Disabling OnStar in a 2014 Camaro

Here's a quick instructable on how to fully disable OnStar in a 2014 Chevy Camaro while retaining maximum functionality. The end result will be OnStar completely unable to connect to a cell tower or report any data on your car, while at the same time retaining full bluetooth functionality and having no error codes come up. Note that you will lose the compass functionality, as it appears to be based on GPS heading data from the OnStar cell phone module.

If you're worried about messing up your car interior, be assured if you read the instructions and take your time, you can do it and you won't mess anything up. The hardest part is getting the glovebox back onto the hinge pegs. Just keep your cool and take your time. Everything else is easy.

Disclaimer:

None of the OnStar features will work once you do this. Duh! That IS the point here. The procedure is totally reversible should you change your mind.

Step 1: Finding the Module

In the 2014 Camaro, the OnStar module is behind the glove compartment and under a plastic panel. The OnStar module is very likely shared among models and probably doesn't change much year-to-year. You can apply this procedure to other recent Chevy cars once you locate the module. Some easy places to look are:

- under the seats

- behind the liner in the trunk

Step 2: Getting Ready to Remove the Glovebox

As noted, the OnStar module in the 2014 Camaro is behind the glove box. Step one is removing the glove box. The glove box hinges on plastic "claws" at the bottom and movement is limited by plastic pegs on the side. There is also a spring-loaded cord on the lower right which prevents the glovebox from slamming down when opened.

First, open the glovebox and unhook the cord on the lower right. Close the glovebox a little to get some slack in the cord, grab the cord near the glovebox and pull down to get it out of the groove where it sits. Slowly let it retract to the dash. If you just let it snap back it might slip inside the dash. Better safe than sorry.

Step 3: Remove the Glovebox

To get the glovebox out, slip your hands to either side of the glovebox and push in on the glovebox walls so the stop pegs can slip past the glovebox opening. The glovebox is free to drop down at this point, so hang onto it so it doesn't hit the trim on the passenger side kick panel. Pull up and forward on the glovebox to unhook the hinges from the hinge pegs.

Step 4: Remove the Plastic Panel

To remove the panel, you will need a 3mm torx driver. The best kind here is the type which goes in a hex socket on a screwdriver. A plain rod type will also work, it will just be more awkward to use.

The panel is in a somewhat awkward position. What worked best for me was to get a small step stool, place my butt on it and lie back so my shoulders were on the door sill. I wore a headlamp but you could get a friend to shine a flashlight instead.

Remove the torx screws. The panel will now be held in place by two clips at the rear. Just pull down on the panel from the rear and it will come off.

Once the panel is off, the OnStar box is visible. It is a paperback book-sized metal box.

Step 5: Removing the OnStar Unit

The OnStar box is held in place by plastic rails. Before you take it out, you have to unplug it. There are three connectors. The white connectors just pull out. The maroon connector has a release tab you have to press. It might help you to unplug the white connectors, slide the unit out, and then unplug the maroon antenna connector.

Step 6: Opening the OnStar Unit

We're going to open up the OnStar unit, so take it over to a desk or table and use the torx driver to remove the screws holding the top on. If you're doing this in winter and there's static electricity, take precautions to discharge yourself before touching anything inside the OnStar unit.

Step 7: Unplug the Computer Board From the Radio Board

We disable the OnStar unit by unplugging the cell phone radio from the computer board. To do so, pull up gently on the circuit board while rocking it slightly, until it comes free of the case. Set it aside.

Next, pull the metal pin thing (it's called a "header") off the cellphone board or the computer board (it might stay behind on either board, it does not matter which) and set it aside. In case you want to re-enable OnStar or sell the car, put it in a plastic bag and label it. You can keep it in the glove box.

Step 8: Putting It All Back Part 1

Put the computer board back in the case with the same orientation as when you removed it. Put the cover back on and reinstall the screws. Put the OnStar box back into the car. You can plug in the antenna cable first before sliding the unit back onto the rails, if it makes it easier for you.

Once the OnStar box is plugged in, turn on the car and press the OnStar blue button on your mirror. It will say it is going to connect, but it will fail. My unit gave up quickly and just beeped like it was hanging up. I had "deactivated" mine previously by calling OnStar and telling them to close my account. If you don't do that first, your unit might try longer to connect, but the end result will be the same.

Try out your radio (try the XM if you have it) and the handfree bluetooth functionality with your phone. It should all work.

Note that where the compass heading was previously displayed you will see a pair of dashes like so "--". Like I said, you give up the compass. It's no big deal for me, I know which direction I'm heading.

Step 9: Putting It All Back Part 2

Once you're satisfied the radio and the bluetooth still work, and the car isn't complaining, put back the plastic panel and reinstall the glovebox.

To reinstall the panel, first get it into position and push up at the back to snap the snaps into place. Then reinstall the screws with the torx driver.

To reinstall the glovebox, place the claws on the hinge pins, and push in on the glovebox sides to allow the glovebox to tilt back up until the pins clear the edge of the glovebox opening. This is the hard part. The issue is, to get the claws on the pins easiest, you would lower the glovebox all the way, but you can't as the right passenger kick panel prevents this. The way around this is to get the left claw onto the pin, then get the glovebox tilted part way up, so the pins on the side are midway between the front and back of the glovebox opening.

With the glovebox in this position, try pushing back on the glovebox to get the right-side claw to pop onto the pin. It may take more than one try, and it's possible you will get the right side to click only to have the left side pop off the pin.

Take your time, think about how the claw seats on the pin, and remember it came off without much trouble, you will get it back on. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, give yourself a few minutes break and try again.

Note: Keep your hand on the lower right corner of the glovebox to prevent it from coming into contact with the right-side passenger kick panel. This is the only place I can see you possibly marking the interior.

When you finally get both hinge claws to snap in, tilt the glovebox up so the pins go past the sides plus a little bit more, then pull down on the sping-loaded cable and place the "T" bar into the opening where you orignially removed it.

Close up the glovebox! You're done!