Bluetooth Options For 2008 Silverado

Brewboy · December 18, 2009

I've been following this thread for a while and want to thank everyone who has contributed for the excellent info. I haven't been able to locate a VCIM #20783877 anywhere. If anyone out there has a connection as to where I can purchase one, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Yes it would be nice to be able to buy a VCIM to get our GMT900 trucks to have a basic feature like Bluetooth.

Frankly, I still find it amazing that after all the problems GM has had and after all the complaints of poor customer service and Management arrogance they continue to restrict their customers ability to upgrade a basic feature.

Just last week my friends 09 Silverado with OEM Bluetooth had an issue with the OnStar so he called OnStar and they directed him to a dealership. The dealer called him and stated he must bring the truck in for inspection, by ONLY the dayshift manager, who works specific days, and hours, and only then after his inspection would they consider ordering a new 09 VCIM.

Unbelievable arrogance!

Hey GM, the other big three automaker, Ford, ya you know the only one making money right now......they treat their customers who ask for a new hands free feature like this......

Customers with older vehicles who wanted their hands free SYNC system to store their cell-phone books. Ford listened and now the customer goes to the SYNC website and downloads update to a thumb drive and uploads to their vehicle..

WOW what a company....taking care of their customers without restricting parts, or even charging for hardware.

Google Ford SYNC HMI and see how far advanced they are.

Good bye GMC Denali.....hello 2011 Explorer

msinawsk · December 22, 2009

how does this tsb impact us?? how do we know if our units are involved in this?

#09-08-46-004: Generation 8 OnStar Modules Unable to Contact OnStar Center, Make or Receive Hands-Free Calls, Receive OnStar Services and Possible Battery Discharge Condition (Replace OnStar VCIM) - (Nov 23, 2009)

Subject: Generation 8 OnStar® Modules Unable to Contact OnStar® Center, Make or Receive Hands-Free Calls, Receive OnStar® Services and Possible Battery Discharge Condition (Replace OnStar® VCIM)

Models: 2009 Buick Enclave

2010 Buick LaCrosse

2008-2009 Cadillac CTS

2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, STS, XLR

2009-2010 Cadillac SRX

2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Cobalt, Corvette, HHR, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse

2009-2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox

2009 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

2010 GMC Terrain

2009 Pontiac G5, G8, Solstice, Torrent

2009 Saturn OUTLOOK, SKY, VUE

All Equipped with OnStar® (RPO UE1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition

Important: This bulletin is being issued to provide the dealers with information regarding a condition pertaining to vehicles equipped with a Generation 8 OnStar® Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM).

Some customers may comment that they are not able to contact the OnStar® Center and that the vehicle is unable to make or receive OnStar® hands-free calls. This condition also affects vehicles enrolled in OnStar® vehicle diagnostics such that the monthly e-mail may not be sent to the subscriber as scheduled. OnStar® may also be unable to perform any outbound services, such as door unlocks. In some instances, under certain circumstances, a battery discharge condition may also be experienced.

Affected Unit StID Ranges

29,800,000 - 31,125,426

38,000,000 - 39,175,239

47,500,000 - 47,515,592

49,000,000 - 49,015,638

Customer Notification

OnStar® will notify subscribers on a case-by-case basis. OnStar® customer notification letters will include a reference to this bulletin. Some customers may also be referred to the dealer by OnStar® Technical Assistance following attempts to resolve any of the listed concerns. Subscribers will be directed to contact their GM dealer to schedule an appointment to have the OnStar® VCIM replaced.

Correction

In an effort to maintain the highest customer satisfaction level, dealers are being urged to obtain the necessary information from the customer (name, VIN, odometer reading) to pre-order a replacement OnStar® module, allowing for a single repair visit. Dealer technicians should replace the OnStar® VCIM per the applicable procedure outlined in the vehicle specific Service Information. Refer to Communication Interface Module Replacement in SI. Make sure to perform the applicable module set-up and activation procedures. Refer to Communication Interface Module Programming and Setup in SI.

Parts Information

Important: DO NOT ORDER ONSTAR® MODULES FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE AND PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO), SATURN SERVICE PARTS OPERATION (SSPO) OR THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (TAC).

US: OnStar® modules required for this procedure are to be obtained by contacting Autocraft Electronics via the web at www.autocraft.com and selecting the catalog item that contains this bulletin number or by calling 1-800-336-3998. The dealer must provide the VIN, Repair Order (R.O.) number and the current vehicle odometer reading.

