GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

The following procedure diagnoses the cause of the inoperative global position system (GPS) receiver. The following numbers refer to the steps in the table.

  1. This step ensures that OnStar® can communicate with the vehicle and that the OnStar® GPS system is configured.

  2. This step verifies proper operation of the GPS. The location that you are given from the OnStar® Center is only an approximate location. There can be variance in this location. Do not mistake location variance for a inoperative GPS system.

  3. It is necessary to have a good ground on the antenna to filter out signal noise.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the OnStar® Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to OnStar System Check

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Activate the OnStar® Center button.
  3. Ask the operator to configure the vehicle.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 2

--

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Activate the OnStar® Center button.
  3. Ask the operator to give the vehicle's location.

Does the location given match your approximate location?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 4

4

Is the GPS antenna installed in the proper location?

--

Go to Step 5

--

5

Inspect the GPS antenna at the headliner.

Is the grounding tab securely attached to the roof with the maximum area, as close as possible to the housing?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

6

  1. Inspect the GPS antenna connection at the vehicle interface unit (VIU), adjust if necessary.
  2. Inspect the antenna cable for pinches, scrapes and cuts.

Is the antenna cable free from damage?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Test the ground circuit of the GPS antenna for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the GPS antenna. Refer to OnStar GPS Antenna Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the VIU. Refer to OnStar Vehicle Interface Unit Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3