OTA update caution.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 852
From: West NY
OTA update caution.
So my 2024 Stingray had a notification pop up on the dash when I parked at the bank. I decided that I'll press the "install now" button.
after I exited the car did my thing in the bank, took 5 minutes.
Came out to the car, opened the door, got in, closed the door, foot on the brake, hit the start button and...nuttin. The car was completely dead, all I could see was a very faint infotainment screen and a timer saying 4 minutes left.
So I thought, no biggie I'll just cancel the ota...no can do, tried calling onstar...dead too...ok I'll wait it out, go to exit the car and...nope the buttons don't work. The car was like the battery was removed...holy crud....90° out starting to sweat, then I remembered the manual door release..
popped the door open to get some air, then after a few minutes the car came to life and I went on my way.
Crazy stuff, so just make sure you don't need the car for 15 minutes or so before doing an update.
after I exited the car did my thing in the bank, took 5 minutes.
Came out to the car, opened the door, got in, closed the door, foot on the brake, hit the start button and...nuttin. The car was completely dead, all I could see was a very faint infotainment screen and a timer saying 4 minutes left.
So I thought, no biggie I'll just cancel the ota...no can do, tried calling onstar...dead too...ok I'll wait it out, go to exit the car and...nope the buttons don't work. The car was like the battery was removed...holy crud....90° out starting to sweat, then I remembered the manual door release..
popped the door open to get some air, then after a few minutes the car came to life and I went on my way.
Crazy stuff, so just make sure you don't need the car for 15 minutes or so before doing an update.
Popular Reply
Jun 21, 2024, 12:59 PM
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,888
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From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Do any OTA Updates in my garage
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,948
Likes: 6,753
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
If I've learned anything reading all the OTA update threads and experiences here, it is NOT to do such while out-&-about. You were fortunate it worked as it should. However, think about if it hadn't. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 4,800
From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
As Avanti said ^^^^ OTA's are not to be done on the road or when you may need to use her anytime soon. Some can take an hour to download if not mistaken. I thought there was some kind of warning before proceeding that stated you will not be able to access your vehicle or use it during the install kind of message, but I could be wrong. Hopefully lesson learned.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 2,653
From: Texas
And before arguments of "they need updates for software just like phones" - I rooted my old phone and installed a custom kernal and OS. Havent done an update on that phone in a decade and it still works just fine other than not having the latest hardware (5G, etc). Still loads all its apps and can use them with no issues, because the custom kernal and OS arent shoving OTA updates down my throat every other week.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,298
Likes: 3,198
From: Oro Valley Arizona
Paying Attention
The info screen will display several warnings before the final button installing an OTA. Our 2022 says you won't be able to drive the car. 2022 says it can take up to an hour. 2022 says your car will not be available during the OTA. 2022 says don't leave someone including you in the car while the update is ongoing. My guess, 2024 is the same. Right? If you don't pay attention to these, you risk a bad experience. Seems you got off easy. Do them at home when you don't 'need' to drive the car for a short time. Ours (4) have never taken more than 10 minutes. And be forewarned, like any PC or phone update, you do not want attempt an abort in the middle of the process. Patience is a virtue.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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The update I recently did on my 24 Z06 specifically had warnings about how long it could take and that the car would not start and power door locks might be inoperative during the update. As others have stated, best to do them at home in the garage when you won't need the car for a while.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2023
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From: Lake Oconee GA
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 852
From: West NY
The update I recently did on my 24 Z06 specifically had warnings about how long it could take and that the car would not start and power door locks might be inoperative during the update. As others have stated, best to do them at home in the garage when you won't need the car for a while.
lesson learned, hope my little adventure helps someone from being duped like me.
Really glad the creators had the foresight to have a manual door release, I knew it was there, but still took me a moment to remember it because I was figuring out the issue of my dead car. All is well, love this car .
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 852
From: West NY
Really don't know, I did get an ota update that cured the radio staying on after turning the car off and exiting. Funny thing is the radio didn't shut off today when I opened the door to exit for the bank visit, thats why I hit the button on the very dim screen before I got out of the seat..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1,590
From: Clermont, Florida
Really don't know, I did get an ota update that cured the radio staying on after turning the car off and exiting. Funny thing is the radio didn't shut off today when I opened the door to exit for the bank visit, thats why I hit the button on the very dim screen before I got out of the seat..
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 852
From: West NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified