adsm08 4,723 #9801 Posted 2 hours ago 43 minutes ago, Beap52 said: How is this done? Mostly with a USB drive and boredom. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 16,828 #9802 Posted 1 hour ago (edited) 2 hours ago, Beap52 said: So what I'm reading is that a fellow has to update the software on the new vehicle computers? How is this done? Most newer vehicles have multiple computing modules. There are nearly 20 in my 2022. The largest is typically the “head end unit” that drives the infotainment but others include direct engine management, emissions, anti-lock/traction control braking, AWD engagement, lighting (interior and exterior), the instrument panel, cameras, distance sensors, and more. Each module typically has some “firmware”--usually programmed at manufacture and more or less permanent, as well as some replaceable programming. My car recently received an update that completely changed the appearance of the entire driver’s instrument panel (which is actually a 4” x 12” computer display) as well as how the central screen gives access to settings like driving mode (regular vs. off-road) and more. On my car there is a separate module just to manage a connected trailer's lighting, brakes, etc. which has its own programming. Connecting a trailer’s plug lets me run a preset check of the trailer’s lighting and it also turns off some car features like the blind spot detector and the “you’re getting to close” backup warning and braking which would be confused by having a trailer attached! As well, if the manufacturers discover issues with, say, displaying camera views or they need to change the engine management or braking operation, they can create new software to make those things happen. New or changed “replaceable” software is delivered either at a dealer, where the tech connects a cable or a flash drive to a socket in the car and transfers it onto the needed module, or over the air (OTA), where the car has a WiFi or cellular data connection of its own (like a data-only cell phone) and the car reaches out to the manufacturer’s distribution computer and asks for the update. (Just like using the App Store on your phone, but automated.) Edited 59 minutes ago by Handy Don 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
