Hi- I'm new here, just wondering if anyone has ideas.

My '09 LT2 is great in almost every way, but there is a problem where Bluetooth won't stay connected to my phone. At this point, the problem may be tied to either the Bluetooth functionality/Onstar, or my provider (Verizon). I don't think the phone is to blame, since I've tried both a Motorola W385 and LG VX8350, and they both do the same thing.

I got the car in September, set up my phone by pairing it, and handsfree worked fine for about 6 weeks, until this past Monday. The problem is that no matter what, the phone connects to BT and immediately disconnects. Very annoying. The result is that when I try to use voice commands, the message is, "i'm sorry, but there are no paired phones." I've called Onstar, who pointed me to calling Chevrolet. They recommended an Onstar software upgrade by my dealer. They had a chance last week, but couldn't really get to the heart of the problem- and they didn't do anything. I didn't have time to wait, so we pretty much said we'd both go off and do some research. So here I am. Frustrating that I can't even figure out which entity might help.

I changed my phone based on the GM compatibility list, as my older Moto phone was not listed as compatible. So I was able to successfully pair this one as well, but it won't stay connected.

I fear that Verizon is trying to mess with me. Last Friday I got an email regarding the VZ Family Plan add-your-vehicle as a line for $9.99/month, and this started happening on Monday. Why would BT work fine and then just stop like this? I'll appreciate any of your thoughts!

I have the same exact problem with mine and it just needs a software upgrade. Dealer can arrange to have this done.

I have the same exact problem with mine and it just needs a software upgrade. Dealer can arrange to have this done.

Did that fix yours, then?

A few weeks with my '09, and my random Samsung phone (never listed on any of the GM Bluetooth sites, of course, which I didn't expect) connects the second I start the car and has never had a blip. So any disconnecting, etc. definitely is not normal and hopefully the fix is simple.

For years of the '05+ Cadillac STS being the sole GM vehicle with factory Bluetooth, owners went through a lot of trials, LOTS of software updates, revised phone compatibility lists, etc. bringing us to today. The current system seems instantly better, but there for sure will be blips like this along the way.

It goes in for the upgrade on Tuesday, we'll see.

CDN Girl, thanks- I'm curious to see if it helps. Did Chevrolet support direct you in that direction? Also, I'd be interested if there is any information that would be helpful to d]bring to my dealer.

I'll stay tuned.

My dealer was actually no help to me at all. I had to call MASS electronics myself and they told me that I needed the upgrade after I explained my problem. I called the dealer and told them that I had called MASS myself and the dealer has now booked them into come and do the upgrade.

My dealer was actually no help to me at all. I had to call MASS electronics myself and they told me that I needed the upgrade after I explained my problem. I called the dealer and told them that I had called MASS myself and the dealer has now booked them into come and do the upgrade.

Glad to hear that you found what the problem is. I hope the upgrade fixes the solution. Keep us posted thankfully I have had no problems with my bluetooth. Except of course of phone disconnects after making a voice call.

My dealer was actually no help to me at all. I had to call MASS electronics myself and they told me that I needed the upgrade after I explained my problem. I called the dealer and told them that I had called MASS myself and the dealer has now booked them into come and do the upgrade.

Very interesting- what is MASS electronics? They might be the only people I haven't talked to yet. I'm hoping my dealer can learn from this too.

Not sure where you are located but in ontario they(MASS) are the people that the dealership will call for any radio or electronics type issues.

Maybe just a coincidence, but I'm in Boston (MASS) area... I'll check that out.

Hey there CDN Girl-

Anything to share? I was hoping to hear good news on your scheduled SW upgrade.

I did look up MASS electronics, they appear to be a third party provider of electronic subsystems and accessories, to dealers only- and appear to be ON-based, which makes sense where you are. I just hope that my dealer can find someone to help out too.

Well the update didnt seem to fix the problem. I now have to make another appointment to have them come in while I am there to see if they can figure out the problem. I dont think that the dealer relayed to proper information to the technician. IMO ofcourse.

Hi, Folks...

I also experienced Bluetooth unpairing. I took my Malibu in yesterday to upgrade the OnStar software. This was the first they had heard of the problem, but after a call to whoever they call for tech support, they came up with an upgrade that took about a half hour to download to the ecm.


IT WORKED!

Ask your dealer to check for PIC5016A.

