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OnSTAR/BT/Hands-free calling dead. Fix?

1.8K views 13 replies 4 participants last post by  Denali Dave  
#1 ·
2011 Denali.

We all know that 2- and 3G are no more, and our OnStar systems are now bricks. No problem there, wasn’t a subscriber anyway. However:

I would still like to use the hands-free calling feature to stay ‘legal’ on the road. When the OS was shut down, the hands-free did as well. Is there any fix for this other than being a Canadian (apparently CDN vehicles got the 4G/LTE upgrade on GM). Has anyone found a RELIABLE fix for this? Searched a bit and saw some folks talking about a Bluestar(?) box that allowed for HF use and kept all steering wheel button functionality. Anyone know of one still being used successfully?
 
#2 ·
If i remember correctly. When onstar did their change, my bluetooth continued to work.
I was still able to use my phone via vehicle speakers/mic.
2010 traverse.
When i sold it, I deleted all my contacts etc.
 
#3 ·
When my 2013 lost OnStar it did not lose hands free telephone. Two entirely separate systems. Used in the last few days.

Go to your cell phone carrier and ask their help in setting up.

George
 
#4 ·
Hands free calling through an onboard cell phone user has nothing to do with Onstar.
Calls linked from the Infotainment system in an Acadia work via the Blutooth connection you set up with your cell phone.

Onstar has chosen to no longer offer or upgrade the vehicles to newer LTE and 5G platforms.
So no real way to make use of Onstar supplied hands free calling .
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the replies, all.

FTR: Apple iPhone 13MaxPlus.

Here's the thing: I tried to use the BT after the sunset, no joy. Tried to pair the phone since it had clearly come undone from the vehicle - no joy. Took it to the local Cadillac store to see if they could figure it out (local Chevy/GMC dealer sucks like a Hoover), and they couldn't get it to pair either. The service manager said he'd reach out to his GM rep for a fix, and he said there isn't one.

Kind of at a loss here as to what to do next.
 
#6 ·
Can you verbally get to the bt menu and say "pair" ?.
And if so, does it search but cant find your phone?
Or no bt menu at all?
 
#7 ·
No sir, no BT menu at all. That's what prompted me to seek the advice of the Cadillac shop.
 
#8 ·
I don't believe that a 2011 Acadia had Blutooth.
That came later did it not?
Unless the radio was changed out at some point or the Bluetooth function has been disabled or went defective.
 
#11 ·
I don't believe that a 2011 Acadia had Blutooth.
That came later did it not?
Unless the radio was changed out at some point or the Bluetooth function has been disabled or went defective.
Jay:

It had BT because I'd been using it. After the OS sunset date - and that is the only variable, everything quit working. Garage door opener still works, but BT is a goner.
 
#9 ·
On chevrolet traverse.
The 09s had BT... optional.
The 10s had BT as part of a package. Which i think was remote start, garage door opener, bt.
2011 i believe was now standard.

Some rentals had onstar and bt delete.

The op has a denali... so it had to have bt.
 
#10 ·
Good to know. Our 2009 Saturn Aura XR radio was one of the best and well equipped GM radios we ever had out of some 40 vehicles. It had a 6 CD player, aux input jack, ample power and excellent sound. . . . but no Bluetooth.
Until . . . . later in the model year ( we bought ours in Sept 2008 for $8K off MSRP ) Saturn radios then were equipped with Bluetooth.
Well, 2 years after our purchase but still in the bumper-to-bumper warranty the XM went out. So under warranty it was replaced with the added Bluetooth installed.
Back in that time frame of 2009 to 2011, it was a mixed bag of whether a GM radio had Bluetooth or not for sure.