Interesting ONSTAR issue - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Fogey · 07-22-2011, 07:12 PM

I have ONSTAR on both my cars and use hands free calling, but not often. On July 5th, I got my diagnostic report on my Envoy showing 86 minutes left on my account. The next day it goes to the local GMC dealer for some paint and body work. Got the car back on the 14th of July. Have not used ONSTAR since then but when I tried to call my wife today I was out of minutes. More than coincidence? I think some guy at the shop used my minutes while the car was there.
I called ONSTAR (who replaced the minutes btw) and the guy, after some pressing by me, did say it appears that folks who have access to your vehicle, like valets, do make calls sometime. He then told me there was a way to lock out ONSTAR use if you want to. I didn't get into how to do it as I had a meeting coming up, but I will.

An interesting point is that the FCC will no longer allow them to post your remaining minutes and expiration date online. You have to use the phone. What's that all about?

HookemHorns · 07-22-2011, 07:45 PM

I think it should ask for a passcode for any transaction.

Fogey · 07-22-2011, 08:47 PM

I want it to stay simple but asking for a 4 digit code or something would be OK

suplex · 07-22-2011, 09:01 PM

I would be outraged if that happened

(not to say that you aren't). I like the idea of a pass code though, be it a PIN, or a word of some kind, even one of those "forget your email password" questions like "Who was your favorite teacher in grade school?".

I'll have to look into whether or not OnStar will do this for me. I'm sure they will.

Thanks for posting.

Cam2011 · 07-22-2011, 09:53 PM

Are you certain that the minutes did not expire? There is a way to track the calls I believe?

CraziGuy · 07-23-2011, 02:00 AM

I would be pissed man. There should be a pin code for transactions. Glad they gave you the minutes back.

HDRDTD · 07-23-2011, 10:54 AM

If you happen to have an iPhone and a 11 Camero, you can use the ON Remote Link app to access your Camaro and see (among other things, your ONstar calling number and how many Min you have left.

Fogey · 07-23-2011, 12:35 PM

Cam: The minutes don't expire until 2/2012.
HDRDTD: Thanks for remindiing me of that featurre. It works for my Camaro of course, but not the 2004 Envoy that lost the minutes.

07-22-2011, 07:12 PM	#1
Fogey Drives: 2011 2SS/RS A6, IOM Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 1,236	Interesting ONSTAR issue I have ONSTAR on both my cars and use hands free calling, but not often. On July 5th, I got my diagnostic report on my Envoy showing 86 minutes left on my account. The next day it goes to the local GMC dealer for some paint and body work. Got the car back on the 14th of July. Have not used ONSTAR since then but when I tried to call my wife today I was out of minutes. More than coincidence? I think some guy at the shop used my minutes while the car was there. I called ONSTAR (who replaced the minutes btw) and the guy, after some pressing by me, did say it appears that folks who have access to your vehicle, like valets, do make calls sometime. He then told me there was a way to lock out ONSTAR use if you want to. I didn't get into how to do it as I had a meeting coming up, but I will. An interesting point is that the FCC will no longer allow them to post your remaining minutes and expiration date online. You have to use the phone. What's that all about?

07-22-2011, 08:47 PM	#3
Fogey Drives: 2011 2SS/RS A6, IOM Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 1,236	Good point I want it to stay simple but asking for a 4 digit code or something would be OK

07-22-2011, 09:01 PM	#4
suplex Drives: 2011 Coupe, 1LT, A6, No RS Package. Join Date: May 2011 Location: Freehold, NJ. 07728 Posts: 1,042	I would be outraged if that happened (not to say that you aren't). I like the idea of a pass code though, be it a PIN, or a word of some kind, even one of those "forget your email password" questions like "Who was your favorite teacher in grade school?". I'll have to look into whether or not OnStar will do this for me. I'm sure they will. Thanks for posting. __________________ Never Underestimate The Power of Forums

07-23-2011, 02:00 AM	#6
CraziGuy CallMeCrzyButILuvV6s312HP Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LS 2005 Cobalt SS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 186	I would be pissed man. There should be a pin code for transactions. Glad they gave you the minutes back. __________________

07-23-2011, 12:35 PM	#8
Fogey Drives: 2011 2SS/RS A6, IOM Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 1,236	CAM2011 and HDRDTD Cam: The minutes don't expire until 2/2012. HDRDTD: Thanks for remindiing me of that featurre. It works for my Camaro of course, but not the 2004 Envoy that lost the minutes.

07-22-2011, 07:45 PM	#2
HookemHorns Drives: 2023 Camaro ZL1 Red Hot Convertible Join Date: May 2011 Location: Arkansas Posts: 859	I think it should ask for a passcode for any transaction.

07-22-2011, 09:53 PM	#5
Cam2011 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: CT Posts: 2,061	Are you certain that the minutes did not expire? There is a way to track the calls I believe?

07-23-2011, 10:54 AM	#7
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,047	If you happen to have an iPhone and a 11 Camero, you can use the ON Remote Link app to access your Camaro and see (among other things, your ONstar calling number and how many Min you have left.

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