OnStar Gen 6 User manual

Owner’s Guide
On the road to feeling
safer with OnStar
© 2003 OnStar Corporation. All rights reserved. OnStar and the OnStar emblem are
registered trademarks of OnStar Corporation. (Gen 6) OnStar611
Part # 166-00-P-271

iActivating OnStar Services
Activating OnStar Services
Your OnStar account needs to be activated before
OnStar can begin providing services. If this hasn’t
already been done by your dealership, you can
easily do it yourself.
Activating OnStar
With the vehicle running, press the blue OnStar button.
Wait until an Advisor answers, who will request the
information we need to get you started. This process
will normally take less than 15 minutes.
Activating OnStar Personal Calling
As an OnStar member, you have access to OnStar
Personal Calling. OnStar Personal Calling is integrated
into your vehicle and operates with the touch of a
button and a few simple voice commands.
To get started, all you need is a package of OnStar
Personal Calling minutes. Contact OnStar by pressing
the blue OnStar button and an Advisor will assist
you in setting your system up to make and receive
personal calls.
OnStar Responses in French
OnStar can be programmed by your dealership
to respond in French and to understand French
commands. There may be a charge associated with
this programming.
Next to your Blue OnStar button is a white dot
button or a button with a phone symbol on it.
Use this button to make and receive phone calls.

Page 1
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Activating OnStar Services i
Activating OnStar i
Activating OnStar Personal Calling i
OnStar Responses in French i
Welcome to OnStar 4
The OnStar Call Center 4
Your Onboard OnStar Panel 5
OnStar Services Button (Blue) 5
OnStar Emergency Button (White Cross) 5
White-Dot Button (White Dot) 5
System Status Light 6
Volume Control 6
Advisor Playback 6
Steering-Wheel Controls 7
Volume Control Buttons (Up and Down) 8
Mute Button 8
Talk/Mute Button 8
Select Button 10
End Button 11
Contacting OnStar 11
Contacting OnStar for Services 11
Contacting OnStar Customer Care or
Billing/Financial 12
Your OnStar Personal Identification
Numbers (PIN) 12
OnStar Subscription Plans 13
Safe & Sound Plan 13
Automatic Notification of
Air Bag Deployment 13
Emergency Services 13
Roadside Assistance 14
Stolen Vehicle Tracking 14

Page 2 Table of Contents (cont.)
AccidentAssist 14
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert 14
Remote Diagnostics 15
OnStar Online Concierge 15
Directions & Connections Plan 15
Driving Directions 15
RideAssist 16
Information and Convenience Services 16
Recalling Numbers 16
Luxury & Leisure Plan 16
Personal Concierge 16
OnStar Personal Calling 17
Personal Calling Universal Commands 17
Placing a Call 17
To dial a number 18
To dial a number using Digit Dial 18
To place a call using a stored Nametag 19
To place a call using the
“Redial” command 19
Receiving a Call 20
Ending a Call 20
Storing/Deleting Numbers In Memory
(Nametags) 20
To store a Nametag 21
To store a Nametag using Digit Store 21
To delete a Nametag 22
Listing your Nametags 22
Recalling a Number from OnStar 22
Verify Remaining Units (Minutes) 22
Adding More Calling Units (Minutes) 23
Automatic Contact to OnStar
for Replenishment 23
Voice Feedback 23
Setting Tone or Voice Response 23
RetrievingYour Phone Number 24

Page 3
OnStar
Security Code/LockingYour System 24
Voice Commands/
Speech Recognition 25
Operation of the OnStar Speech
Recognition Systems 25
Performance of Speech Recognition 25
Voice Command Error Messages 26
General Tips for Better Speech Recognition 26
Noise 26
When to speak 27
How to speak 27
What to say 28
How to Say Specific Words 29
Personal Calling Commands 29
Personal Calling Digits 31
OnStar Information 32
Index 39

