The telematics system is available in three varying option levels, Assist Ultra, Secure and GM Fleetview.

Assist Ultra

Assist Ultra is the highest level of telematics available and has the following functionality/features:

Secure

Secure is the intermediate level of telematics available and has the following functionality/features:

GM Fleetview

GM Fleetview is the basic, fleet customized level of telematics available and has the following functionality/features:

These systems consist of the following components:

This system also interfaces with the factory installed vehicle audio system.

The telematics module is a 3-watt cellular device that allows the user to communicate data and voice signals over the national cellular network. It is powered by a fused, battery positive, voltage circuit connected through the vehicle wiring to the 3-button assembly (Assist Ultra) and the radio, and attached by means of coax cables to the cellular and navigation antennas. In the event of the battery power not being available, such as after a crash, a flat battery or unauthorised disconnection, an integral Nikel Metal Hydride battery pack provides backup power. Ground for the module is accomplished by means of dedicated circuits that are routed via the body wiring systems to chassis ground points. The module houses 2 modems, one to process global positioning system (GPS) data, and the other for cellular information. Satellites orbiting earth are constantly transmitting signals of their current location, from which the telematics system is able to pinpoint its own location. The navigation antenna receives these GPS signals and provides the data to the telematics module to be processed. The telematics module communicates with the rest of the vehicle through the GMLAN system. The ignition state is determined by the telematics module through GMLAN data system. The telematics module also has the capability of commanding the horn, initiating door lock/unlock and operating the exterior lamps using the GMLAN data system. When a telematics keypress is made, the GMLAN system sends a message, which is sent to the audio system to mute all radio functions and transmit telematics originated audio. After the audio system is muted, the telematics signals are transmitted to the audio system on the cellular telephone voice signal circuit, and returned to the module on the cellular telephone voice low reference circuit. The cellular modem connects the telematics system to the cellular carrier's communication system by interacting with the national cellular infrastructure. The module sends and receives all cellular communications over the cellular antenna and cellular antenna coax.

The telematics button assembly is located in the rearview mirror. The button assembly comprises of 3 buttons and a status LED. The buttons are defined as follows:

If any button is pressed for more than 10 seconds the "Button Stuck" DTC will be set. In the event of multiple button presses at the same time, the telematics module will accept the higher ranked button. Button ranking is as follows:

1. Emergency.
2. Holden Assist.
3. Information/end call.

The telematics system also has audible and visual displays to notify the user of system status, they are as follows:

Assist Ultra

The telematics microphone is a cellular device that allows the user to communicate data and voice signals over the national cellular network. It is powered by a fused, battery positive, voltage circuit connected to the telematics button assembly where it is located and interfaces directly with the Infotainment unit. The telematics microphone is not connected to the GMLAN system. When a telematics button keypress is made, a serial data message is sent to the infotainment unit to mute all radio functions and transmit cellular telephone originated audio. After the audio system is muted, the cellular telephone signals are transmitted to the audio system on the cellular telephone voice signal circuit, and returned to the module on the cellular telephone voice low reference circuit.

Secure

The telematics microphone is a cellular device that allows the user to communicate data and voice signals over the national cellular network. It is located in the passenger side of the overhead console, is powered directly by the telematics module which interfaces with the Infotainment unit. The telematics microphone is not connected to the GMLAN system. In the event of the Telematics Call Centre communicating with the user a serial data message is sent to the infotainment to mute all radio functions and transmit cellular telephone originated audio.

This vehicle will be equipped with the following types of antenna:

A combination cellular and navigation antenna, which brings the functions of both into a single part.

The cellular antenna is the component that allows the telematics system to send and receive data over airwaves by means of cellular technology. This antenna is connected at the base to a coax cable that plugs directly into the telematics module. The navigation antenna is used to collect the constant signals of the orbiting satellites. A low noise amplifier is housed within the antenna, that allows for a broad and precise reception of this data. The current global positioning system (GPS) location is collected by the module every time a keypress is made. The Telematics Call Centre also has the capability of pinging the vehicle during a telematics call, which commands the module to retrieve the latest GPS location and transmit it to the Telematics Call Centre. A history location of the last recorded position of the vehicle is also stored in the module. In the event the telematics module loses power, or is removed from power, this history location is used by the Telematics Call Centre as a default. Actual GPS location may take up to 10 minutes to register in the event of a loss of power. This antenna requires a clear and unobstructed path to the satellites in the sky. Window tinting on vehicles may interfere with the GPS sensor functions, depending upon the location of the GPS antenna and the amount of darkening and/or metallic particles that are embedded in the film of the tinting material.

The telematics system uses a digital system to allow the system to receive cellular calls while the ignition is in the OFF position. This cycle enables the telematics module to perform remote functions, such as door unlock, as commanded over the air by the Telematics Call Centre, when requested by the customer, and to continue to maintain an acceptable level of battery electrical drain.

The telematics system uses the following 3 power modes when the vehicle is turned off:

The high power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the ON or RUN position, and enables the telematics system to send and receive cellular calls and perform all remote functions. The digital stand by power state is in effect after the vehicle has been shut off and the retained accessory power (RAP) has timed out. When in digital stand by mode, the telematics module is able to perform all remote functions as commanded by a telematics advisor at any time, for a continuous 8 hours. After 8 hours, the telematics module will follow the standard sleep state of 9 minutes off, 1 minute of digital stand by, based on the time of the GPS signals.

In the event the telematics system loses, or is temporarily removed from battery power, the system will remain in the sleep state while the key is in the OFF position. It will not begin to cycle until the vehicle passes into an open outside area with the ignition ON, where a global positioning system (GPS) signal can be acquired, providing a reference for time. The Telematics Call Centre is able to maintain a record of exactly what time each vehicle will enter the one minute low power state by synchronizing their clocks with those of the vehicle, based on GPS signals.

In the event a customer has not renewed their telematics account after expiration or the account was never activated, telematics will make a discrete cellular call to the vehicle to deactivate the telematics system. Before taking this action, customers are notified that the telematics system in their vehicle will be deactivated unless they elect to renew the account. After the vehicle has been successfully deactivated, customers will experience the following when attempting to contact telematics from their vehicle:

It is of particular note, that when a telematics system is successfully deactivated, it will NOT attempt to connect to the Telematics Call Centre in the event of a collision or if the vehicles front air bags deploy for any other reason.

Certain vehicles that have never had an active telematics account, that have been deactivated, may be unable to establish a connection with the Telematics Call Centre. When normal published diagnostic procedures do not indicate a possible cause for the no connect concern, the vehicle may have been deactivated. For deactivated vehicles, a no connect response should be considered normal operation. Further diagnosis and subsequent repair is only necessary should the customer elect to become an active telematics subscriber.