Part 2

OnStar Description and Operation -continued

Audio System Interface

When the OnStar(R) requires audio output, a serial data message is sent to the audio system to mute all radio functions and transmit OnStar(R) originated audio. The OnStar(R) audio is transmitted to the vehicle audio system by a dedicated signal circuit and a low reference circuit.

The audio system will mute and an audible ring will be heard though the speakers if the vehicle receives a call with the radio ON.

On some vehicles, the HVAC blower speed may be reduced when the OnStar(R) system is active to aid in reducing interior noise. When the system is no longer active, the blower speed will return to its previous setting.

OnStar(R) Sleep Cycle

The OnStar(R) system uses a unique sleep cycle to allow the system to receive cellular calls while the ignition is in the OFF position and retained accessory power mode has ended. This cycle enables the telematics communication interface module to perform remote functions, such as door unlock, as commanded over the air by the OnStar(R) Call Center, and to continue to maintain an acceptable level of battery electrical drain.

The OnStar(R) system uses 4 states of readiness, depending upon the type of cellular market the vehicle is in when the ignition is put into the OFF state:

* High power
* Low power
* Sleep
* Digital standby

The high power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the ON or RUN position, or retained accessory power is enabled, and the OnStar(R) system is sending or receiving calls or when the system is performing a remote function.

The low power state is in effect when the OnStar(R) system is idle with the ignition in the ON or RUN position, or with retained accessory power enabled.

The sleep state is entered after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power has timed out while in an analog cellular area. At a predetermined time recorded within the telematics communication interface module, the system re-enters the low power state to listen for a call from the OnStar(R) Call Center for 1 minute. After this interval, the system will again return to the sleep state for 9 minutes. If a call is sent during the 1 minute interval, the OnStar(R) system will receive the call and immediately go into the high power mode to perform any requested functions. If no call is received during the 1 minute interval, the system will go back into the sleep mode for another 9 minutes. This process will continue for up to 48 hours, after which the OnStar(R) system will turn off until the ignition is turned to the ON or RUN position.

The digital standby power state is entered after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power has timed out while in a digital cellular area. When in digital standby mode, the OnStar(R) module is able to perform all remote functions as commanded by an OnStar(R) advisor at any time, for a continuous 48 hours. After 48 hours, the OnStar(R) module will go into sleep mode until a wake up signal from the vehicle is seen by the telematics communication interface module. If the OnStar module loses the digital cellular signal it will revert to analog mode and follow the standard sleep state (9 minutes OFF, 1 minute standby) based on the time of the GPS signals, this will continue until a digital cellular signal is again received.

If the OnStar(R) system loses battery power while the system is in a standby or sleep mode, the system will remain OFF until battery power is restored and the ignition is turned to the ON or RUN position.

Features

OnStar(R) Personal Calling

The hands free, OnStar(R) personal calling cellular phone feature is an additional feature of the OnStar(R) system. This feature is embedded within the telematics communication interface module; however it must be activated by an OnStar(R) advisor. OnStar(R) personal calling operates similar to most hand held cellular phones in that the availability for its usage is based on minutes or units. The customer must have a current OnStar(R) subscription, as this feature cannot be utilized without it. To use OnStar(R) personal calling, the customer must also purchase units (minutes) as outlined in the owners guide provided with the OnStar(R) system. Units begin to deplete, 1 unit is equal to 1 minute, as the customer makes outbound phone calls, answers inbound phone calls, or while connected to the OnStar(R) virtual advisor. In addition, units may also have an expiration date, depending upon the type of units purchased.

Customers have the ability to store telephone numbers within the module, referenced by a nametag for the convenience of frequently dialed numbers. After storing a nametag, the user can dial this number by initiating the OnStar(R) personal calling feature, speaking the word "call," and repeating the nametag assigned.

Customers have the capability to lock their OnStar(R) personal calling system by pressing the answer/end call button, speaking "security" and entering a 4-digit code. Once this process is complete, the user must enter the code before OnStar(R) personal calling is available. In the event the customer cannot remember their code and is unable to use their system, they can press the blue OnStar(R) button and speak to an advisor to unlock the system by means of a discrete cellular call to the vehicle.

Turn by Turn Navigation

Turn by Turn Navigation allows the driver to contact OnStar(R) to obtain directions for driving from a current location to a desired location. The Turn by Turn Navigation system stores your planned route and continually checks your position along that route, when you deviate from the planned route, the system will recognize this and prompt the driver with verbal prompts for how to proceed. The driver then responds verbally to direct the system to continue the current routing or to recalculate the route because of a missed turn. On some vehicles, the Turn by Turn Navigation instructions may be displayed to the driver in the radio display or the driver information center.

OnStar(R) Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (If equipped)

OnStar(R) Stolen Vehicle Slowdown allows advisors working with law enforcement services to send a signal to limit fuel flow to the engine, gradually slowing down the stolen vehicle.

Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is an enhancement to OnStar's Stolen vehicle Location Assistance, which uses Global Positioning Technology to pinpoint the location of a vehicle reported stolen. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is powered by OnStar's new generation of hardware (Generation 8).

Advisor Record Feature

The Advisor Record Feature allows the user to store any information given during a call with an OnStar(R) Advisor. Recording is activated by pressing the blue OnStar button during a call; pressing the button a second time stops the recording. The stored information can be played back by pressing the phone button and using the voice command "Advisor Playback".

Deactivated OnStar(R) Accounts

In the event a customer has not renewed their OnStar(R) account after expiration or the account was never activated, OnStar(R) will make a discrete cellular call to the vehicle to deactivate the OnStar(R) system. Before taking this action, customers are notified that the OnStar(R) system in their vehicle will be deactivated unless they elect to renew the account. After the OnStar(R) account has been deactivated, customers will experience the following:

* The OnStar(R) status LED will not illuminate.
* The OnStar(R) system will NOT attempt to connect to the OnStar(R) Call Center in the event of a collision or if the vehicle front air bags deploy for any other reason.
* An emergency button press will play a demo message indicating the service has been deactivated.
* An OnStar(R) Call Center button press will connect the customer with a dedicated sales team who can sell an OnStar(R) subscription and reactivate the vehicle. Depending on the type of OnStar(R) hardware in the vehicle, the customer may first hear a demonstration message stating there is no current OnStar(R) subscription for the vehicle, and directing the customer what to do to activate services.
* OnStar(R) personal calling will not be available, as this feature requires the customer to have a current OnStar(R) account. Attempts to use this feature may result in cellular connection failure messages and the inability to connect to the number dialed.

Certain vehicles that have never had an active OnStar(R) account, or that have been deactivated, may be unable to establish a connection with the OnStar(R) Call Center. When normal published diagnostic procedures do not indicate a possible cause for the no connect concern, the vehicle may have been deactivated. For deactivated vehicles, a no connect response should be considered normal operation. Further diagnosis and subsequent repair is only necessary should the customer elect to become an active OnStar(R) subscriber or renew the account subscription.

OnStar(R) Cellular, GPS, and Diagnostic Limitations

The proper operation of the OnStar(R) System is dependent on several elements outside the components integrated into the vehicle. These include the National Cellular Network Infrastructure, the cellular telephone carriers within the network, and the GPS.

The cellular operation of the OnStar(R) system may be inhibited by factors such as the users range from an analog or digital cellular tower, the state of the cellular carrier's equipment, and the location where the call is placed. Making an OnStar(R) key press in areas that lack sufficient cellular coverage or have a temporary equipment failure will result in either the inability of a call to complete with a data transfer or the complete inability to connect to the OnStar(R) Call Center. The OnStar(R) system may also experience connection issues if the identification numbers for the module, station identification number, electronic serial number or manufacturers electronic ID, are not recognized by the cellular carriers local signal receiving towers.

The satellites that orbit earth providing the OnStar system with GPS data have almost no failures associated with them. In the event of a no GPS concern, the failure will likely lie with the inability of the system to gain GPS signals because of its location, i.e. in a parking structure, hardware failure, or being mistaken with an OnStar(R) call which has reached the Call Center without vehicle data.

During diagnostic testing of the OnStar(R) system, the technician should ensure the vehicle is located in an area that has a clear unobstructed view of the open sky, and preferably, an area where analog or digital cellular calls have been successfully placed. These areas can be found by successfully making an OnStar(R) keypress in a known good OnStar(R) equipped vehicle and confirming success with the OnStar(R) Call Center advisor. Such places can be used as a permanent reference for future OnStar(R) testing.

Mobile Identification Number and Mobile Directory Number

The telematics communication interface module utilizes 2 numbers for cellular device identification, call routing and connection, a mobile identification number and a mobile directory number. The mobile identification number represents the number used by the cellular carrier for call routing purposes while the mobile directory number represents the number dialed to reach the cellular device.

Operation of the OnStar(R) Speech Recognition Systems

OnStar(R) users communicate with 2 speech recognition systems. Speech recognition allows the user to speak to one computer in the vehicle, and one reached over a phone line. The computer tries to understand the users command, and responds by speaking back, or by taking the appropriate action, e.g. dialing the phone.

* Personal Calling uses a speech recognition system that resides in the vehicle. When the user presses the phone button, the system states, Ready, and listens for the user command. The user can speak commands to control the hands-free phone.
* Virtual advisor is a remote speech recognition system that the caller can access by making a phone call. The user connects to virtual advisor by requesting it during personal calling use. The user is then transferred to the virtual advisor server and talks to it via a cellular connection.

The OnStar(R) speech recognition systems use speech technology that is designed to understand a wide range of American English speakers. Although there is no one right way to speak English, the system will work best when users try to modify their pronunciation should they encounter difficulty. Users who do not obtain good results are advised to try the tips and workarounds found in this section.