Page 4 OnStar
Welcome to OnStar
Welcome to OnStar. This owner’s guide gives you the
information you need to get started using OnStar, with
descriptions of the current OnStar services, including
Personal Calling and the OnStar subscriber Web site.
Please keep this guide in your vehicle for easy
reference. If you need information regarding operation
or features of OnStar, you’ll have it readily at hand.
Once you start using this guide, you’ll see how easy
it is to take advantage of the safety, security, and
convenience of OnStar. For your safety, please do not
read this guide while you are driving.
OnStar is a system designed to provide you with
personal communication and information services while
you are in your vehicle by combining technologies of
cellular phones, a Global Positioning System (GPS),
and the OnStar Call Center.
The OnStar Call Center
The OnStar Call Center is the heart of your
service—staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with
knowledgeable OnStar Advisors. Even on weekends
and holidays, there is someone ready to help.
When you contact OnStar, your Advisor can pinpoint
your vehicle’s location. This way, he or she can provide
you with a range of helpful services that provide you
with information and help to protect you and your
vehicle. Also, depending on the OnStar service plan,
our Advisors can access an extensive database to
assist you with directions, making reservations, and
other convenient services.

Page 5
OnStar
Your Onboard OnStar Panel
OnStar Services Button—Press this blue button, and
you will be connected to an OnStar Advisor. You
will hear a chime, followed by the words “Connecting
to OnStar.” OnStar then generates a sequence of
tones during the connection process. The process
will normally take about 15 seconds. Your system is
equipped with backup connection retry capabilities.
If you do not immediately connect to OnStar, DO
NOT DISCONNECT. A series of retry attempts will
be made automatically. If you wish to cancel your
call to the OnStar Call Center, simply press the OnStar
Communication button (black with a white dot). The
blue OnStar services button is also used to control the
“Advisor Playback” feature during a call with OnStar.
OnStar Emergency Button—In an emergency, press
this button to connect with an OnStar Advisor. Your call
will be given the highest priority, and you will hear a
chime followed by the words “Connecting to OnStar
Emergency.” The Advisor will attempt to locate your
vehicle, find out what kind of assistance you require, and
contact a nearby emergency services provider who can
dispatch ambulance, fire, police, or other emergency
services. Please use this button only for true emergencies.
If you press this button by mistake, please stay on the
line and tell the Advisor that there is no emergency.
We recommend that you use the OnStar emergency
button, and not Personal Calling (dialing 911), to contact
emergency help. Pressing the red emergency button
will provide the OnStar Call Center with your location,
while dialing 911 may not.
White-Dot Button
•Make a call with OnStar Personal Calling, a
hands-free, voice-activated phone that’s integrated
into your vehicle.

Page 6 OnStar
•When your radio mutes and you hear ringing,
press this button to answer an incoming phone call.
•To end any call including an OnStar call or a
personal call.
The button used for Personal Calling and to end calls
with an Advisor is marked with either a white-dot or a
phone symbol. There is no difference in functionality.
System Status Light
Solid Green—Indicates the OnStar system in the vehicle
is powered ON and ready to make or receive calls.
Blinking Green—The light blinks green to indicate a
call is being connected or in progress. If you notice this
light blinking while you are not on a call, press the
OnStar white-dot button.
Red—This signals that your OnStar system may not be
functioning properly. Press the OnStar button to attempt
to contact an OnStar Advisor. If the connection is made,
the Advisor will assist you in making sure your OnStar
system is operating properly. If you cannot contact the
OnStar Call Center, please take your vehicle to your
vehicle dealership for diagnosis and service.
Volume Control
Use the volume control on your radio to control the
OnStar volume. If your vehicle is equipped with
steering-wheel controls, the volume can also be
changed with these controls.
Advisor Playback
Your OnStar system is equipped with an Advisor
playback recorder to store information given to you
during a call with an OnStar Advisor. You can play
back the stored audio information at a later time,
when you are no longer connected to OnStar.

