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Originally Posted by f5fstop
Onstar does not need to stay on for GPS signals. It only requires GPS if you are using directions or for an accident.
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This is my understanding of the OnStar unit and its built-in GPS:
Your onboard GPS unit is always on as long as the engine is running, even when OnStar is turned off. This allows OnStar to retrieve an immediate location when activated either by you, an accident or the police.
Think in terms of how long it takes for a handheld GPS to figure out where you are at when you first turn it on. A minute or more. You would not want that delay if it were an emergency. And the police can have OnStar give your H2's location in the event it is stolen even when the thief has OnStar turned off.
For the more technically curious, this website has more details about the inner workings of GM's OnStar and GPS system:
http://www.openminds.net/onstar/1explanation.html