Canada: OnStar® modules required for this procedure are to be obtained by contacting MASS Electronics at XXXXXX. The dealer must provide the VIN, R.O. number and the current odometer reading.

Bill in Niantic · December 23, 2009

From the CoStar/BlueStar Forum:

Originally Posted by Mr. CoSTAR:

After lots and lots of hard work, I'm proud to announce the upcoming release of the BlueSTAR 2010. I should be ready to start taking orders on 1/1/2010.

I'm very excited about the new features this will have and will be posting more information as soon as it is available.

It is a result of a year and a half of experience which started with the BlueSTAR followed by the BlueSTAR PnP. It incorporates many of the features that have been requested, including an integrated bluetooth module so the BlueSTAR can be completely contained, and future support of A2DP, CallerID and PBAB (phone book access) through software USB upgrades.

A utility called the C.P.U. (CoSTAR Programming Utility) will be used to upgrade the device from any windows based PC. It can also be used to monitor BlueSTAR status, vehicle status, cell status, and more! I think it's extremely cool as it will allow me to diagnose and fix particular cell phone / vehicle quirks without ever even taking the unit out of your car!

Now we're talking!

True, you lose the OnStar Services, but for those of us who could care less about OnStar, this looks like the way to go.

bugmenot · December 27, 2009

I think I will also be going with the BlueSTAR 2010. I would like to see a phone # on their website so I could call them. Did a Google search and found nothing about this company. Are there dealers out there? I would like to know more about them first before I spend the cash on this.

jfm1982 · December 28, 2009

I think I will also be going with the BlueSTAR 2010. I would like to see a phone # on their website so I could call them. Did a Google search and found nothing about this company. Are there dealers out there? I would like to know more about them first before I spend the cash on this.

I have sent about 10 email to costartech. Chris at Costartech is very good at returning email and answering email. Send me an email with yours questions. He has ships free of charge. The new unit will be $275.

I am going to order BlueStar 2010 on jan 1

Brewboy · January 1, 2010

I think I will also be going with the BlueSTAR 2010. I would like to see a phone # on their website so I could call them. Did a Google search and found nothing about this company. Are there dealers out there? I would like to know more about them first before I spend the cash on this.

I have sent about 10 email to costartech. Chris at Costartech is very good at returning email and answering email. Send me an email with yours questions. He has ships free of charge. The new unit will be $275.

I am going to order BlueStar 2010 on jan 1

Hey just wondering what factors made you guys choose the new unproven BlueStar 2010 over the existing Scosche BlueFusion?

mbaee · January 1, 2010

Hey just wondering what factors made you guys choose the new unproven BlueStar 2010 over the existing Scosche BlueFusion?

Good question. I've been saving my money for a BlueFusion. I still have an active OnStar subscription and I don't want to lose it.

ryanpublic · January 2, 2010

Very interesting reading 22 pages now!!

I never had and don't want Onstar. I have enough subscriptions and monthly fees and don't want another one.

It seems like a less expensive solution might be to salvage a used VCIM but it seams like this might take a while and put me through some trouble just to save an Onstar Capability I don't want.

I looked at the Scoche and BlueFusion a little but it looks like it might be more difficult to install than the Bluestar2010.

I'd been watching the CoStarTech guys for a while. I remember when they didn't have a unit for my 2007 Sierra and then noticed that they came up with a solution and now a new module that really raps up their offering into one simple piece.

I've always loved GM Products. But this alliance with Onstar and the difficulties I've seen in this forum with customer service and parts are disappointing. In the end I'm going to go with solutions that work for me.

I want to thank you guys for posting your experiences it has helped me make up my mind.

Brewboy · January 2, 2010

Very interesting reading 22 pages now!!

I never had and don't want Onstar. I have enough subscriptions and monthly fees and don't want another one.

It seems like a less expensive solution might be to salvage a used VCIM but it seams like this might take a while and put me through some trouble just to save an Onstar Capability I don't want.

I looked at the Scoche and BlueFusion a little but it looks like it might be more difficult to install than the Bluestar2010.

I'd been watching the CoStarTech guys for a while. I remember when they didn't have a unit for my 2007 Sierra and then noticed that they came up with a solution and now a new module that really raps up their offering into one simple piece.

