My "flagship?" STS came with analog OnStar.
The OnStar cell phone in this vehicle in not very reliable.
I sent Cadillac a letter of complaint in Janurary.
In March Cadillac customer service told me that an upgrade
for my system was in the works and that not only would it be available
in early April, I would be at the top of the upgrade list.
I contacted my dealer and they didn't know anything about it.

Now that May is almost over I called OnStar and they put me in touch
with their engineering department. OnStar claims that, according to my VIN
number, my system will stop working on 12/31/07 and is not upgradeable.

I called Cadillac customer service and they told me that they are now
instructed to pass all OnStar problems on to OnStar.

I still have difficulty understanding why Cadillac would be so
short sided as to put a second rate system in the STS.

Somewhere I believe there is a lawsuit either filed or pending on this. It is a class action suit. I cannot find any information on it but sure would like to so I can join. I have the same problem as you do. If anyone knows more info we sure would like to hear it.

My understanding is the 05 STS is analog/digital ready and is upgradable. The question is when and who's paying.

My understanding is the 05 STS is analog/digital ready and is upgradable. The question is when and who's paying. I would love to join a class action. I called and emailed Cadillac and got a free oil change voucher. Ok that was nice but I would rather have gotten an appointment to get the digital upgrade. These cars will still have a year of warranty left after analog support is withdrawn. Seems to me they are obligated to upgrade.

You can upgrade for a fee. I called Cadillac and they had nothing to say since the system was OnStar.. The phone rep, told me they had been getting a lot of complaints. I told him I would upgrade the system with a 1 year extension. He advised me I had to purchase a 3 year upgrade. I told him why would I extend a cut rate system. Without it being Digital there is no incentive to upgrade, nor should I feel that I should have to purchase the upgrade on a 05 STS, when a lot of the CTS are getting it from the factory.

My understanding is the 05 STS is analog/digital ready and is upgradable. The question is when and who's paying.

I called the dealer today and the Business Manager read me the letter
they have covering OnStar upgrades.

The letter starts "certain generation 5 systems are upgradeable".

Notice it does not say all. He is going to check with OnStar to see if
they didn't make a mistake in telling me that mine is not going to be
upgradeable. We both are wondering just what "certain" means.

My dealer knows we are unhappy, Cadillac knows we are unhappy, and
OnStar knows we are unhappy. But, do they care?

Here's a quick way to tell what system you have.

Step #1: Press the white-dot or phone button button"Ready" (If there is no white-dot or phone button, the vehicle has an analog-only system.)

Step #1: Press the white-dot or phone button"OnStar Ready"
Step #2: Say "Help"The system replies with up to 14 options, such as "Dial," "Call," "Directory," and "Virtual Advisor." system is Analog/Digital-Ready

Step #1: Press the white-dot or phone button"OnStar Ready"
Step #2: Say "Help"Along with other options, you hear one of these digital-specific options: "Advisor Playback," "Digit Dial" or "Digit Store." system is Dual-Mode (Analog/Digital)

All STS's are upgradable to digital. If it turns out that we need to pay to upgrade, then that's just life. To claim that GM is legally obligated to upgrade it is ridiculous. That'd be like suing Sony because your Playstation 1 became obsolete when Playstation 2 came out.

There was a sticker in the window of your car when you purchased it letting you know exactly what kind of Onstar system you were getting.

Sorry to sound bitchy, but I'm sick of hearing about this.

I dont think its that we are bitching Tony. Its just the fact that this is the first run for the STS. Its a brand new model with all the tricks. But then it comes with Digital ready and not digital.

I do not think that GM should be required to upgrade anyone, I just think that a 3 year contract is stupid just for a digital upgrade. I understand that GM can only install what Onstar sends them.

Ok where bitching..

All STS's are upgradable to digital. If it turns out that we need to pay to upgrade, then that's just life. To claim that GM is legally obligated to upgrade it is ridiculous. That'd be like suing Sony because your Playstation 1 became obsolete when Playstation 2 came out.

There was a sticker in the window of your car when you purchased it letting you know exactly what kind of Onstar system you were getting.

Sorry to sound bitchy, but I'm sick of hearing about this.

