I know there are recent threads on the subject of software updates, like this one but I'd like to pose this question to a broader audience.

I have an appointment to have the PI1473 A8 software update done on Friday, but after scheduling it I started to read the procedures to complete the update. After performing the update the tech must complete a "fast learn procedure," which includes the following requirement using the scan tool:
I've played around with the tranny-temp pocket gauge for short periods and never noticed it getting very high. I just took an 11-mile ride in rush-hour traffic and 95° ambient, and the tranny temp barely hit 150°.

I can tell you that I won'd let a tech take my car out unsupervised and drive it 20 miles (or whatever) to get the temperature up to spec. If they do the update the car will likely sit for an hour or more to complete, so the tranny temp will certainly be out of spec at the time the fast-learn procedure is needed. So do I suggest to the service manager that I take it out and try to get the temp above 167°, then bring it back to the dealership? Assuming I do the driving what's a good method to get the temp to spec? Take it out on the interstate and run it hard until it gets within the required window? What would you do?

 

Interesting. I would think disconnecting some of the cooler(s) might aid in raising the temps. There may also be a methodology known to the tech to raise trans temp fast(er). Doesn't hurt to ask first before you bring it in.

 

I have the A8

 

Are you trying to deal with a harsh shift 1-2 first drive of the day??

My 2015 built Aug 21 2014 has that problem with no change at 9,000 miles now. I have hesitated to take it to the dealer so would really appreciate a post on how you make out ....good luck, and tks, Doug

 

Well, I hadn't thought about the cooler. I might try blocking the vent to see if it makes any difference.

This dealer doesn't specialize in Corvettes but the tech who is slated to do the update does have GM's highest rank as a tech. I was thinking about taking the document to the SM tomorrow and talk it over with him. This is the first service I've had done by this dealer and I was going to give them something easy for a test, but this is looking like it might not be such a cake walk. They are one mile from my house, don't sell a lot of Corvettes, but have good on-line feedback--so I thought I would give them a try, and my first interview today with the SM left me with a positive feeling.

I never had a harsh shift, except downshifting (2>1 or 3>1) at slow speeds. This happened twice early on and never repeated, but even then wasn't as big a deal as some others have described. It does flare with a sluggish shift on that first cold shift of the day, however, and that hasn't abated. The most worrisome issue is that on four occasions, three times in two days in May and once since then, on the first cold shift from "P" to "R" reverse will not engage. Instead, the "R" on the DIC blinks (~2X/sec) and will engage when I shift to "D" and then back to "R". On one occasion it engaged after about five seconds (did not time it). I've only heard of a few others who've had this glitch, but those owners claim the SW update fixed that issue.

Mine is Dec. 18, 2014 and is now at 1850 miles. I'll visit the SM again tomorrow and will keep this thread updated.

 

Drive slow (around 3mph) for maybe 10 minutes, toss in one or two neutral revs. The only time I've seen my tranny temp get up to that range was when I was in a 4th of july parade...we were averaging 2-3mph. Did a couple of shifting into neutral and reving for the kids. By the end of the parade I was up to just under 200 degrees. Air temperature was overcast and not extremely warm either. Cruising down the highway my tranny stays rather cool. Its low speed where I see temps rise.

 

I would not have thought of that, but I'll give it a try. Now, where can I drive 2-3mph for 10 min. without making a lot of enemies? I wonder if this is just a matter of airflow over the cooler, and maybe blocking the vent would do it at any speed.

 

15 minutes of aggressive driving in the foothills will get you up to 185-200 pretty easy. And it's fun

 

I have a early build 9-15-14, I have no problem with the transmission or other so I won't have any updates performed at this time.

 

What's a foothill? I haven't seen one of these in S. LA.

 

I'd drop it off and pick it up when it's done and not be the stereotypical OCD Vette owner.

If you're concerned just ask how they'll get the trans up to temp. Telling them they can't drive it is stupid IMO.

 

When you drop a car off for service you sign a waver that gives them the right to do what's necessary to complete the job, including drive the car. A routine test drive after fixing something is one thing, but letting a tech drive it aggressively for 20 min. unsupervised to get the tranny up to a higher temperature than it normally would run bothers me. Also, as a motorcycle rider I drive more defensively than most, and I don't like a tech with unknown driving skills taking the car out for that length of time, especially with the drivers we have around here. Call it OCD if you will, but I don't like it.

 

I would approach this from two standpoints. First, just how serious are the problems you are experiencing? If they are something that only occurred infrequently in the past and haven't repeated recently then I wouldn't do an upgrade just to do an upgrade. You may end up creating more problems for yourself over things that aren't really issues. Secondly, if you do think the problems are serious and must be corrected then I would have a detailed conversation with the technician to get all your questions answered to your satisfaction before having any work done. Turning a sophisticated system like the A8 over to someone that doesn't have the requisite training and experience to properly work on it could be playing with fire. Either way, good luck!

 

I have seen mine go up as high as 200 degrees. My Shop did the long form re learn process that requires the car be road driven they said it was more accurate that way. After the re flash the trans is shifting better but still not perfect IMO.

 

Mine too at slow speed.

 

You sure you have the correct link above?

 

That link got screwed up, didn't it. Corrected. Thanks for the tip.

 

Just get the software flash done - it really cures the hard downshift into 1st when going slow problem.

 

In the parking lot, stall the converter up to 1500-2000 or so rpm in gear with your foot on the brake, just like you are about to launch at a dragstrip. After a minute or so, your temps should get up to the range you need. It won't hurt the motor or tranny as long as you keep an eye on the tranny temps.

 

I'm getting some good tips here. Thanks for all the replies. Will update on Friday after the work is done.