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Onstar Gen 9 upgrade

23K views 27 replies 12 participants last post by  dc2009 
#1 ·
Have a 2010 Malibu. Does anyone know if there is an upgrade available to Onstar Gen 9? Mobile apps only work with Gen 9.
 
#3 ·
Don't think so, according to Onstar's website the Malibu isn't on there list of eligible vehicles for the Onstar Mylink Mobil App.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I have been reading in some of the OnStar user groups that there are technical problems with the 2011 Malibu interface and plan to release it as soon as they are confident it is functioning properly.

They are also working on getting the MyLink app to work with older vehicles and hope to release that soon.

I personally question if the older vehicle version of this app will have the full functionality of the 2011 models. They are introducing a new generation of OnStar equipment in 2011 vehicles and they were designed with this app in mind.

For example does the circuity exist for the OnStar equipment to remotely start the engine in my 2009 car? I have already seen that if you do not have remote start on your vehicle before you install this app you will not have it after you have installed it.

I don't think it will be as simple as swapping out a 2011 OnStar module for the existing 2010 module. The wiring harness may need to be modified, other control modules in the vehicle may need to be swapped out etc.
 
#7 ·
Wow! This is interesting now that I've read your post!

If I understand correctly, there may be an update to the OnStar software in my '11 that will let me use an app on my Droid (or an iPhone if I had one) that will let me start the car? Cool! (I have remote start.) This is the time of year that I use it more frequently than any other.

Any way of checking on the status of the update? It'd be nice to know if they've set an estimated release date or not.
 
#9 ·
I have OnStar for another 5 months and might extend it if that app is available!

Thanks!!
 
#12 ·
Not only that you can lock and unlock you doors with the App, so you could totally get rid of your keyfob and make your keys a little lighter :).
 
#13 · (Edited)
The moment i heard about this a few months back I e-mailed OnStar. They told me a no-go. I had just assumed it was a simple software upgrade - after all I already have remote start. But, it's apparently a hardware difference as well. Totally should have waited for '11. Oh well.

Here's the full response from 25-JUL-2010:

Thank you for taking the time to e-mail OnStar.

The mobile app technology requires OnStar’s new hardware, Gen 9, which just launched with the 2011 model year.

Please feel free to reply to this email if you have any other questions, call us at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) or press your blue button.

Sincerely,

Marsha
OnStar Information Specialist
 
#14 ·
On the OnStar MyLink FAQ page it is currently saying:
"Extending the mobile app to pre-2011 model year vehicles is currently under evaluation."

I have also seen quotes from OnStar represenitives in the last couple of weeks saying:
“Based on everyone's feedback, we are quickly working on solutions for older vehicles. We’ll keep you posted on updates as soon as they are available”

I am not expecting to see anything released for pre-2011 vehicles until next year. I am also expecting the initial release to be very buggy since it is being rushed.

The current version of the app for 2011 vehicles only has had a bug fix update less than 2 weeks after it was released and they have been working on that version for at least 6 months.
 
#15 ·
On the OnStar MyLink FAQ page it is currently saying:
"Extending the mobile app to pre-2011 model year vehicles is currently under evaluation."

I have also seen quotes from OnStar represenitives in the last couple of weeks saying:
“Based on everyone's feedback, we are quickly working on solutions for older vehicles. We’ll keep you posted on updates as soon as they are available”

I am not expecting to see anything released for pre-2011 vehicles until next year. I am also expecting the initial release to be very buggy since it is being rushed.

The current version of the app for 2011 vehicles only has had a bug fix update less than 2 weeks after it was released and they have been working on that version for at least 6 months.
That is better news then no news for us pre-2011 owners. If they want to win back customers they will have to find a way to include us. Or they will lose out in tons of $.
 
#18 ·
Oh yea, of course it should be fixed and offered to new vehicle owners. We will come last, that is if we even do. I would be very interseted in the app/service.........and I own two GMs.

Want to make sure I put that out there if they are monitoring anything on the web regarding their new stuff.
 
#17 ·
I was so pumped about the idea of this that I downloaded and installed the app for my Motorola Droid. Hmmm, "not supported for vehicles registered on this account" was the message I got.

Went to OnStar online and did a little research. The following 2011 models are currently supported:
Avalanche
Camaro
Cruze
Equinox
Impala
Silverado
Suburban
Tahoe
Traverse
Volt

Sooooooooo, the 'Bu is not on the list of supported vehicles. Dang! :( With how much this app is supposed to monitor and report it's no wonder that it's taking a little time to make it available across the entire model line. I hope it's available before it expires on April 7th! I may just keep OnStar if it is.
 
#19 ·
Reply email received from Onstar customer support regarding pre 2011 models:

Dear XXX,

Thank you for taking time to contact us.

The OnStar MyLink mobile app will be made available on most 2010 model year GM vehicles some time in 2011. Detailed information regarding the exact time and if a hardware or software upgrade will be required is currently not available at this time.

We ask that you visit the Web site periodically as general information and new service announcements are detailed there.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please feel free to reply to this email if you have any other questions, call us at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) or press your blue button.

Sincerely,

Stephanie
OnStar Information Specialist
 
#20 ·
I kind of figured that it would be sometime in 2011 before the MyLink app for older models would be released.

I did read someplace that the currently released version of the MyLink app for 2011 models only will be available to Canadian subscribers in January 2011. No specific date announced.
 
#21 ·
But remember guys, it's still not available for the Malibu, even though twice it has garnered the Best Pick award. What's GM trying to tell those of us who bought these?
 
#22 ·
And then there are those of us that would just as soon have the OnStar crap removed from the vehicle.....


Next GM I get will be ordered without it or I won't buy a GM.
 
#23 ·
I don't know if the information I received from my OnStar contacts whilst at command centre was confidential or not so I won't go into detail but be assured that the backwards-compatibility upgrade is coming very soon and "most" of you will have compatibility with MyLink.
 
#24 ·
I would be stoked if the Gen 9 OnStar is backwards compatible. For me, I want that iPhone app XD I'd be curious if that has remote start. I thought I read somewhere that it did, but my 'Bu doesn't have remote start as it is. The only thing I don't have is Bluetooth, so hopefully that doesn't affect compatibility although knowing my luck it will haha
 
#25 ·
At CES this year, GM showed an aftermarket version of Onstar for non-equipped vehicles. It is supposed to be out later this year,and is not brand specific. Should run about $299.
 
#26 ·
There are a few notable services available with the factory installed OnStar systems that this add on system will not be able to do perform including Remote Door Unlocking, Vehicle Diagnostics and mobile apps (MyLink) which are all specifically mentioned in the official OnStar press release, but never mentioned by the press reporting the story.
 
#28 ·
There is a lot of information about this add on system on the OnStar website. It tells you all it can do. But you have to read between the lines and be familiar with the built in factory systems to realize a lot is missing.

What services are people expecting to get from a $300 system that can be installed in an hour at Best Buy?

By the way, they plan on charging the same subscription fee as the factory systems.
 
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