First there was no stick on the car I purchased.
The window sticker just says OnStar system.
Secondly the dealer told me it would work with the Verizon package,
it does not.
Thirdly, OnStar engineering told me that they gave Cadillac what
Cadillac requested, and considering GM owns them both whats the
difference.
My last car was a 2002 Lincoln with digital VCS, this is a 2005 system
and in my area the analog cell sucks.
When I get put on hold at the dealer their phone system plays a
message saying that one should chose a Cadillac because it has
the latest technology, analog is not.
I didn't say I wanted it for free, I just want a system that works, I have
gotten the run around from GM for 5 months.
Lastly if you don't want to read about our real problems then
select a different thread. If I sound bitchy it is because OnStar engineering
told me yesterday, that according to my VIN number, my 2005 STS
will not be upgradable, hopefully they are wrong.

Tony, wait a minute. I have a 48 month warranty on this car and if something stops working I expect a warranty repair. I don't recall seeing anything that said the warranty doesn't cover the Onstar equipment. Where on the sticker does it indicate the type? That's also BS because no one at my dealer knew anything about it so how is the consumer expected to know?

The OnStar area rep called me this morning.
She is going to find out why they told me that my system
will not be upgradable.
She also said that the upgrade module is out for the SUV's
and that two have been installed in her area.
I explained to her that there are several locations in this
area from which I can't make a call. She is supposed to check that out too.
She claims that analog is a stronger system than digital, but did agree
that dual mode is the best.

Let us know what you hear. Even with my tri mode cell phone I find dead spots and I'm in the NY Metro area.

This is a real slip-up on GM's part. For pete's sake if you cant get it right on your Halo technology showpiece how can you be expected to remain at the forefront of technology or achieve the so called "world-class" status they are after. My 2004 Avalanche IS upgradeable so I would be VERY VERY surprised to find out the STS is not. Moreover, the digital unit should have been standard in the STS and since there was no real indication I think that at least 2005 owners should get the upgrade for free. 2004 and below owners (like myself) is a different story, most 2004 luxury automakers still had the upgradeable systems, so its only fair we have to pony up a little for the upgrade.

I agree, GM should be responsible for the upgrade on the 05s. If my radio stopped working under warranty it would be covered so why would Onstar be treated differently.

There's plenty of indication. The square sticker next to the MSRP sticker (the one with the Onstar logo....) carries full details about the Onstar system. It states "System type: Analog/Digital ready. This system will not work as of xx/xx/08 due to the federal ruling etc..etc...."

If the carriers decide not to continue with analog service in 08, your system will still WORK, you just won't be able to get service for it, so it's not a warranty issue. If the system failed due to a manufacturing defect, it's covered. I know some people are not happy about it, but claiming GM should pay for the upgrade is like purchasing a car with an 8 track player, and then claiming the manufacturer should upgrade you to cassette for free because no one makes 8 tracks anymore. If the 8 track broke however, you'd get a new one under warranty.

The key element here is disclosure. GM fully disclosed what system the STS came with in bold print, and whether or not you read it makes no difference. If you directly asked your salesperson if it was digital and they lied, that's an issue between you and the dealer. I doubt that happened though. What is most likely is that an assumption was made, and you know what they say about those.

It states "System type: Analog/Digital ready.

What exactly is involved in upgrading to digital?

There's plenty of indication. The square sticker next to the MSRP sticker (the one with the Onstar logo....) carries full details about the Onstar system. It states "System type: Analog/Digital ready. This system will not work as of xx/xx/08 due to the federal ruling etc..etc...."

If the carriers decide not to continue with analog service in 08, your system will still WORK, you just won't be able to get service for it, so it's not a warranty issue. If the system failed due to a manufacturing defect, it's covered. I know some people are not happy about it, but claiming GM should pay for the upgrade is like purchasing a car with an 8 track player, and then claiming the manufacturer should upgrade you to cassette for free because no one makes 8 tracks anymore. If the 8 track broke however, you'd get a new one under warranty.

The key element here is disclosure. GM fully disclosed what system the STS came with in bold print, and whether or not you read it makes no difference. If you directly asked your salesperson if it was digital and they lied, that's an issue between you and the dealer. I doubt that happened though. What is most likely is that an assumption was made, and you know what they say about those.
As I told you before, there was no square sticker on my car.

Then that's an issue for the dealer, because those stickers are factory applied. It's the "class action lawsuit" part that irritates me.

There's also this little gem in the Onstar manual.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/Firebomba/Onstar.jpg

Tony,
Do you work for GM or OnStar?

I never saw anything from Onstar regarding analog/digital. In addition the window sticker only specifies Onstar equiped. The salesman and service knew nothing about this either.

***SAFETY***
• ONSTAR SYSTEM INCLUDES 1YR DIRECTIONS & CONNECTIONS

Just a proud STS owner who's sick of everyone screaming lawsuit.

