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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Impala LS >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 545 (Cellular Communication System) >> Repair Instructions >> Communication Interface Module Replacement >> Removal procedure
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Removal procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and 2003 Chevrolet Impala. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: Communication Interface Module & Cover
    GM769971Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) has a specific set of unique numbers that tie the module to each vehicle. These numbers, the 10-digit station identification and the 11-digit electronic serial number, are used by the National Cellular Network and OnStar® to identify the specific vehicle. Because these numbers are tied to the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, you must never exchange these parts with those of another vehicle.
    IMPORTANT: This vehicle may be equipped with one of two versions of the OnStar® System. Early production vehicles will have the generation 4 module, and later productions will have the generation 5 module. The two modules can not be interchanged. The generation 4 module can be identified by the use of three connector cavities. The generation 5 module uses four connector cavities.
  1. Open the rear compartment.
  2. Perform one of the following steps:
    • On the generation 4 module, remove the black plastic OnStar® cover.
    • On the generation 5 module, adjust the rear compartment trim for access.
    3. Fig 2: Communication Interface Module - Bracket Nuts
    GM769963Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Remove the communication interface module nuts. The illustration shows the generation 4 module; the generation 5 module is similar.
  4. Adjust the assembly for access.
    5. Fig 3: Communication Interface Module Connectors
    GM813766Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Disconnect the cellular antenna cable from the communication interface module by pulling outward on the square plastic housing.
  6. Disconnect the 2 lower connectors from the module.
  7. Disconnect the GPS antenna cable from the module by pulling outward on the circular metal sleeve.
    8. Fig 4: Communication Interface Module Bolt (Generation 5)
    GM903659Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. On the generation 5 module, remove the bolt from the communication interface module.
    9. Fig 5: Communication Interface Module (Generation 5)
    GM903662Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. On the generation 5 module, remove the communication interface module.
    10. Fig 6: Plastic Bracket Assembly & Module (Generation 4)
    GM813771Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. On the generation 4 module, perform the following steps:
    1. Disengage the 2 large, plastic snap features at the inboard edge of the metal bracket, allowing the plastic bracket assembly to drop.
    2. Push the plastic bracket assembly slightly outboard. Unhook the outboard plastic tabs.
    3. Slide the plastic bracket assembly inboard, under the metal bracket. Remove the plastic bracket assembly from the metal bracket.
    4. On bottom side of plastic bracket assembly, directly below the 2 large, plastic snap features, locate the under cut edge. Pull this under cut edge outward, up and over the side of the module.
    11. Fig 7: Communication Interface Module (Generation 4)
    GM813770Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. On the generation 4 module, note the orientation of the module in the plastic bracket for installation. Slide the module out of the plastic bracket.
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