OT updating a car's OS at service

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.

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.

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.

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.

Andy Burns snipped-for-privacy@andyburns.uk wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@mid.individual.net:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.