Tech - No Start, Discharged Battery (Contact OnStar-Turn Off Theft Notification)

Some drivers may comment that the vehicle will not start (crank) after approximately 2 days of vehicle inactivity. The vehicle may have had either a road service call to start the vehicle, a jumper battery used to assist in the start, or a battery charge and/or change.

Subsequent testing of the battery using the J 42000 Battery Tester and the charging system with the J 41450-B Generator Tester determines that both are serviceable, although the battery may need a recharge.

This condition may be the result of the OnStar® communication system "Theft Notification" feature being activated during vehicle inactivity. When the "Theft Notification" feature is activated, a constant 0.5 amp draw is placed on the battery. Depending on the state of charge of the battery at the time of the "Theft Notification" activation, this would result in a battery with available amperage below that needed to crank the engine.

Calling the OnStar® center from the vehicle by pushing the OnStar® "ON" button and requesting a reconfiguration of the OnStar® system can repair these vehicles.

For 1999 vehicles, the owners must be notified that the original "Theft Notification" feature will no longer be active. However, the "Theft Tracking" feature will still be functional for 1999 and 2000 model year vehicles.