Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

03-08-46-004W
January, 2020

INFORMATION
Subject:

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

Models:

2020 Buick Enclave
2020 Cadillac CT4, CT5, CT6, XT4, XT5, XT6
2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Bolt EV, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Malibu, Silverado 1500,
Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, Spark, Traverse
2020 GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD/3500HD, Terrain
Equipped with OnStar® (RPO UE1) and Infotainment System RPO IOR, IOS, IOT or IOU

This bulletin has been revised to update the Model Years and Models. Please discard
Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-46-004V.

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 contact with the 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 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The TAC agent 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 agent 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 Specmo Enterprises
ESC. Orders can be placed online at
www.specmo.com or by phone. Contact them
by phone at 800-545-7910 or 248-307-2570.
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.

Page 2

January, 2020

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, 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
contacting 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 > Telematics
Communication Interface Control Module
Programming and Setup in SI.
⇒ If there are any issues reprogramming the
replacement VCIM, you must contact the
Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC).

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

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 of 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. Mobile Identification Number:
6.6. Mobile Directory Number:
If your diagnosis leads you to a B101D and or U18B4
DTC (may indicate an ethernet issue), 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 B101D and or U18B4 with
the technician. Some of the questions GM TAC may
ask are:
• Does the customer have an active OnStar account
(With data available as applicable) ?
• 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?
⇒ The sub-code must be recorded (example:
B101D SYM39, U18B4 SYM00 or SYM71)
• Is location masking or TTY enabled?
Technicians should select the following menu and
record the data from the VCIM.
Module Diagnostics/Vehicle Communications
Interface Module/Data Display/DTC Data
• DPID 11 Byte0:
• DPID 11 Byte1:
• DPID 11 Byte2:
• DPID 11 Byte3:
• DPID 11 Byte4:
• DPID 11 Byte5:
• DPID 11 Byte6:
• DPID 17 Byte0:
• DPID 17 Byte1:

Bulletin No.: 03-08-46-004W
•
•
•
•

DPID 17 Byte2:
DPID 17 Byte3:
DPID 17 Byte4:
DPID 17 Byte5:

January, 2020

Page 3

Important: The information obtained from the vehicle
should not be modified in any way unless directed by
the GM TAC consultant.
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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