random non performance related question

[mthedude]

My 2000 SSEI does not have a sun roof. There is the sunglasses holder and just in front of that a small cubby and there is a door that faces the cubby opening that reveals a 12v outlet. For the life of me I can't figure out what that would be used for, anybody have a clue?

Also, my rearview has Onstar. What happens if I push it? I suppose a representative will come on and try to sell me a subscription?

[SSEiMan01]

Your OnStar button shouldn't do anything, OnStar went to digital signal instead of analog sometime around 04-05ish IIRC...One more reason I took the antenna off... As for the outlet, do you have pictures? I'm not in cars without sunroofs much and when I am, I'm not usually looking around up there. Seems like it could just be a cigarette lighter outlet though, for a power plug for something, i.e. cell phone etc.

[mthedude]

Your OnStar button shouldn't do anything, OnStar went to digital signal instead of analog sometime around 04-05ish IIRC...One more reason I took the antenna off... As for the outlet, do you have pictures? I'm not in cars without sunroofs much and when I am, I'm not usually looking around up there. Seems like it could just be a cigarette lighter outlet though, for a power plug for something, i.e. cell phone etc.

I'll try to grab a pic tonight. I just can't see why there would be a power outlet up there. The only thing I could think of was a radar detector but if you put the detector in that little cubby you'd block the radar sensor and it would be pointless. Otherwise, anything you want to charge would be hanging the cord back down and look really weird and sloppy. Not "Luxury with an edge" as Pontiac engineers intended back in '00. LOL.

[SSEiMan01]

It seems weird to me too, but Ive seen weirder.

[dpnewfie]

I use mine for my cell phone.

[mthedude]

I use mine for my cell phone.

and leave your phone up high in that little storage bin in the headliner?

I could see that I guess.

[dpnewfie]

Yup! Holds there just fine.

[00Beast]

Norm I didn't know you didn't have a sunroof. That's awesome.

Use it for whatever you like, it's an extra powerpoint. I'd probably use mine for my phone too.

[mthedude]

I wish I could have been in the design room with all the engineers when they thought of this...

I always use the cup holder while charging my phone...maybe I'll try this.

[dpnewfie]

Norm I didn't know you didn't have a sunroof. That's awesome..

There are times I wish the car had one thats for sure.

[01bonneSC]

They probably use all the same wire harness for moonroof and non-moon roof cars. So instead of leaving a hot 12v wire up there they just put it with an outlet that you can use.....for whatever you want....phone, GPS, etc etc

[SSEiMan01]

That makes sense, why make a different harness for a car without a sunroof? But they could have maybe put something more, useful, up there? Ejector seat button? IDK...

[dpnewfie]

Ejector seat button?

This I like!

[00Beast]

Ehh, I doubt that's it. Every other sub-harness is different (XM, CDX, Heated Seats, etc) why would this not be different?

[SSEiMan01]

If so, then I would chalk it up to GM designers going; "Well, what should we put here?" "How about a cigarrette lighter? It's the year 2000, Everybody smokes!" "Great Idea! And when they're not smoking people can have a place to charge their cellular telephonic devices!" "We're Geniuses!"

*Sarcasm to illustrate weird GM designs *

[01bonneSC]

Ive seen a lot of cars that had provisions for options but didnt have said option.

[00Beast]

GM still isn't really doing modular harnesses for some stuff. Our '11 Suburban can't have a OEM trailer brake controller since it didn't come with it, you can't add it, even though it has the towing package along with the Z71 coolers and stuff. I think that's stupid...

It all depends on the car. These had individual harnesses based on options.

[nos4blood70]

I usually just stick my cigarette lighter up in that power outlet and use the one by the traction button to charge things like GPS and cell phones. I kinda like that they have that up there. You can never complain about lot of power sources!

[SSEiMan01]

So, I'm not the only non-smoker who keeps a lighter in his car! Except mine is an engraved Zippo in the armrest since I'm not like the cool kids with no sunroofs...

[grandg1]

For years, OnStar has relied on the analog cellular network to provide communications to and from vehicles. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that in early 2008, cellular carriers will no longer be required to support the analog cellular network.

As a result, starting January 1, 2008, OnStar service in the United States and Canada will be available only for vehicles that operate on the digital cellular network. This vehicle is equipped with analog equipment. However, it is eligible for an equipment upgrade that will enable it to operate on the digital network. If you do not upgrade this vehicle's equipment, it will not be able to receive OnStar service after December 31, 2007. This means, in an emergency, despite what the system may indicate, this vehicle will not have a connection.

You may go to your GM dealer to have this vehicle's OnStar equipment upgraded to operate on the digital network. The cost for the upgrade is only $15 with the purchase of a one-year OnStar subscription at regular retail pricing.* For new accounts, an additional $100 activation fee will apply. Please contact your GM dealer to make an appointment.

for the onstar Q&A