Hi,

2 Q'* I'm looking for help with to confirm please:

I've looked through the owner'* manual, so am I understanding the situation correctly:

1.
My stock radio is NOT bluetooth capable AND can not be added?
So it seems the radio input cable is all I have to work with to play music from my phone..

2.
My stock ONSTAR rear view mirror has 3 lower buttons on it, but I'm on a budget and not going to pay an accumulating monthly fee SO:
No hands free calling, however that worked, etc.
These buttons have no function for me in any situation CORRECT?

-

I see there is even a box in my trunk attached to the driver'* side wheel well and looks like it also has come kind of lithium battery containing smaller box on it.
I guess that'* all for the ONSTAR and satellite radio that I don't use.
Guess there'* no hack to use this tech for something without paying...

Oh well thought I'd ask to make sure I'm not missing something with all this dated tech.

1. I believe that is correct. Bluetooth came along in cars a few years later.

2. Your Onstar equipment is no longer supported by GM, therefore no service if available for it. This happened as a result of cellular provider technology advancing and leaving your Onstar equipment behind.

I've never heard of anyone using Onstar equipment without an Onstar subscription. I don't think anyone would try any more as there aren't any cell sites available that this equipment can talk to.

They do make Bluetooth to FM radio adapters. Install it in your car, pair to it with Bluetooth, and it broadcasts on a FM frequency that you can tune in on your radio.

Ok thank you

oh Yes the fm to Bluetooth a friend has for his 98 Buick BUT it has several problems because:
1. It must be unplugged after use or it’ll drain his car battery
2. the fm signal interferes with his key fob use greatly.
Sign

i wonder if there’* an aux input like in the rear of the unit, say if attachment of a CD multi player where I could plug in some kind of Bluetooth receiver instead…

That would take some research. Maybe look into whether or not your car offered a factory CD changer option. If it did, there might be some factory wiring wherever the changer would have gone.

OK I think I've found the best possible solution:

After research, I've ordered this just under $5 Bluetooth Receiver to 3.5 input jack which also has an optional use TF card slot and a small internal rechargeable battery, to try out. I'll see how it goes.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284944599872

My radio does have the XM input in the trunk that Crutchfield does sell 2 different plug in large bluetooth components to work with.
BUT the reviews are pretty bad and the prices are $60 to over $100.. and they are out of stock.

Since my OEM radio has a front 3.5 input female jack, this is the way to go instead of an FM transmitting from bluetooth device which is a downgrade for radios without a jack input.

The other option is to take the plunge and pay the $200 or so for a new double din radio to replace the factory one. But for $5 this might work out well, if I can leave the charge cable plugged into it at all times and it synchs easily enough when entering the vehicle.

If I get a chance I'll update here.

Thank you

Cool! I'm interested in how well this works!

For future reference for after the Ebay ad expires, this is what jimtmcdaniels is going to try: