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.
OnStar Description and Operation: Features
OnStar® Personal Calling
The hands free, OnStar® personal calling cellular phone feature is an additional feature of the OnStar® system. This feature is embedded within the telematics communication interface control module; however it must be activated by an OnStar® advisor. OnStar® personal calling operates similar to most hand held cellular phones in that the availability for its usage is based on minutes or units. The customer must have a current OnStar® subscription, as this feature cannot be utilized without it. To use OnStar® personal calling, the customer must also purchase units (minutes) as outlined in the owners guide provided with the OnStar® system. Units begin to deplete, 1 unit is equal to 1 minute, as the customer makes outbound phone calls, answers inbound phone calls, or while connected to the OnStar® virtual advisor. In addition, units may also have an expiration date, depending upon the type of units purchased.
Turn by Turn Navigation (if equipped)
Turn by Turn Navigation allows the driver to contact OnStar® to obtain directions for driving from a current location to a desired location. The Turn by Turn Navigation system stores your planned route and continually checks your position along that route, when you deviate from the planned route, the system will recognize this and prompt the driver with verbal prompts for how to proceed..
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Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.