• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Onstar.... DID YOU KNOW???

B

bmontini

Full Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2002
Messages
586
Location
Atlanta, GA
I found out from an OnStar rep the other day, that even if you do not subscribe to their service, they will still respond to Airbags being deployed as well as the Emergency button being pressed....

They said "They can't and won't ignore the request for ermergency or medical help" I guess it is a moral thing... and I am VERY happy to see that response from them!!

 
In my dealings with On-Star - I have had excellent service and helpful, friendly people to deal with. I will continue this service when my 1st year is up! ;) I think the willingness to help even if your not paying shows character and commitment. :)
 
Anyone know if that function still works when I upgraded my head unit? ????

IE: Just unplugged the On-Star connector from the back of the stock head unit. Did not reconnect or wire one of those OS-whatever connectors.
 
Marc_W,

I think there is an adaptor that you need to hookup when you install your new HU. It will allow you to keep the ONSTAR feature (auto mute, onstar on speakers, etc..). I think you can get it from JP Customs...but I'm not 100% sure.
I can also confirm how friendly and helpful the ONSTAR customer service peeps are. But what bmontini mentioned will prolly make me continue my basic service.

-Lew
 
Yeah, saw that - thanks Lew. (y)

I'm not a big fan of the OnStar service, so I really had no intention of spending 60 bucks or so to hook it back up.

BUT... if OnStar still functions with this emergency stuff (ie, no communication through the radio), then that'll give me some incentive to not just pull the system out all together. :)
 
Check out your Auto Insurance because onstar is like lojak I got an adjustment to my theft insurance that was almost the cost of it.
 
Interesting..I had no idea..that they still answered to emergency calls etc....it is indeed a good...feature...I haven't renewed my contract with them.....I'm currently still on the fence so to speak....

Dave
 
I let mine expire, because I think it was like 200 bucks a year.? Then a few months ago, they sent me a notice that the rates had gone down. So if you are considering, look for a better price.
 
I renewed just for the peace of mind, and safety. Although they were not always able to get me to my destination, due to various reasons, they were always professional and considerate. No insurance discounts here in Pa. with Allstate for having On Star.
 
I do receive a break in my insurance for having the onstar.....but even if I decide not to continue with it....they still keep the discounts active....

But if the rates are to go down.....then I will consider renewing the coverage....I liked the concept...just didn't like the cost about now.....you guys know how it goes.....lol

Dave
 
Old cell phones never die. If you have a deactivated cell phone, even with a company that you no longer have an account with, the 911 function will still work. Forever. It's federal law. It's possible that this is what's going on here with Onstar. But for whatever reason, this is a wonderful reason to have Onstar in your car. While we're on the Onstar subject, can someone compare the range/power of the Onstar cell phone to an ordinary small cell phone? Thanks for calling this Onstar feature to our attention. (y)
 
Well, I was being a geek last week and decided to try out a series of voice commands to see just how good the Onstar is at deciphering language.

Well, it appears that it is very simple. Any command that ends in ANY FORM of an EEE sound is enterpreted as "emergency". I was connected in about 15 seconds to Onstart Emergency. Boy did I feel like a fool.

Interesting thing is once Onstar tells you that it's calling Onstar Emergency there is no way to stop it. I was freaking and trying to stop it somehow and when they answered it was time to 'fess up'.

All of the other phone commands came back as "personal calling unavailable", BTW.

I have since activated my 30 minute trial and I will actually keep the service (buy 100 minutes at 12 months at a time at $39.99) and only use it when my VoiceScream service doesn't work.

Knowing that my wife and kids now have no excuse not to call because they forgot their cell phone is a comfort. Plus, since it's sort of a novelty (voice commands), they'd be more apt to call when they think about it.
 
Also ...

Here in NH you only get a discount on the comprehensive portion of the insurance, as having Onstar does not affect liability. It amounts to about $15-25 from what the agent said. It's the peace-of-mind (especially with a family) that has the real value.

In MA you get a discount to your entire coverage, but they they pay a lot more that we do here.
 
So, what is everyone seeing for renewal rates? I just got a renewal notice(mine expires in March) yesterday and it was $199. yr for the safe and sound- if it is gonna come down in a few months because they think they are losing me I will just wait.
 
U.S.A.valanche said:
So, what is everyone seeing for renewal rates? ?I just got a renewal notice(mine expires in March) yesterday and it was $199. yr for the safe and sound- if it is gonna come down in a few months because they think they are losing me I will just wait.
Click to expand...

Wait, I was just contacted and offered a one year renewal for $169.00 and when I complained about the loss of phone service minutes when I traded my 2001 Suburban he offered me 100 free cell minutes good for 12 months. Imagine that!
 
rod moffett said:
While we're on the Onstar subject, can someone compare the range/power of the Onstar cell phone to an ordinary small cell phone? Thanks for calling this Onstar feature to our attention. (y)
Click to expand...

I can tell you that my area is in a "hole" for digital cell tower reception, I have tried all three major providers in my area none of them work, yet I can go out in my AV and make a call anytime without problems :love:

I have used OnStar calling from many places I have never experienced a lost/dropped call or an area with no service.

 
I think the reason the Onstar performs much better than a typical cell phone was explaned by my dealer when I took delivery. He said the average cell phone has a .7 watt antenna. He also said the onstar antenna on the roof is 3.5 watts. (I think those were the numbers) I too don't have cell service from home but the onstar works fine. Moral of the story; If you lie on the roof and use onstar, you'll get brain cancer or maybe something worse! Think about it; in the first place if you're laying on the roof trying to use onstar you've obviously been drinking way too much and you'll probably roll off and be seriously injured! Hey, maybe that's what the roof rack is for! "Honey, tie me on the roof again, I've got a few calls to make".
 
bmontini said:
I found out from an OnStar rep the other day, that even if you do not subscribe to their service, they will still respond to Airbags being deployed as well as the Emergency button being pressed....

They said "They can't and won't ignore the request for ermergency or medical help" ?I guess it is a moral thing... and I am VERY happy to see that response from them!!
Click to expand...


As far as I know it's the law. If you have a cellular device you must be able to call for emergency help. Same applies to a cell phone, if you don't have service on it 911 still has to work.
 
I paid $1,000 CAD for a five year renewal to OnStar. That works out to approximately $600 USD or $120 USD per year.
 
That's cool that we should be getting insurance discounts...

I'm still not a fan of the thing though... I don't ever see myself using it to call anyone... and I don't see any reason to talk to any of the operators. :(
 
I got a renewal notice for the Safe & Sound plan for $149.00 + tax. the Directions & Connections plan is $399.00 + tax. $150.00 per year is a small price to pay for the features you get, namely safety if your in an accident and you air bag goes off. The lockout feature is great too.. No more hiding keys in case you lock yourself out. ;D
 
I think the reason you folks with no digital coverage are getting out on Onstar is because it uses analog technology. I kasked the operator once if it was digital, she said no because it isn't as wide spread as anolog service, so they have a better coverage range, although I'm sure the extra wattage helps too..
 
So you can get 100 minutes good for 1 year for $40? That sounds cool... how do I get it?? Did I hear something about free trial minutes as well???

AND >.... Does that work by pressing the white button and then it voice dials??
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top