OnStar Microphone Inoperative - Caller Cannot Be Heard
OnStar Microphone Inoperative - Caller Cannot Be Heard
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) is a 3-watt cellular device that allows the user to communicate data and voice signals over the national cellular network. It is powered by a fused, battery voltage circuit connected through the vehicle wiring to the 3-button assembly and the radio, and attached by means of coax cables to the cellular and navigation antennas. Ground for the module is accomplished by means of dedicated circuits that are routed with body wiring systems to chassis ground points. The module houses 2 modems, one to process global positioning system (GPS) data, and the other for cellular information. Satellites orbiting earth are constantly transmitting signals of their current location, from which the OnStar(R) system is able to pinpoint its own location. The navigation antenna receives these GPS signals and provides the data to the VCIM to be processed. The VCIM communicates with the rest of the vehicle over the class 2 or GMLAN serial data bus, depending upon the serial data architecture of the vehicle. The ignition state is determined by the VCIM through class 2 or GMLAN messaging. The module also has the capability of commanding the horn, initiating door lock/unlock and operating the exterior lamps using the serial data circuits. When an OnStar(R) keypress is made, a serial data message is sent to the audio system to mute all radio functions and transmit OnStar(R) originated audio. After the audio system is muted, the OnStar(R) signals are transmitted to the audio system on the cellular telephone voice signal circuit, and returned to the module on the cellular telephone voice low reference circuit. The cellular modem connects the OnStar(R) system to the cellular carriers communication system by interacting with the national cellular infrastructure. The module sends and receives all cellular communications over the cellular antenna and cellular antenna coax.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
OnStar Schematics (OnStar Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
OnStar Description and Operation (OnStar Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Important: Perform this diagnostic if the OnStar(R) Call Center operator can clearly be heard but the operator is unable to hear the caller.
Ignition ON, press the OnStar(R) Call button. Verify that your voice cannot be heard clearly by the OnStar(R) Call Center.
If your voice can be heard clearly, go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics) .
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the inside rearview mirror harness connector.
2. Ignition ON, test for 8.5-9.5 volts between the cellular microphone signal circuit terminal 10 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the VCIM.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the VCIM.
3. Ignition ON, test for 8.5-9.5 volts between the cellular microphone signal circuit terminal 10 and the drain wire circuit terminal 2.
• If less than the specified range, test the drain wire circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the VCIM.
4. If all circuits test normal, replace the inside rearview mirror.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement (UE1) (Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement (UE1))Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement (DD7, DD8) (Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement (DD7, DD8))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for VCIM replacement, setup, and programming