GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2002 🢒 Bonneville 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Body Rear End 🢒 OnStar Reconfiguration

OnStar Reconfiguration Without TIS 2 Web Gen.3 and prior

OnStar® Module Reprogramming

Important: Follow the instruction set for the part that you are replacing. Both the Vehicle Interface Unit (VIU) and Vehicle Communication Unit (VCU) have a specific set of unique numbers that tie the module to the vehicle it resides in. These numbers, the 10 digit Station Identification and 11 digit Electronic Serial Number, are used by the National Cellular Network and OnStar to identify the specific vehicle. Because these numbers are tied to the Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle, these parts should NOT be exchanged with those of another vehicle. Failure to perform these steps will prevent the OnStar® features from functioning and will result in a customer return for repair.

Vehicle Interface Unit (VIU)
  1. Record the 10 digit Station I.D. (STID) number from the label on the new module.
  2. Install the new VIU.
  3. After replacement, press and hold the whtie "Dot" button until the OnStar status LED turns from green, to red, and then back to green.
  4. Install a scan tool. Use the I.D. Information menu to access the new STID.
  5. 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.
  6. Press the blue OnStar button to connect to the OnStar Call Center. Tell the advisor that this vehicle has received a new VIU and ask them to perform the following:
    7. • Add the new STID to update the customer's account.
    • Activate the OnStar Personal Calling feature if it is available in the area.
    • Perform a full reconfiguration on the vehicle.
  7. The OnStar® Advisor will reconfigure the vehicle with you. Once the advisor completes the reconfiguration, you can end the call. Follow any additional instructions given by the Advisor.
  8. The old VIU must be returned for core credit with the address label included in the original box. Failure to return core will result in a debit.

Vehicle Communication Unit (VCU)
  1. Record the 11 digit Electronic Serial Number (ESN) number from the label on the new module.
  2. Install the new VCU.
  3. After replacement, press and hold the whtie "Dot" button until the OnStar status LED turns from green, to red, and then back to green.
  4. Install a scan tool. Use the I.D. Information menu to access the new ESN.
  5. 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.
  6. Press the blue OnStar button to connect to the OnStar Call Center. Tell the advisor that this vehicle has received a new VCU and ask them to perform the following:
    7. • Add the new ESN to update the customer's account.
    • Activate the OnStar Personal Calling feature if it is available in the area.
    • Perform a full reconfiguration on the vehicle.
  7. The OnStar® Advisor will reconfigure the vehicle with you. Once the advisor completes the reconfiguration, you can end the call. Follow any additional instructions given by the Advisor.
  8. The old VCU must be returned for core credit with the address label included in the original box. Failure to return core will result in a debit.

OnStar Reconfiguration with TIS 2 Web Gen 4 and later

Important: 

   • The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) has a specific set of unique numbers that tie the module to a specific vehicle. These numbers, the 10-digit station identification (STID) and 11-digit electronic serial number (ESN), are used by OnStar® and the cellular network to identify the specific vehicle. Because these numbers are exclusive to the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, these parts should NOT be exchanged with those of another vehicle. After replacing the VCIM, it is essential to reconfigure the OnStar® system. Failure to reconfigure the system will result in an additional customer visit for repair. DO NOT press and hold the white dot button on the keypad as it will not reset this version of the OnStar® system and may result in a DTC to be set, a red LED and limited or incomplete OnStar® services. Use of the TIS 2 Web SPS application and the Tech 2 are required in order to perform the VCIM configuration and setup procedure for this vehicle. The configuration and set-up procedure is now a two step process which enables an automated activation by the OnStar Center, without a button press by the technician to the center.
   • It may take up to 24 hours for the OnStar® service to become fully activated after performing the TIS 2 Web and Tech 2 setup procedures. Perform the OnStar® Activation procedure only once. Repeat attempts at performing the procedure may result in a delay of the activation process.
   • The Tech 2 setup procedure must begin immediately upon completion of programming. Any delay between the procedures may result in incomplete setup or activation of the VCIM.

  1. Connect the Tech 2 to the vehicle.
  2. Connect the Techline Information System (TIS) terminal to the Tech 2.
  3. Select the OnStar® Activation programming option using the service programming system (SPS).
  4. Upon completion of the OnStar® Activation programming event, disconnect the TIS terminal from the Tech 2 and perform the VCIM/OnStar Set-up Procedure using the Tech 2.
  5. The default language for the new VCIM is English. Changing the language capability to French or Spanish is supported by service programming system (SPS) and by Tech 2 special functions. Changing the language capability is also dependant on the generation of the replacement OnStar module.

Inform the customer that it may take up to 24 hours for the OnStar® service to become fully activated after performing the TIS 2 Web and Tech 2 setup procedures.