D3 - is a transmission firmware update risky?

[goofyr]

Hey all,

I’m looking to update my transmission firmware which I’ve gotten from Gap. But of course they delivered it with a disclaimer that resetting the transmission adaption which is needed to update the firmware may cause the transmission to run worst if it’s not needed.

Is this really as risky as it sounds and has anyone done it and what have they experienced?

Thanks,
Randy

[LRD414]

Resetting the gearbox adaptions is not risky in itself. It may initially shift differently and then take a period of time to alter back to what you're used to but that's not doing any harm or anything outside normal programming. Reflashing the firmware could be seen as a risk. Hypothetically, if the process was to fail, you may be left with a non-functioning ECU. But note that my comments are not based on experience and I've not read of issues with the Gap reflashing process, so the risk is probably very low. It's similar to the disclaimer they make regarding CCF editing (which I have done). When you are changing anything in programming there's a risk.

Cheers,
Scott

[Disco-tastic]

From what ive heard as the transmissions (and oils) wear the computer adapts to release the clutches differently to provide smooth shifting. When you change the oil and reset the adaptions the clutches and plates and whatnot are more worn than a new box (obviously) and therefore shifts can be clunky and slow.

Apparently a remedy is to drive it in sport mode for a while.

My auto mech advised me to not reset the transmissions based on this.

What are the advantages of updating the firmware?

[goofyr]

I’m hoping that the update will remove an annoying habit for the transmission to hold a lower gear when going up a hill near where I live when cold. Gap mentioned the update for mine if for better low speed behaviour. I’m also a bit OCD with updating software :)

[Milton477]

Would you have a way of reverting to the current version if the update was unsuitable?

[DiscoJeffster]

I have always reset adaptations with every fluid change as instructed in the manual and while it changes harsh initially, taking the vehicle for a drive allows it to very quickly reset the adaptations to suit the new oil.

[goofyr]

I have always reset adaptations with every fluid change as instructed in the manual and while it changes harsh initially, taking the vehicle for a drive allows it to very quickly reset the adaptations to suit the new oil.

Cool thanks I will give it a go. I’ve had the transmission serviced and they didn’t reset adaptations.

[goofyr]

Would you have a way of reverting to the current version if the update was unsuitable?

I will see if the option is available and post here. I still need to update my iidtool.

[DiscoJeffster]

Cool thanks I will give it a go. I’ve had the transmission serviced and they didn’t reset adaptations.

I don’t think it’s the end of the world at all. It just means the adaptations will take longer as they’re gradual over time whereas I presume after a reset it goes through a rapid relearn. You can feel it happen very quickly.

[goofyr]

I finally did the update and all went well. For me it makes a difference, there’s less hesitation at low speed with light throttle so I’m happy with it. On the question of downgrading if I wasn’t happy with it I think I would need to go back to Gap for that as this was a custom upgrade.

[Eric SDV6SE]

I’m hoping that the update will remove an annoying habit for the transmission to hold a lower gear when going up a hill near where I live when cold. Gap mentioned the update for mine if for better low speed behaviour. I’m also a bit OCD with updating software :)

When I changed the fluid and rebuilt the valve body in the ZF6HP28 I hard reset the car, then drove it gently at first for the TCM to relearn the shift points (I put new solenoids in, they maintain a certain opening voltage that the TCM learns, so new solenoids resets the base values as per firmware coding.

I had No need to reset adaption etc.

Re holding gear when cold, I understand this is a valve body/torque converter behaviour issue as in it won't let the transmission shift into a higher gear if the line pressure for a particular gear is not right. This protects the t.c and valve body plus clutch packs. I notice this here in Perth on colder mornings, not at all in summer. The car will hold 5th gear until the TCM has determined all is good, then smoothly shifts into 6th. This only happens on cold starts and only once when shifting through the gears. , everything else is normal. I can overide it by using sport mode and selecting 6th gear manually....

I guess with the firmware update, perhaps the pressure setpoints at which the TCM tells the solenoids open/close could be slighly adjusted to give a smoother shifting experience between gears.

[BOVRover]

I have always reset adaptations with every fluid change as instructed in the manual and while it changes harsh initially, taking the vehicle for a drive allows it to very quickly reset the adaptations to suit the new oil.

Which manual, we've torn through the service manual and not found a reference to adaptions except when referring to ECM changes.....

[loanrangie]

Which manual, we've torn through the service manual and not found a reference to adaptions except when referring to ECM changes.....

On the docs that came with my genuine solenoids it stated to not reset adaptions unless you are replacing hardware in the trans.

[BOVRover]

On the docs that came with my genuine solenoids it stated to not reset adaptions unless you are replacing hardware in the trans.

Can you post copies on this thread? That's important information