Education

OnStar uses both GPS and cellular technology

OnStarThis is the OnStar set of buttons.
They are attached at the top of the
windshield, so a driver can simply
press a button to talk to a live
person - an OnStar Advisor.

How does OnStar know when something is happening in your car or truck? Here is what would happen if an air bag was deployed, for example:

  1. Sensors in the car or truck detect that the airbag has deployed.

  2. The sensor sends a message to a small computer in the car that places a phone call on the cellular phone network.

  3. The vehicle uses the cellular network to place a call to an OnStar advisor to notify him or her that there’s a problem.

  4. The advisor looks up the location of the car. This system uses the vehicle’s GPS transmitter to help the GPS satellites figure out where it is.

  5. If necessary, the advisor makes a cellular call to the vehicle to see if you need help.

The advisor can also track the location of your vehicle and use that information to give you driving directions, help police find your car or truck if it’s stolen, or even unlock your doors.

See a diagram of how OnStar communicates with a car or truck >>
Read more: Stories of how OnStar has helped >>


© 2008 General Motors Corporation