OK, since this is more of a I want to try it out as opposed to an actual need, I'm not going to invest a ton of time or money into this. Basically I had a thought and wanted to see if anyone can help out.

I have a '03 Silhouette, which means I have the analog On-Star system in my vehicle. I have spoken to On-Star about upgrading my system, and the cost that they want me to pay is just too high for something that I may or may not want after I try it. I am told that I have to pay a mere $15 for the upgraded equipment, but then I have to pay for at least a full year of service.

What I want to know is this. Can I go to a junkyard and pick up a digital On-Star box and antenna from a newer Chevy/Pontiac/Buick van and swap mine out with it? A local salvage yard told me I can have the stuff for $10 if I pull it. I just wanted to know if it will work if I am going to invest my time into trying it. Also, is there anything I should know about? Swapping wire harnesses, antenna cables, anything that might make it not worth doing? I just need to know if it is a plug n play thing or more involved.

Thanks for reading!

I'm confused. It will cost you $15 for the upgrade from Onstar but you need to buy one year of service OR you pay $10 for the parts, remove and install them yourself, hope that they work and, if they do work, you'll still have to pay for the service. I say spend the extra $5 and let Onstar do the work.

It's not just a matter of paying $5 more, it's a matter of paying $5 more + $18.95 + tax for 12 months all up front. If after trying it out, and finding I don't like it, I cannot get a refund or cancel the service. So, it really comes down to spending $10 on parts to try and do it myself, or shelling out $256 after taxes etc to have it done. Now maybe you see my point of view?

You might consider a 1st alert button for the elderly!
I don't think ON Star helped Tiger in his case.

You might consider a 1st alert button for the elderly!
I don't think ON Star helped Tiger in his case.

That was excellent

I think the wiring is different IIRC and it interfaces different, I would suggest ditching the idea......

I understood that it was more than $5, but, you WILL have to have at least a month or 2 of service if you install it yourself. Basically what I am saying is, pay them to do it and try it for a year, otherwise don't bother. It may only be a difference in antenna or it may be the entire system. Nobody knows and Onstar isn't going to tell you. I think they are offering a pretty fair deal if you want to try it out. I'm sure if you fussed enough they may drop the commitment down.

The upgrade changes the radio to a digital capable radio instead of an analog only issue. I had this option on my 2003 Envoy and chose to let it be. Onstar is nice in a way, but I think it is a bit overpriced. The only way I would have it (barring having alot of extra cash) would be if I had Verizon Wireless service on my cell phones and I could add the Onstar as a second line....