The only alternate input I'm aware of for the On-star GPS is Mapquest, which you can access from a smartphone. Here is a link to an On-Star FAQ. Here is a FAQ about the Mapquest functionality called eNav.

 

I probably should add that I don't want to pay $29.- a month for the service. If GM had a pay as you go plan I would be set.
I don't use GPS that often. But I do have already phones,...

 

You can't use the mapquest service on 09 G8's FYI. Our Onstar unit is too old for it. You have to ask the Operator for directions. I wasn't very happy about that, but oh well...

 

I have an 08 and I use enav all the time to load the destinations into OnStar.:driving:

 

Huh? the Mapquest "Send to Onstar" and eNav work great with my '08 which if my math is correct is older than your '09. It also works with my wife's '08 Vue.

 

eNav still requires the $29.- OnStar option, correct? Is there no other way to load directiosn? i.e. from a PDA through a cable into the OnStar unit (without OnStar service)?

 

According to the FAQ I posted above..

OnStar eNav is available at no additional cost to all OnStar subscribers with an active Directions & Connections Plan and a Turn-by-Turn Navigation–capable vehicle. Please check with OnStar for vehicle eligibility and plan pricing.

 

Exactly, $348.- each year for GPS is more than I'm willing to pay. I really don't get the other OnStar features. I think most people have a cell phone these days, the emergency option seems useless in urban areas as there is always someone else that calls the police. That might be a different story if you are stranded somewhere more remote. Getting an email with my oil pressure and tire pressure seems not that helpful either.

However, I like the idea of the dash integrated GPS display. That is why I'm hoping to find an option where I can load GPS destinations from my phone or PDA through a cable into the computer of my G8 (while in the car).

 

Theoretically speaking, it should be possible to watch the CAN bus while something is sent via OnStar to the car, to learn how it sends the directions. Then from there work backwards to being able to export a set of directions in some sort of format (a text file maybe) that could be sent to an external unit, which could send those directions over the CAN to the DIC.

It would most likely take a lot of time and effort and still be cumbersome, but it could be done.

 

Yes, I was hoping that an aftermarket company would see the potential and do the work for us... I think it would be worth $200.- to me.