Onstar - What still works without?

[JamesMyBoy]

I called OnStar last week and cancelled my service, which i have been paying for since the trial expired. Yesterday I got the following info in an email:

We are writing to inform you that the OnStar®1 service plan in your 2014 Chevrolet Camaro has expired.

This means that even in an emergency, OnStar will be unable to provide you with critical services including:
Automatic Crash Response
Live, 24/7 OnStar Advisor emergency assistance
Stolen Vehicle Assistance

Moving forward, you will now be in the Basic Plan2 and have access to the following:
Select features of the RemoteLink mobile app
Advanced Diagnostics
Real time Diagnostic Alerts and monthly Diagnostics Report
Proactive Alerts (if available)
Dealer Maintenance Notification
To restore your service level, please push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle. If you would like to experience more of what OnStar has to offer, an OnStar Advisor will help you choose one of our paid service plans that best meets your needs.

So, that's what happened in my case.

[CapeCruisin]

Originally Posted by Sandman1969

Anyway, does the remote start and unlock via the app still work without a paid version of OnStar? Yes


If not, what does still work? If it does, what else can be done? You can still call up OnStar with your phone and ask the car to be unlocked if you lock yourself out

See bolds.

[TommyTheCat]

If you don't subscribe they send you threatening emails about how you're not safe anymore

[TommyTheCat]

Originally Posted by CapeCruisin

See bolds.

Pretty sure you're wrong. My app stopped working as soon as my OnStar expired, and I was at least told that they would not be able to unlock my car if I called OnStar from outside of the vehicle, even if I wanted to subscribe again that I'd first have to gain access to the OnStar buttons on the mirror.

Unless this has changed, but on my 13 my onstar does nothing other than offer cops a way to turn my car off, track my car in those cars, and lights up those three buttons.

I see someone else posted they still get monthly emails, but I haven't received anything since I cancelled

[Blutob2]

Originally Posted by TommyTheCat

Pretty sure you're wrong. My app stopped working as soon as my OnStar expired, and I was at least told that they would not be able to unlock my car if I called OnStar from outside of the vehicle, even if I wanted to subscribe again that I'd first have to gain access to the OnStar buttons on the mirror.

Unless this has changed, but on my 13 my onstar does nothing other than offer cops a way to turn my car off, track my car in those cars, and lights up those three buttons.

I see someone else posted they still get monthly emails, but I haven't received anything since I cancelled

Interesting because I just tried mine and it locked and unlocked the car just fine. I haven't had a subscription for 6 months. Once again the site says standard for 5 years so I would call if you want this feature for free.

[scandata]

Originally Posted by 1Canuck

does not
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/onstar2.htm

OnStar Technology
At its most basic, OnStar consists of four different types of technology: cellular, voice recognition, GPS and vehicle telemetry. All of the services that OnStar provides are a result of one or more of these technologies working together.

GPS works in the boonies, but if there is no cell tower the car cannot report you are in an accident.

I asked the other guy why he liked the cell service since it is no different than a cell phone, needs a cell tower to work.
The main reason I have no use for OnStar

I never knew that... good to know. I just always assumed it worked by satellite. Maybe the brand name "OnStar" planted a subliminal message in my head! . I never had any intention of renewing after the trial anyway, but now I definitely won't. I have a cell phone, and my Chevy MyLink has the NAV package upgrade. The dash readout gives me engine stats, so that's no selling angle either. Sure, there are other features, but not enough to justify a minimum of $19.00 per month.

[trodecke]

Originally Posted by Blutob2

Did they tell you 3 years over the phone because that contradicts their website.

No. I was originally told 5 years (states it in my paperwork). Then on October 5th I got an e-mail from Onstar stating that my plan had been "upgraded" with additional features but for only 3 years from the time it was applied to my account. I guess that means I have 4 years since the changes where applied on October 5th and I bought the car in July of 2014. Here's the contents of the e-mail. Am I the only one that got this?

[1Canuck]

my trial period ended and (I may have done something) the blue/red mirror lights turned off and stayed off for about four months.
Then I have a warranty claim which I call in on landline, tow truck arrives, key into ignition and the lights come back on and have been on since.
In my attempts to turn off the connection I find that the unit has a phone number, which I find disturbing since it seems even without an active service they still have access to my car.

[trodecke]

Originally Posted by paul84043

Are you using OnStar to remotely start your vehicle? Do you not have it on your Key Fob?

I definitely use the app to remote start my Camaro. I sit on the 6th floor of a building, on the opposite side from where my car is parked. I doubt if the remote will reach that far. I'll usually use the app to remote start my car before I leave my desk. On those summer days in Oklahoma when it's 105 outside it's really nice to have the A/C blasting for about 5 minutes before I get to the car. On the flip side, when it gets a little cooler, that auto on seat heater is really nice in the winter too. I don't leave the seat heater on but it's having the seat warmed up before I get into the car.

[trodecke]

Originally Posted by TommyTheCat

Unless this has changed, but on my 13 my onstar does nothing other than offer cops a way to turn my car off, track my car in those cars, and lights up those three buttons.

This is because you have a 2013 Camaro, at least according to your profile. The extended service is for 2014 and newer Camaros. For 2014 and newer, the app continues to work, in a reduced mode, for up to 5 years from date of purchase.

[trodecke]

Originally Posted by 1Canuck

I find that the unit has a phone number, which I find disturbing since it seems even without an active service they still have access to my car.

They have to have a way for you to press the little blue button and renew your Onstar subscription.

[Rainbow1616]

Originally Posted by trodecke

I definitely use the app to remote start my Camaro. I sit on the 6th floor of a building, on the opposite side from where my car is parked. I doubt if the remote will reach that far. I'll usually use the app to remote start my car before I leave my desk. On those summer days in Oklahoma when it's 105 outside it's really nice to have the A/C blasting for about 5 minutes before I get to the car. On the flip side, when it gets a little cooler, that auto on seat heater is really nice in the winter too. I don't leave the seat heater on but it's having the seat warmed up before I get into the car.

^This
My wife and I do exactly the same thing in each of our car and truck. I have kept My subscriptions active since 2011 mainly for this reason alone but it is nice for a few other things as well.

[asher628]

Originally Posted by paul84043

Are you using OnStar to remotely start your vehicle? Do you not have it on your Key Fob?

I DO NOT HAVE RS ON MY FACTORY FOBS.

[CapeCruisin]

Originally Posted by TommyTheCat

Pretty sure you're wrong. My app stopped working as soon as my OnStar expired, and I was at least told that they would not be able to unlock my car if I called OnStar from outside of the vehicle, even if I wanted to subscribe again that I'd first have to gain access to the OnStar buttons on the mirror.

Unless this has changed, but on my 13 my onstar does nothing other than offer cops a way to turn my car off, track my car in those cars, and lights up those three buttons.

I see someone else posted they still get monthly emails, but I haven't received anything since I cancelled

You are correct!

The app will only continue to work if you purchased a 2014 or 2015 Camaro w/o paying for OnStar for 5 years.

Not sure why it doesn't apply to pre-2014s.