Onstar (VCIM) removal on 2002 Deville

[texillac]

I have a 2002 Cadillac Deville. I would like to disconnect/remove the VCIM Onstar module in my car. However, I do not know the location of it and how to disconnect/remove. Any help on this subject would be appreciated. Thanks.

[00 Deville]

The VCIM is located behind the rear seat back. Why do you want to remove it? Mine is still hooked up I have heard that disconnecting it will throw nuisance codes.

[ewill3rd]

If it is an analog setup (and I am sure it is) it won't work on today's cellular networks anyway.

The module is behind the rear seat back and to access the connections you have to do one of two things, remove the "electronics bay" panel in the trunk or remove the seat back itself.
Both can be tricky and sometimes you have to remove the seat back anyway to get the panel off.

Which one do you want to do and I'll give you some pointers.
Other modules will set codes once the VCIM is gone but as long as you know it you won't have much to worry about.

[texillac]

Thanks for the information. Let me know which method of accessing the module is either. It's my understanding there are three cables I can disconnect from the module to disable it. You indicated there were some error messages relayed to the other modules. Those won't impact the car's operation, correct? I assume those error messages are only for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes if hooked up to a computer.

[ewill3rd]

I would try going in from the trunk first.
Remove the carpet panel in the trunk that covers the seat back, you'll find three 10mm nuts. One at the top left, one left of center in a recess at the bottom and one way over to the right by the hinge.
If they start to spin and spin then you'll have to go inside and remove the seat back.
Once loose you can lean the panel back and reach over to disconnect things as necessary for access.
From there the VCIM is located towards the right hand outboard edge, it is a large module. There is actually one main connection at the bottom of the panel that you can undo that I believe all the VCIM wiring goes through.

The antennas won't matter but you can unhook them from the module.

The codes will be for lost communication and the modules will adapt, it should cause no other problems.

[texillac]

Appreciate all of your advice and assistance. I will give it a try this weekend and let you know if I have any troubles.

[John Wicz]

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

I would try going in from the trunk first.
Remove the carpet panel in the trunk that covers the seat back, you'll find three 10mm nuts. One at the top left, one left of center in a recess at the bottom and one way over to the right by the hinge.
If they start to spin and spin then you'll have to go inside and remove the seat back.
Once loose you can lean the panel back and reach over to disconnect things as necessary for access.
From there the VCIM is located towards the right hand outboard edge, it is a large module. There is actually one main connection at the bottom of the panel that you can undo that I believe all the VCIM wiring goes through.

The antennas won't matter but you can unhook them from the module.

The codes will be for lost communication and the modules will adapt, it should cause no other problems.

For what it's worth, this is what I did some time ago and the dealer was kind enough to "remove" the phone option with their scan tool so that I get no messages.

[DevilleDeeman]

Why don't you just remove the two parts(stuck on with adhesive) on the rear glass and stick the cable under the headliner. That's what I did...out of sight, out of mind.

[ewill3rd]

Removing the antenna would be effective but I think he wants to do more.

[MisterBlue]

I read this quote on another forum...

"They have millions of cars with the system activated. Nobody has time to worry about what you are doing and you're probably not important enough to get them interested."

Not being judgemental, but I'm inclined to agree.