Frequently Asked Questions About GM Vehicles
MY XM
Q: HOW LONG IS MY XM RADIO TRIAL FOR?
A: When you initially purchase you receive 3 months of XM for free. You still need to sign up to receive XM.
Q: HOW MUCH IS XM AFTER THE TRIAL IF I WANT TO CONTINUE MY SERVICE?
A: The service ranges anywhere from $4.04-$16.99 per month. you also have the option of paying by one, two, or three-year intervals.
Q: ARE DEALERS RESPONSIBLE FOR SERVICING MY XM?
A: Yes. The factory-installed hardware option is a GM-validated part that is covered under the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty. However, your XM Radio subscription service is not included with the warranty.
Q: I JUST BOUGHT A NEW GM VEHICLE, AND MY XM RADIO IS ONLY SHOWING A FEW CHANNELS. WHAT DO I DO?
A: Your XM Radio service needs to be refreshed. Go to www.refresh.xmradio.com and enter your Radio ID.
Q: HOW DO I LOCATE MY RADIO ID?
A: With your vehicle radio on, press the BAND, AUX or XM button. Turn to channel 0 and write down the eight-digit Radio ID.
MY HOMELINK
Q: WHAT IS HOMELINK?
A: Homelink is the original control system that allows you to communicate wirelessly from your vehicle to open garage doors, turn on lights, open gates and more. It's all about making your life more convenient and safe.
Q: HOW DO I PROGRAM MY HOMELINK GARAGE DOOR OPENER?
A: When you're programing HomeLink for the first time, you need to make sure that all factory-installed codes are erased from your new unit before putting it into training mode. To do that, follow these simple steps: First, turn your vehicle's ignition switch to the second position. This is sometimes called the accessory position.
Now HomeLink is in training mode and you're ready to program the system.
Now, place the hand held transmitter 1 to 3 inches away from the HomeLink surface keeping the HomeLink indicator light in view.
Now, you'll need to decide which HomeLink button your want to program. Using both hands simultaneously press and hold both the desired HomeLink button and handheld transmitter button.
Don't release the buttons until the HomeLink indicator light flashes slowly and then rapidly. When the indicator light flashes rapidly, that's the sign that your programming was successful. Now both buttons may be released.
In this next step, press and hold the programmed HomeLink button and observe the indicator light. If the indicator light is solid and continuous, programming is complete and your device should activate when the HomeLink button is pressed and released. If the indicator light blinks rapidly for 2 seconds before turning a solid/continuous light, it means that you have what is called a rolling code garage door opener. That requires additional programming steps.
To program a rolling code garage door opener make sure you have completed the previous steps, then proceed with the following actions. You will need to access the garage door opener receiver also called the motorhead unit in your garage. Once you're there, you need to find the "learn" or "smart" button. It's usually near where the hanging antenna wire is attached to the unit. The name and color of the button may vary by manufacturer. If you have difficulty in finding the training button, reference your garage door opener manual.
Once you're found the "learn" or "smart" button, press and release it. Please note that once the button is pressed you have 30 seconds to initiate the next step.
Return to the inside of the vehicle and firmly press and hold the programmed HomeLink button for 2 seconds and release. Be sure to repeat the press/hold/release sequence up to 3 times to complete the training process. Homelink should now activate your rolling code equipped device.
For more information about programming a security system, a door lock or home lighting, go to www.HomeLink.com
MY ONSTAR
Q: HOW DO I GET ONSTAR?
A: OnStar is a factory-installed option and cannot be installed by a dealer or retailer, so you must do one of the following:
Purchase a vehicle with OnStar
Own a vehicle with OnStar
Q: HOW DO I ACTIVATE MY ONSTAR?
A: For new vehicles with OnStar: (All new GM models include a one-year OnStar service plan.)
For select new 2004 and all 2005 and 2006 GM models, Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment, Emergency Services, and Stolen Vehicle Assistance are active when you take delivery of the vehicle. The remaining services are typically activated automatically within 3 to 5 business days after you take delivery.
For select new 2004 and previous models, you will need to activate your OnStar system by pushing the blue OnStar button in your vehicle. If you hear the recorded message, follow the prompts to speak to an Advisor.
Pre-owned vehicles with OnStar:
Push your blue OnStar button. Note: Your vehicle may be inactive and it may take an extended period to connect with OnStar the first time you push the blue OnStar button.
When prompted, say "Advisor"
Be sure to mention the Three Months On Us Trial*
Your OnStar System will be active immediately, once the call is done.
