Onstar Backup

[SkyhighNY]

Just a heads up for people out there relying on the OnStar trial period for turn-by-turn directions, always bring a backup plan.

On my recent trip to the MASSC Skylands rally I found myself unable to find my way home. I followed a friend who had GPS to the meet so didn't pay attention to directions. I decided to stay another day and thought I'd have no problem getting home due to having OnStar. I get in my car to begin my 100 mile treck home, press my friendly OnStar button to get directions and instead get the message "We are experience technical difficulties at this time. If this is a true emergency please dial 911!" How the $*#$)(*)@# do I get home now?

Thank goodness for friends with GPS! After a group effort I gathered my directions and returned home. WITHOUT the help of OnStar!

[JRinKY]

No technology is 100% reliable, including GPS. The boating and back-country hiking worlds are full of stories of people relying on technology for navigation and getting into trouble when it fails because they do not have, or do not know how to use, a non-technical backup. For driving a compass is useful, but a map and knowing how to use it are essential.

[compdoc777]

Yes, when they first brought up the BS about Onstar and navagation I laughed.

I have a $150 Magellan that gets me everywhere and I can update it from the web with new maps.

[JustMike]

On sale this week at Best Buy $129.00
Magellan - Maestro 3200 GPS - 980-0007-001

Magellan - Maestro 3200 GPS
Model: 980-0007-001 | SKU: 8540803

[Druid-2]

I bought a Garmin 750 @ SAM's for $400.00 in May

I love it...

last Sat. deep in the NW corner of Kentucky I punched "home" and was on the interstate within 30 minutes.

Can't believe I waited so long to buy one

[compdoc777]

Yes, mine has the optional traffic update and will alert me and route me around wrecks, congestion, and road construction. Also mine is also a cross-over I can take off-road where there are just trails and rivers. A handy thing to have if you get lost in the the woods or back country and need some water.

[Elff]

My Mobile phone is my backup.
But I really like the Onstar and will take the occasional hiccup that all technologies have

[spunkie]

We tried the turn-by-turn when we first purchased our Sky. Cancelled after three failed attempts to route us appropriately. Each time we knew the directions, but wanted to check out On-Star. The funniest was when we followed their directions to Lake City, FL. When we were in front of the state prison, On-Star announced we had reached our destination.

Bought a Garmin. Works better.

Shirley

[southphillylakes]

FYI-- Onstar billing-- ,,Most of us renewed for 12.95 after the free 1 year..Check your bill ,because after year is up, they bill you 18.95..you must call back and have them lower again.

[Elff]

Is that the rate they give you after your year is up?

[southphillylakes]

Originally Posted by Elff

Is that the rate they give you after your year is up?

yes 12.95 per month

[Elff]

COOOL!!
That's definately worth it

[southphillylakes]

Originally Posted by Elff

COOOL!!
That's definately worth it

You have to call them and tell them thats the rate you want.

[Elff]

Hopefully I will remember that as I have over 11months left on the first FREE year

[southphillylakes]

Originally Posted by Elff

Hopefully I will remember that as I have over 11months left on the first FREE year

in about 10 months they will sent you something in the mail for the 18.95 price. When you call to tell them its too much, they will lower it.

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by JRinKY

but a map and knowing how to use it are essential.

Yep. Even with all the fantastic technology we have that guides our way, it's always a good idea to have a big picture map in your head about where you are located, as well as an alternate means by which to navigate.

[TravisJames]

Originally Posted by spunkie

We tried the turn-by-turn when we first purchased our Sky. Cancelled after three failed attempts to route us appropriately. Each time we knew the directions, but wanted to check out On-Star. The funniest was when we followed their directions to Lake City, FL. When we were in front of the state prison, On-Star announced we had reached our destination.

Bought a Garmin. Works better.

Shirley

I have a Garmin (Nuvi 360) as well as OnStar turn by turn navigation. IMHO, OnStar navigation does seem crappy after using the Garmin Nuvi. Major beef about OnStar nav. is that it asks for an oral confirmation in order to reroute. I was getting directions via OnStar with the top down, was forced to turn off the OnStar directed path (construction) and couldn't reroute because OnStar couldn't hear me yelling "YES" to their “you have left the planned route, do you need directions to get back on route?" question. So instead of automatically rerouting me, the automated OnStar system told me they did not understand my response and ended the call / navigation. I had to pull off to the side of the road and call OnStar back to get going again. Total P.I.T.A.! Not sure why it doesn't automatically reroute you like the aftermarket GPS units do. Additionally, I'm suppose to be able to use MapQuest to send directions to OnStar (the feature is called "eNav") but have been unable to use this service for the entire duration of my OnStar directions and connections service. MapQuest continues to give me the following error message, "OnStar eNav requires an active OnStar Directions & Connections subscription and a Turn-By-Turn Navigation eligible vehicle. 2008 Saturn Sky
Not Eligible. OnStar eNav requires OnStar Virtual Advisor service to be available and operating to work properly. Your vehicle's Virtual Advisor service is currently not configured." Multiple calls to OnStar have not been able to fix this problem. Anyone know how or if we can actually use the eNav service?

[Mad4MySky]

During Desert Storm a group of buddies were out on patrol in the desert using our military GPS (the version that will take you REAL close to the target). Anyway, they were watching the GPS coordinates when all of a sudden everything went flaky. The GPS coordinates were all out of whack. They backed up and everything went to normal again.

Evidently, there was a "hole" that the GPS couldn't figure out. It was a bit disconcerting to say the least.

Originally Posted by JRinKY

No technology is 100% reliable, including GPS. The boating and back-country hiking worlds are full of stories of people relying on technology for navigation and getting into trouble when it fails because they do not have, or do not know how to use, a non-technical backup. For driving a compass is useful, but a map and knowing how to use it are essential.

[TravisJames]

In case anyone was curious. After calling OnStar support last night, someone was finally able to tell me that the "eNav" feature (used by MapQuest & OnStar) will not work if your car phone is tied to a Verizon Wireless account. It was my understanding that all OnStar phones were required to use Verizon Wireless so I'm not really sure who can use this feature. OnStar subscribers without a car phone? Not even sure if you can be an OnStar subscriber without a car phone. Anyway, just reaffirms my thought that OnStar directions and connections is a total P.O.S. Good concept, poor execution.

[SkyhighNY]

Originally Posted by TravisJames

In case anyone was curious. After calling OnStar support last night, someone was finally able to tell me that the "eNav" feature (used by MapQuest & OnStar) will not work if your car phone is tied to a Verizon Wireless account. It was my understanding that all OnStar phones were required to use Verizon Wireless so I'm not really sure who can use this feature. OnStar subscribers without a car phone? Not even sure if you can be an OnStar subscriber without a car phone. Anyway, just reaffirms my thought that OnStar directions and connections is a total P.O.S. Good concept, poor execution.

I didn't realize the phone had to be verizon. I thought that was just optional. But if it was verizon you could tie it in with your existing wireless account.

And I've had the same problem as you communicating when I got off route. Not sure how many times I have to say "yes" reroute but apparently its at least 3. Originally I thought I would renew for the convenience, but now I'm not so sure.