I've always loved GM Products. But this alliance with Onstar and the difficulties I've seen in this forum with customer service and parts are disappointing. In the end I'm going to go with solutions that work for me.

I'm not sure I understand the features of the Costartech product because I see the Blue Fusion as plug and play five minute install with microphone placement being the only installation delay.

You keep Onstar if needed too

what is the benefit to the Costar unit?

I want to thank you guys for posting your experiences it has helped me make up my mind.

Brewboy · January 2, 2010

I think I will also be going with the BlueSTAR 2010. I would like to see a phone # on their website so I could call them. Did a Google search and found nothing about this company. Are there dealers out there? I would like to know more about them first before I spend the cash on this.

I have sent about 10 email to costartech. Chris at Costartech is very good at returning email and answering email. Send me an email with yours questions. He has ships free of charge. The new unit will be $275.

I am going to order BlueStar 2010 on jan 1

Hey just wondering what factors made you guys choose the new unproven BlueStar 2010 over the existing Scosche BlueFusion?

Im interested to hear what others think about these two aftermarket kits (BlueStar2010 vs Scosche BlueFusion)

The BlueFusion is $349....expensive, but remember they include a Bluetooth attachment for your phone or MP3 that allows for cordless streaming of music to your navigation radio. I don't believe the others do so your installing or buying another piece to get music and Bluetooth phone connection. So you can loose the 3.5 stereo jack cord into the front of the factory radio.

It plugs into the XM module behind the glove box in 5 minutes. Then installing the microphone which some are running up the A pillar to the centre roof console. Another 10 minutes depending on where you want it.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the BlueStar 2010 has that this doesn't?

mbaee · January 2, 2010

Im interested to hear what others think about these two aftermarket kits (BlueStar2010 vs Scosche BlueFusion)

The BlueFusion is $349....expensive, but remember they include a Bluetooth attachment for your phone or MP3 that allows for cordless streaming of music to your navigation radio. I don't believe the others do so your installing or buying another piece to get music and Bluetooth phone connection. So you can loose the 3.5 stereo jack cord into the front of the factory radio.

It plugs into the XM module behind the glove box in 5 minutes. Then installing the microphone which some are running up the A pillar to the centre roof console. Another 10 minutes depending on where you want it.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the BlueStar 2010 has that this doesn't?

Not quite that expensive. A quick Google Shopping search shows them as low as $250.

Bill in Niantic · January 3, 2010

I think I will also be going with the BlueSTAR 2010. I would like to see a phone # on their website so I could call them. Did a Google search and found nothing about this company. Are there dealers out there? I would like to know more about them first before I spend the cash on this.

I have sent about 10 email to costartech. Chris at Costartech is very good at returning email and answering email. Send me an email with yours questions. He has ships free of charge. The new unit will be $275.

I am going to order BlueStar 2010 on jan 1

Hey just wondering what factors made you guys choose the new unproven BlueStar 2010 over the existing Scosche BlueFusion?

The way I see it, and why I intend to buy the CoStar 2010,is there are no extra wires, mics, or add ons. It uses all the OEM equipment already built into the truck. All you do is swap out the OnStar module and insert the CoStar module. Plus there is a USB plug/input for updating the software. They are planning on adding features such as Caller ID, Currently, A2DP is not supported.

" Hardware is in place and I expect to release this feature in a future firmware upgrade. It will be available through the 3.5mm headphone jack and not the onstar interface. In other words, it will have to be wired in separately. The onstar audio path is monaural, and therefore not good for streaming music"

Im interested to hear what others think about these two aftermarket kits (BlueStar2010 vs Scosche BlueFusion)

The BlueFusion is $349....expensive, but remember they include a Bluetooth attachment for your phone or MP3 that allows for cordless streaming of music to your navigation radio. I don't believe the others do so your installing or buying another piece to get music and Bluetooth phone connection. So you can loose the 3.5 stereo jack cord into the front of the factory radio.

It plugs into the XM module behind the glove box in 5 minutes. Then installing the microphone which some are running up the A pillar to the centre roof console. Another 10 minutes depending on where you want it.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the BlueStar 2010 has that this doesn't?