Well, that is disappoinitng. I'm sorry for both of us.

I guess, like anything, it is starting to look like a case of an early release of a product that wasn't ready. Also, the combination (I'm not an expert, but based on what I read...) of the Bluetooth and Onstar interfaces seems to make it possible for Chevy, Onstar, and the wireless provider to pass the buck around while the problem remains unfixed. Needless to say I'm frustrated as well. One of the pretty attractive features of the vehicle has suddenly been taken away.

I will try to contact Chevrolet again and see what they say. I don't have unlimited time to pursue this, and I hope to get it taken care of before GM does whatever it is that hey have to do in this financial climate. I am getting a little scared of the news reports having just bought this car.

I have a similar problem. My phone looses connection to the car when the phone is in the front cup holders or near the drivers door... also, twice for no reason i had to re pair the phone as it wouldnt connect at all. still lists the phone under devices but wont pair to it anymore. its not a prob with the phones (whether or not its on the "approved list") as I am a manager for Verizon. Going to the dealer to see what they can do. They have 7 issues with my new bu... not good as this is my first gm product. starting to leave a sour taste in my mouth...

My phone looses connection to the car when the phone is in the front cup holders or near the drivers door... also, twice for no reason i had to re pair the phone as it wouldnt connect at all. still lists the phone under devices but wont pair to it anymore. its not a prob with the phones (whether or not its on the "approved list") as I am a manager for Verizon. Going to the dealer to see what they can do. They have 7 issues with my new bu... not good as this is my first gm product. starting to leave a sour taste in my mouth...

Hi JRB, thanks for your input- I was just wondering if your disconnection problem is specific to where your phone is. I mean, the drivers side door and cup holder are really the only places I have my phone when driving. Also, and forgive me for all the questions, but I also want to pinpoint the issue since Chevy is having a hard time; is your phone able to connect automatically at any time? Mine seems to connect but disconnect immediately. I gave up in rep-airing it every time, but I have one more thing to try if I pair it again, and that is to see if any additional menu options on the phone are available while it is connected. I was told again at Verizon that it can't be the phone, but I guess I am believing that too.

77...
My first post didn't appear until the next day because I am a new member and got a message that it had to be approved by an administrator. Anyway, I have a phone that IS on the "list" (Samsung SYNC). I was able to pair the phone and successfully made a call. The next time I tried, I got the "sorry, no paired phones" message. I was able to re-pair with a new tag, but I assumed it unpaired when I left the car. I called both Chevy customer service and OnStar, and they both told me it was an issue that could be corrected with a software update. BTW, I asked for a service bulletin number, But they wouldn't give it to me.

I called the dealer and asked the service manager to research the problem and scheduled an appointment. When I took the car in, he said he had come across a service bulletin, but now was unable to locate it. After a call to Chevrolet, the tech working on my car was able to get a service bulletin number which was specific to this problem. It took about 30 minutes to download. I was able to pair the phone at the dealership and it has stayed paired ever since.

I called the service manager for the service bulletin number so I could post it here:

PIC5016A

Hope this helps!

Hi JRB, thanks for your input- I was just wondering if your disconnection problem is specific to where your phone is. I mean, the drivers side door and cup holder are really the only places I have my phone when driving. Also, and forgive me for all the questions, but I also want to pinpoint the issue since Chevy is having a hard time; is your phone able to connect automatically at any time? Mine seems to connect but disconnect immediately. I gave up in rep-airing it every time, but I have one more thing to try if I pair it again, and that is to see if any additional menu options on the phone are available while it is connected. I was told again at Verizon that it can't be the phone, but I guess I am believing that too.


Yeah, not sure. It happends mainly in the main cup holders (by the shifter) though and they are right below the bluetooth reciever. I have no idea but when i bring it in for the other issues im having with my car i am going to mention the bluetooth issue and see what they think... :-p

77...
My first post didn't appear until the next day because I am a new member and got a message that it had to be approved by an administrator. Anyway, I have a phone that IS on the "list" (Samsung SYNC). I was able to pair the phone and successfully made a call. The next time I tried, I got the "sorry, no paired phones" message. I was able to re-pair with a new tag, but I assumed it unpaired when I left the car. I called both Chevy customer service and OnStar, and they both told me it was an issue that could be corrected with a software update. BTW, I asked for a service bulletin number, But they wouldn't give it to me.

