My dad just bought a 2013 Escalade Hybrid and it's new enough that it's compatible with the OnStar RemoteLink app for a smartphone, which for those unaware, allows you to remote start, lock/unlock, and sound the horn on your vehicle from anywhere in the world, provided you have cell service. I have a 2009 loaded Cadillac CTS but unfortunately, it missed the RemoteLink capability by one year. I did some research online, however, and found that it's very possible (and quite easy) to swap out the VCIM (vehicle communication interface module) to one that is a couple years newer (say, 2011) to add capabilities that were previously limited by the old hardware. Now most people were doing this to their '08 CTS's because they wanted to add factory Bluetooth to their car and found out that the RemoteLink functionality was also added later on. I already have factory Bluetooth in my car so I would simply be doing this for the RemoteLink app capability. Now the issue of concern that prompted me to write out this post, is I've found some sources online that say that in swapping out the car's CURRENT VCIM module with a NEW, FACTORY VCIM module, that OnStar capability will be completely lost (as the module will not be set up for my specific car).

From what I've read, it must be re-programmed but this is what's causing the hang-up; where do I get it reprogrammed? I don't think a dealer will reprogram it because it wouldn't technically be equipment that goes to the car (since it's two years newer). Am I wrong in thinking that?

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I can't call my local dealer til tomorrow since their parts/service dept. Is closed on the weekends. I also called OnStar and they said all I had to do after installing the new module is push my blue OnStar button and provide them with my VIN and they'll be able to reprogram it on their end. Is that true?

If this is the case this whole process will be incredibly easy but I just want to make sure before I drop money on the new module. Any insight/input on the whole matter would be greatly appreciated:) • • • • •. A couple years ago I performed Bluetooth VCIM Swap in my 08 CTS (you might have seen my thread on the Cadillac Forums: ).

The process was easy for the Bluetooth swap, however I don't think you'll have much luck with the RemoteLink for a couple reasons: • Since the Bluetooth interface is built-in to the hands free calling component of the VCIM, the car is completely unaware if a call is made over OnStar or over Bluetooth. The car just sees it as a 'handsfree' call and the VCIM handles the rest. This is why it was such an easy swap to gain Bluetooth functionality. The problem with the RemoteLink is that the VCIM has to communicate with multiple systems in the car in order for RemoteLink to operate.

This includes the BCM, ECM, and other internal components/systems. Since your car is an 09, your car's modules have no awareness of the RemoteLink functionality and therefore the RemoteLink feature will either fail, or cause unexpected results with the car. • Bluetooth is self-contained in the VCIM.

It requires no activation or services with OnStar. Remotelink, however is provisioned and utilizes the OnStar Service.

OnStar is aware of the model years that RemoteLink is enabled on. Even if you install a VCIM with RemoteLink features, I'm almost certain OnStar will not activate it since they know that the 09 CTS does not contain RemoteLink functionality. I'm sorry, but I think you'll just hit a brick wall (metaphorically speaking). However I'll clarify the other part you were asking about: When I installed the VCIM in my car, the VCIM had to be both calibrated and associated. The VCIM calibration is done by the dealership. They use a Tech2 to perform the 'Onstar Setup Procedure'.

This calibrates the VCIM to recognize the components in your car (for items like handsfree calling and remote door unlock). The other part is you need to get the VCIM associated with your vehicle. This is not done by your dealership but through Onstar. Onstar has the the ESN/IMEI (mobile ID) of the VCIM paired with the VIN of the car it was installed in. If you do not 're-associate' the module, OnStar does not know the module is in your car. It thinks it's in the car the module was donated from. Your onstar account will be still associated with the VCIM module you removed.

After I installed the module, I contacted OnStar by pressing the blue button. I told them my Onstar module was changed and that the module needs to be associated with my car. I gave them my Car's VIN and they re-associated both my car and account to the module. So as mentioned I don't know if you'll have much luck with the RemoteLink functionality, but if you have any other questions, let me know.

I actually did see your thread on the Cadillac forums! During my research I definitely came across vehicles that were incompatible with the RemoteLink app however after they upgraded the VCIM in their vehicle to a newer model they were able to use the app, with pictures provided. During my phone call to OnStar this afternoon I did mention that the module would be to a newer car, even though mine is an '09 and the activitation tech said to just give her a call from my car using the blue button and they'll be able to associate it with my VIN. As far as the portion of this that needs to be done by a dealer, are they willing to help or does that vary by dealerships? You mention it'll think its in a car that the module was 'donated' from but the VCIM I'm looking at is supposedly a new OEM part, never before used.