Page 7
OnStar
Record (only during a call with OnStar Call Center):
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press System beeps
(starts recording)
Note that start of recording may be delayed up to five seconds
to clear existing audio information. Recording starts immediately
after the last beep.
Press again System beeps again
(ends recording)
Playback (only when the OnStar system is not in
a call):
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press “OnStar Ready”
Say “Advisor Playback“ Playback from
start
Stop Playback (partially through):
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press Returns control to
audio system
Resume Playback:
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press “OnStar Ready“
Say “Advisor Playback“ “Play or resume?“
Say “Play“ Starts playback
from beginning
or
Say “Resume“ Starts playback from
where it had been
previously stopped
Steering-Wheel Controls
Many OnStar functions can be activated or controlled
with steering-wheel controls. Not all functions are
available on all vehicles.
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Page 8 OnStar
Volume Control Buttons (Up and Down)
While you are using your OnStar system, the steering-
wheel volume controls change the audio volume of
OnStar responses and the volume of the person to
whom you are talking.
Mute Button
On some vehicles, the steering-wheel MUTE button
will turn on OnStar Personal Calling. The MUTE button
initially mutes the radio volume; however, if you press
and hold the MUTE button for three seconds it will turn
on the OnStar Personal Calling function so that you do
not have to reach for the white-dot button. Once you
are in a call, the MUTE button has the same functions
as the TALK/MUTE button described below.
TALK/MUTE Button
The TALK/MUTE button functionality differs by vehicle
and model. Functions described below are available
on select vehicles and models.
Using theTALK/MUTE button to make a call:
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press TALK/MUTE button “OnStar Ready“
Say “Dial“ “Phone number to dial,
please“
Say the number you wish OnStar will repeat the
to dial with no pauses number, then “Yes or No”
Say “Yes” “Dialing”—Your call
(or “No” to try again) will be connected
Accessing voicemail and sending number
tones to automated systems
The Voice-Activated Keypad feature of OnStar Personal
Calling allows access to most voicemail systems. It
also allows you to respond to number requests from
computer systems, such as “press 1 for sales; press 2
for service.”
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MUTE

Page 9
OnStar
Once you receive the request for a number while in a
call, press the TALK/MUTE (or MUTE) button on the
steering wheel. Note that this feature works only
DURING a call.
If you press the TALK/MUTE or MUTE button and do
not speak a command within five seconds, or if you
press the button a second time, the system will respond
with “Goodbye.” This means the system exited the
TALK/MUTE command and your original call is still
connected. Press the TALK/MUTE button to try again.
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Connect call using OnStar
Personal Calling
Press TALK/MUTE button Mutes call, “First digit
to send, please”
Say first number Repeats number or tone
Say second number Repeats number or tone
Continue until done
Say “Dial” OnStar sends the
numbers requested,
then returns to the call
Voicemail example:
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press “OnStar Ready”
Say “Call” “Nametag, please”
Say “Voicemail” “Calling Voicemail”
(previously stored)
Ring, “You have reached the voicemail for company.
If you are a subscriber, press pound.”
Press TALK/MUTE button “First digit to send,
please”
Say “Pound key” “Pound key”
Say “Dial” OnStar sends tone
“Mailbox number, please.”
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Page 10 OnStar
Press TALK/MUTE button “First digit to send, please”
Say “Four” “Four”
Say “Six” “Six”
Say “Zero” “Zero”
Say “Eight” “Eight”
Say “Dial” OnStar sends tones
Voicemail response to 4608.
This feature works better with Voice Feedback off.
See Voice Feedback on page 23.
Automated system example:
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press “OnStar Ready”
Say “Call” “Nametag, please”
Say “Business” “Calling Business”
(previously stored)
“To talk to engineering, press 1; to talk to sales,
press 2; to talk to customer care, press 3.”
Press “Talk” button “First digit to send, please”
Say “One” “One”
Say “Dial” OnStar sends tone
System response to the number 1.
Select Buttons
Some vehicles are equipped with steering-wheel
“Select” buttons. After invoking OnStar Personal Calling,
the up/down select buttons scroll through the OnStar
nametags previously set up with the “Store” command.
•To differentiate pound and star from other numbers and
commands, you must use the commands “Pound Key” and
“Star Key.”
•The OnStar voice-activated keypad understands only numbers,
“Star Key,” and “Pound Key.” It does NOT understand
stored nametags.
•You can erase the last number entered by saying “Clear.”
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Page 11
OnStar
Once you get to the number you wish to call, press the
TALK/MUTE steering-wheel control to initiate a call to
the number highlighted.
End Button
Some vehicles are equipped with a steering-wheel
“End” button. Disconnect from an OnStar Call Center
or a personal call by pressing the “End” button.
You can drop an incoming call without using any units
by pressing the “End” steering-wheel control. This will
drop the incoming personal call immediately.
The “End” functionality can be programmed into some
vehicles that have programmable steering-wheel controls.
Contacting OnStar
Contacting OnStar for Services
Press or
Talking to an OnStar Advisor is accomplished with a
single touch, and is thereafter hands-free. Simply press
the blue OnStar button or the Emergency button. A small
microphone picks up your voice and the OnStar Advisor
talks to you through your stereo speakers. In addition
to using the three-button panel, there are two other
ways to connect to the OnStar Call Center.
Toll-Free Call
To take advantage of your OnStar services from outside
your vehicle (e.g., to use door unlock), you can call
OnStar toll free at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
Remember to have your Personal Identification Number
(PIN) handy.