Note: If you are not connected with OnStar after pushing the blue OnStar button in your vehicle, please contact us at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and an Advisor will assist you.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE AGREEMENT (SSA)
Please read and complete our Subscription Service Agreement (SSA) before activating your service. Mail form to:Dept. 77246
OnStar Membership Center
P.O. Box 77000
Detroit, Michigan
48277-02846
After 7 to 10 days from the time the SSA is mailed, you can complete your activation by pushing the blue OnStar button in your vehicle. A live OnStar Advisor will ask you to verify your subscription request and confirm the credit card information you provided on your SSA. *Offer expires 12/31/09. Valid email address required.
Q: HOW MUCH WILL ONSTAR COST ME?
A: The "Safe & Sound" package is $18.95/mo. OR $199/yr
The "Directions & Connections" package that has the same services as Safe & Sound, but also features OnStar's navigation and information services. This service costs $28.90/mo. OR $299/yr.
Q: DO I GET ANY MINUTES FOR MY HANDS-FREE CALLING ON MY NEW VEHICLE?
A: Yes. You have 30 minutes free to use for the first two months.
Q: HOW DO I GET MORE MINUTES?
A: All you need to do is either go online, push the blue OnStar button or call us at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827).
Q: HOW DO I USE MY TURN-BY-TURN NAVIGATION?
A:
Push the blue button
TELL the advisor where you want to go.
LISTEN to the automated voice-guided directions.
ARRIVE at your destination
Q: HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR MY MONTHLY CHECK UP ON MY VEHICLE THROUGH ONSTAR?
A: What you are referring to is the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics system. All you need to do is push the blue OnStar button or sign up online. Every month you will receive a personalized email with your diagnostic results. Between reports, you can push the blue OnStar button for a GM Goodwrench on Demand diagnostics check. This service tells you things like: when you are due for an oil change, the pressure of your tires, or if you have a check engine light on.
Q: DOES THE ONSTAR VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS COST ME ANYTHING?
A: No, It does not cost you anything extra. After the one-year free OnStar service you will need to purchase a plan if you want to continue service, but the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics has no extra cost.
MY NAVIGATION
Q: DO I NEED TO UPDATE MY NAVIGATION SYSTEM?
A: You do not NEED to update your navigation, but in order to get to those new locations that seem to pop up everywhere, you need to update your disk. If you are in search on those new locations, and update navigation map disc will provide more than 11 million points of interest to help you get where you need to go. There is an updated disk out every year. You can buy a disk online at: https://www.gmnavdisc.com/buy-a-disc.do. Have your VIN number ready. If you cannot get online you can call 877.NAV.DISC.(877.628.3472)
MY BLUETOOTH
Q: WHAT IS BLUETOOTH?
A: Bluetooth is a short wave radio signal that provides a way to wirelessly connect electronic devices. With Bluetooth technology you can experience hands-free calling as your Bluetooth-capable cellular phone is wirelessly connected to the vehicle. It will allow you to place and receive calls using the steering wheel controls and Voice recognition. The vehicle audio system will allow you to hear the call audio through the vehicle speakers and talk using the built in vehicle microphone.
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BLUETOOTH?
A: Once in the voice recognition menu, say "Bluetooth." If the vehicle is equipped with Bluetooth, a "Bluetooth Read" audio prompt will play. If the vehicle consistently responds with "Pardon" or some other response, then the vehicle does not have Bluetooth functionality. For vehicle specific instructions on how to enter the voice recognition menu, use the vehicle owner's guide.
Q: DO I NEED TO HAVE ONSTAR TO USE BLUETOOTH?
A: No, a subscription to OnStar is not needed to use Bluetooth for Phone. A compatible Bluetooth phone is required to use Bluetooth for Phone. To find out if your phone is compatible with Bluetooth for Phone, check the "Find your phone" section.
Q: HOW DO I TURN MY BLUETOOTH ON?
A: If the vehicle is equipped with Bluetooth for Phone, the Bluetooth feature is always on when the ignition is on. No additional user interaction is required.
Q: IF I HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO ONSTAR, WILL USING MY BLUETOOTH PHONE IN MY VEHICLE COUNT TOWARDS MY ONSTAR HANDS-FREE CALLING MINUTES?
A: No, using your Bluetooth phone does not count towards your OnStar Hands-Free calling minutes. The Bluetooth for Phone uses your cell phone to make calls, However, Bluetooth calls will use minutes on your cell phone calling plan. Using the OnStar phone button on the OnStar 3-button assembly will result in using OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes.
Q: DO I NEED A SUBSCRIPTION TO A SPECIFIC PROVIDER?
A: No, Bluetooth for Phone is compatible with most phones and the majority of service providers.