Vehicle Communication Interface Module

(VCIM) Programming Not Completed

2003–2018 Various GM Models

Reference Number: N172095570 Release Date: March 2018

Revision:00
Attention: This program is in effect until March 31, 2020.
Model Year
Make Model From To RPO Description
Buick Enclave 2008 2012
Buick Enclave 2014 2016
Buick Encore 2013 2016
Buick Envision 2017 2017
Buick LaCrosse 2008 2016
Buick LeSabre 2005 2005
Buick Lucerne 2006 2011
Buick Rainier 2004 2004
Buick Rainier 2007 2007
Buick Verano 2013 2016
Cadillac ATS 2013 2016
Cadillac CTS 2004 2004
Cadillac CTS 2006 2006
Cadillac CTS 2008 2015
Cadillac Deville 2003 2003
Cadillac DTS 2008 2011
Cadillac Escalade 2007 2007
Cadillac Escalade 2009 2012
Cadillac Escalade 2014 2016
Cadillac SRX 2004 2004
Cadillac SRX 2006 2006
Cadillac SRX 2008 2015
Cadillac XLR 2005 2005
Cadillac XT5 2017 2017
Cadillac XTS Coach 2013 2013
Cadillac XTS 2013 2016
Chevrolet Avalanche 2005 2005
Chevrolet Avalanche 2009 2013
Chevrolet Aveo 2009 2010
Chevrolet Camaro 2010 2017
Chevrolet Captiva 2014 2014
Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 2005
Chevrolet Cobalt 2009 2009
Chevrolet Colorado 2008 2008
Chevrolet Colorado 2010 2012
Chevrolet Colorado 2015 2016
Chevrolet Corvette 2008 2011
Chevrolet Corvette 2014 2015
Chevrolet Cruze 2011 2017
Chevrolet Equinox 2009 2018
Chevrolet Express 2014 2014
Chevrolet Express 2016 2016
Chevrolet Impala 2008 2016
Chevrolet Malibu 2009 2018
Chevrolet Silverado 2009 2017
Chevrolet Sonic 2012 2016
Chevrolet Spark 2013 2014
Chevrolet SS 2015 2017
Chevrolet Suburban 2008 2012
Chevrolet Suburban 2015 2016
Chevrolet Tahoe 2005 2005
Chevrolet Tahoe 2007 2016
Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2008 2009
Chevrolet Traverse 2009 2016
Chevrolet TRAX 2015 2016
Chevrolet Volt 2011 2017
GMC Acadia 2008 2017
GMC Canyon 2012 2012
GMC Canyon 2015 2016
GMC Envoy 2006 2006
GMC Envoy 2008 2008
GMC Sierra 2007 2007
GMC Sierra 2009 2015
GMC Terrain 2010 2016
GMC Yukon 2007 2007
GMC Yukon 2009 2013
GMC Yukon 2015 2016
HUMMER H2 2008 2009
Pontiac G8 2008 2009
Pontiac Solstice 2007 2007
Pontiac Solstice 2009 2009
Pontiac Vibe 2009 2009
Saturn AURA 2009 2009
Saturn OUTLOOK 2009 2009
Saturn SKY 2007 2008
Saturn VUE 2007 2007

Involved vehicles are marked “open” on the Investigate Vehicle History screen in GM Global
Warranty Management system. This site should always be checked to confirm vehicle involvement
prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs.

Condition Certain 2003-2018 model year vehicles, equipped with OnStar (UE1) that received
vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) replacement during servicing, may
have a condition in which at the time of communication module replacement, some
modules were partially programmed or not programmed, rendering the OnStar feature
without complete functionality.
Correction Contact OnStar by pushing the blue OnStar button and receiving confirmation of
vehicle connectivity. If successful, no further action is required. If connectivity cannot
be established reprogram the vehicle communication interface module.

Parts Information

No parts are required for this repair.

Warranty Information

9103664 OnStar Blue Button Call and Operation Verification (No Programming 0.2 ZFAT N/A
Required)
9102949* Vehicle Communication Interface Module Reprogramming with SPS 0.5 ZFAT N/A
(also known as Communication Interface Control Module or Telematics
Communication Interface Control Module depending on year. Includes
Blue Button Call.)

* To avoid warranty transaction rejections, the SPS Warranty Claim Code must be entered when
submitting this transaction.

Service Procedure

Note

Carefully read and follow the instructions below.

 Ensure the programming tool is equipped with the latest software and is securely connected to
the data link connector. If there is an interruption during programming, programming failure or
control module damage may occur.

 Stable battery voltage is critical during programming. Any fluctuation, spiking, over voltage or
loss of voltage will interrupt programming. When required install the SPS Programming
Support Tool to maintain system voltage. If not available, connect a fully charged 12 V jumper
or booster pack disconnected from the AC voltage supply. DO NOT connect a battery charger.

 Turn OFF or disable systems that may put a load on the vehicles battery such as; interior
lights, exterior lights (including daytime running lights), HVAC, radio, etc.