I owned a Mazda RX-8 prior to my STS, and everyone on rx8club.com was trying to organize a class action suit against Mazda because the car didn't acheive the EPA rating on the window sticker. It was ridiculous, because Mazda didn't make the fuel economy claim, the EPA did, in addition to the fact that stickers clearly state that MPG varies by location, temperature, driving habits, etc....

The STS is clearly marked with an Onstar sticker as well. Maybe I'm still carrying some irritation from the RX-8 forum, but it irks me that our society is so quick to shout "lawsuit!" before even stopping to consider all the facts.

:helpless: Maybe some STS carry that clearly marked Onstar sticker but I guarantee mine did not. :want: In addition after learning about this I questioned both my salesman and my service writer and they knew nothing about this. If the dealership personnel who are trained in the features and sales of this car were not aware of this how is the consumer supposed to know?:banghead:
The last thing I expected when purchasing a high end 05 GM automobile was an end of life Onstar particularly when it's being installed in lesser cars and earlier model years.:hmm: Very misleading and in the interest of maintaining good customer relations, some kind of upgrade deal should be offered.:rant2:

Just a proud STS owner who's sick of everyone screaming lawsuit.

I owned a Mazda RX-8 prior to my STS, and everyone on rx8club.com was trying to organize a class action suit against Mazda because the car didn't acheive the EPA rating on the window sticker. It was ridiculous, because Mazda didn't make the fuel economy claim, the EPA did, in addition to the fact that stickers clearly state that MPG varies by location, temperature, driving habits, etc....

The STS is clearly marked with an Onstar sticker as well. Maybe I'm still carrying some irritation from the RX-8 forum, but it irks me that our society is so quick to shout "lawsuit!" before even stopping to consider all the facts.

I agree with you on lawsuits.

Maybe the OnStar sticker is on some cars, but not mine.
On should not have to be an OnStar expert when buying a car.
I was told that the built in cell phone in my STS would work with the
Verzion package.
When I found that I had an analog system not only was I shocked the
salesman and business manager at my dealer were too.

The OnStar area rep. got back to me, and she said that she had
to talk to 3 people at OnStar to confirm that my VIN number is upgradable.

I first complained to OnStar in Jan. they told me to contact the service
manager at my dealer to get an upgrade. The service manager didn't
know of any available upgrades.
I then complained to GM customer service, they told me I would be upgraded
in April.
Now OnStar tells me I might be upgraded in the fall.

I get the feeling that neither GM or OnStar understand how the Consumer
feels about getting a second rate, soon to be phased out, system in
a 2005 luxury car. My dealer tells me that it is the number one complaint
they have been getting with the STS. As one of the managers told me
"we are trying to regain market share and GM pulls crap like this".

I enjoy driving the car, it is an extremely nice car.
however, I feel like I am wearing a Tux and have a rock in my shoe.
In my normal driving areas the cell phone is this car is a pain.

I'm not talking about the options sticker, I am referring to a sticker that is square in shape, placed next to the MSRP sticker you are quoting.

I don't want to give off the impression that I'm defending GM, but for crying out loud people, do your homework before spending $60,000 on a car. Here's a link to Cadillac.com. Look at STS, then click "Onstar", and you'll see THIS (http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/models/featureDisclaimer.jsp?model=sts&feature=onstar) disclosure.

I'd like a free upgrade too, but if you want to stay current with technology, it's your responsibilty, no one else's.

I'm not talking about the options sticker, I am referring to a sticker that is square in shape, placed next to the MSRP sticker you are quoting.

I don't want to give off the impression that I'm defending GM, but for crying out loud people, do your homework before spending $60,000 on a car. Here's a link to Cadillac.com. Look at STS, then click "Onstar", and you'll see THIS (http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/models/featureDisclaimer.jsp?model=sts&feature=onstar) disclosure.

I'd like a free upgrade too, but if you want to stay current with technology, it's your responsibilty, no one else's.

Was that disclosure there in November when I purchased my car?
Both Cadillac.com and OnStar have upgraded their web sites in the last
6 months.
My salesman swears that they had a presentation from Cadillac just
before the STS came out where they were told it had digital OnStar.
Needless to say, he is not a happy camper about it.

I dont know if there's grounds for a lawsuit, but digital Onstar in a 2005 STS is a reasonable expectation.

