OnStar Sleep Cycle (Generation 6)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The OnStar® Generation 6 system uses a different sleep cycle than the Generation 5 system to allow the system to receive cellular calls while the ignition is in the OFF position. This cycle enables the vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) to perform remote functions, such as door unlock, as commanded over the air by the OnStar® Call Center, when requested by the customer, and to continue to maintain an acceptable level of battery electrical drain.

The OnStar® Generation 6 system varies by what type of cellular market it is in. If the vehicle is parked in an analog service only market, the sleep cycle works exactly the same as a Generation 5 system (see above). In a digital service market, the system uses the following 3 power modes when the vehicle is turned off:

High Power
Digital Standby
Sleep

The high power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the ON or RUN position, and enables the OnStar® system to send and receive cellular calls and perform all remote functions. The digital standby power state is in effect after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power (RAP) has timed out. When in digital standby mode, the OnStar module is able to perform all remote functions as commanded by an OnStar advisor at any time, for a continuous 8 hours. After 8 hours, the OnStar module will follow the standard sleep state that a Generation 5 module uses (9 minutes off, 1 minute of digital standby, based on the time of the GPS signals).

In the event the OnStar® system loses, or is temporarily removed from battery power, the system will remain in the sleep state while the key in the OFF position. It will not begin to cycle until the vehicle passes into an open outside area with the ignition ON, where a global positioning system (GPS) signal can be acquired, providing a reference for time. The OnStar® Call Center is able to maintain a record of exactly what time each vehicle will enter the one minute low power state by synchronizing their clocks with those of the vehicle, based on GPS signals.