Another FYI - On Star Diagnostics

[rlhedlund]

I recently signed up for the free, 6 month On Star deal. Checked my diagnostic report today and it says not available because I may have an aftermarket device plugged into the diagnostic port. I do. A Scan Guage II.

[Rob & Cathy]

That's surprising.

Rob

[Mike Clay]

Been that way forever. They can only read certain things if you have a gauge plugged into the port.

[rlhedlund]

Been that way forever. They can only read certain things if you have a gauge plugged into the port.

OnStar is telling me I have to "UNPLUG" my Scan Gauge from the diagnostic port.

[Mike Clay]

You still get oil, mileage and maintenance schedule. Onstar services still work and in my case with the new truck when it threw a code I have a gauge that told me what it was plus pushed the button for onstar and they could see it. Been running a gauge in both my 08 and 2011 trucks in the port.

[snoking]

The diagnostic buss is most likely "busy" talking to the your scan device, so they can not talk to it with the On-Star system.

Another thing about On-Star is that it is a good hands free cell phone system. If you buy more minutes each year just before the current minutes expire, then it rolls over the existing minutes. Cell plan covers US and Canada, A! Newer vehicles most likely bluetooth to your cell phone, so maybe that is not a big deal! Where's Chief?

Chris

[Mike Clay]

Well when they try to scan mine its at night with the truck off and the gauge off so I still dont understand why they can see everything. With the Onstar app on my iphone I can see fuel level, gallons left oil filter usage average mpg plus can on lock doors start truck sound horn and some other items. Now they may send out a ping waiting for your truck to be running

[EAW]

Another thing about On-Star is that it is a good hands free cell phone system. If you buy more minutes each year just before the current minutes expire, then it rolls over the existing minutes.Chris

It was a good hands free system. They would send reminders for subscription renewals monthly even though I had it set up to automatically renew with credit card but would not send reminders about minutes expiring. After stealing my minutes twice I told them to stuff the whole thing. I'm also not sure I want my vehicle ratting me out if get in an accident while going a little fast for the speed limit. Just my opinion but I think On Star should be an option on vehicles instead of paying for something that won't get used because of it being in the base price. I love my GMC but I won't even push the blue button for a chance to win a new one.

Sorry about the soap box rant.

[rlhedlund]

Another thing about On-Star is that it is a good hands free cell phone system. If you buy more minutes each year just before the current minutes expire, then it rolls over the existing minutes.Chris

It was a good hands free system. They would send reminders for subscription renewals monthly even though I had it set up to automatically renew with credit card but would not send reminders about minutes expiring. After stealing my minutes twice I told them to stuff the whole thing. I'm also not sure I want my vehicle ratting me out if get in an accident while going a little fast for the speed limit. Just my opinion but I think On Star should be an option on vehicles instead of paying for something that won't get used because of it being in the base price. I love my GMC but I won't even push the blue button for a chance to win a new one.

Sorry about the soap box rant.

I feel your pain. All new vehicles sold after June 2011 will have black boxes.