Onstar Vehicle Diagnostics

OnStar came onto the market in 1996 and is now available on many General Motor's vehicles. It is advertised as a safety tool that puts a driver in contact with an OnStar advisor in the event of an accident or mechanical breakdown. OnStar offers other services, such as air bag deployment notification, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock and vehicle diagnostics.

Diagnostics

The vehicle comm and interface module are hardwired into the vehicle's electrical system, which allows information about the vehicle's systems to be sent to Onstar. OnStar receives updates each month about the vehicle's engine, air bags, anti-lock brakes, emissions and transmission. OnStar then sends the details in an email to the vehicle's owner, providing information about any issues. In addition, maintenance information is available about mileage, oil life and tire pressure.

Status Alerts

There are three status alerts in the email received from OnStar that are used to help vehicle owners to be quickly alerted to any problems. A green circle indicates no problems were found and no action is required. A yellow triangle means the diagnostic test did not finish, and the next time the vehicle is started, a test will be run again to check for problems. The last symbol is a red octagon, which means further action is needed as soon as possible. A driver can push the OnStar button in the vehicle to speak to an advisor to determine which action he should take.

Engine and Transmission

OnStar runs a diagnostic check on parts of the engine and transmission such as the air induction system, fuel system, engine cooling, throttle control and variable valve timing system. In addition, the ignition, electrical, charging, starting and four-wheel drive are monitored through the OnStar system. Not all vehicles are equipped with the same options, so the diagnostic checks done vary by make and model.

Vehicle Maintenance

A car owner will also receive information on the vehicle's oil life and mileage. An owner will only need to do change the oil when the remaining oil life is nearing zero percent, instead of changing the oil every 3,000 miles. The oil life is not based just on mileage, but also driving patterns and climate. The mileage on the odometer will determine when reminders are sent to notify the owner when tire rotation and 25,000 mile scheduled maintenance are required.

Availability

The diagnostics are run automatically each month when the car is started. OnStar vehicle diagnostics are available with all OnStar subscriptions. A vehicle has OnStar diagnostic capabilities if it is manufactured by General Motors, it was made in 2004 or later, and it is equipped with the General Motors Oil Life System.

References

• OnStar: OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics