General Motors (Chevy Equinox) Information?

[ctrcbob]

Need some information on General Motors accessories on some of their cars.

My Sister and Brother-in-Law just purchased a Chevy Equinox. LOADED, with just about every extra that you can think of. (I have not seen it yet). They told me that yes, they activated the "On-Star" but they also said that they were issued a telephone number and anyone can phone them whenever they are in their car. At first, I said that it is a Bluetooth connection to their cell phone, but they said no. First off, their cell phone does not have Bluetooth, and second, the number is not their cell or home number. The way they said it, it is as if the whole car is a telephone. My Sister and Brother-in-Law are not technical people, so when I asked them if the car has Bluetooth, they said that they think so, but were not sure. If it does, and they had a cell phone with bluetooth to pair to the car, they would not need another phone number just for the car.

Has anyone heard of such a thing?

They also have Satellite Radio, but don't know if it is Serius or XM. Anyone know which service General Motors uses?

 

[Pahaska]

I have the OnStar phone active in my truck in case of breakdown while towing my Airstream. It is not BlueTooth. It has nothing to do with a cell phone. The OnStar has greater range than a cell phone since it has a better antenna and more power.

You simply hit the phone button, say "Call xyz" or "Dial", followed by the number and have a conversation, using the microphone in the headliner.

A bit pricey, but worth it last year when I had a breakdown towing.

They have XM.

 

[nearwater]

Hehe, I'm sure I can give you more info regarding this topic.
We develop OnStar modules.

OnStar is what they call a "telematics" system.
It's a module with small onboard computer(w/ applications) utilizing CDMA and GPS to give you route guidance, personal calling, Emergency services, Bluetooth connection, and many many other features.

Basically, the OnStar module has its own phone(called NAD;Network Access Device).
Upon delivery, the module doesn't have a valid(to the public) number, but when the modules is activated after the delivery, a phone number is assigned for that module only.
Normally, prepaid minutes can be purchased, but the free subscription comes with some complimentary minutes.
When the vehicle/OnStar module is on, the number can be dialed and you can receive or make phone calls using the OnStar module.
Newer generations(Gen8) have BT connection capability, so you can also connect your BT phone just like we do with our DIS.

Hope this helps.

Dan

 

[nearwater]

Oh, btw, the Equinox is a great car.
I LOVE the way they drive and the car feels solid unlike some older GM cars.

Dan

 

[ctrcbob]

I have the OnStar phone active in my truck in case of breakdown while towing my Airstream. It is not BlueTooth. It has nothing to do with a cell phone. The OnStar has greater range than a cell phone since it has a better antenna and more power.

You simply hit the phone button, say "Call xyz" or "Dial", followed by the number and have a conversation, using the microphone in the headliner.

A bit pricey, but worth it last year when I had a breakdown towing.

They have XM.

Thanks for the info. Now I want to know how many calls can you make and or receive for the money you pay? I think they got xxx number of months OnStar (and this phone service) free, but don't know how many calls are included.

 

[Pahaska]

You pay extra for the phone over standard OnStar. I think I get 100 minutes, good for 12 months, though I never use them. The minutes roll over if you renew OnStar and phone each year. No limit I know of on number of calls, just minutes.

 

[ctrcbob]

Oh, btw, the Equinox is a great car.
I LOVE the way they drive and the car feels solid unlike some older GM cars.

Dan

They wanted to trade their 2005 Ford Freestyle AWD for a new Taurus-X, however Ford stopped making the Taurus-X in 2009. Checked the internet for leftover 2009 and 2008 Taurus-X AWD, but could not find any. Next, they checked out the Ford Edge AWD but did not like them. Checked out the Hyundai Santa Fe V6 AWD, but like the Edge, it was way too big, and my sister had trouble getting in and out. They wanted a six. They heard a lot about the Equinox but hard to find a V6 and AWD. They also were thinking about a Subaru H6 Outback AWD. They checked out a dealer near where they live, who sells both Chevrolet and Subaru and that dealer had just received an Equinox V6 AWD, loaded. (Have not seen it yet but she said it has the "large" wheels, and other things that she would not normally buy, so it must be loaded). Making a long story short, they traded the Freestyle for the Equinox. Smaller than the Freestyle, but just right for them. (I think it also had third row seating and because it is narrower than the Freestyle, he can get it through his narrow garage door opening without having to fold the outside mirror back).

BTW, the V6 is Direct Injection.