I have no doubt that recent buyers are advised of the analog onstar but many early buyers were not. I looked at dozens of STS cars and did much web research and never uncovered this short coming. To be honest the furthest thing from my mind was that I would end up with a sub par onstar. Prior to all this I had no idea there were different versions of the system. For crying out loud, my $49.00 Motorola cell phone is analog/digital and I think it's a reasonable expectation that a $60,000.00 car would be too. It wouldn't have changed my decision to buy but would have been nice to know going in. PS, this is still the best car I have owned.

Yours is analog/digital. Take my word for it.

Press your white dot/phone button, then post here what it says. If it says "Onstar ready", it's analog/digital. Instead of running in circles with the dealer and Cadillac, just try that.

Or you can call Onstar like I did and I heard them say "your OnStar system is analog".

*sigh*..... Yes, but what does the phone say when you press the white button?

Perhaps they told you it was analog because it is. It is also digital ready. If your phone says "ready", it's not upgradable. But yours says, "ONSTAR ready", doesn't it? So cool your jets.

And while you're at it, don't consider my comments a personal attack. If you notice, I'm trying to help you realize that your anger about not having a digital ready system is unfounded.

I dont know if there's grounds for a lawsuit, but digital Onstar in a 2005 STS is a reasonable expectation.

Amen, Amen, AAAAAAmen

hey don, tony is right.. I have a 2005 STS V6, I called OnStar and I asked them if mine was analog/digital. First she said analog, and I asked her are you sure....she put me on hold and checked and came back that all 2005 STS are all analog/digital, so it's upgradable. And she also said that we would get something in the mail about the upgrade....

hey don, tony is right.. I have a 2005 STS V6, I called OnStar and I asked them if mine was analog/digital. First she said analog, and I asked her are you sure....she put me on hold and checked and came back that all 2005 STS are all analog/digital, so it's upgradable. And she also said that we would get something in the mail about the upgrade....

I am not going to hold my breath. As I mentioned in an earlier post, OnStar
inplied that an upgrade was available this past Jan. What I really want is
a built in cell phone that I don't need to keep pressing the button on
numerous times almost everytime I make a call.
If it would work half as good as the one that was in my old car, a 2002, I would be happy.

Tony,

I know my system is analog/digital ready but what burns my ass besides a flame 3 feet tall is the fact that I have to have it upgraded to digital. No big deal, I was just expressing my astonishment that it's not digital from the factory. To be honest, I would rather have the analog system, there is much better coverage since many areas are not digital capable at this time. If I were a system designer for Onstar I would make them all tri mode like cell phones and have the best of both worlds.

Excuse me but it's not like GM, Cadillac, and OnStar didn't know digital was coming and they just woke up one morning in a digital world! 5 years ago I got an Analog/Digital cell phone, 2 years ago I got a Digital/Analog cell phone ( and I can't remember the last time it showed an analog signal ) and now I have a new Digital only cell phone. They pose themselves as technology and market leaders, so why weren't they leading the charge to digital? It shouldn't have taken a rocket scientist to realize that the analog cellular world was dying and that digital is the way to go. They knew there was a planned end-of-life for their analog carriers so why not just make the switch to digital like everyone else. The cell phone companies have offered a "free" pure digital exchange of phones just to get people on the digital networks in exchange for extended service contracts. I would think that GM and OnStar could have done the same when they realized that the world was changing rather than try to stonewall the change and face a customer relations issue now. No doubt one of the reasons their in car cellular minutes are so expensive is because they are buying Analog minutes in a digital world. The cellular companies are doing everthing possible to convert their installed bases to digital so they can shut down the more expensive and less secure analog systems.

Excuse me but it's not like GM, Cadillac, and OnStar didn't know digital was coming and they just woke up one morning in a digital world! 5 years ago I got an Analog/Digital cell phone, 2 years ago I got a Digital/Analog cell phone ( and I can't remember the last time it showed an analog signal ) and now I have a new Digital only cell phone. They pose themselves as technology and market leaders, so why weren't they leading the charge to digital? It shouldn't have taken a rocket scientist to realize that the analog cellular world was dying and that digital is the way to go. They knew there was a planned end-of-life for their analog carriers so why not just make the switch to digital like everyone else. The cell phone companies have offered a "free" pure digital exchange of phones just to get people on the digital networks in exchange for extended service contracts. I would think that GM and OnStar could have done the same when they realized that the world was changing rather than try to stonewall the change and face a customer relations issue now. No doubt one of the reasons their in car cellular minutes are so expensive is because they are buying Analog minutes in a digital world. The cellular companies are doing everthing possible to convert their installed bases to digital so they can shut down the more expensive and less secure analog systems.