Page 12 OnStar
Automatic Notification
A priority signal will be sent to the OnStar Call Center
with your exact location if your air bag deploys.
(Vehicle electrical system and cellular service must
be operable.)
Contacting OnStar Customer Care or
Billing/Financial
You can contact these OnStar Departments by calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
Your OnStar
Personal Identification
Numbers (PIN)
When you signed up with OnStar, you were asked to
provide a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You’ll
need your PIN to access some of the OnStar services.
If, for example, you’re locked out of your vehicle or it
has been stolen, an Advisor will ask for your PIN in
order to provide assistance.
Changing your OnStar PIN is easy. Call the OnStar
Call Center and provide the Advisor with your current
number, and he or she will assist you in setting up a
new number. If you have forgotten your PIN, just call
the OnStar Call Center. For security reasons, we will
send your PIN to you in the mail.
Your OnStar Personal Calling PIN
In addition to your OnStar PIN, you have another
four-digit security code that is used to secure OnStar
Personal Calling and OnStar Virtual Advisor from
unauthorized use. (See page 24.)

Page 13
OnStar Subscription Plans
OnStar Subscription Plans*
OnStar services are bundled in different plans to make
it easy for you to choose the level of service you
desire. All plans include access to OnStar Personal
Calling, a hands-free, voice-activated phone that is
integrated into your vehicle.
Safe & Sound Plan
With this plan, you have a complete range of
services providing you with an unsurpassed level
of safety and security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Automatic Notification of
Air Bag Deployment
Should your air bag deploy, a priority
signal will be sent to the OnStar Center
with your vehicle’s location (as long as
cellular service and the vehicle’s electrical
system are operable). An Advisor will attempt to contact
you to assess the nature of your emergency, and then
notify the necessary emergency services provider.
Emergency Services
Should you require emergency assistance,
press the OnStar Emergency button and
we will contact a nearby emergency
services provider with your location and
your request for help.
*One of these plans is normally included for a specific duration with each
vehicle at time of purchase. Check with your dealership or with your OnStar
Advisor to determine which plan is included with your vehicle. Services within
plans are subject to change. Please check our Web site at onstarcanada.com
for services included in each plan.
If a credit card has previously been used for OnStar services or wireless
airtime units, it will be used for any additional wireless airtime units purchased
and for automatic renewal of OnStar services for successive 30-day terms
upon expiration of the initial service plan.

Page 14 OnStar Services
Roadside Assistance
There’s nothing worse than being stranded
on the road with car trouble. No matter
what the problem is (flat tire, out of gas,
or engine trouble), just call OnStar. We
will contact your vehicle manufacturer’s roadside service
provider with your location for the help you need to get
you quickly back on the road.
StolenVehicleTracking
OnStar doesn’t just protect you, it protects
your vehicle, too. If your vehicle is ever
stolen, just contact OnStar. We will put
you in touch with the authorities and
attempt to assist them in locating your vehicle.
AccidentAssist
AccidentAssist provides step-by-step
guidance about what to do in case of an
accident. Working with leading insurance
companies we have developed a “best
practices” list to assist you through most accident
situations. OnStar AccidentAssist can make the process
of completing a police report and/or insurance claim
less stressful.
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert*
If you’ve locked your keys in your vehicle,
just call OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) and an Advisor will
send a signal to attempt to unlock your
door. If you’re having trouble locating your vehicle,
OnStar can flash your lights and sound your horn for
you. This feature is disabled 48 hours after the vehicle
is parked in order to maintain battery charge.

