OnStar...adios?

[DeadheadNM]

Anyone aware of a way to disable OnStar communications? There's a brief ability to do so that requires a press and hold on the button but that's not a permanent measure.

[michael bustamante]

I couldnt figure out a way, i didnt like the idea of being
gps`d everywhere i went ...
subbing

[71blksuper4x4]

I believe if you are talking about an older vehicle before 2015, you shouldn’t need to worry. See below.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/11...r-gm-vehicles/

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

I believe if you are talking about an older vehicle before 2015, you shouldn’t need to worry. See below.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/11...r-gm-vehicles/

My Suburban is a 2019 model and definitely communicates with OnStar or some such for measurements of tire pressure, oil use, etc. I'd like to turn all such communication off.

[Richard]

Have to disconnect the communications board. Maybe this will help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW4Q7NNSBME

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Richard

Have to disconnect the communications board. Maybe this will help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW4Q7NNSBME

Thanks Richard I’ll look at that.

[DeadheadNM]

Fwiw today I placed an OnStar call and requested all data communication w my vehicle be disabled. I was told it will take effect within the next 24hrs. Curious if the green light changes to red. I’m still chasing detailed info specific to Tahoe/Suburban, which differs from the pickups at least as far as dash disassembly goes. Also, the fuse to the infotainment system just so happens to also be that for the airbags. Interesting that would be the case.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Fwiw today I placed an OnStar call and requested all data communication w my vehicle be disabled. I was told it will take effect within the next 24hrs. Curious if the green light changes to red. I’m still chasing detailed info specific to Tahoe/Suburban, which differs from the pickups at least as far as dash disassembly goes. Also, the fuse to the infotainment system just so happens to also be that for the airbags. Interesting that would be the case.

When the green light goes out you probably go on a list.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by davischevy

When the green light goes out you probably go on a list.

lol - yep

[Hart_Rod]

Update?

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Update?

No new news to report. The light is still out so in theory there's no data transmission.

As a related aside, the 4Runner crowd is way ahead on this with a lot more information sharing. Here's an example thread: https://www.4runners.com/threads/my-...odyssey.25104/

[davischevy]

I just finished having a chuckle about OnStar and then ran onto this.

About a year and half ago my better half ordered a new Yukon Denali. It came in quickly and all was well.

Last Thursday morning, she called and said this POS won't start. I called the dealer about warranty and was told I would have to bring it in so they could check it out. I pulled the battery out and took it to the shop and put it on our Binford 5000 charger for restoration. Yesterday I put the battery back in with great results.......except the instrument cluster was dark. No lights at all.

I drove it to the dealer and they loaned her a cool little turbocharged Buick. Really, it's fun, like a go cart. I just hold it on the floor.

Back to the point.

Just now I got a "report" from OnStar stating all systems are go. No problems to report. I relayed that info to the boss. Sorry I can't place that message in a family friendly forum.

[DeadheadNM]

Lol. The useful data goes in one direction and that’s not toward the end user. Pretty dirty of GM to tie the comms fuse in with the airbags. Toyota didn’t do that.

[DeadheadNM]

Related article HERE

Mozilla calls cars from 25 automakers 'data privacy nightmares on wheels'

"In research published Tuesday, the org warned that manufacturers may collect and commercially exploit much more than location history, driving habits, in-car browser histories, and music preferences from today's internet-connected vehicles. Instead, some makers may handle deeply personal data, such as – depending on the privacy policy – sexual activity, immigration status, race, facial expressions, weight, health, and even genetic information, the Mozilla team found."