May 22, 2023
OnStar

Late last year, General Motors subsidiary OnStar® announced that older GM vehicles would no longer be compatible with OnStar and Connected Services. If you’ve come to appreciate and rely on the peace of mind provided by the service, this may come as an unwelcome shock. However, Lester Glenn Buick GMC is happy to explain how you can weather the change and even keep a form of service running. 

Why Has OnStar Been Phased Out?
The shutdown stems from the outdated 2G cellular network the service relies on. Verizon no longer supports 2G, and the legacy hardware isn’t compatible with the newer 4G and 5G cellular technology. While new GMC models are unaffected, those driving older models will experience an interruption in service.

Which Models Have Been Affected?
This change affects GM models built during and before the early part of the 2015 model year. These include Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, and Cadillac vehicles and legacy brands like Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Saab.

What Should I Do Now?
If you have an OnStar subscription, you need not lose access to its emergency services, on-the-fly directions, and other features. The change has been a long time coming, giving GM plenty of time to develop an alternative.

To begin with, members impacted by the shutdown will see a reduction in their monthly bill to offset the loss of their in-car OnStar service. You should also know that our dealership’s parts department can install a Bluetooth adapter that will give you access to the OnStar Guardian app. With it, you can still get around-the-clock support from OnStar Advisors and access to much of the same functionality that OnStar provides.

Questions? Visit Our Friendly Toms River, NJ, GMC Dealership.
If you’re having trouble dealing with the loss of OnStar in your older GMC model, our dealers and technicians are here to help. Stop by Lester Glenn Buick GMC today for information and assistance.