OT updating a car's OS at service

[Jeff Layman]

This is somewhat related to the "Cars at traffic lights" thread.

We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too? Anyone seen on an
invoice as to what had been done, and perhaps noted what the OS version
had changed from and to? I think this is pretty standard with EVs (and
possibly hybrids), and not only at a service, but what about ICE-only
vehicles?

I've noticed that I sometimes have to reset things after a service, but
wonder if that's simply due to the memory being accessed during service,
rather than anything being done to the car's OS.

[Tim Streater]

Post by Jeff Layman
This is somewhat related to the "Cars at traffic lights" thread.
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too? Anyone seen on an
invoice as to what had been done, and perhaps noted what the OS version
had changed from and to? I think this is pretty standard with EVs (and
possibly hybrids), and not only at a service, but what about ICE-only
vehicles?
I've noticed that I sometimes have to reset things after a service, but
wonder if that's simply due to the memory being accessed during service,
rather than anything being done to the car's OS.

I've been trying at the last number of annual services to get the SatNav's map
updated, without success. Last time I did actually get a quote, and told I'd
be notified when the 2024 update was ready. I'm sill waiting.

[Andy Burns]

Post by Tim Streater
I've been trying at the last number of annual services to get the SatNav's map
updated, without success. Last time I did actually get a quote, and told I'd
be notified when the 2024 update was ready. I'm sill waiting.

Updating the built-in satnav maps usually seems over priced, my car came
with three years of 4G data (enabled by the mandatory eCall system) that
included three map updates over the air ... but I find google maps or
waze displayed on the car's screen are better than the car's own map.

[fred]

Post by Andy Burns

Post by Tim Streater
I've been trying at the last number of annual services to get the
SatNav's map updated, without success. Last time I did actually get a
quote, and told I'd be notified when the 2024 update was ready. I'm
sill waiting.

Updating the built-in satnav maps usually seems over priced, my car
came with three years of 4G data (enabled by the mandatory eCall
system) that included three map updates over the air ... but I find
google maps or waze displayed on the car's screen are better than the
car's own map.

As an example, map databases for most VAG vehicles are straightforward to
DIY install using an SD card in the map socket. They are protectionist in
that it has to be a genuine VAG SD card but they can be had for 25quid off
ebay vs 70quid from the dealer. From memory either Audis or VWs that come
with inclusive map upgrades for a period are referred to dealers for
extension packages when these expire but Seat or Skoda map upgrades via SD
card will also do the job.

And back on-topic, I had to have an aircon firmware upgrade to repair a
fault in it, took an overnight connection to a laptop to complete it.
Thankfully on warranty and not on hourly rate. Unless I had pointed out the
fault I doubt that any upgrade would have been carried out.

[Jeff Layman]

Post by Tim Streater

Post by Jeff Layman
This is somewhat related to the "Cars at traffic lights" thread.
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too? Anyone seen on an
invoice as to what had been done, and perhaps noted what the OS version
had changed from and to? I think this is pretty standard with EVs (and
possibly hybrids), and not only at a service, but what about ICE-only
vehicles?
I've noticed that I sometimes have to reset things after a service, but
wonder if that's simply due to the memory being accessed during service,
rather than anything being done to the car's OS.

I've been trying at the last number of annual services to get the SatNav's map
updated, without success. Last time I did actually get a quote, and told I'd
be notified when the 2024 update was ready. I'm sill waiting.

I wasn't thinking of that, but it's a good point! My Honda Garmin-based
system came with, I think, 5 years free updates. However, I had a
problem in that Garmin only allowed Windows or Apple systems to update
the satnav. You had to plug a USB stick into the satnav and I assume it
copied some valid system file to the stick to identify it really was a
Garmin satnav. On plugging that into the computer you then had to
download and run a Garmin *.exe file (or Mac equivalent) from their
website, which then downloaded a new database to the stick. That was
then plugged into the satnav to update it. I was ok for a couple of
years as I used Win7, but then changed to Linux and was screwed. It
wouldn't work with Wine. I got the service agent to update it at the
next service, and they charged me £25 for doing it. I didn't bother
again, as I don't do enough mileage in new areas to need it.

