On-Star antenna removal?

[rbrown1]

New to this forum. Just bought a used 2001 Tahoe LT and found out that my On-Star system is analog based, is not upgradeable, and as of 1/1/08, completely useless. At a minimum, I want to remove the On-Star antenna (mine is mounted on the left rear window of the vehicle.. not sure if that is where they ALL are mounted....).

Is there any hole in the glass to connect the inside unit that has the attached cable to the outside unit with the antenna? Or is this some kind of inductive pickup?

What is the best way to remove both units? (I'm guessing the outer unit <and maybe the inner unit too??> is just stuck on with some heavy duty adhesive/glue, so maybe a sharp/flat razor blade??).

I have the factory tint for the rear windows..Any concerns on ruining the factory tint when I remove the inside unit? I figure once I remove the inside unit I can just tuck the cable back under the edge of the headliner.

Finally, is there anything else I can/should do to complete the On-Star disable process? I've seen something to the effect of pulling a fuse?? Or just remove the antenna and be done?

Thanks for the advice! Looking forward to enjoying my "new" Tahoe!

 

[JKmotorsports]

Welcome! The On-star gps antenna is on the inside of the windshield near the center. The On-star cellular ant is one on the outside rear window on the driver side. They are both held in place with double-sided adhesive "tape", so you can use a putty knife or similar tool to pry it off and a razor blade with a soapy water solution to scrape off the adhesive residue. You won't damage the factory tinted glass.

 

[rbrown1]

JK, I'm also assuming the gps antenna/functionality is worthless if I can't get any "regular" On-star service because of the analog antenna/system.. Correct? I'm definitely going to remove the cellular antenna as it is on the outside of the car. Now that I know what the black square box is on the windshield (behind the mirror, just off center) IS, I'll probably remove it too.. I was thinking it was part of the compass system that shows up on the corner of the rear view mirror, but now I know better. Thanks! RB

 

[JKmotorsports]

I was told by a couple resources that an adapter would be available for the older analog systems to keep the older systems functional. But then not too long ago, another source stated that there would not be an adapter available. So I'm still not sure what's going on with that yet.

 

[rbrown1]

I called OnStar directly.. they were very clear.... as of 1/1/08, no analog service.. absolutely no upgrades available for my Tahoe.. Granted, I didn't buy my Tahoe new, but, if I had, I would be really upset that a feature on my 35K vehicle has been sunsetted.. Oh well.. Glad I have a cell phone with great coverage! (not sure that I would pay for any upgrades anyway... )

 

[rbrown1]

Removal complete on the cell antenna.. took a while.. (adhesive is REALLY tough!)..

 

[ugachs24]

Does the emergency button still work or is the whole system useless? I think they started putting the dual/band on the late 2004 models, because mine was manufactured in June 2004 and was already digital (never converted) and one of my neighbors has a February 2004 Burb and it had to be changed over.

 

[rbrown1]

Mine is worthless..Doesn't do a thing, even for emergencies.. Just a couple of pretty colored buttons on the dash now..If I had purchased this vehicle new, and had used the OnStar service on a regular basis, I'd be plenty upset that I now can't get service of any kind nor upgrades of any kind.. So, for me, I have already removed the cell antenna on the back window.. will work on removing the GPS antenna on the windshield next.. I suppose this really doesn't matter because I have a cell phone and can do almost everything OnStar did/does except auto contact me/fire/police in an accident and/or airbag deployment...

 

[ugachs24]

Yeah, I would be mad if they cut mine off today. I use it all the time.

 

[ericnj75]

I have a 01 denali and i have a small antenna on both of my rear windows and the gps on the windsheild why do i have 2 the same antennas on rear windows.