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.
Installation Procedure
- When replacing a VCIM, record the 11-digit electronic serial number (ESN) and the 10-digit station identification (STID) number from the label on the new VCIM.
- Slide the communication interface module (3) into the bracket.
- Push in on the module (3) at the retaining tab (2) until an audible click is heard indicating the module is secured to the bracket.
- Connect the electrical connectors and the coaxial cable (2) to the communication interface module (3).
Important: After replacing the vehicle communication interface module, you must reconfigure the OnStar® system. Failure to reconfigure the system will result in an additional customer visit for repair. In addition, pressing and holding the white dot button on the keypad will NOT reset this version of the OnStar® system. This action will cause a DTC to set.
- Install the scan tool. Use the special functions menu in order to perform the OnStar® setup procedure for this vehicle.
- Move the vehicle to an open area that is away from tall buildings and with a clear view of unobstructed sky. Allow the vehicle to run for 10 minutes.
- Use the ID information menu on the scan tool to access the new station ID (STID) and the electronic serial number (ESN) from the new VCIM.
- Press the blue OnStar® button to connect to the OnStar® Call Center and perform the following procedure:
- Tell the advisor that this vehicle has received a new VCIM.
- Ask the advisor to add the new STID and the ESN to update the customer's account.
- Follow any additional instructions from the OnStar® advisor.
- Ask the advisor to activate the OnStar® Personal Calling feature, if available.
- The default language for voice recognition in the generation 5 OnStar® module is English. To change the language resident in the module, refer to the following:
- For 4.3L, refer to REMOTE PROGRAMMING or PASS-THRU PROGRAMMING or OFF-BOARD PROGRAMMING or OFF-BOARD PASS-THRU PROGRAMMING .
- For 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L, refer to REMOTE PROGRAMMING or PASS-THRU PROGRAMMING or OFF-BOARD REMOTE PROGRAMMING or OFF-BOARD PASS-THRU PROGRAMMING .
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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.