Adding Onstar?

lowrider · May 24, 2011

I have a 2011 Silverado Reg. Cab WT. I have changed the overhead console to one that has Homelink, and also the Onstar mic. Can I add a rearview mirror with the Onstar buttons and get Onstar functionality? If so, what's involved? If it matters, I also have power/heated outside mirros, windows and locks. I also have the CD Radio. Thanks

Lou

felipece · May 24, 2011

I have a 2011 Silverado Reg. Cab WT. I have changed the overhead console to one that has Homelink, and also the Onstar mic. Can I add a rearview mirror with the Onstar buttons and get Onstar functionality? If so, what's involved? If it matters, I also have power/heated outside mirros, windows and locks. I also have the CD Radio. Thanks

Lou

Hey Lou,

I do digital work for OnStar. They have an article for the mirror that I think you may be talking about. You can find out about it here: http://bit.ly/iLD8Aj

old-chevy-dude · May 24, 2011

you need the VCIM module as well, and you would need to have your VIN programmed to it for it to work..

OnStar isn't just the mirror, there are multiple parts and wiring harnesses as well as programming required to tie it into the vehicle.. all told it will run you close to $1000 in parts and labor and then there is no guaranty it will work, OnStar has long said if it wasn't built from the factory with the components then they work function correctly..

OnStar is working on releasing an aftermarket OnStar solution capable of being added to any make/model, which is due for release forth quarter this year with a $600 - $800 price plus labor to install.

OnStar FMV:

http://www.onstar.com/web/portal/onstarfmv

Zak_LScrew · May 24, 2011

I have a 2011 Silverado Reg. Cab WT. I have changed the overhead console to one that has Homelink, and also the Onstar mic. Can I add a rearview mirror with the Onstar buttons and get Onstar functionality? If so, what's involved? If it matters, I also have power/heated outside mirros, windows and locks. I also have the CD Radio. Thanks

Lou

Hey Lou,

I do digital work for OnStar. They have an article for the mirror that I think you may be talking about. You can find out about it here: http://bit.ly/iLD8Aj

Lou, I have a VCIM from my 2008 Silverado I'll sell it to you for $100 shipped if you are in the US!!

Doug_Scott · May 24, 2011

Back when OnStar was first being released, I bought a new 2000 GrandPrix GTP. The dealer had the exact car I wanted, except no OnStar and I wanted OnStar. They had a kit that would install OnStar on the car. Keep in mind that when first released, there was no phone capability, you could only talk to OnStar. The phone part came out in Canada about 6 months later, but that has nothing to do with this topic. The kit ran $1200 installed, and included one years free onstar. The VCIM was mounted in the trunk. Antenna was the old cell phone type attached to the rear window.

Times have changed since then, but the install should not be much different. Does your truck have the antenna or at lease a dummy antenna in the roof, left front corner. Can you pull the big panel below the radio, the panel with the ash tray in it, it goes between the steering wheel and the lower glove box. If you can, look for one free connector with lots of wires in it, and look for a couple of antenna wires, they have weird looking connectors on them. If they are there, it may be pre wired for OnStar. Hell, there may even be a VCIM in there. Start with this and see what you get.

Doug_Scott · May 24, 2011

you need the VCIM module as well, and you would need to have your VIN programmed to it for it to work..

OnStar isn't just the mirror, there are multiple parts and wiring harnesses as well as programming required to tie it into the vehicle.. all told it will run you close to $1000 in parts and labor and then there is no guaranty it will work, OnStar has long said if it wasn't built from the factory with the components then they work function correctly..

OnStar is working on releasing an aftermarket OnStar solution capable of being added to any make/model, which is due for release forth quarter this year with a $600 - $800 price plus labor to install.

OnStar FMV:

http://www.onstar.com/web/portal/onstarfmv

Let me be the first to commend you for your reply. You could have been like some that would just bash the crap out of OnStar given the issues you had recently. Nice to see someone show some honour for a change. You have my respect.

lowrider · May 24, 2011

Thanks for all the responses. I really didn't think so much was involved. I think I'll pass.

Lou

Doug_Scott · May 24, 2011

Thanks for all the responses. I really didn't think so much was involved. I think I'll pass.

Lou

Pop the lower panel and see if the wires are there. It may not be that hard to do.

old-chevy-dude · May 24, 2011

you need the VCIM module as well, and you would need to have your VIN programmed to it for it to work..

OnStar isn't just the mirror, there are multiple parts and wiring harnesses as well as programming required to tie it into the vehicle.. all told it will run you close to $1000 in parts and labor and then there is no guaranty it will work, OnStar has long said if it wasn't built from the factory with the components then they work function correctly..

OnStar is working on releasing an aftermarket OnStar solution capable of being added to any make/model, which is due for release forth quarter this year with a $600 - $800 price plus labor to install.

OnStar FMV:

http://www.onstar.com/web/portal/onstarfmv

Let me be the first to commend you for your reply. You could have been like some that would just bash the crap out of OnStar given the issues you had recently. Nice to see someone show some honour for a change. You have my respect.

well thank you..

bashing OnStar would not have answered the OP's question nor helped anyone..

Yes I have had issues with OnStar, it was very irritating and frustrating and thanks to a member here who is an OnStar Specialist @ GTAC my issues were fixed, and OnStar did step up and offer me 1000 minutes and another free year (totaling 2) after everything was resolved.. Beyond those 2 it remains to be seen if I will renew because of those issues, but I have until Oct 2012 to decide..

Kemosabe · August 22, 2011

Check your local Big Box store like BestBuy. OnStar now offers "OnStar FMV". FMV = For My Vehicle! They can add OnStar to almost ANY vehicle for only @ $375.00!! Check the OS website!