Raising an old OnStar GPS unit from the dead

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By Gareth Branwyn
Posted 2007/09/12 @ 8:00 pm
Category Computers & Mobile, Electronics

In this PopSci “Void Your Warranty” piece, MAKE contributing writer Dave Prochnow shows you how to use an old OnStar GPS unit on a laptop computer with free software, no subscription required.

Raising GPS from the Dead – Link

Related:

OnStar Projects – Link
OnStar eavesdropping – Link

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Gift Certificate

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8 Responses to Raising an old OnStar GPS unit from the dead

volkemon on September 13th, 2007 at 12:01 pm said:

As a mechanic, this is pretty cool. But whats the VIU thats referred to? I have a pro repair program, OnDemand5, that cant find this item. There is a VCIM, or vehicle communication interface module, referred to in a 2003 chevy tahoe…maybe thats it? I think so. They (mitchell OD5) refer to the two modems inside, the cellular and GPS module.

Hidden behind the right side of the dash. I’ll keep an eye on this post, if anyone has questions as to where the VCIM is I’ll try to post an answer. I gotta try this- GPS on the cheap!

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Anonymous on December 1st, 2007 at 1:04 pm said:

Do you know where the VCIM is on a 2005 Chevy Tahoe?

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Anonymous on December 2nd, 2007 at 5:22 pm said:

Well, was wandering through….lucky you.

Let me throw a few tea leaves out…….

It appears to be behind the passenger side airbag, much like the 2003. The view shown to me is of the instrument panel, but viewed from the ‘backside’, not the view one would have in the passenger seat. I assume that the dash assy pulls away easy….there will be two ‘boxes’, one near the bottom, the other on the same level as the airducting to the door. Top box is VCIM, and bottom box is digital radio reciever.

Volkemon (jic comments arent fully tested yet…changes!)

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Raymond Frazier on February 20th, 2008 at 10:53 pm said:

Do you happen to know where the VCIM (Onstar) is on my 2008 Chevy Tahoe?

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Raymond Frazier on February 20th, 2008 at 10:55 pm said:

Do you happen to know where the VCIM (Onstar) is on my 2008 Chevy Tahoe?

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Raymond Frazier on February 20th, 2008 at 10:56 pm said:

Do you happen to know where the VCIM (Onstar) is on my 2008 Chevy Tahoe?

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Ray on February 20th, 2008 at 10:59 pm said:

Do you happen to know where the VCIM (Onstar) is on my 2008 Chevy Tahoe?

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Volkemon on March 26th, 2008 at 7:02 pm said:

Hi Ray!

You following this thread? I have coverage to 06 or so, but it might be the same…

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