Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Don't Forget to Register Replaced OnStar System Unit(s) (ASN0606-01)
Reference number: ASN0606-01
Don't Forget to Register Replaced OnStar System Unit(s)
ACURA SERVICE NEWS
| ACURA: | 2003 3.2CL, 2003 3.2TL, 2002-04 3.5RL, 2005-06 MDX and RL |
| CATEGORY: | Acura Service News |
| APPLIES TO: | 2003 3.2CL, 2003 3.2TL, 2002-04 3.5RL, 2005-06 MDX and RL |
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you replace an OnStar system unit(s), remember to register the new unit(s) with OnStar. If you forget to do this, the OnStar system won't work.
Before you can register the new unit(s), make sure the OnStar system status indicator isn't blinking red or solid red . If it is, then there's a problem with the system, and you need to troubleshoot and repair that problem before moving on. Also, if the vehicle you're working on has the 1stgeneration system, you need to synchronize the RF unit to the OnStar control unit before you can register them. (The 2nd-generation system doesn't need to be synchronized.)
To synchronize the two units, start the engine and press and hold the "dot" button. The system status indicator starts out solid green , then goes to solid red , and then goes back to solid green . This whole process takes about 20 seconds . When the indicator goes back to solid green , the units are synchronized and you can now release the "dot" button and move ahead to the registration process.
To register the unit(s), park the vehicle outside. Press and release the OnStar button to call OnStar. If you've just replaced the OnStar control unit, you need to press and release the OnStar button again to place your call. This gets you around the preprogrammed welcome message.
If you get a busy signal, an error message, a roaming message, or the system just won't connect, wait until the system status indicator is no longer blinking green and goes to solid green , then press and release the emergency button to place your call. You've got to be really patient here; the system will try up to four times to connect with OnStar (it makes three data connection trys and a final voice-connection try). While all this is going on, the status indicator is blinking green and you might hear different sorts of ring tones, clicks, or error messages. There's nothing wrong here, just sit tight until an OnStar agent answers your call.
Once the OnStar agent answers your call, ask him or her to transfer you to OnStar technical support (OSTA) so you can register the new unit(s). (Just so you know, OnStar may refer to the RF unit as the "VIU" and the OnStar control unit as the "VCU.")
If you can't make a connection from the vehicle, then call OnStar dealer support at 888-390-4050 . Ask the agent to transfer you to the OSTA group. You'll need to register the serial numbers (STID and ESN) from the new unit(s). And while you're at it, make sure you remind the staff to update your service client's OnStar personal calling profile.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.