After talking to Cadillac Customer Service and OnStar several times I am
totally convinced that they just don't understand why anyone would care.

Perhaps Onstar is not able to switch to Digital service overnight, while still maintaining the coverage area and services they have installed in analog. Maybe this is the reason that the cars are coming with Analog/digital dual systems: To allow a smooth transition from one to the other.

Just a thought.

I found a reference in the warrenty manual of my 2005 SRX stating the warrenty expressly did not cover loss of functionality of the analog phone/onstar due to system changes. I bet it is in your warrenty manuals as well. For me this is not yet a big issue - I'll wait and see what they charge for the upgrade...
If they do it like most phone companies (inexpensive with a contract) I think they will do well. If, however, it is an expensive proposition, I can't see how they can survive as most of their current customers cancel. As I have an '04 CTS and an '05 SRX - both with active onstar contracts - I've been watching closely...

PS - I love the STS! hoping to "upgrade" when I'm done with the CTS....:D

EIB19

I purchased my 05 STS in November. It had no Onstar sticker. The sales manager told me it would be dual mode. He also stated that the Cadillac information he had stated that the STS had "state of the art technology." When he and I discovered that what he told me was not true he was extremely embarrassed and said he would look into it. He was the one that was told by Cadillac that there was a lawsuit pending and he could no longer talk about it. He apologzied profusely and said to talk to Onstar. I have gotten the same story from Onstar as many of you have. First it was not upgradeable, then it is if I purchase Onstar for three years. At my age I might not be here three years from now. Sorry Tony, the issue is that Cadillac wants to become a world leader and yet pulls this sort of stuff. I did all my research and since my purchase of an 03 Escalade, was committed to Cadillac and believed them when they said the car was equipped with state of the art technology. It is incredible that Cadillac thinks they will keep customer loyalty when this sort of stuff occurs. When you couple this issue with the voice regognition system as compared to other similar cars, Cadillac is not going to become a world class leader. Somehow they must understand that most of us purchasing this car are semi-literate idiots who reader the Reader's Digest for entertainment. Most of us are educated, somewhat sophisticated, and extremely knowledgable regarding the vehicles we purchase. Cadillac needs to get with the program, bite the bullet, take care of us or as they say in the public relations world, "have a bad experience and tell 10 people; have a good experience and tell one person." End of story!

:deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse

Jeez ... alright already!

:deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse

Jeez ... alright already!

This horse is not dead until they provide a workable upgrade.
So we are beating a live horse, grin.

Paul--do yu have problems with the Voice Recognition also? I can not get mine to recognize me 9 times out of 10. Does anyone have a solution?

Thanks.

Hi STS 10525! I will admit that I do not work very much at the vr system. When I first got the car I was excited to try it so I messed around for a while with it. When I found that it was more trouble and ludicrous to try and master I pretty much leave it alone. It is easier and quicker to change things with the buttons and controls. I have not spent much time with vr and the nav system since we have not done a great deal of traveling to new addresses etc. I just think that it is sort of a joke and something that looks good when trying to sell "world class cars" that are competing with real world class cars. The vr system is one of the few things I am really disappointed with on the STS. Love the car, handling, looks, and power. Not happy with lack of interior storage, average quality paint job, problems with Onstar, and voice recognition system. I love my Escalade and thought I would be loyal to Cadillac forever but not so sure anymore.


Paul

The advantage of the VR system in regard to Navigation is that it allows you to do some things while driving that you can't do with the switches.....that is, if it worked. I have found that it misunderstands me 99 times out of a hundred......but worse than that, it makes up its own interpretation of what I said, and then implements it, much to my chagrin.

For instance, I use the correct command to put restaurants on the map and it comes back with "Set Stereo Left" and then does it. I spend 15 trying to figure out which commands were carried out and undoing them when I stop the car.:bonkers:

As I have read all of the varying "links", PDF pages etc., I must say that Cadillac (IN MY OPINION) has done a LOUSY job of putting out information on this. You need to be a detective. It would appear that there are THREE different versions of the On-Star System:

a.) Analog
b.) Analog/Digital Ready
c.) Dual Mode Analog/Digital

They also say that there should be an On-Star sticker on the car that makes it very clear which of the versions one has. (shame they don't on the Cadillac website!)
In addition, it states that if you have mode a.) you are out of luck come 1/08.

Since they know this, it would be difficult (although not impossible) to imagine that GM is producing any On-Stars in this mode.

