On-Star Replacement

[Patchnparrot]

I have a 2001 Century with the analog On-Star system built into the interior rear view mirror. That mirror is also self-dimming at night, as is the driver's door mirror. Also, both exterior mirrors are heated. Since analog cell service no longer exists, the On-Star system no longer works. I'm considering having the On-Star FMV system installed. As you all probably already know, that installation involves replacing the original interior mirror with a new mirror that contains a stand-alone On-Star system. I am concerned that the automatic dimming of the left mirror, and the heating of both, will no longer work once the FMV unit is in place. I spoke to the good folks at On-Star, but (big surprise) they were less than useless. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

 

[Patchnparrot]

Oh yeah, I forgot to wonder about what happens to the original On-Star control unit. I wonder if I should unplug it?

 

[OnStar Advisor]

Hi Patchnparrot,

Even if Onstar FMV is considered compatible with your vehicle, its installation may disable or affect the functionality of some features of your vehicle. If a feature in your vehicle is not dependent on mechanical, electrical or sensor systen in your current mirror, it is unlikely that that feature will be affected by the installation of OnStar FMV. However, it is important to consult your local retailer or installer fro additional, up-to-date information. A list of potential feature losses (depending on your vehicle's mechanical, electrical or sensor systems) appears in the link below.

https://www.onstar.com/tunnel-web/w..._library/us_english/downloadable/fitguide.pdf

I hope this helps.

-Jessica, OnStar Advisor
Social Media Team

 

[journeyforce]

Yup sadly it is one or the other right now. If you want Onstar you don't get a auto dimming rear mirror. If you want the auto dimmer then you don't get Onstar.

I wonder if the makers of this device will come out with a auto dimming/compass model someday soon? It would only add a few more wires(One for power to a source that is switched off with key off, one for ground and one for the compass)

I would unplug the old analog unit ether way as there are reports of people accidentally pushing the blue button and it kills the battery by trying to connect over the course of hours(if it is trying to connect it will continue trying to connect until the batter is dead or you turn it off and once it says the "ONSTAR" tagline at the beginning, it will not speak again(i.e. tries to connect silently)

It should be located in drivers side part of the trunk