Brewboy · January 3, 2010

Im interested to hear what others think about these two aftermarket kits (BlueStar2010 vs Scosche BlueFusion)

The BlueFusion is $349....expensive, but remember they include a Bluetooth attachment for your phone or MP3 that allows for cordless streaming of music to your navigation radio. I don't believe the others do so your installing or buying another piece to get music and Bluetooth phone connection. So you can loose the 3.5 stereo jack cord into the front of the factory radio.

It plugs into the XM module behind the glove box in 5 minutes. Then installing the microphone which some are running up the A pillar to the centre roof console. Another 10 minutes depending on where you want it.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the BlueStar 2010 has that this doesn't?

Not quite that expensive. A quick Google Shopping search shows them as low as $250.

I saw them that cheap as well but two issues with that.

First the BlueFusion Gen1 had issues with audio and a few little software bugs....make sure $250 isnt buying that early version commonly found on EBay.

Secondly, when I called Scosche they were very clear, no warranty or support if its not purchased through them or authorized dealer.

Third, the A2DP Bluetooth audio device for music is $75 if purchased alone and its included if you buy the BlueFusion direct from Scosche for $349.

mbaee · January 3, 2010

Im interested to hear what others think about these two aftermarket kits (BlueStar2010 vs Scosche BlueFusion)

The BlueFusion is $349....expensive, but remember they include a Bluetooth attachment for your phone or MP3 that allows for cordless streaming of music to your navigation radio. I don't believe the others do so your installing or buying another piece to get music and Bluetooth phone connection. So you can loose the 3.5 stereo jack cord into the front of the factory radio.

It plugs into the XM module behind the glove box in 5 minutes. Then installing the microphone which some are running up the A pillar to the centre roof console. Another 10 minutes depending on where you want it.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the BlueStar 2010 has that this doesn't?

Not quite that expensive. A quick Google Shopping search shows them as low as $250.

I saw them that cheap as well but two issues with that.

First the BlueFusion Gen1 had issues with audio and a few little software bugs....make sure $250 isnt buying that early version commonly found on EBay.

Secondly, when I called Scosche they were very clear, no warranty or support if its not purchased through them or authorized dealer.

Third, the A2DP Bluetooth audio device for music is $75 if purchased alone and its included if you buy the BlueFusion direct from Scosche for $349.

Good points. I never heard about the Gen1 issues. Is there a way to identify it (ie, serial range)? Thanks for the tip.

I figured the A2DP piece was missing since I didn't see it on the various site descriptions. It's not that big of a deal to me since I hear the A2DP performance sucks and I'll just burn an MP3 CD.

Another thing to look for is the XM cable/harness. I see it offered separately everywhere and not many places list it as included.

poncharello · January 6, 2010

I think I will also be going with the BlueSTAR 2010. I would like to see a phone # on their website so I could call them. Did a Google search and found nothing about this company. Are there dealers out there? I would like to know more about them first before I spend the cash on this.

I have sent about 10 email to costartech. Chris at Costartech is very good at returning email and answering email. Send me an email with yours questions. He has ships free of charge. The new unit will be $275.

I am going to order BlueStar 2010 on jan 1

Hey just wondering what factors made you guys choose the new unproven BlueStar 2010 over the existing Scosche BlueFusion?

The way I see it, and why I intend to buy the CoStar 2010,is there are no extra wires, mics, or add ons. It uses all the OEM equipment already built into the truck. All you do is swap out the OnStar module and insert the CoStar module. Plus there is a USB plug/input for updating the software. They are planning on adding features such as Caller ID, Currently, A2DP is not supported.

" Hardware is in place and I expect to release this feature in a future firmware upgrade. It will be available through the 3.5mm headphone jack and not the onstar interface. In other words, it will have to be wired in separately. The onstar audio path is monaural, and therefore not good for streaming music"

Im interested to hear what others think about these two aftermarket kits (BlueStar2010 vs Scosche BlueFusion)

The BlueFusion is $349....expensive, but remember they include a Bluetooth attachment for your phone or MP3 that allows for cordless streaming of music to your navigation radio. I don't believe the others do so your installing or buying another piece to get music and Bluetooth phone connection. So you can loose the 3.5 stereo jack cord into the front of the factory radio.

It plugs into the XM module behind the glove box in 5 minutes. Then installing the microphone which some are running up the A pillar to the centre roof console. Another 10 minutes depending on where you want it.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the BlueStar 2010 has that this doesn't?

I think being able to use the existing Onstar mic with Bluestar is one of the main differences.