Nuances of OnStar in the Saturn Vue

I'm digging the Big Green Machine - my 2004 Saturn Vue Redline with the Electric Lime paint job.

As I mentioned I did some after-market stereo work to bring it up to a respectable sound system with iPod control. However, there was a bit of snag in the installation that I only recently resolved.

The Saturn came with OnStar, a voice activated system for notifying authorities in case of an accident (triggered by airbag deployment), or to use for navigation directions, oreven get general information and book reservations at a restuarant, etc. You hit a button on the rear-view mirror and live person comes on the speaker.  It's an odd combination of technology and good ol' fashioned human beings.

The car has a GPS system embedded so they know here you are (how comforting). You can also use the system as a speakerphone, which can be handy, and although you can also accept incoming calls, you obviously get a new phone number. You can also set it up on the web to check stock quotes, weather and other info. You can even use it to open your doors if you lock yourself out (except on Saabs, oddly). It's a nifty system that I will dig into more.

Clearly OnStar is tied to the sound system, and when you install an aftermarket head unit there is typically an adapter, or wiring harness, to maintain OnStar functionality with the new rig. Your local installer has them or you can buy them from places like Peripheral Electronics.

However, it turns out that the 2004 Saturn Vue has changed the OnStar wiring a bit and the existing wiring harnesses don't work. That left me with a great sound system but no OnStar.

The solution, logically, is to reinstall the original factory head unit just for OnStar functionality. I had this done and installed under the driver's seat. It has it's own dedicated speaker (although I'd rather it be routed through the main sound system), but all the same it now works just fine. It cost me about $70 in labor.

So if you have a new GM car and are upgrading the sound system, keep this in mind and keep that orginal head unit!

Comments

[Howard M. Green]

I have the same problem with my Saturn VUE and Onstar. It also is a 2004. Do you have pictures of the installation? How did it get connected? Besides the data port what other harness connectors were needed, since all the other existing connectors are wired to the new head unit? Where did they put the additional speaker?

[Digital Dad]

I has the orginal head unit mounted under the front seta of my Vue and have a speaker sitting on top of that. So when i use it i actually hear it from under my seat. Not ideal but it works pretty well.

I suggest you find an installer that has done this already. Good luck!

[Howard M. Green]

I went everywhere in my area talking to installers and none of them seemed to be able or willing to do this. How did you get the GM data cable to extend to under your seat? That seems to be a large distance and I know there are no extenders for this equipment......

Thanks.