 Clear DTCs after programming is complete. Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) system status indicators to NO.
Note

The OnStar module has been referred to by several different names depending on year, make,
and model. Refer to SI to ensure you are programming the correct module for this field action.

Note

DO NOT press the red Emergency button at any time. This will lock the module in a state from
which it cannot be recovered for 24 hours and prevent further repair until then.

1. While the vehicle is still outside with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky, press the blue
OnStar button and talk to the OnStar representative. Ask them if the OnStar module is
communicating properly with the network.

 If the OnStar representative confirms that the module is functioning properly, no further
action is required.

 If OnStar can’t be reached, or if the OnStar representative indicates that they are unable
to communicate with the module, proceed to step 2.

2. Reprogram the Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM) module. Refer to or in SI.

Note

To ensure that OnStar has received everything from TIS2web that they need to confirm
proper operation, it is suggested to wait 10 minutes and have the vehicle in an area with a
clear view of the sky before pressing the blue button to contact them.

3. Press the blue OnStar button again and talk to the OnStar representative to confirm the OnStar
module is communicating properly through the cellular network.

 If the OnStar representative confirms that the module is functioning properly, no further
action is required.

 If OnStar indicates that their diagnostics do not show the vehicle functioning properly,
direct the OnStar representative to perform a hardware replacement activity first, even if
no hardware was replaced.

 If you are unable to contact OnStar after performing your blue button press, contact
TAC for assistance.

4. Record SPS Warranty Claim Code on job card for warranty transaction submission.

Dealer Responsibility

All new, used, GM Certified Used, courtesy transportation vehicles, dealer shuttle vehicles, etc. in
dealers' possession and subject to this program be held and inspected/repaired per the service
procedure of this bulletin customers take possession of these vehicles. Involved vehicles must be
held and not delivered to customers, dealer-traded, released to auction, used for demonstration, or
any other purpose.

All GM Certified Used vehicles currently in the dealers’ inventory within the Certified Pre-Owned
Inventory System (CPOIS) will be de-certified andmust be held and remedied per the service
procedure in this bulletin. Upon submitting an accepted/paid warranty transaction in the Global
Warranty Management (GWM) system, the vehicle can be re-certified for sale within the CPOIS
system, or once again be used in the CTP program.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of
mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through March 31,, 2020. Customers who have recently
purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information
indicated on the involved vehicle listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be
made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy
of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Program
follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received
the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your
facility for service through March 31, 2020, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program
correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dealer Reports

For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles has been prepared and will be
provided to U.S. and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports, or sent
directly to export dealers. The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from
Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose
other than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up
necessary to complete this program.

Courtesy Transportation — For USA & Canada

Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in a product program
and still within the warranty coverage period. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures
Manual, Sections 1.4 and 6.1.10, for courtesy transportation program details.

Customer Notification

USA & Canada - General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of
customer letter included with this bulletin).

March 2018

This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:_____________________________________

Dear General Motors Customer:

We have learned that your 2003-2018 MY vehicle received an OnStar module replacement during
vehicle servicing. The replacement OnStar module may have been partially programmed or not
programmed at all, rendering the OnStar feature without complete functionality.

Your satisfaction with your [vehicle name] is very important to us, so we are announcing a program
to prevent this condition or, if it has occurred, to fix it.

What We Will Do: Before presenting the vehicle to your dealer, please complete the customer
action below, under What You Should Do. Please contact OnStar by pushing the blue OnStar button
and receiving confirmation of vehicle connectivity (as outlined below). If successful, no further
action is required. If connectivity cannot be established, your GM dealer will reprogram the OnStar
module. This service will be performed for you at no charge until March 31, 2020. After that, any
applicable warranty will apply.

What You Should Do: While your vehicle is outside with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky,
press the blue OnStar button to talk to an OnStar representative.

Identify that you received a letter for Customer Satisfaction Program 17398. Ask the representative if
your vehicle’s OnStar module is communicating properly with the network.

If the OnStar representative confirms that the module is functioning properly, no further action is
required. If the vehicle is not electronically visible to the OnStar representative, your GM dealer will
need to reprogram the OnStar module. To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you
contact your GM dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate
Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.

Division Number Text Telephones (TTY)

Buick 1-866-608–8080 1-800-832–8425
Cadillac 1–866–982–2339 1–800–833–2622
Chevrolet 1-800-630-2438 1-800-833-2438
GMC 1–866–996–9463 1–800–462–8583
Oldsmobile 1–800–630–6537 1–800–833–6537
Pontiac 1–800–620–7668 1–800–833–7668
Saturn 1–800–972–8876 1–800–833–6000
Hummer 1–866–964–8663 1–800–833–6537
Puerto Rico – English 1-800-496-9992
Puerto Rico – Español 1-800-496-9993
Virgin Islands 1-800-496-9994

We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want you to
know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your GM
vehicle [or if only one model involved, list name] provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

Terry M. Inch

Executive Director

Global Connected Customer Experience

17398