How to Disable OnStar in a Saturn Vue

OnStar uses GPS to strike a balance between privacy and safety.

OnStar is a built-in safety feature in many vehicles, including the Saturn Vue. It reports your location and car's safety status to the OnStar company, and it can then communicate with you and deploy help in case of an accident. You do have to pay for the OnStar service, but not buying the service doesn't deactivate the GPS in your car. To completely disable OnStar you have to remove the OnStar box in your trunk. Doing this yourself could void the warranty, but if you have a professional at a GM dealer or auto shop remove OnStar, it will not void it.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Grab the handle at the front of the trunk floor from behind your Saturn Vue and pull straight up. This will lift up the trunk, revealing the spare tire and the OnStar box.

2. Move the spare tire to reach the covering on the OnStar box. Unscrew the four corners of the plate on top of the box, lift it off and set it aside.

3. Locate the three cords attached to the OnStar box and unplug each of them. The box now will not be able to function as a GPS or for any other OnStar services.

4. Replace the cover and screws, the spare tire and close the trunk floor. To enable OnStar, repeat and plug in the three cords to the appropriately colored slots.

5. Call your local dealer if you have questions or would prefer to have a professional disable OnStar. See the Resources for General Motor's dealer locator. In the drop down list next to "Select a GM brand," select "Saturn," then enter your zip code, city and state, or dealer name and click "Locate" to find dealers.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing OnStar yourself may void portions of your warranty--check with your dealer for more information.

References

• OnStar: Information Center
• GM: Locate Dealer

Resources

• Autotropolis: 2010 Saturn Vue Trunk open Photo