Global Positioning System Module: Service and Repair
COMMUNICATION INTERFACE MODULE REPLACEMENTREMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Open the rear compartment.
IMPORTANT:
- The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) has a specific set of unique numbers that tie the module to each vehicle. These numbers, the 10-digit station identification and the 11-digit electronic serial number, are used by the National Cellular Network and OnStar(R) to identify the specific vehicle. Because these numbers are tied to the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, you must never exchange these parts with those of another vehicle.
- This vehicle may be equipped with one of two versions of the OnStar(R) System. Early production vehicles will have the generation 4 module, and later productions will have the generation 5 module. The two modules can not be interchanged. The generation 4 module can be identified by the use of three connector cavities. The generation 5 module uses four connector cavities.
2. Perform one of the following steps:
- On the generation 4 module, remove the black plastic OnStar(R) cover.
- On the generation 5 module, adjust the rear compartment trim for access.
3. Remove the communication interface module nuts. The illustration shows the generation 4 module; the generation 5 module is similar.
4. Adjust the assembly for access.
5. Disconnect the cellular antenna cable from the communication interface module by pulling outward on the square plastic housing.
6. Disconnect the 2 lower connectors from the module.
7. Disconnect the GPS antenna cable from the module by pulling outward on the circular metal sleeve.
8. On the generation 5 module, remove the bolt from the communication interface module.
9. On the generation 5 module, remove the communication interface module.
10. On the generation 4 module, perform the following steps:
10.1. Disengage the 2 large, plastic snap features at the inboard edge of the metal bracket, allowing the plastic bracket assembly to drop.
10.2. Push the plastic bracket assembly slightly outboard. Unhook the outboard plastic tabs.
10.3. Slide the plastic bracket assembly inboard, under the metal bracket. Remove the plastic bracket assembly from the metal bracket.
10.4. On bottom side of plastic bracket assembly, directly below the 2 large, plastic snap features, locate the under cut edge. Pull this under cut edge outward, up and over the side of the module.
11. On the generation 4 module, note the orientation of the module in the plastic bracket for installation. Slide the module out of the plastic bracket.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. When replacing a generation 4 VCIM, perform the following steps:
1.1. Record the 11-digit electronic serial number (ESN) and the 10-digit station identification (STID) number from the label on the new VCIM.
1.2. Align the connector side of the module to the large cutout on the plastic bracket. Insert the module into the plastic bracket. Make sure the small GPS connector is inserted into the small round hole in the plastic bracket.
2. When replacing a generation 4 module, perform the following steps:
2.1. Spread the large tang side of the plastic bracket over the edge of the module. The bottom, undercut edge of the plastic bracket will snap over the bottom of the module when fully seated.
2.2. The connectors on the module must be outboard. Slide the plastic bracket assembly outboard, under the metal bracket.
2.3. Engage the outboard plastic tabs to the outboard edge of the metal bracket.
2.4. Squeeze the plastic bracket assembly upward until the large, plastic snap-fingers engage on the inboard edge of the metal bracket.
3. When replacing a generation 5 module, perform the following steps:
3.1. Record the 11-digit electronic serial number (ESN) and the 10-digit station identification (STID) number from the label on the new VCIM.
3.2. Position the communication interface module to the bracket.
4. On a generation 5 module, install the bolt to the communication interface module.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 3 N.m (27 lb in).
5. Gently connect the GPS antenna cable to the module by pushing inward on the circular metal sleeve.
6. Connect the 2 lower connectors to the module.
7. Connect the cellular antenna cable to the module by pushing inward on the square plastic housing.
8. Press and hold the white dot button until the OnStar(R) status LED turns from green to red, and back again to green.
IMPORTANT: After replacing the VCU, you must reconfigure the OnStar(R) system. Failure to reconfigure the system will result in an additional customer visit for repair.
9. Install a scan tool. Use the ID information menu to access the new ESN.
10. Move the vehicle to an open area that is away from tall buildings and with a clear view of unobstructed sky. Allow the vehicle to run for 10 minutes.
11. Press the blue OnStar(R) button to connect to the OnStar(R) call center
11.1. Tell the advisor that this vehicle has received a new VCU.
11.2. Ask the advisor to add the new ESN to update the customer's account.
11.3. Follow any additional instructions from the OnStar(R) advisor.
11.4. Ask the advisor to activate the OnStar(R) personal calling feature, if available.
12. Voice recognition in the generation 4 module can NOT be changed. The default language for voice recognition in the generation 5 OnStar(R) module is English. To change the language resident in the module, refer to Service Programming System (SPS) (Remote Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Pass-Thru Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Remote Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Pass-Thru Procedure) in Programming. Programming and Relearning
13. Position the assembly to the studs. The generation 4 module is shown; the generation 5 module is similar.
14. Install the communication interface module nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
15. Perform one of the following steps:
- On the generation 4 module, install the plastic OnStar(R) cover.
- On the generation 5 module, install the rear compartment trim.
16. Close the rear compartment.