2004 H2 - What is This?

[hummer17]

Hey guys,

Just spent some quality time cruising the new Hummer.com web site. As some of you may know, I am an interior enthusiast - I think the outside of the H2 is perfect, the inside just needs some refinement - (*by the way, I love the all black interior and dash of the SUT and am now considering getting one of those...)

Anyhow, one of the interior pictures for the 2004 H2 (*not the SUT) showed this picture with what looks to be an upgraded OnStar system or integrated cell phone system (note the dial pad).

I'm sure this is some mistake that GM will clear from the web soon, but thought you may be interested and want to ponder what this may be...possibly an option on the SUT??

Anyhow, I think the only thing that should go in that spot is a 6-CD changer for the Nav system (like in the Caddy Escalade). Too bad GM futzed that up. Even the web site says the Cd-changer won't go with the Nav. Although, Klaus did have some ideas on how to get around that...someone just needs to try it out...

[hummer17]

Hey guys,

Just spent some quality time cruising the new Hummer.com web site. As some of you may know, I am an interior enthusiast - I think the outside of the H2 is perfect, the inside just needs some refinement - (*by the way, I love the all black interior and dash of the SUT and am now considering getting one of those...)

Anyhow, one of the interior pictures for the 2004 H2 (*not the SUT) showed this picture with what looks to be an upgraded OnStar system or integrated cell phone system (note the dial pad).

I'm sure this is some mistake that GM will clear from the web soon, but thought you may be interested and want to ponder what this may be...possibly an option on the SUT??

Anyhow, I think the only thing that should go in that spot is a 6-CD changer for the Nav system (like in the Caddy Escalade). Too bad GM futzed that up. Even the web site says the Cd-changer won't go with the Nav. Although, Klaus did have some ideas on how to get around that...someone just needs to try it out...

[DRTYFN]

I wonder if the number pad has anything to do with the wind noise from the open back interfering with the voice recogition on the OnStar?

[Zing]

My 2004 doesn't have that keypad. I bet it's simply for the phone service to make outbound calls. Now you need to speak the numbers and I can see (believe it or not) that being confusing for some, since when Onstar gets a number wrong you need to know to say "clear" to redo the last number.

I personally don't have a need for Onstar and would have liked to use that little part of the dash for something else. A storage slot for maps and stuff would be more useful.

[Klaus]

That may be a prototype for the digital Onstar. Keep in mind our Onstar service is analog, which is going away after 2008.

I like the idea of a keypad. Think of the possiblities! How about a PIN number to enter to lock or disable the engine computer? You could have a different code to lock out the 4WD controls for a "vallet mode".

Klaus

"God made some men big and some men small, but Sam Colt made them all equal."

[ZeroTolerance]

That keypad is there for a reason, it is an upgrade to the Onstar system which will be like having a cell phone in your vehicle all the time. They claim to have a 6X stronger signal than any cell phone company out there and they say you will get the best minutes for your buck thing. Guess time will tell...So nope not an error and will not be cleared up, no reason to do so....

2003 H2 Black
2003 Ferrari 360 Modena Black
2004 Mercedes SL600R
2003 Yukon Denali Red
2004 M5 BMW
2004 M3 BMW
2003 525i BMW
2002 Chevy Crew Cab HD Duramax
1989 930 Porsche Turbo White
2003 996 TT Porsche Black
1972 914 6 3.6L Porsche white
1995 Ferrari 348 Challenge Yellow
2004 47 ft Outerlimits Trip 1050 SC Mercs.....
2002 Honda CR250
2004 Honda CRF450

[Zing]

The 2003s have the cell phone integrated with Onstar, no? Don't you have a little mic up above your head?

The Onstar phone is better than all cell phones, as I think it's a satellite operated phone. Not 100% sure, but it does work almost anywhere.

[Cranky Steve]

What a poor location for the keypad, sure hope the main form of dialing is with the voice activation ....

Founding Member of RCRC 4wd Club Scaramento, CA www.rcrc4x4.com
Pirate4x4.com Vendor & Toyota Truck and 4Runner Talk Forum Moderator

[Frank Hewitt]

zazing,

onstar IS a cell phone service. I havn't figured out which one though. The unlock and tracking options are via satellite... and possibly cell-based too-- but the cell service is only that-- and I've had trouble with mine in some places off the beaten path. Trust me, don't put all you faith into onstar. A cell phone in your rig is still a necessity in my opinion and this is from experience... not to mention a cell phone is painfully cheaper than using onstar.

gasman

[Klaus]

Not only is Onstar cellular, but it is ANALOG cellular. That is why your digital handheld cell phone will sometimes work when Onstar will not.

Analog cellular service will disappear some time after 2008. Therefore, Onstar is working on a digital version.

Klaus

"God made some men big and some men small, but Sam Colt made them all equal."

[Hummertime]

ah... finally a subject in my area of expertise. the onstar system is analog cellular which is a dying technology. mostly carriers only have it because they are required to by law, to service older customers who for whatever reasons have not updated to digital equipment. it seems to be the best service because of the roof mount antenna and full 3 watt power(handhelds limited to 6/10ths of a watt)capability. however,analog systems can only carry a limited number of calls and are not very secure. yes,they can be scanned very easily. ONSTAR IS NOT SATELITE PHONE,only gps is used to track vehicle location.

Bone stock but dreamin!