OnStar is an innovative in-car safety and security system developed by General Motors.
It offers numerous valuable features, including automatic crash response, roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and hands-free calling.
It effectively provides convenience and safety, creating a harmonious driving environment.
It works via a built-in cellular connection and GPS signal in your vehicle.
However, it relies on the vehicle’s electrical system to function, which is powered by its battery.
Therefore, if the vehicle’s battery is completely dead, OnStar will not function because it won’t have the power it needs to operate.
However, if the battery has some residual charge, it may be possible for OnStar to operate for a short period.
But once that residual power is depleted, OnStar will cease to function.
Ways To Contact OnStar If Battery Is Dead
If your vehicle’s battery is dead and you have an OnStar service subscription, you can still contact OnStar for assistance in several ways:
Mobile App
If you have the OnStar mobile app installed on your smartphone, you can use it to contact OnStar and request assistance.
The app typically allows you to request roadside assistance, including jump starts.
Calling Customer Care
If your vehicle’s battery is dead and you can’t use the in-vehicle OnStar button, you can call OnStar’s customer service number directly from another phone.
Method To Maintain Vehicle Battery
Regular Driving
One of the simplest ways to maintain your battery is by driving your vehicle regularly.
Car batteries recharge while the vehicle is running, and if a vehicle is left idle for long periods, the battery can lose charge and become weak.
Keep It Clean
Clean the battery terminals regularly. Corrosion can develop on the terminals, which can hinder the connection between the battery and the vehicle.
You can clean this corrosion with a brush and baking soda, and water.
Limit Short Rides
Short car rides can prevent your car’s battery from fully charging.
Try to drive longer distances occasionally if you commonly take short trips.
Turn Off All Lights
Accidentally leaving your headlights or interior lights on can drain your car’s battery.
Always ensure all lights are turned off when you exit your vehicle.
Control The Corrosion
Batteries often corrode over time, but keeping them clean from debris is the best way to ensure they last.
A simple baking soda and water mixture can help clean the battery and control corrosion.
Check Water Levels
If you have a maintenance-free battery, this doesn’t apply, but for others, the water level should be checked regularly.
If the water level is low, refill with distilled water.
Test Your Battery
Have your battery tested by a professional regularly to ensure its functioning properly.
Most auto service centers and auto parts stores will do this for free.
Properly Charge Your Battery
If you don’t use your vehicle for a long time, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger.
These devices will keep your battery at the correct voltage, preventing it from discharging over time.
Check For Electrical Leaks
Sometimes, your vehicle can have a small electrical leak or drain that can slowly discharge the battery.
If your battery is regularly dying or weak, have a mechanic check for these potential issues.
Does OnStar Functionality Can Restore After Replacing The Battery?
In most cases, replacing a dead or faulty vehicle battery with a new battery can restore OnStar functionality.
However, it is recommended to consult OnStar customer support or refer to the vehicle’s manual for detailed instructions on re-establishing the connection and synchronizing the system following a battery replacement.
Following the instructions provided by the manufacturer is important to ensure that OnStar services are restored successfully.
It guarantees that all features and functions will work properly after the battery replacement process.
Can OnStar Assist With A Dead Battery?
If a dead battery, flat tire, or any other roadside problem occurs, you can request OnStar Roadside Assistance.
An OnStar Advisor will promptly connect with a nearby service provider who can assist you.
They will arrange for the necessary help, such as a jump-start for your dead battery, to get you back on the road.
OnStar’s Roadside Assistance feature provides peace of mind by offering timely support and connecting you with the appropriate resources when you encounter vehicle-related issues while on the go.
Is Activation Required For OnStar To Be Functional?
Activation is necessary for each vehicle in your fleet to utilize the OnStar service, including the app and hardware.
The activation process ensures the vehicles are properly linked to the OnStar system.
To activate your vehicles, follow the provided steps provided by GM, which typically involve registering the vehicles and establishing a connection between the vehicles and the OnStar service.
Activation enables drivers to access the full range of features and benefits for enhanced fleet management and driver assistance.
Can OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance Feature Work If Vehicle Battery Is Dead?
The Stolen Vehicle Assistance feature of OnStar depends on the vehicle’s power system.
If the battery is dead, this service won’t work because it needs electrical power.
This feature includes GPS tracking, which requires power, so the vehicle’s location can’t be tracked if the battery is dead.
What Should I Do If My Vehicle’s Battery Dies And I Need Help From OnStar?
If your vehicle’s battery dies and you need help, you can call OnStar Roadside Assistance service from your mobile phone, even if the OnStar system in your vehicle isn’t working.
The Roadside Assistance team can dispatch help to your location, such as a tow truck or mobile battery service.
However, they can’t remotely start your vehicle or provide other OnStar services requiring your vehicle’s electrical system to function.
Can OnStar Notify Me When My Vehicle’s Battery Is About To Die?
Yes, OnStar can potentially notify you about a low battery through its Vehicle Diagnostics service, depending on your vehicle’s capabilities and the subscription plan you have.
The OnStar system can monitor your vehicle’s health, including battery voltage.
If it detects a significantly low battery voltage, it can alert you via email, App notification or an OnStar Advisor can call you.