If you have version b.) you can obtain a digital upgrade IF you buy 3 years of service in advance. Seems really sleazy.

Finally, if you have version c.)....while you may currently be operating in Analog (or digital)...you can operate in either mode (not sure how you activate it or whether it switches over automatically.)

Also, they have a joint program with Verizon which REQUIRES that you be in the digital mode if you wish to take advantage of it. Given how crippled the Blue-Tooth is in the car for Nav-Screen calling, this seems like the best option IF one has the version c.)

All in all, for a company that introduced night vision in cars, has the only "heads up display" I am aware of, and seems to have some technologically literate people....they have done a HORRIBLE/TERRIBLE/LOUSY/POOR
job of explaining On-Star both to the public (and apparantly to their own
people.)

ALL OF THE ABOVE IS MY OPINION

Islander,
Amen.

Dual mode Analog/Digital means that the phone is normally using an analog signal to make calls, and will use digital if no analog signal is available and a digital signal is. Digital/Analog is just the reverse. Most cell phone companies today have only digital equipment for sale. They have already converted most of their networks and are only supporting analog because they have to. They have all give promotions to their analog customers to get them to swithch already (like free phones and limited extended contracts). I think the reason they have not made the information on OnStar easy to find is that they don't have a good message and they don't have a good strategy for dealing with the existing customers.

Al

Paul--do yu have problems with the Voice Recognition also? I can not get mine to recognize me 9 times out of 10. Does anyone have a solution?

Thanks.

I just spent 10 minutes updating a "name tag".
OnStar tells me that "charlie" sounds like "home".
With the system I had in my previous car I could enter
the names using the internet.
The phone would the recognize those names without being trained.

Yesterday I had to press the OnStar button four times to make
one hands free phone call.
Today I visited my dealer for an oil change and tire rotation.

All of the Devilles and CTSs on their lot had digital/analog OnStar
systems. All of the STSs had analog OnStar. It is very hard for me
to see the logic in this. Why would the cheaper CTS have the
upgraded system before the STS?

I asked if I was the only person that complained about this, and they
said; "many customers are unhappy with the analog OnStar".

My Solution.......


CANCEL ONSTAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, my, the tales I can tell about the analog phone. I'll start with the most pertinent fact first. Then if you all don't want to read my ranting, you can just skip the rest.

I did my homework before buying and learned from the OnStar site that "All Onstar-equipped vehicles have one of three types of equipment: Analog-Only, Analog/Digital-Ready, and Dual-Mode (Analog/Digital)." The ONStar sticker on my 2005 (bought the last of April) reads "System Type: Analog/Digital". So I assumed that, as the OnStar site indicates, my phone would "....operate on both networks and will not require an upgrade...." WRONG !!!! I think this is gross misrepresentation. Shouldn't my label have said Analog/Digital-Ready? If I had known all of this, I would have waited for the 2006 model (assuming GM decides to go kicking and screaming into the 21st century).

I can understand why OS would like to keep us from going with Verizon. For $59 I can get 500 minutes on my car phone and cell phone. With OS, the 500 minutes for my car alone is $174.99. I realize the the rate for Verizon is for a month, and the OS is for a year. But what a big difference in price.

Now for the ranting -- feel free to stop reading here, but I need some venting with folks who have gone through the same ordeal. Between GM and OnStar, I have been ignored, insulted and practially yelled at. The folks at OS were practically useless and the people at GM customer service were outright rude. I was given a phone number which is for an area code 100 miles from me and, of course, long distance for anyone who would be calling me in my car. Can you imagine -- if my husband calls me from my house and I'm in my driveway, there's a long distance charge. I contacted OS and they told me they had only the numbers that were released to them, but they got them regulalry, sometimes every day. So I started calling every day. One of the OS people told me "Don't call back for at least 2 weeks." I told her that I had a $45,000 car and I'd call as often as I liked. Then the next time I called, the rep said "Are you calling about your phone number AGAIN."

Now for the GM service reps. A completely useless "phone rep," told me there was absolutely no one at GM who could help me. She couldn't even tell me if my car was just analog or analog/digital ready. So I asked to speak to her supervisor. He was surly from the minute he came on and told me that "Ann" had already given me all the information they had and there certainly wasn't anyone he could transfer me to who could give me any answers. So I asked for the number for their legal office. Get this -- his response "Your attorney will have that number." My response "Well, you all must be having lots of law suits if every attorney in the nation already knows your number."