I called the dealer and asked the service manager to research the problem and scheduled an appointment. When I took the car in, he said he had come across a service bulletin, but now was unable to locate it. After a call to Chevrolet, the tech working on my car was able to get a service bulletin number which was specific to this problem. It took about 30 minutes to download. I was able to pair the phone at the dealership and it has stayed paired ever since.

I called the service manager for the service bulletin number so I could post it here:

PIC5016A

Hope this helps!

Wow- great work, thanks very much. I hope to run this by my dealer and see if they can do the update soon. I'll post back.

Thanks again to everyone who gave their assistance.

Well, I called my dealer last Monday and asked them to investigate the TSB, but have not heard back. I've been too busy to get back to them, but there seems to be a disconnect. I'll keep at it.

As an aside, it is getting sad- the status of customer service in this country has really gone to ... handbasket. Every week I have to devote several calls to complain, Just saying...

Well I was finally able to get my car in to get the bluetooth looked at again. After the 3rd time having it in for the same problem they told me that there was a new update they just got. It took quite a while for it to be downloaded but as soon as it was complete it paired up perfectly!!! Finally it works..

Well I was finally able to get my car in to get the bluetooth looked at again. After the 3rd time having it in for the same problem they told me that there was a new update they just got. It took quite a while for it to be downloaded but as soon as it was complete it paired up perfectly!!! Finally it works..

Awesome glad to hear its working!

Great news, CDN! I'm glad to hear all the good results.

I think I finally believe that the dealer can do that update. It was like pulling teeth until they found the right TSB! I actually had an appointment for Friday morning to get it done, but our area was hit by that ice storm Thursday night. I'll reschedule it this week.

does the bluetooth feature work with the iphone3g?
thanks

I am not sure, but I dont think so. When I was in the last time when they fixed it. The first thing he asked me is if it was a i phone. So there may still be some issues with it, cant confirm tho.

does the bluetooth feature work with the iphone3g?
thanks

I'm not sure about the 3g, But the iphone is on the list of supported phones:

http://gm.com/bluetooth

what is the cost of adding bluetooth to the 1LT, is this an easy update?
thanks,
Terry

Hooray! I was in this morning for the software update. Much to my surprise, the update took only about an hour and worked perfectly as far as the bluetooth issue is concerned. The phone paired automatically again and looks like it will stay that way. The update is supposed to have some additional fixes in it as well, but I don't know how obvious they will be.

I do wish that I could delete all the name tags I used when trying to re-pair the phone during this problem and reuse the original phone name I chose. Does anyone know if this is possible?

Sure is..

IF I recall go to Bluetooth options and you can remove phone tag. Not sure what exactly he command is but select help and it should tell you which command to use to remove the voice tags.

Guess what? After mine working beautifully for 2.5 months, all of a sudden recently I started noticing--but not thinking about it--that when I turned the car on, "Bluetooth" didn't seem to come up on the radio anymore. Haven't made or received any calls lately so didn't notice there, either, until yesterday. Tried to call, nada. Phone worked, but not BT. Tried "Connect" on my phone and it would say Connected for a second and then Disconnected.

So, apparently, mine now may be doing the same thing. Why it would be perfect for 2.5 months only to just disappear is bizarre, but oh well.

Works fine on the Iphone 3g for the o.p that asked.. Been using it quite a while now..

Also Beach what type of phone are you using on yours?

Works fine on the Iphone 3g for the o.p that asked.. Been using it quite a while now..

Also Beach what type of phone are you using on yours?

The same, hmm, year old Samsung slider phone I've been using since I got the car. Wasn't one on the very limited GM BT phone list, but never an issue until now. Odd, as it was always perfect and connected 1-2 seconds after the key was on, before.

My bluetooth pairing will not stay either. Worked fine for a month but now every time the Palm Centro loses it's pairing every few days. Took it to the dealer and they found document ID# 2209023 and reprogrammed the CIM (do not know what CIM is). It still does not work! Now everytime I turn the car off and restart, the phone is no longer paired. The phone bluetooth works fine as long as the car is not restarted. I am beginning to think GM does not yet have a handle on this problem. Dealer said to bring it back but not so sure that is going to help until the GM engineers put out a proper software fix. By the way my wife's phone does not stay paired either so it is not the phone. I will give the dealer one more chance next week, I'll keep you posted.

