Parts Restriction on Ordering OnStar Generation 6 and 7 Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM)

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 model year and update the subject line to remove Gen 5 VCIMs. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-46-004C (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

The OnStar® Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM) is part of the OnStar® system. The OnStar® VCIM is a restricted part. By working closely with our dealers and technicians, through the parts restriction process, the General Motors team will gain a better understanding of any field concerns that may develop.

Important: Only modules and components involved in a parts restriction program require a call to TAC in order to obtain the necessary part. Parts such as antennas, cables, etc., are available through the normal GMSPO channels.

If a customer comes to the dealership with OnStar® concerns, please follow the repair information and diagnostics found in the Cellular Communications sub-section of Service Information (SI).

If your diagnosis points to a fault with the OnStar® VCIM, the OnStar® fuse and/or battery voltage should be removed for five minutes, then re-installed. If the concern corrects itself, please follow the procedures below.

Please call the GM Technical Assistance Center (TAC). The GM TAC consultant will verify your diagnosis and, if appropriate, order a replacement part. GM TAC Consultants will no longer provide a part number back to the dealership when a VCIM is to be ordered. The replacement VCIM that the dealership will receive may have a different part number than the one currently installed in the vehicle. If there are no physical or dimensional differences between the original VCIM and the replacement VCIM, then install the new VCIM, and refer to SI for the proper setup and reconfiguration procedures. The setup procedure must be performed on the new OnStar VCIM to enable the blue button.

Replacement VCIMs are usually shipped out within 24 hours, and a pre-paid return package label will be included for return shipment of the original VCIM. If the replacement VCIM ordered by the GM TAC is not received within seven business days, contact the GM TAC.

Important: By returning the original VCIM, within the specified time noted in the documents contained within the packaging of the service replacement unit, you and your parts department will avoid a significant non-return core charge.

Reminder: When contacting the GM TAC with an OnStar® concern, the availability of certain information from the vehicle will streamline the process for the dealership technician as well as minimize the time necessary for TAC to provide the correct diagnosis. Please refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-00-89-011B for additional information regarding the information required by TAC. Dealers in Canada should refer to the GM Policies and Procedures Article 5.3 Technical Assistance and follow Strategy-Based Diagnosis.

If your diagnosis leads you to call TAC, you will need to provide the following information:

To obtain this information, the technician should perform the following steps using a Tech 2® with the latest software version:

1. Connect the Tech 2®.
2. Enter Diagnostics and build the vehicle.
3. Select Body.
4. In the Body menu, proceed to OnStar®.
5. To obtain the ESN, the STID and the 8-digit GM part number, go to OnStar® and then Module 2 Information.
6. To obtain the MIN and MDN, go to Special Functions and then select Program Phone Number. To obtain the Trans ID, press Done.

Important: The information obtained from the vehicle should not be modified in any way unless directed by the GM TAC consultant.

Additionally, in certain cases, when you press the blue OnStar® button or the Hands-Free Calling button, you may hear various cellular messages or a series of progression tones (one tone every six seconds), prior to the system completing the call.

If any cellular messages are heard, prior to the "Connecting to OnStar®" message, you must write these down.

If progression tones are heard, let the system do what is called "time out." This can take up to 5 minutes. Do not touch any of the OnStar® buttons during this time period. At the end of the call, write down any messages that are heard.

If you end up connecting to the OnStar® Call Center, ask the advisor if they have customer, vehicle, and current location data. Write down the advisor's response.

If you cannot connect to OnStar® or complete a Hands-Free call on the first try, wait 5 minutes and then try again, as there may be temporary cellular congestion in the local area.

If you require further technical assistance related to this bulletin, please contact the GM TAC.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

For U.S. Saab Dealers