Also, from what I've been able to find, it seems the VCIM module can be accessed by removing some covering in the trunk, is that correct? If so, is it simple to do? If not, is there a guide somewhere that shows how to access it? Thanks a TON for all of that information! Oh wow that's really interesting.

Wonder if it would work on an 08! Haha • The calibration is an SPS-supported OnStar® Activation (ONSA). If your dealership has GM SI, and Tis2Web (I almost guarantee they do), then they will be able to perform this process. You will probably have to pay for 30 min - 1 hour of work. I was going to get my dealer to do it, but my dealer has a weird arrangement where they contract out audio/navigation repair to a third-party (even though this technically isn't).

Fortunately my local mechanic had access to the GM SI and Tis2Web and did it for me. • If the module you receive is new, you'll still have to go through the same process to calibrate the module and call Onstar to associate it with your car (in this case, Onstar just won't have an existing record for module. You'll provide them your VIN and they'll associate it with your car). EDIT: Write down or take a picture of the serial/identification numbers on the module before installing.

That way if you are on the call with Onstar and they need one of those numbers, you'll have easy access to it. When I performed the swap back in 2010, GM Parts had placed a restriction on the VCIM modules. Therefore the only source of these modules for me was from a donor car. • The swap should be much easier for you.

In 2009 they moved the module from the rear shelf to behind the glovebox. You only have to remove a couple screws to access it.

I have a copy of the GM Tech DVD and can check after work tomorrow for the diagrams to access the module. BTW if you decide to go ahead with this process let me know! I'd be interested in hearing how it goes. In addition, if you're willing to sell, I'd be interesting in buying your existing VCIM. The VCIM I have. Works, but it happened to be one of the recalled ones and has some quirks.

In addition, OnStar sent me a letter that they are replacing my module with a 4G LTE one (due to our provider's phasing out CDMA). Only problem is I may lose my bluetooth since these module's features may be based on the original specs of the car, so I may receive a non-Bluetooth replacement (not sure yet. The replacement process is very vague at this point). Thanks again for another load of information -- I'm going to call the dealer today and see if this is something they'd be willing to help me out with and if they are I'm going to go ahead and order the part. If you were able to check that copy of the Tech DVD that would be amazing - I knew the general idea of how to access the module if it were in the rear shelf but I have no clue how to access it behind the glovebox, though it doesn't seem as though it'll be too difficult.

I don't see why it wouldn't work in an '08 - as long as your VCIM is programmed to the features your car has (mainly just remote start since that's the only feature on the fob that's not standard) it should work with the RemoteLink app, or at least that seems to be the consensus from the research I've done online. As far as selling my old unit, I'm going to make sure everything works with the new unit first but if it all checks out I'll probably want to sell it, so I'll let you know on that! I talked to the service manager at the Cadillac dealership here today and he says he definitely wants to help me out but he's just not sure what he needs to program to the unit.

I mentioned the GM SI and Tis2Web and he said that access to those wouldn't be a problem but he just didn't know what he'd do with them. Thankfully I had already had my car serviced there recently so he had all my car's information. I gave him the part number and he said he was going to look into some things. I'm going to print out this thread and bring it in with me once I receive the unit/install it and hopefully they'll know what to do from there. Thank you again for all of your help!

I took a look and didn't see any discussion about the 2012 CTS. Do you think it might have been the SRX you were referring to? Both the CTS and SRX had similar NAV systems, however the SRX's was a newer generation that supported BT audio. The CTS's navigation hardware was never revised during the production span. The funny thing about the SRX Bluetooth implementation is that it used 2 separate radios: One for audio (through the NAV) and one for calls (through OnStar) and you couldn't have a phone paired to both at the same time.

In reality there's 2 options if you wanted Bluetooth audio in the car: You could either purchase a bluetooh audio receiver and plug it into the headphone jack in the console, OR purchase an aftermarket controller that replaces the GM nav system.

The comes with the CUE system which is used to control many of the interior features of the car. The system uses intuitive smartphone inspired controls, including tapping, swiping, and pinching, and a clean, uncluttered design. A proximity sensor detects your hand as it approaches the screen. When a button is pressed the screen pulses to acknowledge the input, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

The system can also be controlled with voice commands to find a song, make a call, or input a destination using Natural Voice Recognition. The CUE system can be synchronized with up to ten devices so that you can access your contacts and stream music. You can also install apps on the system, including Pandora, and your favorites can be placed in an app tray that appears at the top of each screen. The optional navigation system is integrated into the CUE system, and uses the same smartphone style controls. The navigation system features 3D mapping and integrated Doppler weather reports. The entire CUE system is fully updatable during the life of your vehicle.

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