ok...so the new pdr box arrived...without software loaded...as you might expect. It was also a different part number than the old pdr box. The tech indicated he updated it with the SD card in the pdr slot. He indicated that was the only way to talk to the PDR. He says that the usb thumbdrive is for updates to the infotainment system. He loaded two updates to the new PDR box and it went smoothly this time. Why didn't it go smoothly the first time?. We probably will never know. Here are before and after videos. I think you can see the second video is much better than the first.

Before:


After:


Unfortunately, I have no data for the transmission overheating to take to GM. On the track Tuesday at the NCM, the transmission overheated and started shifting on its own. The gauge indicated about 290-295. So, I asked the tech to pull history data from the tranny and he said he would not find any issues. He said unless it sets a code it will not save the data. And he said that he thought since it was in track mode the tcm would not set an overheating code.....maybe. So all I have is one run at VIR that shows tranny temp to 284. Bummer.

thanks

bill

 

I have not been able to find a single local dealer that has any clue about the update nor when they might get it... very frustrating. I even gave them the document PI# from the forum post. The dealer I bought from is looking into it but said might be a week or two before they know anything.
On a good note I have not had issue with A8 on track- only mod was to DEI wrap the exhausts

 

What a mess we have here. I see where both of the techs are coming from - SPS has two different updates. One does flash via the USB/Infotainment center, and the other is a firmware update to the camera contained in the PDR module.

So, in essence, they're both correct. The firmware update was hosing them due to power loss, as EEPROM is sensitive to that, and there's only a 2mbit (256KB) PLCC in there. That's just going from data I have on an early version that was cracked open, of course. The power loss scenario is very real, though - it's the reason most motherboard manufacturers went with dual-BIOS/flashback options. People would lose power, or shut off their computers during an update, rendering the BIOS useless and incomplete. No integrated systems have that sort of failback, because it's simply not needed.

Going off a little there, sorry.

 

Theta

Based on your analysis, here is what I understand. If you need the firmware update to the camera, it must be done via sd card in the PDR slot. After that is done, is there another update to the software required and done via the USB port? And which one was Tadge talking about when he announced it in April. We probably will never know but what is needed is some guidelines for all of us to follow when we take our cars in for the update or updates. The first guideline would be to put the car on a battery tender the night before so it is fully charged. but from there it gets really fuzzy. Since the new PDR box had a different part number, it would lead you to believe that new firmware was already loaded and it was not according to the tech. So I am not sure what to suggest beyond a full charge on the battery.

Thanks

Bill

 

Wish I had more information for you regarding which does what! However, that's a typical method of update (firmware via direct flash, support system update via USB).

The battery isn't really the issue, though - the problem comes when technicians do not enable service mode on the cars by pressing and holding the ignition button for 8-10 seconds. If this isn't done, system power is cut within a fairly short period of time, causing the flash to stop and the module(s) to brick.

Of course, it never hurts to have a full battery, especially if a tech leaves automatic lights on and the HIDs come on - they tend to drain things pretty fast, though most service bulletins do state to place a battery tender onto the vehicle before proceeding with any flash.

 

Ok, I get it. Everything times out unless it is in service mode. And if the flash stops midstream because of no power then there is no way to ever talk to the module? And it has to be replaced? Bummer

 

Since I needed the GPS firmware updated due to constant rebooting, I requested the dealer do the PDR update at the same time. Here is their message: "Called GM and was told updates of this sort cannot be applied unless there is a problem present and the update is related to the concern."
So, if you expected the improved imaging provided with the update, buy a new car.

 

Personally, I'd just tell them the video was fuzzy. GM doesn't decide what cars get updates - SPS holds all updates for your VIN, including any applicable PDR update. If SPS says you have an update available, then the dealer can perform the update on a per-module basis.

In this case, your dealer either didn't know how, or didn't want to take the time to copy the file from SPS onto USB and flash it. That's the beginning and end of that one.

Any dealer that has less access than I (an end-user) do with regard to SPS shouldn't be in business, or at the very least should have a new service staff hired who actually are trained on the usage of an MDI and GDS2/SPS diagnostics & programming.

Go back in and ask specifically why they can't update your vehicle's infotainment/PDR system via SPS. If they give you a puzzled look, you've found your answer.

 

Just wanted to make sure that owners know that the update has to get downloaded to an Class 10 SD card and that the update is made from the glove box.
Bish

 

Has anyone found a dealer in northeast that is doing PDR software update.

 

Unfortunately this "fix" is pretty weak. As you can see in the "after" video, the color balance is still off and that looks like under ideal conditions. After the update, the video I took in cloudy/partly cloudy conditions still ends up too dark and the darker areas being green.

You would think they could at least do as well as every cheap phone on the market.

They also didn't fix the brake input scale.

 

Just got PDR update at MacMulkin- significant video improvement. Very happy. Sky looks blue on playback etc-good to go.