- Your vehicle is a 2004 model year or newer
- Your vehicle is equipped with the GM Oil Life System
- OnStar is able to connect to your vehicle regularly on an outbound call
If you're uncertain whether or not your vehicle is eligible, just push your blue OnStar button and ask an Advisor.
| The following GM vehicles are eligible for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, but with certain restrictions: | | | | Cadillac SRX PV8 (MY2004-7) | Powertrain system not supported | | Chevrolet Silverado Diesel (MY2006-7) | Powertrain system not supported | | GMC Sierra Diesel (MY2006-7) | Powertrain system not supported | | Saturn Ion (MY2004-7) | Brake systems not supported | | Saturn LS/LW (MY 2004) | Powertrain and brake systems not supported | | Saturn Vue (Regular and Hybrid for MY 2004-7) | Powertrain and brake systems not supported | | | | The following vehicle is not eligible for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics: |
| Pontiac Vibe (MY2005-7) | No systems supported |
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| Q6. | Is OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics available in Canada? |
| A6. | Yes, it is also available in Canada. |
| Q7. | Is OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics available on non-GM (OEM) vehicles? |
| A7. | OnStar can only receive diagnostic data from GM vehicles. |
| Q8. | Can I enroll in OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics if I don't have an email address? |
| A8. | You must have an active email address to receive OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics emails, as it is currently a Web-based service only. But you can still get an OnStar remote diagnostics check anytime you need it. If your "Check Engine" light comes on, or you have any concerns about your vehicle, simply push the blue OnStar button. An Advisor can run GM Goodwrench On Demand Diagnostics and tell you if there's a serious problem. If you need immediate service, the Advisor can also locate the nearest GM dealer and help you make a service appointment. |
| Q9. | How often will I receive an OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email? |
| A9. | Once you sign up, you'll receive an email report approximately every 30 days. However, your vehicle must be running in order to transmit data, so the exact timing will vary depending on your driving habits. |
| Q10. | How do I make sure that I receive my monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic email? |
| A10. | To make sure that you receive important information about your vehicle, please add vehiclediagnostics@onstar.com to your address book or safe list. Click here to find instructions for your specific email service provider. |
| Q11. | I haven't received an OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email report in a long time. What's the problem? |
| A11. | There are a few possible reasons and simple solutions for this:- It might be simply that you haven't driven your vehicle for an extended period of time. Since the vehicle must be running to transmit diagnostic data, OnStar may not have received the data. Typically, your vehicle will call in the next time you drive it after the scheduled call-in date.
- Your email provider could be rejecting your monthly email report or placing it in a junk mail folder. We suggest you include the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email address in your Contacts or Favorites list to prevent this.
- Maybe your email address has changed? Be sure to update our records by calling 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and following the Vehicle Diagnostics voice prompts. Or you can push your blue OnStar button and speak to an Advisor.
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| Q12. | What does FlexFuel E85 capable mean? |
| A12. | This indicates that you have a FlexFuel vehicle capable of burning E85, an alternative to petroleum-based gasoline. E85 is an alcohol fuel mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. To locate an E85 fueling station in your area or learn more about the benefits of E85, visit livegreengoyellow.com. |
| Q13. | Why is it important to monitor my vehicle's emission control system? |
| A13. | Your vehicle's emission control system is responsible for two key features:- limiting exhaust tail pipe emissions through efficient engine operation
- containing fuel and its vapor in the fuel system so that they are used by the engine and do not escape into the atmosphere
It is important to monitor your vehicle's emission control system because if it is not working properly it can negatively affect your vehicle performance and fuel economy, as well as the environment. NOTE: If your vehicle's Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light is on or not working properly your vehicle requires service and may not pass your state's emission inspection program (if one exists). |
| Q14. | How much information is provided with the Recall Reminder feature? |
| A14. | If there's a safety or emissions recall on your vehicle, the recall number and brief description of the issue will be displayed. The recall reminder will continue to appear in your OVD email until the vehicle is serviced at the dealership. |
| Q15. | What is the GM Oil Life System? |
| A15. | This exclusive, computer-based system calculates the percentage of oil life remaining in your vehicle, based on a number of different factors These include your vehicle's engine type and temperature, driving conditions, air conditions. |
| Q16. | How can the Oil Life predictor help me? |
| A16. | Based on your driving patterns, the system is able to predict the estimated mileage at which you may need to have your oil changed. This information can be helpful when planning the next service appointment with your dealership. |
| Q17. | Do all GM vehicles offer the GM Oil Life System? |
| A17. | Most 2004 model year and newer GM vehicles do. There are a few exceptions, including the Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. Also, some vehicles offer the GM Oil Life System as optional equipment. These include Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue and Pontiac Bonneville. To find out if your vehicle has this system, just push your blue OnStar button and ask an Advisor. |
| Q18. | Will OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics alert me when my vehicle's oil level is low? |
| A18. | No. OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics will tell you when it's time to change your oil, but it can't measure your vehicle's oil level. You should continue to check your oil level regularly. |
| Q19. | My GM dealer told me to change my oil every 3,000 miles. Is that necessary? |
| A19. | With OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, you don't need to change your oil every 3,000 miles unless you get an email alerting you that you need to. The alert is based on your vehicle's remaining oil life, not on mileage. So, depending on your engine and driving conditions, you might not need an oil change until 4,000 miles - or you could need one at 2,000 miles. |
| Q20. | If I have OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, do I still need to check anything myself? |
| A20. | Be sure to check your fluid levels regularly, including your oil level. Also, it's important to reset your oil life indicator each time you have your oil changed. |
| Q21. | Do OnStar's scheduled maintenance reminders coincide with the maintenance schedule recommended by my vehicle manufacturer? |
| A21. | Yes. Your monthly email report will remind you when you're due for scheduled maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. One exception is the schedule for oil changes. While the manufacturer may suggest an oil change every 3,000 miles, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics uses a more accurate method for determining when you need an oil change: your actual remaining oil life. You'll be alerted when you need to change your oil, which could be at 4,000 miles or at 2,000, depending on your engine and driving conditions. |
| Q22. | In my email, why does it say, "No reading available" in the Tire Pressure Monitoring section? |
| A22. | This information may be missing due to a communications error that prevented OnStar from retrieving tire pressure data. If there is a message in your Digital Information Center to 'service tire pressure monitoring system', then you cannot rely on tire pressure monitoring or the OnStar system to alert you that your tires are improperly inflated. The cause of this situation could be: - The factory-installed wheels have been replaced with wheels that do not have compatible sensors.
