OnStar® Sleep Cycle

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The OnStar® system uses a unique sleep cycle to allow the system to receive cellular calls while the ignition is in the OFF position and retained accessory power mode has ended. This cycle enables the vehicle communication interface module to perform remote functions, such as door unlock, as commanded over the air by the OnStar® Call Center, and to continue to maintain an acceptable level of battery electrical drain.

The OnStar® system uses 4 states of readiness, depending upon the type of cellular market the vehicle is in when the ignition is put into the OFF state:

High power
Low power
Sleep
Digital standby

The high power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the ON or RUN position, or retained accessory power is enabled, and the OnStar® system is sending or receiving calls or when the system is performing a remote function.

The low power state is in effect when the OnStar® system is idle with the ignition in the ON or RUN position, or with retained accessory power enabled.

The sleep state is entered after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power has timed out while in an analog cellular area. At a predetermined time recorded within the vehicle communication interface module, the system re-enters the low power state to listen for a call from the OnStar® Call Center for 1 minute. After this interval, the system will again return to the sleep state for 9 minutes. If a call is sent during the 1 minute interval, the OnStar® system will receive the call and immediately go into the high power mode to perform any requested functions. If no call is received during the 1 minute interval, the system will go back into the sleep mode for another 9 minutes. This process will continue for up to 48 hours, after which the OnStar® system will turn off until the ignition is turned to the ON or RUN position.

The digital standby power state is entered after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power has timed out while in a digital cellular area. When in digital standby mode, the OnStar® module is able to perform all remote functions as commanded by an OnStar® advisor at any time, for a continuous 48 hours. After 48 hours, the OnStar® module will go into sleep mode until a wake up signal from the vehicle is seen by the vehicle communication interface module. If the OnStar module loses the digital cellular signal it will revert to analog mode and follow the standard sleep state (9 minutes OFF, 1 minute standby) based on the time of the GPS signals, this will continue until a digital cellular signal is again received.

If the OnStar® system loses battery power while the system is in a standby or sleep mode, the system will remain OFF until battery power is restored and the ignition is turned to the ON or RUN position.