Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
This vehicle will be equipped with one of the following types of antennas:
- Separate, standalone cellular and navigation antennas
- A combination cellular and navigation antenna, which brings the functions of both into a single part
- A cellular, GPS, and digital radio receiver (DRR) antenna, which also incorporates the functionality of the DRR satellite antenna (XM).
- A cellular, GPS, and DRR antenna, which also incorporates the AM/FM antenna.
The cellular antenna is the component that allows the OnStar® system to send and receive data over airwaves by means of cellular technology. The antenna is connected at the base to a coax cable that plugs directly into the CIM.
The GPS antenna is used to collect the signals of the orbiting GPS satellites. Within the antenna is housed a low noise amplifier that allows for a more broad and precise reception of this data. The antenna is connected at the base to a coax cable that plugs directly into the CIM. The cable also provides a path for DC current for powering the antenna.
The OnStar® Call Center also has the capability of communicating with the vehicle during an OnStar® call to retrieve the latest GPS location and transmit it to the OnStar® Call Center. A history location of the last recorded position of the vehicle is stored in the module and marked as aged, for as long as the module power is not removed. Actual GPS location may take up to 10 minutes to register in the event of a loss of power.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.