procedure to disable onstar and keep bluetooth

[laborsmith]

I do distinguish what OnStar disabling a vehicle (as I understand it acts to slow the vehicle down before disabling the ability to start) and what the hackers were able to do to the WI-FI equipped Jeep.

Here I am defending OnStar! Who would have thought life would come to that?

Laborsmith

 

[retrofixes]

Quick question. I certainly want to disable onstar.

The fuse method seems easiest. (which fuse?)
What is the advantage of disconnecting the module? Are you simply trying to keep bluetooth? I don't want that either.

So would the simple fuse method be my best option?
I drive 2012 Hatchback

 

[giltwist]

Chevy Sonic LT 2015 here. Removed module completely. Bluetooth works, XM works. Only loss of functionality is Onstar is gone and dashboard compass always reads --

 

[giltwist]

Update: Bluetooth pairs with phone and I can hear the other end of the line, but they cannot hear me.

 

[giltwist]

Update 2: Attempted to follow this video. Module in two boards as described, but no male-male adapter to remove. In this model, it is properly male-to-female with no adapter. However, the smaller antenna board can be removed from the module. Will report back on results shortly.

 

[Stew]

Nice, keep us updated!

 

[giltwist]

Update 3: Reinstalled the modified Onstar module (without the smaller board where the antennas would connect). Bluetooth works now. Compass still does not work. Onstar light comes on (didn't before) but stays red. Pressing the Onstar button results in a "cannot connect" error.

I think I'm happy with where things are now. If I put the second board in, I think the cellular modem will work even with the antenna's detached. I mean, my cell phone doesn't have a gigantic antenna and it works just fine. The compass is not a big loss, honestly.

 

[nickEl]

Thanks for this write-up. I just completed this, as I am concerned not only with being tracked, but about Electromagnetic Fields/Radiation as well. With my limited Trifield meter I did notice a reduction in EMF after disabling Onstar.

 

[BigLee]

I removed the entire Onstar module from my 2013.
Only lost the compass. Bluetooth still fully functional.
BTW, if you want to keep the Onstar module, but disconnect
or disable it, you can re-install the module 180 degrees or
"backwards" in its holder, so that the electrical connectors are
accessible from the rear, without having to completely remove the
assembly again, in case you decide to re-connect it in the future.
The electrical harness will easily adjust to accommodate this.

 

[TitanBlue]

Are the Touchscreen systems the same way?