File in Section:

Service Bulletin

08 - Body and Accessories

Bulletin No.:

03-08-46-004O

Date:

February, 2014

INFORMATION
Subject:

Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar ® Vehicle Communication
Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)

Models:

2013-2015 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks
All Equipped with OnStar® RPO UE1

This bulletin has been revised to exclude the 2012 Model Year and add the 2015 Model Year.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-46-004N.

Vehicle Communication Interface
Module (VCIM) Functional Name
Variations
Depending on the Model Year and Vehicle, the VCIM
May be Identified in the Service Information and on
the Scan Tool by Different Component Functional
Names
Review the following list in order to become familiar
with the different component functional names:
• Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM)
• Communication Interface Module
• Telematics Communication Interface Control
Module
• OnStar® Vehicle Interface Unit (VIU)
• OnStar® Module

Restricted Part Process General
Information - ESC Ordering Information
The OnStar® VCIM is currently restricted parts. By
working closely with our dealers and technicians,
through the part restriction process, the General Motors
team will gain a better understanding of any field
concerns that may develop.
Only the modules and components involved in a part
restriction program require a call to GM Technical
Assistance Center (TAC) in order to obtain the
necessary part. Parts such as antennas, cables, etc.,
are available through the normal parts ordering
channels.

Copyright 2014 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The TAC consultant will no longer provide a part
number back to the dealership when a VCIM is to be
ordered. The replacement VCIM that the dealership will
receive may have a different part number than the one
currently installed in the vehicle.
1. If a replacement VCIM is deemed necessary, the
TAC consultant will no longer order the
replacement part. Instead the dealer MUST use
the ONE-TIME USE authorization number
provided by TAC to order a replacement part
through an Electronic Service Center (ESC).
The ONE-TIME USE authorization number will be
linked to the vehicle identification number (VIN)
and CANNOT be used to order a replacement
unit for any other VIN.
Notice: The authorization number provided by TAC
will expire after 30 days.
2. Order the replacement unit DIRECTLY from the
following United States or Canadian ESC.
2.1. In the U.S. from the Instrument Sales and
Service ESC. Contact them by phone
at 800-336-3998.
2.2. In Canada from the York Electronics ESC.
Orders can be placed online at
www.yorkelec.com or by Fax at 800-361-5396
Calgary OR 888-650-9677 Oshawa. Contact
them by phone at: 800-361-2894 Calgary OR
888-650-9675 Oshawa.

ESC Shipping and Core Return
Information
•

The replacement VCIM is shipped using standard
ground shipment unless otherwise specifically
requested by the dealer.
⇒ If the replacement VCIM is not received within
seven business days DO NOT contact TAC.
For any concern regarding the non-receipt,

Page 2

•

February, 2014

ordering and returning of the core, or an
unused/unopened unit contact the ESC to
which the order was placed.
A pre-paid return package label will be included
for return shipment of the original VCIM. By
returning the original VCIM, within the specified
time noted in the documents contained within the
packaging of the service replacement unit, the
parts department will avoid a significant non-return
core charge.

Diagnosing - Replacement Reprogramming the OnStar® VCIM General Information
Notice: If the diagnostic steps taken by the technician
indicate the VCIM requires replacement, the service
department personnel must contact TAC. BEFORE
calling TAC, record all diagnostic readings and
measurements from the applicable tests that were
performed. The TAC consultant will verify the diagnosis
and if a replacement is needed, provide the one-time
use authorization number required to order the part.
1. When diagnosing, repairing and reprogramming
the OnStar® VCIM, you MUST follow the repair,
diagnostic and programming information for the
specific vehicle in SI. Go to > Service Manual/
Bulletins > Service Manual > Driver Information
and Entertainment > Cellular, Entertainment, and
Navigation.
2. Examine the original and replacement VCIM. If
there are no physical or dimensional differences
between the original and replacement VCIM, then
install the new VCIM. Refer to > Driver Information
and Entertainment > Cellular, Entertainment, and
Navigation > Repair Instructions > Communication
Interface Module Replacement in SI.
⇒ If the replacement VCIM is physically or
dimensionally different from the original, contact
the ESC for vehicle to P/N usage verification.
Notice: Failure to perform the proper programming
and setup procedures will result in limited or
incomplete OnStar® services.
3. Perform the programming and setup procedures.
Refer to > Control Module References >
Programming and Setup > Communication
Interface Module Programming and Setup in SI.
⇒ If there are any issues reprogramming the
replacement VCIM, you must contact the
Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC).

Required OnStar® Information Before
Contacting TAC - Obtain Using the
Tech 2® and/or a Multiple Diagnostic
Interface (MDI)
Before contacting TAC with an OnStar ® concern, you
MUST obtain certain information from the vehicle.
Please refer to the latest version Corporate Bulletin
Number 01-00-89-010 Comeback Prevention
Information and Using Customer Concern Verification
Sheets (CCVS) regarding the information required
by TAC.

Bulletin No.: 03-08-46-004O

Observe and record the following information before
calling TAC:
• Electronic Serial Number (ESN)
• Station Identifier (STID)
• GM 8-digit part number
• Mobile Identification Number (MIN)
• Mobile Dialed Number (MDN)
• Transceiver ID (Trans ID)
To obtain the following information, perform the steps
using a Tech 2® or Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI)
updated with the latest software version:
1. Connect the Tech 2® or MDI.
2. Enter Diagnostics and build the vehicle.
3. Select Body.
4. In the Body menu, proceed to OnStar ®.
5. Select VCIM and then Module 2 Information.
If your diagnosis leads you to a B1000 DTC, you will
need to provide the following additional information.
GM TAC will need to verify the original customer
concern that led to the discovery of the DTC B1000 with
the technician. Some of the questions GM TAC may
ask are:
• What happens when an OnStar® key press
is made?
• Does the system connect on a key press?
• Does OnStar® have a current GPS location on a
key press?
• On GM LAN vehicles, the sub-code must be
recorded (example: B1000 SYM00)
If available on the Tech 2® for the vehicle, technicians
should select the following menu and record the data
from the VCIM. This data is not available on the
Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon.
Body/Vehicle Communications Interface Module/
Special Functions/ B1000 Data
• DPID 11 Byte1:
• DPID 11 Byte2:
• DPID 11 Byte3:
• DPID 11 Byte4:
Important: The information obtained from the
vehicle should not be modified in any way unless
directed by the GM TAC consultant.

Required OnStar® Information Before
Contacting TAC - Obtain Using GDS 2
and a Multiple Diagnostic
Interface (MDI)
Before contacting TAC with an OnStar ® concern, you
MUST obtain certain information from the vehicle.
Please refer to the latest version Corporate Bulletin
Number 01-00-89-010 – Comeback Prevention
Information and Using Customer Concern Verification
Sheets (CCVS) regarding the information required
by TAC.

Bulletin No.: 03-08-46-004O

February, 2014

Observe and record the following information before
calling TAC:
1. Turn ON the ignition.
2. Connect the MDI to the vehicle.
3. Select: Module Diagnostics.
4. Select: Telematics Communication Interface
Control Module.
5. Select: ID Information.

Page 3

6. Observe and record the following Information:
6.1. End Model Part Number:
6.2. Mobile Equipment Identifier:
6.3. OnStar® Customer Identifier:
6.4. Module Generation Identifier:
6.5. Current Transceiver Identifier:
6.6. Mobile Identification Number:
6.7. Mobile Directory Number:
Tech 2 is a Registered Trademark of General
Motors LLC
OnStar is a Registered Trademark of ONSTAR, LLC

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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