[alan_m]

Post by Tim Streater

Post by Jeff Layman
This is somewhat related to the "Cars at traffic lights" thread.
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too? Anyone seen on an
invoice as to what had been done, and perhaps noted what the OS version
had changed from and to? I think this is pretty standard with EVs (and
possibly hybrids), and not only at a service, but what about ICE-only
vehicles?
I've noticed that I sometimes have to reset things after a service, but
wonder if that's simply due to the memory being accessed during service,
rather than anything being done to the car's OS.

I've been trying at the last number of annual services to get the SatNav's map
updated, without success. Last time I did actually get a quote, and told I'd
be notified when the 2024 update was ready. I'm sill waiting.

On my Ford Focus I've updated the OS (user interface) and Sat Nav a
couple of times. The updates can be found on their web site by supplying
the car's VIN.

The update is via a USB stick and takes about an hour. It also involves
after around 30 minutes turning the car off, locking the doors and
waiting approx 12 minutes for the auxiliary (equipment) power to shut
down before starting the car again to finalise the the install. On my
car the power to usb sockets etc. normally remains on for approx 12
minutes after you leave the car and lock the doors.

[Bob Eager]

Post by alan_m
On my Ford Focus I've updated the OS (user interface) and Sat Nav a
couple of times. The updates can be found on their web site by supplying
the car's VIN.
The update is via a USB stick and takes about an hour. It also involves
after around 30 minutes turning the car off, locking the doors and
waiting approx 12 minutes for the auxiliary (equipment) power to shut
down before starting the car again to finalise the the install. On my
car the power to usb sockets etc. normally remains on for approx 12
minutes after you leave the car and lock the doors.

Same on my S-Max. I have a pending update, but it's going in for a
(recall) software update in a couple of weeks, so I'll wait and see if
they do that too. Knowin my dealer, they'll do it (and not charge).

[Andy Burns]

Post by Jeff Layman
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too?

One time I noticed a recall for ECU firmware update, and requested the
local dealer to do it, sometimes when booking-in for service they've
checked if any upgrade is required, it got itemised on the invoice ... I
suppose the main dealer gets paid by the manufacturer to do the
upgrades, so it's in their interests to do them.

[The Other John]

Post by Jeff Layman
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too?

When I had my Nissan Leaf serviced last November they discovered there was
a recall notice for my model and they had to update the software.

[Alan Lee]

Post by Jeff Layman
This is somewhat related to the "Cars at traffic lights" thread.
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too?

I had my Kia done last month. It was chargeable, but they included it
for free as I had a full service and MOT with them.
The only thing updated was the dash display and Satnav maps.

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by Alan Lee

Post by Jeff Layman
This is somewhat related to the "Cars at traffic lights" thread.
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service.
Does anyone know if the car's software is updated too?

I had my Kia done last month. It was chargeable, but they included it
for free as I had a full service and MOT with them.
The only thing updated was the dash display and Satnav maps.

With my Kia I had the dealer say they would do a s/w update - only to
find they hadn't touched it.
Now, Kia put any updates on their website so customers can do the job
for themselves - an arrangement that I much prefer.

[Andy Burns]

Kia put any updates on their website so customers can do the job for
themselves

I presume they're quite selective about what updates they make
available, can't see Joe Public flashing their ECU or ABS module ...

[alan_m]

Post by Andy Burns

Kia put any updates on their website so customers can do the job for
themselves

I presume they're quite selective about what updates they make
available, can't see Joe Public flashing their ECU or ABS module ...

With Ford it's an update to the user interface (Sync3 in my case) and to
the sat nav maps. Sync3 in a Ford is is basically the data/information
associated with the centre screen, sat nav, entertainment, bluetooth,
interface to smart phones, real time traffic updates etc.


If had one recall update for the software and that had to be done by the
dealer.

[SteveW]

Post by Jeff Layman
This is somewhat related to the "Cars at traffic lights" thread.
We all expect the mechanicals, etc, to be dealt with at a service. Does
anyone know if the car's software is updated too? Anyone seen on an
invoice as to what had been done, and perhaps noted what the OS version
had changed from and to? I think this is pretty standard with EVs (and
possibly hybrids), and not only at a service, but what about ICE-only
vehicles?
I've noticed that I sometimes have to reset things after a service, but
wonder if that's simply due to the memory being accessed during service,
rather than anything being done to the car's OS.

I have recently had a service on an MG4 and unless you state that you
are having problems (Android Auto kept disconnecting from my phone - a
known problem), they don't update the software. Whether they do so for
more important systems, I don't know.