• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Can OnStar Be Turned Off!???

jpalamaro

jpalamaro

New member
2009 Convertible with all of the bling, including OnStar. Talk about invasive, and yeah, I even extended my 'telephone minutes' and get this e-mail regularly warning me about my 2lbs low on the front, left tire and the inherent dangers of low tire pressure. GMAB!

So, am thinking, can this monster [OnStar]report other data e.g. max RPM (during break-in, voiding warranty), speeds, for the LEO's to correlate to a time (say I had an accident), and all sorts of 'big brother info'.

Can OnStar be turned off, if so, HOW, is the specific question?
 
Yes, you can disable the service; however, it's my understanding that you can't remove the equipment without setting off a ton of codes.

To disable, remove the antenna (slide to side and remove) and pull the fuse...viola...no omre comms with OnStar:thumbsup:

Simplest way would have been to order the car without it in the first place.

If you're not interested in it. you may be able to have the dealer or an aftermarket service company, uninstall it for you.

I wouldn't worry so much about OnStar reporting your errant ways:D as I would the CDR, (Crash Data Recorder), normally referred to as the "Black Box."

It generally records the last 5-15 seconds of an event for accelleration, braking, yaw, position, blah blah blah blah.....
Law enforcement, and insurance companies may access this information. You (and the other guys) insurance company at will.
Law Enforcement with a subpoena.

Removing it will not only void the warranty, it will (IIRC?) disable your passive restraints (airbags and such). Doing this does a couple of things:

1) Voids the warranty
2) Likely violates Federal Law (have to research it again but I believe that's the case
3) Sets you up for SERIOUS LIABILITY issues in the event of a crash where anyone else, either riding in your car or another car, is injured. (Sets a presumption of your intent to violate the law)
4) Eliminates or seriously impaires your opportunity/ability to recover damages if you're injured in the car, even as a result of someone elses negligence.

I'm sure I missed something, but you get the drift:thumbsup:

And by far, that CDR and you OBD system are your biggest enemies when it comes to dealerships and thier warranties.

Hope that helps some.:wavey:
 
Thanks Shadow...

I may or may not have introduced myself but am new to the auto scene, specifically the Corvette. In response to your very, very informative reply, I didn't special order the car but purchased it off of the lot with just about every known option, so OnStar came with it. I likely would have passed on it as well as the Navigation system, but, it's there.

While I may have erroneously focused on OnStar I am/was totally unfamiliar with the [crash data recorder] CDR and had no idea of its existence. I will likely do some research (lazy man, Google:D) to learn more about CDR's. All I can say to all of this is 'wow' how little [we/I] know about what's being recorded in our lives!

Thanks for great reply and the time it took you to respond!
 
jpalamaro said:
I may or may not have introduced myself but am new to the auto scene, specifically the Corvette. In response to your very, very informative reply, I didn't special order the car but purchased it off of the lot with just about every known option, so OnStar came with it. I likely would have passed on it as well as the Navigation system, but, it's there.

While I may have erroneously focused on OnStar I am/was totally unfamiliar with the [crash data recorder] CDR and had no idea of its existence. I will likely do some research (lazy man, Google:D) to learn more about CDR's. All I can say to all of this is 'wow' how little [we/I] know about what's being recorded in our lives!

Thanks for great reply and the time it took you to respond!
Click to expand...

No problem my friend. Always happy to help and :welcome:aboard. Not only to the site, but the addiction called Corvette:thumbsup:

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to PM me and I'll hook you up with some answers:thumbsup:

The CDR can be your best friend or your worse enemy.....:yesnod:

Gordon
 
But.... The big difference is that on star can locate your car if stolen and shut it down so some small time car thief thug doesn't smash it up running from the police..... I hate big brother as much as anyone else (or even more I believe) but that feature is really cool.
 
Great point Rocket:thumbsup:

I believe there are some other GPS based anti theft related products out there as well, that are not, shall we say, so "invasive?"

I think I recall reading about them. I know there are tracking devises out there :hehehe:just not sure if any can remotely shut down the car. Need to do some research.

