Forum Discussion
OnStar Module Broke
My ONSTAR module needs replacing on my 2012 Chevy Equinox with about 146,000kms. So after 13 years I guess things wear out. However, I still have an active plan. So, back in June of 2024 I was told by an ONSTAR technician I probably needed a new module when they couldn’t tweak things from their end. After taking my vehicle to my regular dealership I was told that the module was discontinued. In their effort to help they contacted ONSTAR and their technician told them to try a hard reboot. It worked for about a month. More recently, because my plan is still active, I contacted ONSTAR again about my module being discontinued and they suggested trying another GM dealership as they thought it was odd the module was discontinued. After contacting a different GM dealership they too said the module was discontinued based on my VIN. So, I took it upon myself to contact the manufacturer of these modules and was told that the part number had changed and that they did have a module with a different part number that would work in my vehicle. The only drawback was the module had to be ordered and installed through a GM dealership. I was quoted a price of $575 plus another $200 (+ taxes) to install it. Like others this seems expensive and ONSTAR doesn’t seem able to do much when it comes to pricing.
Our team appreciates you bringing this concern with your 2012 Chevrolet Equinox's OnStar hardware to our attention, @BWZ. The satisfaction of our loyal Members is very important to us, and we want to make sure that this trouble is resolved for you so that you can get back to what really matters with the connected services you love and depend on. For your awareness, our wireless network providers have transitioned their cellular towers in the U.S. from 2G networks to 4G or 5G connectivity. The transition was completed on December 31, 2022. After this transition, 2G network connectivity is no longer available. The decision to sunset these networks was made by the wireless network providers and the need to upgrade to newer technology. Certain 2015 and earlier GM vehicles on the road in the U.S. today currently leverage the 2G network for OnStar connectivity. For this reason, these in-vehicle connected services are no longer compatible with the technology equipped in your Equinox.
This does not mean that you can't still continue to take advantage of our amazing OnStar safety services. To help stay connected after the network sunset, our team encourages you to download the OnStar Guardian™ app. This impressive app allows our Members to take the safety and security of key OnStar services wherever they go. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting our website at OnStar Guardian App | Safety Services Right on Your Phone. If any additional questions should arise, please don't hesitate to follow up with us here for the best and continued support. Our assistance is only ever a message away.
Hello Jack: Regarding your comment: “The decision to sunset these networks was made by the wireless network providers and the need to upgrade to newer technology. Certain 2015 and earlier GM vehicles on the road in the U.S. today currently leverage the 2G network for OnStar connectivity. For this reason, these in-vehicle connected services are no longer compatible with the technology equipped in your Equinox.” While this may be true in the USA I have been told this is not the case in CANADA. My vehicle was upgraded to 4G Network. Since the new module was installed it will tell me that my vehicle is in demonstration mode connected by a 4G Network. However, ONSTAR can’t seem to connect to the module so my dealer who is working with YORK ELECTRONICS, the mfg of this module in Canada, is looking at replacing the module in hopes that it will work.
We do apologize for any miscommunications related to your services and hardware. Thank you for providing us with this clarification of your location. Again, we highly recommend working with the support team in your region if you need an additional layer of assistance. We appreciate your understanding.