Bulletin No.: 03-08-46-004M
Date: Nov-2012

Subject:

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

Models:

2012-2013 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks
All Equipped with OnStar® RPO UE1

This bulletin is being revised to remove the 2011 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-46-004L
(Section 08 – Body and Accessories).

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.
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 ONETIME 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 Autocraft Electronics (ACTLE) ESC. Contact them using their website: www.autocraft.com or by phone at 800-336-3998.
2.2. In Canada from the York Electronics ESC. Contact them by phone at: 800-361-2894 West - Calgary OR 888-650-9675 East - Oshawa.

ESC Shipping and Core Return Information

•

The replacement VCIM is shipped using standard ground shipment unless otherwise specifically requested by the dealer.

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⇒

•

If the replacement VCIM is not received within seven business days DO NOT contact TAC. For any concern regarding the non-receipt, 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 reconfiguring 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.
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

2

•

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.
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.

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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

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