Bulletin No.: 16-NA-227
Date: Feb-2017

Subject:

Information for Dead Battery After Exiting Vehicle Following Bluetooth Call

This bulletin replaces PIC6198A. Please discard PIC6198A.
Brand:

Buick

Model:

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

2014

2014

Camaro

2014

2015

Cruze

2014

2014

Encore

from

Engine:

Transmission:

to

Verano
Chevrolet

Equinox
Malibu
GMC

Terrain

Region

North America and N.A. Export Regions

Additional RPO

UHQ, UFU

Condition

Some customers may comment on a dead battery after the car sits for 2-3 days if they turned the vehicle off
while talking on a Bluetooth call.
Note: If the vehicle is towed to the dealer with a dead battery, it is highly unlikely that a battery draw will be
verified once the battery is charged.

Cause

This may be caused by the OnStar® module staying awake and inducing a battery draw of 240 mA or
greater while waiting for a signal from the radio, which is not received during these exact conditions.

Information
Note: This only applies to radio RPO UHQ or UFU with UP9 when equipped with OnStar Gen9.6 (as identified in STID table below).
OnStar Gen 9.6 STID Ranges (OnStar Customer Identifier Parameter on GDS2 Data List)

1

STID_RANGE_DESC

LOWER_STID

UPPER_STID

Gen 9.6L Global A

69849001

70649000

Gen 9.6L Global A

70649001

70700000

Gen 9.6 Global A

79800001

80200000

Gen 9.6 Global A

89000501

90800000

Correction
Important: Verify the battery voltage is more than 12.6 volts but less than 15.5 volts before proceeding with reprogramming. The battery must be fully charged
BEFORE reprogramming.
If a battery draw cannot be verified, ask the customer if they last parked and exited their vehicle while talking on a Bluetooth call 2-3 days prior to the dead
battery.

•

If he/she is unsure, pair a phone to the vehicle, place a Bluetooth call, and allow the call to transfer to the handset by turning the ignition off and opening the
driver’s door.

•

Then, exit and lock the vehicle, walk away while talking on the handset, and disconnect the call once you are out of Bluetooth range.

•

Return to the vehicle and inspect the green OnStar LED status through the window of the vehicle.

⇒

If the test procedure immediately above results in a green OnStar LED with the vehicle locked and/or if the customer recalls parking and exiting the
vehicle while talking on a Bluetooth call 2-3 days prior to the dead battery, follow the service procedure below to reprogram the Telematics
Communication Interface Control Module (Onstar/VCIM) with updated software designed to address this concern.

Service Procedure

Note: The screenshot and software numbers are just one example of what is listed under the Telematics Communication Interface Control Module,
depending on the year, make, and model, the screen may look slightly different and different software part numbers may be listed as well.
1.

Select J2534 MDI or MDI2.

2.

Select Reprogram ECU.

3.

Enter VIN.

4.

Select Telematics Communication Interface Control Module as the controller.

5.

Select Programming & Service Activation as the Function/Sequence.

6.

Select Telematics Communication Interface Control Module- Programming tab.

2

•

In some cases, TIS will automatically select the most recent software designed to address this concern. However, if prompted to select a specific
software part number, select the part number that is described as being designed to address Bluetooth battery drain.

Important: During reprogramming, the battery voltage must be maintained within the proper range of 12.6-15.5 volts.CONNECT the approved Midtronics®
PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool (EL-49642) to the vehicle or the GR8 (EL50313) in the power supply mode.

Warranty Information
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

2810415

Communication Interface Control Module Programming and Setup

Use Published Labor Operation
Time

Version

2

Modified

Feb. 16, 2017 - Updating Model and Procedure section and adding Information section.

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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

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