GMC to Begin Remotely Scanning Cars for Trouble 620
Momoru writes "GMC, in an effort to give their vehicles more appeal to consumers, will begin offering an "OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics" program for free, where GM will remotely scan your vehicle for problems once a month via it's OnStar system. GM has had this ability for a while, however it was always "On Request". OnStar is already automatically notified in the event of an airbag deployment, and can remotely unlock your vehicle. While this seems handy, I am interested if anyone here fears the security implications of the OnStar system's power?"
Remote unlock? (Score:2, Informative)
I wonder if Onstar can remotely lock your vehicle too.
Watch this "service" become mandatory.
Re:So long as you can turn it off... (Score:3, Informative)
Onstar is easy to disable. (Score:5, Informative)
http://www.hypertech-inc.com/install_instructions
Onstar uses cellular networks to phone home (Score:5, Informative)
From the linked article (bold emphasis mine):
From the images on the linked page, the cellular antenna appears to be mounted at the top-rear of the vehicle.
"Scanning" is a bit more than it actually is. (Score:5, Informative)
It's the same thing you can do with a $50 tool from AutoZone. Any time a problem is detected by the computer, it throws up a code. Some of these codes cause the SES light to come on, some don't. An ODBII scanner plugs in behind the dash and reads these codes from the computer modules, then displays them. Usually in a nicer to read format.
That's all this is doing. They call the OnStar system in the car, tell it to read the codes, and send it back to them. While it's possible for them to send other commands, there's really not much in it for them to do so. You can do some unusual things via that interface (I could have endless fun sticking your car into diagnostic mode and triggering the windshield wipers to run a test cycle), but you can't get back a whole lot of information that they don't already have. VIN, info on the car components, maybe miles travelled and such, but nothing that I would consider crucial to "privacy".
You could figure out MPG and average speed, but hell, I speed all the time and my computer system says my average is only around 40-ish. Instantaneous speed couldn't be gotten from the car via this interface.
Of course, they don't need the car to get that info. OnStar systems have a GPS built in, and that will give them instantaneous speed. But that doesn't require them talking to the car to do it.
Re:New And Old Cars (Score:2, Informative)
ABS doesn't allow you to tailgate and slam on the breaks at the last second. Perhaps you should look into ABS technology before spouting off about it.
ABS stands for Anti-Lock Breaking System. It is used to keep a driver in control if a situation arises where the wheels locking up will create a terrible danger to the driver and others around the driver. Instead of locking all the wheels, which if the surface is right, put the car into an out of control skid condition, the wheels are grabbed and released by a computer system, allowing the driver to swerve around dangers.
Re:name any new european car without ABS (Score:1, Informative)
Also, all seats must be equipped with headrests, even the middle back one; all seat belts must be the pre-tensioning kind, etc, etc.
Automobile safety regulations are much more stringent in Europe.
They are also monitoring your driving. (Score:3, Informative)
It also has a built in cell phone, you press a button to boot the system, and everything else is hands free through the mic in the ceiling panel. You buy minutes in a package like any other cell phone.
Re:Do you really want a worst-case scenario? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Earth to GM : Get the basics right first!!!!! (Score:1, Informative)
I believe this genius meant to say that he has an interference engine and the when the timing belt let go the pistons hit the valves.
At least get your terminology straight before you post a lame ass anecdote
Re:New And Old Cars (Score:2, Informative)
In fact, this is a pretty useful service that is completely opt-in. If you read the actual press release, you'd see that customers have to go request the service online or button-press in to an advisor to request enrollment.
I get so sick of hearing these big brother complaints. Trust me, we have plenty to do here without worrying about tracking someone's every move.
Re:Earth to GM : Get the basics right first!!!!! (Score:2, Informative)
Re:But can it tell (Score:2, Informative)
Re:How Does OnStar send back info from car to "bas (Score:2, Informative)
Cellular technology is used for everything else - voice and data communication.
Driving the vehicle into a zone with no cell coverage will not provide OnStar any information. First, the vehicle gets its position from the satellite. Then, it sends that information (along with anything else) to OnStar via cellular signal.
Re:But can it tell (Score:2, Informative)
appears the only reason it was blocked, was because onstar at that time couldn't interupt the monitoring to transmit a airbag deployed alert...
Seams like a minor software change, that GM would not have to announce, and this wouldn't be blocked anymore. (IE the FBI may not be blocked anymore.)
Re:yes but it's OPT-IN (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.bobbarr.org/default.asp?pt=newsdescr&R
(yeah, yeah, no HTML skills...)
Beyond that, it is an op-in option... there are plenty of car manufacturers. On the other hand, if I were to buy anything not GM, Ford, or Chrysler made, I would end up having to tow it somewhere (over 50 miles) to get it looked at under warranty...
Re:Earth to GM : Get the basics right first!!!!! (Score:2, Informative)
Re:yes but it's OPT-IN (Score:5, Informative)
okay folks repeat after me. ON-star is a service the user signs up and pays for. it is not forced on you. there are no privacy issues,
FALSE
OnStar is both a package of remote telematics equipment included in the base configuration of many GM vehicles AND a subscription service that makes use of the remote telematics equipment.
Here's the key part - even if you do not subscribe, the equipment is still in the car and functional. It can be turned on at a moments notice without the consent or even knowledge of the vehicle's owner.
GM has publically promised to include the OnStar equipment in the base configuration of ALL GM vehicles within a few years.
If you do not understand how such a system can enable extreme abuses of privacy, you must have been living in a cave for the last 200 years.
Re:yes but it's OPT-IN (Score:3, Informative)
Chevy is one of the GM brands.
Comment removed (Score:3, Informative)
Re:yes but it's OPT-IN (Score:2, Informative)
Note that the most disturbing part of that article is the fact that the courts didn't have a problem with the FBI doing this--they were only forbidden to do so because it was making OnStar fail during emergency contact.
Think they got that bug worked out during the last two years?