If you don’t have an active OnStar subscription, the vehicle locate feature will not work. Also, if there’s a poor cellular or GPS signal in your area, the GPS tracking system of OnStar won’t work. Alternatively, you may need to perform a vehicle power cycle to get the OnStar tracking service working.
Additionally, it can be an OnStar service or maintenance issue and many OnStar features including the vehicle tracking system aren’t working properly. In that case, call the OnStar Advisors to inform them of the issue.
So, why is the OnStar vehicle locate not working?
Find out more about possible reasons and solutions here. I will guide you with all that you need to know or do to solve the issue.
OnStar Vehicle Locate Not Working: Reasons & Solutions
The OnStar app features can be used through your GM vehicle apps also. So, for example, if myChevrolet vehicle locate not working, there are some reasons why this happens.
| Reason | Solution |
| Not having any active service plan | Check your account for an active subscription. |
| Poor reception of cellular, GPS, or Radio Frequency | Wait for the signal to return or get to an area with a good connection. |
| Vehicle power is out of sync | Perform a vehicle power cycle. |
| OnStar account linkage is out of sync. | Verify OnStar account linkage. |
| Backdated/Unsupported OnStar App | Re-install/update the OnStar app/software. |
| OnStar system error | Call the OnStar advisor number. |
To fix the issue, I have outlined some solutions for you. Go through them one by one to see if your vehicle tracking service is working.
Reason 1: No Active Service Plan
First of all, to access vehicle location services, you need to have an active OnStar subscription. If you don’t have an active subscription or your subscription is expired, the GPS tracking service will not work.
Solution
So, check your OnStar account to make sure you have an active OnStar subscription. Follow the steps below to check this.
Step 1: Go to the OnStar app or website www.onstar.com.
Step 2: Click the “sign in” option in the app, or the top right corner of the webpage.
Step 3: Enter your ID and password to sign in to the OnStar app, or on the website.
Step 4: After entering the account, click the “Account” option in the app, or on the top of the webpage.
Step 5: Under the “Account Details” option, you’ll see the status of your OnStar subscription.
That’s how you’ll know if your OnStar is activated. So, if it’s not active, activate your subscription by calling OnStar Advisors and they’ll inform you of the process.
Reason 2: Poor/No Signal
To give you vehicle tracking services, OnStar uses a cellular connection, GPS signal, or Radio Frequency. So, if you’re in an area where any of these signals are low, your OnStar or myChevrolet vehicle locate won’t work.
Solution
So, make sure you have a good-to-strong cellular connection. Check the signal strength indicator on the dashboard to see the strength of the cellular connection. So, for weak or no signal, move your car to a location with better cellular coverage.
Reason 3: Vehicle Power Cycle
Another reason why your OnStar vehicle tracking service is not working is connectivity issues with your vehicle. In that case, performing a vehicle power cycle should solve the issue.
Solution
Follow the steps below to perform a vehicle power cycle.
Step 1: Turn the ignition on and wait for 2 minutes
Step 2: Turn off the vehicle’s ignition and remove your key from the ignition.
Step 3: Wait for 2-5 minutes so that data can be restored or collected.
Step 4: Turn the ignition on.
Now, the power cycle is complete and you can see your vehicle’s updated status on the dashboard.
Step 5: Now, check your OnStar app, and go to the vehicle location option to see if you can track your vehicle’s location.
That should do the trick.
Reason 4: OnStar Account Linkage
If the power cycle does not solve the problem, then there is a problem with your vehicle’s linkage to the OnStar account.
Solution
Here’s how to check the OnStar account linkage to your vehicle.
Step 1: Go to the OnStar website or app and log into your account like before.
Step 2: Under the “Account” or “Settings” option see if your vehicle is added.
Step 3: If not, go to the “Add a vehicle” option and click on the “Add a vehicle to your account.”
Step 4: Enter your vehicle information such as model, year, make, and VIN number. Now, follow the prompt to register your vehicle to the OnStar account.
Now, you can access your vehicle’s location from anywhere using your OnStar app.
Reason 5: Backdated/Unsupported OnStar App
If still, you’re having problems with the OnStar vehicle locate service, it might be that you’re using an older version of the app. Or it might be that your OnStar is not compatible with your phone.
Solution
To solve this, first uninstall the OnStar app and reinstall it. Then log in to your OnStar account like before. If all is well, you’re good to use the vehicle location service. If not, update the OnStar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. And make sure the version you’re using is compatible with your device.
Reason 6: OnStar System Error
If all the solutions above don’t work, it might be an OnStar service or maintenance issue.
Solution
In that case, contact the OnStar Advisor or customer support to inform them of the issue. The OnStar Advisor number is 1.888.466.7827 and it’s toll-free. They will inform you and help you with the situation.
You can also use the navigation feature using Chevy MyLink Navigation without using OnStar. As OnStar is expensive, most Chevy users go for Chevy MyLink navigation that uses Google Maps and third-party customer services.
How Accurate Is OnStar Vehicle Locate?
OnStar claims that their vehicle locate feature is 100% accurate. As it depends on cellular and GPS signals, the exact location will be accurate to far less than 100 feet of the vehicle. In most cases, the location will be around just a few meters from the vehicle.
FAQs
Can OnStar Track My Vehicle’s Location After It’s Stolen?
Yes, OnStar can track your vehicle’s location after it’s stolen. It uses cellular, and GPS technology to track your vehicle’s location and will alert you of theft once detected. Then you can use the remote slowdown feature to rapidly slow down the vehicle.
Is OnStar GPS Free?
No, the OnStar GPS tracking service is not free. You’ll need to purchase one of the OnStar packages to enable the vehicle locate feature. The OnStar premium costs $39.9 and OnStar Essential costs $39.9.
Can You Use Google Maps on OnStar?
Yes, you can use Google Maps on OnStar. Google Maps is integrated into OnStar for a smooth and seamless driving experience. Using Google Maps through OnStar, you’ll get route information, traffic updates, and nearby destinations.
Conclusion
So, that’s all that you can do when your OnStar vehicle locate is not working.
Try to get help from OnStar Advisors or customer support for any additional issues with your OnStar services. Also, make sure you renew your OnStar subscription after expiration.