I guess ive been fortunate so far, Both my Blackberry and the iphone has worked since I got the car with little issue. Even my moms Samsung slider works

I hope they get this resolved for everyone. I know I use the BT alot and love the feature

My bluetooth pairing will not stay either. Worked fine for a month but now every time the Palm Centro loses it's pairing every few days. Took it to the dealer and they found document ID# 2209023 and reprogrammed the CIM (do not know what CIM is). It still does not work! Now everytime I turn the car off and restart, the phone is no longer paired. The phone bluetooth works fine as long as the car is not restarted. I am beginning to think GM does not yet have a handle on this problem. Dealer said to bring it back but not so sure that is going to help until the GM engineers put out a proper software fix. By the way my wife's phone does not stay paired either so it is not the phone. I will give the dealer one more chance next week, I'll keep you posted.

I also had this problem a few weeks after i first got my car. It took about 3 times going to the dealer until they finally found the right down load for the computer. Ever since it works like a charm.

I purchased a 2LT in November and my bluetooth won't stay paired either. It works immediately after it is paired, but will not pair again when you stop and restart the car. I was using a Verizon Blackberry 8810. Blackberry told me I needed to upgrade for it to work, so they sold me a Blackberry 8830. It didn't work either. Chevy blamed OnStar and Onstar blamed Verizon and thus I have spent hours on the phone. I then went to Verizon and I worked with a knowledgable sales person.We tried every phone listed on www.gm.com/bluetooth and none of them worked. All were set to autoconnect and all were set YES for discoverable with only one paired phone at a time. I the tested an approved phone on the Sprint list. It didn't stay connected either. Then I borrowed a phone and went to the dealer and test drove another Chevy Malibu and it did the same thing. I paid extra for this feature and I am very ticked at the amount of run around I am getting. I had to teach the Repair depart at Coyle in Clarksville, IN how to use bluetooth.They haven't a clue. I told them that the web said I needed a software upgrade and they said there was not such thing == it is designed to work that way. I will never buy another Chevy = it is a no wonder they are in trouble.

Hi CDN Girl, 09bu-4cyl and others

I apologize for offtopic, but could you guys kindly vote in this poll regarding the vibration issue (http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1663). We're trying to collect stats about this, so votes are very appreciated whether you do or do not have the issue.

Thank you and sorry for the offtopic again.

I also had this problem a few weeks after i first got my car. It took about 3 times going to the dealer until they finally found the right down load for the computer. Ever since it works like a charm.

I noticed a TSB information in previous post's however I am experiencing the same issues, you don't happen have the latest TSB that they used do you?

I would like to be able to email my dealer with the right TSB.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

Finally had a moment to bring the '09 Malibu LTZ back to the dealer for them to try to fix the bluetooth pairing loss problem. This time the dealer wants to replace a part (do not know what part yet) and had to order it. I will make another trip back to have it replaced when it comes in. To help my inconvenience of having to bring the car back the dealer provided a free rental car while troubleshooting the issue. I have my fingers crossed that this will fix the loss of pairing with my phone. I will follow up with results of the latest "fix".

The TSB list is at the bottom of the 'Helpful Tools' links.___http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/malibu/2009/review.html

The TSB list is at the bottom of the 'Helpful Tools' links.___http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/malibu/2009/review.html

They never seem to list much...the number of TSB's in reality is much more significant, including just for 2009.

Another site is ODI, but even it doesn't list all of what, in reality, the direct dealer/GM system contains.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm

I still have to get my Bluetooth taken care of, in whatever way necessary, soon. It'd be nice to have it back again.

The Edmunds did feel a little light on info.

I purchased a 2LT in November and my bluetooth won't stay paired either. It works immediately after it is paired, but will not pair again when you stop and restart the car. I was using a Verizon Blackberry 8810. Blackberry told me I needed to upgrade for it to work, so they sold me a Blackberry 8830. It didn't work either. Chevy blamed OnStar and Onstar blamed Verizon and thus I have spent hours on the phone. I then went to Verizon and I worked with a knowledgable sales person.We tried every phone listed on www.gm.com/bluetooth and none of them worked. All were set to autoconnect and all were set YES for discoverable with only one paired phone at a time. I the tested an approved phone on the Sprint list. It didn't stay connected either. Then I borrowed a phone and went to the dealer and test drove another Chevy Malibu and it did the same thing. I paid extra for this feature and I am very ticked at the amount of run around I am getting. I had to teach the Repair depart at Coyle in Clarksville, IN how to use bluetooth.They haven't a clue. I told them that the web said I needed a software upgrade and they said there was not such thing == it is designed to work that way. I will never buy another Chevy = it is a no wonder they are in trouble.