Might be a good product to design and promote for some electronic gearhead:dancer01:
 
I started this thread and never thought it would get any 'legs'. But, so far have learned about EDR's(event driven recorders)/CDR's (Shadow, guess the free world loves avoiding the word 'crash'; btw, some motorcyclists get their shorts in a wad should you mention 'crash bars' rather than 'engine/body protectors'. To that I say, GMAFB!)

Anyhow, I have a more benign view of OnStar. Not quite sure why, other than perhaps it's overshadowed by the EDR. And while I am dead set against 'invasive' and truth be told, if my Vette ever stolen I'm not sure I want it back, I am reminded of the great Will Roger's quote (I think it was Will): "It's a good thing we don't get all of the government we pay for!"
 
jpalamaro said:
I started this thread and never thought it would get any 'legs'. But, so far have learned about EDR's(event driven recorders)/CDR's (Shadow, guess the free world loves avoiding the word 'crash'; btw, some motorcyclists get their shorts in a wad should you mention 'crash bars' rather than 'engine/body protectors'. To that I say, GMAFB!)....QUOTE]

Yeah, I know what you mean:nonod:

They've been CDR's for as long as I can recall. The reconstruction groups still refer to them as such.

Same with the guards. We always referred to them as "crash guards: on our police Harleys. One day, one of the new guys said, they're not "Crash bars" thier "engine guards."

Well ****!

When I crashed, they certainly helped me but WTF huh?:lmao:

(in reality they're right-they tend to fold in a "hard" crash....right back onto your shin/calf!:eek:)

Glad this thread is getting some play:thumbsup:

Enjoy
Political correctness is going to be the end of me yet!:lmao:
Click to expand...
 
Z06 Rocket said:
But.... The big difference is that on star can locate your car if stolen and shut it down so some small time car thief thug doesn't smash it up running from the police..... I hate big brother as much as anyone else (or even more I believe) but that feature is really cool.
Click to expand...

Heck, I would think that if something as simple as removing the fuse can defeat OnStar, then a half-way knowledgeable car thief would know about that as well.....

So here's a question for you... DO LEO's have the authority to disable someone's vehicle by utilizing OnStar? Does ANYONE in the government have this authority?

Sheesh, I can think of all sorts of *interesting* applications of the ability to shut down the vehicular traffic on demand..
 
Actually,there are some small electronic units (1/2"X1 1/2"X1 1/2")that will track and and shut down the vehicle if needed from your computer!!:thumbsup:
It's part of a service offered to us car dealers and finance co's!
Most secondary finance co's have us install them on the vehicles they finance,a small black box hidden deep in the wiring of your car that can be tracked and shut off at will!You will get to where your going,but after shut off it will set there till I/We come and repossess it!!:rofl1::rofl1::rofl1:
:D
 
Yep:thumbsup:

I was doing a little research and found those.

I think IIRC, OnStar has the ability to shut down the engine without locking out the steering and such. You'll have manual brakes, but still be able to stop the car.

The ads indicate that law enforcement can request thier assistance, but it's usually going to be on the command of the owner once they realize it's gone.

As far as getting the car back, Lo-Jack is a much better tool IMO and most of the agencies have at least a few cars equipped with tracking units.:thumbsup:
 
jpalamaro said:
I started this thread and never thought it would get any 'legs'. But, so far have learned about EDR's(event driven recorders)/CDR's (Shadow, guess the free world loves avoiding the word 'crash'; btw, some motorcyclists get their shorts in a wad should you mention 'crash bars' rather than 'engine/body protectors'. To that I say, GMAFB!)

Anyhow, I have a more benign view of OnStar. Not quite sure why, other than perhaps it's overshadowed by the EDR. And while I am dead set against 'invasive' and truth be told, if my Vette ever stolen I'm not sure I want it back, I am reminded of the great Will Roger's quote (I think it was Will): "It's a good thing we don't get all of the government we pay for!"
Click to expand...


If I happen upon an accident that might involve you, I'll contact the emer crews and the such WITH my OnStar (3 year renewal recently)!! :lmao:
 
nasajack said:
If I happen upon an accident that might involve you, I'll contact the emer crews and the such WITH my OnStar (3 year renewal recently)!! :lmao:
Click to expand...

If it works for you, then what the heck?

Some people just don't want the increased cost and potetial for intruion.
It's all about what works for you:thumbsup:
 
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