My dealer has been great. He has given me his word that if GM doesn't replace my analog for free the dealership will pay the cost for me. Should have gotten it in writing, but I'm willing to give him one chance. If it doesn't work this way when the update is available, someone will be hearing from my attorney.

Sorry for the long post, but I've been at this for 6 weeks and have about 30 hours sunk into it. I'll be anxious to hear if you all had stickers that stated Analog/Digital-Ready, just Analog, or Analog/Digital like mine.

Now for the GM service reps. A completely useless "phone rep," told me there was absolutely no one at GM who could help me. She couldn't even tell me if my car was just analog or analog/digital ready. So I asked to speak to her supervisor. He was surly from the minute he came on and told me that "Ann" had already given me all the information they had and there certainly wasn't anyone he could transfer me to who could give me any answers. So I asked for the number for their legal office. Get this -- his response "Your attorney will have that number." My response "Well, you all must be having lots of law suits if every attorney in the nation already knows your number."

In defense of the GM reps, the one I was dealing with on several matters
including OS, who had been very helpful, told me that they were instructed
not to handle OS complaints any longer. They are now supposed to pass
the complaint on to OS. The local OS rep. called me and explained that
analog was much better than digital, so I asked why my OS hands free
phone was such a problem. From this conversation I concluded that
neither OS or GM understand why we are upset.
My dealer has promised me an update in september, he is not a happy
camper. He said that Cadillac is trying to gain market share and that
they shot themselves in the foot with this problem.

I am currently ready to buy a STS 1SG AWD-4 and the OS is Analog-possibly Upgradeable. The price tag is $58350.00 (loaded)

Now the dealer says "it's simply a matter of cadillac Division and OnStar reaching a contract agreement"... should I buy or not? The employee buy program ends in a few days... Even OS says they can not tell me but as of now this vehicle is not upgradeable. What should I do...

I want the vehicle but I don't want to be without OS at the end of 2007.

The 05 STS has analog / digital upgradable Onstar. The big question remains, who will fund the cost of the upgrade? Buy the car. I have been an Onstar subscriber for almost 4 years and to be honest, I almost never use it and could easily live without it. I assume you carry a cell phone, so you are not out there all alone. In addition by the time analog support is withdrawn, technology costs will be much lower and Onstar could be a dying product by then and upgrades could be cheap. Just one man's opinion.

Thanks for the response...

I am going to see if the dealer is willing to pay for the upgrade...he may tell me that he is making very little on the deal as is with the "employee purchase deal" BTW, how much would you say that the dealer is making on the sale of the STS?

Hard to know what they are making. I assume they still get dealer hold back on the employee sales but not sure. In any case, in my opinion the dealers want the service business so the sale of the car is just a small part of their operation. Not sure who said it but you can only skin a sheep once but you can sheer it many times.

Thanks for the advice...I think maybe I should wait for the '06 STS AWD ..

Maybe then, most of the probs. I read about on this forum will be worked out...

Appreciate it...:yup:

I think the problems you read about here are not a good representation of the total STS ownership population. No doubt as with any car there are problems but I can tell you that mine has been almost 100% trouble free. I say almost becasue I had a check engine light at around 2K miles and it was a defective vent in the fuel system. Dealer fixed it same day and I can't say it's a design flaw or a Caddy problem, stuff happens sometimes and I am convinced the little sweat shop in Tiawan that makes the valve is at fault. I am a Caddy owner since 1989 and this is the best of the best. 05 or 06 I don't think you can go wrong. I know there are those who think, "I'm not buyig version 1 or anything" but my thinking is a little different. I want the first generation, before they start to figure little manufacturing shortcuts. I think the pressure to build quality in a new model is highest in the early years then complacency and boredom sets in on the line and quality suffers in the long run.

You've mentioned some good points....I have an Escalade EXT and the dealer is being very good to me on the trade in. I really like this auto..and it is the 1 SG AWD with only 2 miles on it. It is the Black Raven with Ebony interior..would you think that there is truth to the fact that many say "oh black is too hot and so would be the black leather seats" what would you say? There are not many 2005 STS AWD fully loaded vehicles left around here...so the picking is slim.