- The pressure sensors in your factory installed wheels are not functioning properly.
Refer to your owners manual for further information. |
| Q23. | My email says I have a Yellow: Low warning for my tire pressure monitoring. What should I do? |
| A23. | You could have one or more tires that are under-inflated. Check your tire pressure as soon as possible, perhaps when you stop to refuel. Refer to your owner's manual for further information on how to check your tire pressure and put air in your tires. |
| Q24. | My email says I have a Red warning for my tire pressure monitoring, or my vehicle is displaying a tire pressure warning symbol. What should I do? |
| A24. | This means you could have very low tire pressure in one or more tires. You should check your tires immediately (or as soon as you can safely do so) and add air if the pressure is below the recommended level displayed inside the driver's door. Refer to your owner's manual for further information on how to check and inflate your tires properly. 
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| Q25. | What if I decide to cancel the service? |
| A25. | If you want to cancel your OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics service at any time, simply push the blue OnStar button and ask an Advisor. You can also call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827), listen for the Vehicle Diagnostics Service prompt, and follow the instructions. If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired, you may call our TTY number at 1.877.248.2080. Please allow 30 days to process your cancellation. |
| Q26. | How soon will I get my Vehicle Diagnostics email report after OnStar receives information from my vehicle? |
| A26. | As soon as OnStar receives the data, your email will be generated and sent to the address you provided. Please keep in mind that OnStar cannot control how your email is handled by your own email provider. We recommend that you include the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email address in your Contacts or Favorites list, so your monthly email report won't be rejected or placed in the junk mail folder. |
| Q27. | If I have more than one vehicle, can they all be covered by one email? |
| A27. | At this time, each vehicle must be enrolled separately. You'll receive a separate email report for each one. |
| Q28. | How does OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics work with the GM Owner Center? |
| A28. | Currently, your OnStar account information is the only data available at the GM Owner Center. In the future, you may also be able to access your warranty service and vehicle maintenance history, as well as manufacturer recall notices. To enroll in the GM Owner Center, visit www.mygmlink.com. |
| Q29. | Why do I need OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics if my vehicle has warning lights on the dashboard? |
| A29. | OnStar diagnostics can detect some problems that won't light up a warning message on your dash. For example, you wouldn't know that your "Check Engine" light is defective unless OnStar or a mechanic tested it. |
| Q30. | Where can I get more information about OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics? |
| A30. | If you have any questions, call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and listen for the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics voice prompt. Click here to view a demo. |
| Q31. | How does OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics affect my new vehicle warranty? |
| A31. | It has no effect on the terms of your warranty. But it might help you make better use of it by alerting you that some component needs attention while it's still under warranty. And since you'll be reminded of upcoming scheduled maintenance dates, you won't miss any of the services covered by your warranty. |
| Q32. | Can I receive emails more often than every 30 days? |
| A32. | Sorry - the system automatically schedules a transmission of data about every 30 days. But you can still get an OnStar remote diagnostics check anytime you need it. If your "Check Engine" light comes on, or you have any concerns about your vehicle, simply push the blue OnStar button. An Advisor can run GM Goodwrench On Demand Diagnostics and tell you if there's a serious problem. |
| Q33. | Will I receive OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics emails on the same day of the month? |
| A33. | No. The system automatically receives data from your vehicle and sends you an email report about every 30 days, but not necessarily on the same day each month. |
| Q34. | I have a leased car. Will OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics alert me when I'm over my mileage limit? |
| A34. | Your monthly email report will include your odometer reading at the time of the diagnostic check. But you won't get any special alert that you've reached your lease mileage limit. |
| Q35. | Can I subscribe to XM Satellite Radio through my OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email? |
| A35. | Yes. For your convenience, a link to subscribe to XM has been included in the lower right hand portion of your OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email. The link appears for those who have completed their XM trial subscription and are ready to subscribe, as well as for those who are at the end of their subscription and ready to renew. |
| Q36. | What if I change my email address? |
| A36. | Be sure to let us know so we can continue your OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics service. Just press your blue OnStar button and ask the Advisor to update your email address. Or you can call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and follow the Vehicle Diagnostics voice prompts. Either way, it only takes a few minutes. |
This is the first place to find answers to the most common questions asked about OnStar. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us or call us directly at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827). Or if you are an OnStar subscriber, push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle.
