Firmware Versions/Upgrades
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,397
Likes: 124
From: Frisco TX
Is your car doing something that makes you think it needs an update? A lot of times newer software is just minor bug fixes, or adjustments to accommodate newer versions of the hardware.
If something is genuinely not working correctly, there's a service bulletin that tells the dealers what needs to be reprogrammed and why.
GM (and I'd assume other manufacturers) doesn't like people reprogramming things just for the hell of it. It's not common, but every now and then one of these modules fails programming and gets turned into a brick. So now your "just because" firmware update turns into a several hundred dollar hardware replacement.
This stuff isn't like a PC or an iPhone, where you always want to be on the latest software. In the majority of cases, you're perfectly ok with what you have.
If something is genuinely not working correctly, there's a service bulletin that tells the dealers what needs to be reprogrammed and why.
GM (and I'd assume other manufacturers) doesn't like people reprogramming things just for the hell of it. It's not common, but every now and then one of these modules fails programming and gets turned into a brick. So now your "just because" firmware update turns into a several hundred dollar hardware replacement.
This stuff isn't like a PC or an iPhone, where you always want to be on the latest software. In the majority of cases, you're perfectly ok with what you have.
Just wondered if I was missing an update.
Probably not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,979
Likes: 4,145
From: Kansas City, MO
I'll admit, I'm no expert on how the A8s perform. Someone else may be able to chime in with a more informed opinion. But I'd guess it's working as expected and the only thing that would change how it shifts is an aftermarket tune.
I did check a random 17 Grand Sport VIN, and the only software update I saw mentioned something about updating conditions for certain error codes. So nothing that'd be noticeable to the driver. Depending on when it was put into production and when your car was built, you may already have it.
I did check a random 17 Grand Sport VIN, and the only software update I saw mentioned something about updating conditions for certain error codes. So nothing that'd be noticeable to the driver. Depending on when it was put into production and when your car was built, you may already have it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,397
Likes: 124
From: Frisco TX
I'll admit, I'm no expert on how the A8s perform. Someone else may be able to chime in with a more informed opinion. But I'd guess it's working as expected and the only thing that would change how it shifts is an aftermarket tune.
I did check a random 17 Grand Sport VIN, and the only software update I saw mentioned something about updating conditions for certain error codes. So nothing that'd be noticeable to the driver. Depending on when it was put into production and when your car was built, you may already have it.
I did check a random 17 Grand Sport VIN, and the only software update I saw mentioned something about updating conditions for certain error codes. So nothing that'd be noticeable to the driver. Depending on when it was put into production and when your car was built, you may already have it.