I received a magaizine mailing from OnStar on August 11, 2005. Included was an article advising that Analog Onstar systems such as the one in my 2003 EXT will be non functionable as of January 1, 2008, Since I purchased this vehical with the OnStar package in December of 03 (well after November of 02 when OnStar knew that the FCCwas requiring the change) I can't help but wonder why I wasn't advised at the time of my purchasing this promoted safety enhancing package with my vehicle that the OnStar equipment would become non Functionable withiin 4 years. When I called OnStar to inquire as to the status of the equipment in my 03 EXT I was informed that I was "lucky" that I could change out my system for a new Digital system for only ~$579.00. As I will still be paying off the original loan on the vehical as of Jan.1 2008 I am very interested in forming or joining a class action law suit against Cadilac and Onstar to correct this pre planned obsolescence for a safety component of my vehichle. I also would request that Cadilac advise all immediatly if any other component parts of their Cadilacs are planned to become non functionable. I do not think that learing about non functioning safety components from a magazine is acceptable. Any lawyers interested

When I picked up my 05 STS in June, the analog phone termination notice was in the documentation package I received from the dealer.

It looks like they covered themselves legally for the '05 STS cars.

When I picked up my 05 STS in June, the analog phone termination notice was in the documentation package I received from the dealer.

It looks like they covered themselves legally for the '05 STS cars.

That was not the case in November.

I received the OnStar magazine today that has a useless article
about analog to digital update.
OnStar.com/digital-transition has the following:

Vehicle manufacturers are now producing most OnStar-equipped vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment, and are expected to produce only dual-mode (analog/digital) OnStar-equipped vehicles by 2006.

My question is still, why would I not expect a 52k Cadillac to be in the
"most OnStar-equipped vehicle" catagory? Considering that my personal
calling hands free cell phone reception sucks, I still feel that Cadillac
cheated us STS owners.

Well, my OnStar sticker said

Analog/Digital

Notice it didn't just say Analog or Analog/Digital Ready.

Before I bought my STS I checked the OnStar website and it noted those 3 types of equipment support. The Analog/Digital said it would accept either signal and would not need an upgrade. So that's what I looked for on the sticker.

I would not have bought the car if I had known that it would not accept a digital signal. I got a "routine follow-up" call from GM support a couple of weeks ago. I told the guy he had certainly picked the wrong customer to call. He wanted to know what my problem was and I told him to pull up my file. He said for me to call OnStar on September 1 and they should have a answer to my problem. The only answer I see is for them to install the digital (as advertised on my car) free. He told me that if I wasn't satisfied after that call, to call him back. I told him, "No, my attorney will be calling you."

Also, OnStar cannot even give me a local phone number. Calling from my house to my car in the driveway results in a long distance call on my home phone. Plus, have you compared the costs of minutes from OnStar compared to Verizon?

Love my car but this surely has spoiled some of the fun. I have about 30-40 hours invested since April in trying to solve this problem.

By the way, does anyone know what comes on the 2006 STS?

A few posts up I saw something about replacing the Onstar system for appx $579...

Is this an option for any Onstar system? I'm looking at an '00 Escalade that is Analog Only -- and I'd gladly pay $600 for a digital system. Has anyone done this or know anything about it?

Thanks,
Mike

I feel like I am beating my head against the wall.
I called my dealer two weeks ago asking if the promised
September OnStar upgrade was available. He promised to
contact the local OnStar rep. and get back to me.
Not hearing anything from them I called again today.
He said the OnStar rep told him the upgrade would
not be available until December.
I asked if that is the case, why is there a service bulletin covering
the upgrade? Now they are checking on the bulletin and promising
to get back to me soon.
The TSB indicates that the mirror has to be replaced on the STS.
I am currently trying be find out if the replacement mirror has a compass,
like my current one has.
I am due to renew my current OnStar service in 6 weeks, If I get to that
point without an upgrade I will forget OnStar.

I feel like I am beating my head against the wall.
I called my dealer two weeks ago asking if the promised
September OnStar upgrade was available. He promised to
contact the local OnStar rep. and get back to me.
Not hearing anything from them I called again today.
He said the OnStar rep told him the upgrade would
not be available until December.


Interesting as to why they say they need to contact OnStar on this. It is purely a "GM" issue and is well documented.

It wasn't clear from your message but I am assuming you are working with the Service and not the Sales side of the house at your dealer.
Make sure you go straight to the Service Manager and get a straight and definative answer.

The TSB is clear as can be and I had a face to face discussion with my SM on 08/31 in which he told me he had just finished his first upgrade. He also stated that there were some problems and he had a call into tech services on it.

I wanted to wait a month or two myself as with Bluetooth and Nav most of the OnStar functions are redundant for me. So I haven't checked back in with him to hear if they are still rolling it out or not.

Keep us informed and good luck!