How to disconnect OnStar?

[coolman]

Good job Abygale. After 48 post and one new rant thread we have the answer that was already here.

[CamaroFemme]

Originally Posted by Captain Vlad

I personally like the ability to call in and say 'please come cut me out of the car' if such was required

You don't even have to do that. Your airbags deploy, they call you. They can't reach you, they assume you were knocked unconscious & send help. This service could potentially save your life, or the life of someone you love.

And come on...can you really not snip a wire and disable the mike?

I would think pulling out the OnStar fuse would be the better option there, & it wouldn't void your warranty.

As has been stated, OnStar isn't constantly listening to you in your car. Why would they do that? Why would they PAY someone to sit there & listen to Subscriber #234877-B's random conversation? And if they do so, where do I sign up? If you're that paranoid, get rid of your cell phone and your internet service, that's a much more likely target than your car. That said, The Vladinator is right; your car. You wanna get rid of Onstar, go for it.

[cosmos366]

I have read all the post that were locked in the lounge and there are alot of people saying that Onstar doesn't listen in. Well I am here to tell you otherwise!
My wife and I were having a very heated arguement in her '09 Malibu. I mean very heated.
The radio got quiet, and "Brian" from Onstar asked us politely "if everything was alright? Did he need to call the police?"
Now you all may think they aren't listening, but I know better.

[almhath]

My information is relevant to my policy only. You'd have to check with your own to see how yours is written.

But I did just call my insurance company for the car, explained the situation, how I want to disconnect OnStar. They are aware that it's an anti-theft device, and yet they said it is OK for me to disconnect OnStar in the Camaro as my anti-theft provision in my policy is satisfied with the chip in my key.

I'm told there is a chip in my key, so the car won't start without it.

Good.

With that,

I will pursue figuring out how to disconnect the pick-up mic for OnStar...

(1) If it's not the same mic used for the Bluetooth which I want to keep

(2) if it doesn't disconnect some other needed system

(3) if I can't localize and DC the OnStar mic, then I'll pursue disconnecting the whole OnStar system as I discussed with the insurance company.

[Crowley]

LOL

make sure you coat your car in some sort of stealth paint as well .. You could also develop some sort of cloaking device .. that way you can assure no one is in your business ..

[GaryTucker]

Good for you...

I just hope that everyone that is considering this calls their own insurance company versus taking advice from someone on the internet BEFORE they go trying this.

Did you ask the dealer about potential warranty concerns in disabling pieces of your car? I'd sure as heck check into this as your car is an electrical miracle in the amount of electronics on board and some of those pieces get awful pricey. To give you an idea...GM used to put an electronic AC control head in some Buicks that cost the dealer (not over the counter price to an individual, which is higher) $750. You don't want to disable OnStar and find out you don't have coverage for some other issue related to electronics.

This is something you want to get in writing if possible as it is amazing how easily spoken conversations can be forgotten.

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by almhath

My information is relevant to my policy only. You'd have to check with your own to see how yours is written.

But I did just call my insurance company for the car, explained the situation, how I want to disconnect OnStar. They are aware that it's an anti-theft device, and yet they said it is OK for me to disconnect OnStar in the Camaro as my anti-theft provision in my policy is satisfied with the chip in my key.

I'm told there is a chip in my key, so the car won't start without it.

Good.

With that,

I will pursue figuring out how to disconnect the pick-up mic for OnStar...

(1) If it's not the same mic used for the Bluetooth which I want to keep

(2) if it doesn't disconnect some other needed system

(3) if I can't localize and DC the OnStar mic, then I'll pursue disconnecting the whole OnStar system as I discussed with the insurance company.

This is true.

The insurance company cannot tell you that you are required to have an antitheft device. However to get an anitheft discount you must have the device. The antitheft discount varies based upon the devices you have (for most companies in most states). IE if you have a car alarm you get a 10% discount on your theft coverage, if you have that and Lojak you get 20%. Most companies do not automatically assume your onstar is conencted for antitheft purposes, so you have to tell them that. They do take your word for it and don't check that you're paying for that service. Most likely your company wasn't even giving you the full discount. They were just giving you a partial for the immobilizer in the key.

As for your technical questions, the OnStar box houses the bluetooth phone module, as well the microphone for bluetooth and OnStar is the same. Unfortunately you cannot disconnect it without losing your bluetooth phone capability.

IMO if it really bothers you I would disconnect the OnStar and buy an external bluetooth speakerphone. I used to have one from Blueant that was awesome, very clear, and small, plus the charge lasted a REALLY long time. I would charge it like once every couple months.

[UCF w00t]

Haven't you started enough threads on this topic?

[1320junkie]

How many different OnStar threads are you going to start?