Corbetd0- I definitely feel all of your pain, as I went through each stap that you have to try to correct the problem, down to getting a different phone, etc. I think your only recourse may to print out some of this forum and bring it to the dealer, or try another dealer if they are still in business near you. I agree that Chevy seemed slow in understanding the problem and communicating to the dealers, but eventually they caught on. There is absolutely a TSB that addresses the problem, as mentioned by others, to "fix Bluetooth issues and also address some turn-by-turn navigation" things that I don't have further details on. The fix does involve the dealer downloading an Onstar software upgrade/patch and then wirelessly sending it to your vehicle. For me, it was successful in one try, about an hour, and I did not have to re-pair the phone- it just connected and stayed connected.

It's really too bad that the problem is so poorly understood at the dealer level, but it is obvious that Chevy/Onstar had known of the bug and seemingly were working on addressing it behind the scenes.

I really like the car, and it was SUPER frustrating for a few months while this problem was happening- I feel exactly the same as you, that it's a feature you paid for and if it's not working, well... you've been ripped off.

Good luck, and I hope this helps!

Finally had a moment to bring the '09 Malibu LTZ back to the dealer for them to try to fix the bluetooth pairing loss problem. This time the dealer wants to replace a part (do not know what part yet) and had to order it. I will make another trip back to have it replaced when it comes in. To help my inconvenience of having to bring the car back the dealer provided a free rental car while troubleshooting the issue. I have my fingers crossed that this will fix the loss of pairing with my phone. I will follow up with results of the latest "fix".

Took it back to the Chevy dealer and they replaced the OnStar communication module that had an "internal failure". The result is; so far so good, it is holding the phone bluetooth pairing and I am a happy camper again.

I own a 2009 Malibu 2LT with the V6 and just got back from my dealer in Ohio. My bluetooth worked perfectly for 5 days. On the sixth day, it would lose the bluetooth connection every time I left the car. Spoke to my dealer and they did a software upgrade. In 1 hour I was back in my car and the bluetooth connected automatically and re-connected automatically every time that I got back in. Now after the original pairing, my phone connects with the bluetooth on its own.

Ask your dealer for the latest TMB concerning bluetooth and the connection problems with a mobile phone. They knew exactly what I was talking about, after doing 5 minutes of searching their information from GM.

Well "knock on wood" - I took mine in last weekend to get fixed and they did the new download.

All seems to be working well so far....can't say I am having any issues. Definately take it back to your dealer give them the TSB number. It takes about an hour to download.

I just got the letter in the mail regarding the software upgrade.. Im not having any issues but here is the Bulletin # if anyone needs it

#08-08-46-008

Bringing the post back..

Mine is at the dealer now and even with the bulletin there having a hard time finding it.. Will update later once it comes back

Just picked up my car and it saw the phone right away.. :) Lets hope it lasts this time

Thanks to everyone who posted that bulletin number, I went into my dealer, gave them it, they found it and did the upgrade. My bluetooth works perfect now. Before the car wouldn't remember the paired phones, and now it does.

Seems like I an having the same Bluetooth problem as everyone else. I purchased my 09 in May and the Bluetooth worked flawlessly for about 6 weeks as well and I also have Verizon. Tried a few other Verizon phones as well and they pair but dont stay connected.

I am in NY so I don't know if MASS will apply here, but I have not tried the dealer yet. Please keep the thread going with your progress.

Seems like I an having the same Bluetooth problem as everyone else. I purchased my 09 in May and the Bluetooth worked flawlessly for about 6 weeks as well and I also have Verizon. Tried a few other Verizon phones as well and they pair but dont stay connected.

I am in NY so I don't know if MASS will apply here, but I have not tried the dealer yet. Please keep the thread going with your progress.

Poke around in the post for the bulletin number, then go to dealer and ask them to apply the fix, it should fix the issue.:)

I didn't even need the TSB #. I went to the dealer, they updated the software and it has been good since.