Page 15
OnStar Services
Remote Diagnostics*
You’re on the road, far from home and
your favorite garage, and you have car
trouble. What do you do? Just call OnStar.
Our remote service diagnostics covers
vital vehicle systems. If your Check Engine light
illuminates, an OnStar Advisor can provide you with
information about the problem, and then suggest
your next step.
Directions & Connections Plan
This plan features driving directions and hotel and
restaurant reservations through your OnStar Advisor,
and names, phone numbers, and addresses for mil-
lions of businesses. All of the services provided in the
Safe & Sound Plan are also included in this plan.
Driving Directions
With OnStar Driving Directions, an
Advisor can help you find your way, no
matter how far off course you are. You
can get turn-by-turn directions to an
address or to nearby gas stations, restaurants, hotels,
or ATMs.
*Remote services capabilities vary by vehicle.

Page 16 OnStar Services
RideAssist
If you need a lift, any time of the day or
night, just call OnStar. We’ll contact a
transportation provider and send them
right to you.
Information and Convenience Services
Our Advisors have access to more than
seven million service listings including
hotels, restaurants, gas stations, dealerships,
hospitals, ATMs, and airports—more than
250 service categories in all. After the OnStar Advisor
has located a service business for you, just ask to have
the business phone number downloaded to your vehicle.
Once the number is loaded and your OnStar call is
finished, just press the white-dot button and say
“Number Recall.” The OnStar system automatically dials
the number that was downloaded. Our Advisors can
even assist you with hotel and restaurant reservations.
Luxury & Leisure Plan
This plan features all of the Directions & Connections
Plan services plus the luxury of Personal Concierge.
Personal Concierge
A Personal Concierge Advisor can help
you with virtually any type of request,
via email, live chat, or phone. Call
1- 888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or
press the blue OnStar button in your vehicle. Just ask!

Page 17
OnStar Personal Calling
OnStar Personal Calling
As an OnStar subscriber, the Personal Calling
capability is there for you just in case your hand-held
cell phone is lost, forgotten, or has a low battery.
Personal Calling is integrated into your vehicle and
can be activated during your OnStar account
activation or by pressing the blue OnStar button at any
time and telling the Advisor you would like to activate
OnStar Personal Calling.
You can prepurchase a package of minutes that
works best for you. They are easily billed to a credit
card that you can keep on file so no separate phone
bill is needed. Plus, you won’t have to pay an activation
fee, and there are no additional long distance or
roaming charges.
We recommend that you contact us while the vehicle
is stationary. Your credit card information is secure and
protected, and used only for unit replenishment or other
OnStar services.
Personal Calling Universal Commands
Help The system will provide a list of available
commands.
Clear When you are entering digits, this command
will erase the last digit entered.
Cancel This command takes you from the current
function to the “OnStar Ready“ prompt.
If the last response from the system was
“OnStar Ready,“ this command will exit
Personal Calling.
Placing a Call
There are four ways to place a call:
1. To dial a specific telephone number, say “Dial.”
2. To use a stored nametag (speed dial), say “Call.”
3. To dial the last number called, say “Redial.”
4. To dial a number an OnStar Advisor downloaded
to your vehicle, say “Number Recall.”

Page 18 OnStar Personal Calling
To dial a number:
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press “OnStar Ready“
Say “Dial“ “Phone number to
dial, please“
Say the entire phone OnStar will repeat
number you wish to dial the number, then
with no pauses “Yes or No”*
Say “Yes” “Dialing,“ your call
(or “No” to try again) will be connected
To dial a number using Digit Dial:
WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU HEAR
Press “OnStar Ready“
Say“Digit Dial” “First digit to dial, please”
Say the number to be OnStar will confirm
dialed, one digit at a time each digit by repeating
it back to you
When finished, “Dialing,” your call
say “Dial” again will be connected
*On some vehicles, the number will appear in the Driver Information Center,
or on the radio display.
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If you get a “PARDON” response as soon as you begin saying
the number, this means you spoke too quickly after the
“PHONE NUMBER TO DIAL, PLEASE” response. Just repeat
the entire number again.
If you gave the entire number to dial and you received a
“PARDON” response, that means the system did not hear all
the digits of the phone number. Say the number again and be
sure you do not pause between digits.
After three unsuccessful tries (PARDONS), you will be prompted
to the Digit Dial format. This lets you dial each digit individually
and should be more successful for you.