Can You Tell Which Software Updates Are Applied and Does it Matter.

[Ferret]

Been reading a few threads where posters have said software updates have been applied to their vehicles to address various issues being experienced.

At my last service I specifically asked the dealer to ensure all relevant software updates had been applied. On picking up the vehicle after the service the dealers says none were required - all software up to date. I asked the same question on my service 12 months previously - no software updates were applied at that service either.

I now have a 3 year MY11 D4 which I suspect, software wise, is as it was delivered ex factory 3 years ago.

1) Is there a list of software updates which are required?

2) Can you tell which software updates have been applied, perhaps with domestic style electronic diagnostic tools - GAP IID tool (or other) for instance?

3) Does it matter that some have software updates for specific issues they experience but other don't get the update because they have yet to experience the particular issue or complain about it?

[geoz]

Dealer told me they only apply changes when a problem occurs which sounds pretty silly to me coming from an IT background.

[Ferret]

... sounds pretty silly to me coming from an IT background.

Yep.

[Tombie]

Dealer told me they only apply changes when a problem occurs which sounds pretty silly to me coming from an IT background.


I'm not too sure about that..

I know plenty in IT that will patch security holes with vigour but when it comes to other updates, many adopt "it ain't broke" (except on their own systems)

[Epic pooh]

Well ... It's not a PC and isn't connected to the web (I'd say most computer updates are security related bugfixes) ... so my inclination would be to leave it alone unless it has an actual malfunction or is the subject of an improvement campaign.

In the last 4 years mine has only had one software update (updated compressor so new software) and one software change to modify functionally (IPC for clock in dash).

Edit - beat me to it Tombie ! So my post could read "what he said" or "fools seldom differ" haha

[Bytemrk]

Me three!....

Coming from an IT background.... I still read carefully before applying patches... been bitten far too often in the past.

Some patches are a no brainer.... but others, why would you if you don't have a problem to start with ?

[Basil135]

The way I understand it, LR will only issue a software update to actually fix a fault, not just to make things "nicer" so to speak.

I had an update done on the transmission, but I had to ask for it, and actually give them the technical bulletin. Their response was that this particular update was not issued as a "must do" if you like, but "if the customer is experiencing problems"

So, essentially, if there are no reported issues, no updates will be done.

The other way to look at it is, if it aint broke, dont fix it....

[shorty]

Hi Basil,

Slightly off topic but did your request for the transmission update improve things? I am thinking along the same lines and asked my independent to do this last time but they talked me out of it saying it wasn't needed. There is nothing majorly wrong with my transmission (and it's had the necessary service at 80k) but I wonder whether it should change a little more smoothly. An update can't hurt right?? If only to ease a curious mind??

Matt

[phl]

With the transmission update, mine was done due to hesitation when you slow down, then suddenly need to take off, such as around a roundabout.

The first update helped, but made for a rough down change, the second (and still current) is great. But if you didn't have the problem, the first update would have been a backward step, especially as at the time the second update wasn't available.

[Graeme]

Coming from an IT background.... I still read carefully before applying patches...
It used to be referred to as 'the bleeding edge' when the latest updates were subsequently discovered to have their own bugs.

[Basil135]

Hi Basil,

Slightly off topic but did your request for the transmission update improve things? I am thinking along the same lines and asked my independent to do this last time but they talked me out of it saying it wasn't needed. There is nothing majorly wrong with my transmission (and it's had the necessary service at 80k) but I wonder whether it should change a little more smoothly. An update can't hurt right?? If only to ease a curious mind??

Matt


With the transmission update, mine was done due to hesitation when you slow down, then suddenly need to take off, such as around a roundabout.

The first update helped, but made for a rough down change, the second (and still current) is great. But if you didn't have the problem, the first update would have been a backward step, especially as at the time the second update wasn't available.

Hi Matt,

As phl said, I had the update done due to the pregnant pause at round-abouts.

They also adjusted the brake light switch, and the combination of the 2, seems to have improved the issue. It is much less noticeable.

But, if you are not having any issues, then there probably isnt much point in doing it. Why risk making it worse, as Phl discovered before the issue was solved.

[AnD3rew]

My Independant recently did a software update fir the transmission and I do feel it is smoother and a little less laggy. The difference is not dramatic but it is noticeable

[letherm]

My Independant recently did a software update fir the transmission and I do feel it is smoother and a little less laggy. The difference is not dramatic but it is noticeable

So you don't need a LR dealer for software updates? I thought that they would guard them like gold so that they have a captive market. Very interesting.

[AnD3rew]

So you don't need a LR dealer for software updates? I thought that they would guard them like gold so that they have a captive market. Very interesting.

I don't know if it is a genuine Land Rover software package or a third party one. He has the Autologic system.

[AnD3rew]

Based on this information from the Autologic site it look like they do get Land Rover updates although you could also read it that they replicate the Land Rover updates.


Flash programming – Many control units are flash programmable.
As part of the on-going support, vehicle manufacturers periodically release updated software, often to overcome running issues. Autologic enables you to do these updates. Autologic can program the control units on Land Rover vehicles from 1998 model year onwards. Software files are constantly updated to keep up with fixes from Land Rover. Most powertrain and body control units need programming before they will work on a vehicle. Autologic can also program keys and alarm remotes for all Land Rover models.

[Graeme]

BBS provide LR modules from their web-site - even D4 ones for which no-one other than LR (AFAIK) has a device to install them via the OBD port. I have a copy of the particular version of the ecm s/w that's currently installed on my 3.0 D4, not that I can load it.