GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) has the capability of commanding the horn, initiating door lock/unlock and operating the exterior lamps using the serial data circuits.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

OnStar Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Entertainment/Communication Connector End Views

Description and Operation

OnStar Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Diagnostic Aids

The customer concern may have been due to a lack of cellular service in a given area. A failure in the National Cellular Network infrastructure that has since been corrected.

Circuit/System Verification

Important: It is necessary to inform the OnStar® Call Center advisor that this call is for vehicle diagnostic purposes.

  1. Observe that the horn, lights, and the doors locks on the vehicle operate properly.
  2. If the applicable system does not operate properly, refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Horns , Diagnostic Starting Point - Lighting , or Symptoms - Remote Functions respectively.
  3. Contact the OnStar® Call Center by pressing the blue OnStar® button. Verify with the OnStar® advisor that all of the remote functions (door locks, lights, or horn) work.
  4. If the remote functions do not work, use the scan tool to access the STID and ESN and contact the General Motors Technical Assistance Center.