Onstar wo'nt upgrade older models?

[torque]

I punched the button on my mirror and requested an upgrade on my '02 GMC. Onstar said they don't upgrade an oldie like mine. Anyone have the same luck?

[Heartbeat Hauler]

I gettin' my '04 done in a couple of weeks. OnStar also has a deal with Verizon to share minutes....I'll be taken advantage of that deal. I don't get why they won't upgrade your truck. It's gotta have the same analog equipment as the newer trucks. I doubt that GM would have made that significant of a change to something like OnStar in 2 years that yours couldn't be upgraded. Very strange. Or, is it that they just don't want to?
JP

[FJ40INTOW]

I hope this helps:

I have read somewhere that if you press you the white button and get a "OnStar Ready" it is upgradeable to the Dual-Mode. I could not find the article but my 2003 is upgradeable and I will do so soon.

I found this on the Onstar website:

Question: What different types of equipment do OnStar-equipped vehicles have?
A. All OnStar-equipped vehicles have one of three types of equipment:
Analog-Only: OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog-only equipment were designed to operate only on the analog wireless network and can not be upgraded for digital network compatibility. Vehicles with this equipment will no longer be able to receive OnStar services beginning January 1, 2008. At that time, service will be available only through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. Analog-only vehicles cannot be upgraded to digital equipment.

Analog/Digital-Ready: These vehicles operate on the analog network, but were designed to be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment when available for that vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service will not be available on these vehicles unless the OnStar equipment has been upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.

Dual-Mode (Analog/Digital): Vehicles that operate with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment operate on both networks and will not require an upgrade in connection with the industry's transition to the digital network.

Question: What kind of hardware does my OnStar-equipped vehicle have?
A. To determine the equipment type in an OnStar-equipped vehicle, you may:
Press the blue OnStar button in the vehicle and ask the OnStar Advisor to identify which equipment type was factory-installed in the vehicle.
Call OnStar toll-free at 1.888.206.0031, or to contact us online, click here. (Please have your OnStar account number or your vehicle identification number (VIN) available.)


IMPORTANT NOTE:

In November 2002, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog wireless network as of early 2008. As a result, beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service in the U.S. and Canada will be available only through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.

[ 08-04-2005, 05:02 AM: Message edited by: FJ40INTOW ]

[moneypit]

I upgraded my 03 a few months ago. Added it to my verizon plan and now use the heck oput of it. It is a easier system to use.

[madmatt]

Don't quote me on this but I've heard that GM is supposedly going to reimburse all the owners of the non-upgradable analog only systems the price they paid for the on star option. Also that is correct, the analog only systems will not operate w/ the new digital systems and there is no update to correct it. once everything goes digital and analog systems go down, thats it, no more analog signals or systems will be operational.

[Manfred]

madmatt - Following your info, I checked with OnStar yesterday and they told me my 2002 model can not be upgraded. Called GMC to verify the rumor of a possible refund and the response was negative. They hinted that there may be some aftermarket product I could buy, but it looks we are on our own. Does anybody know of an aftermarked product?