I have a Topdon J2534 and TDS subscription. Should I update all the modules that have software updates? Or is "if it ain't broke don't fix it" the best approach?

 

I don't know. But this is my first thought:

I would not update anything unless 1) there was bulletin applicable to my specific VIN that instructs a dealer to update a particular modules. There have been some of these and they are not accomplished via an OTA updateor 2) updates indicated via the normal path to car - using the infotainment screen and checking for OTA updates, downloading and the installing them via that path. I think even if you go to a dealer for those updated, the dealer installs OTA updates the same way - not with a tool.

Does the tool and subscription you mention allow you to search for updates? Are they VIN specific? Not all updates apply to all cars.

My second thought is if the tool you have allows you to search for updates specific to your vehicle, I would still want to find out the purpose of the update - again - by finding the bulletin that notifies the dealer about the update. There were some pretty important updates that were done by the dealers on specific cars - mine was not one of them.

Finally, even dealers mess these updates up. Or the update messes something up. If the car is under warranty, you might want to have the dealer do it instead of using your tool.

 

The updates are specific to the Vin number. TDS is the ACDelco Tech Delivery System which is basically the same as a dealer uses. Logically it seems you would want the latest software updates for each module.

 

That being the case, then yes, you could do it. The only risk is that it messes something up. Some have reported taking the car to the dealer for one of the dealer installed updates (I think there was bulletin about a gateway or something like that) and the dealer bricked the car. And the dealer had to contact GM for assistance. So there is that risk. I have no basis for assessing the likelihood of that.

 

IIRC, that gateway module update HAD to be done by the dealer and was not an OTA. Mine went smoothly.

 

Of course you can run the updates. But, be forewarned: you never know what an update will actually do. For example, GM could down rate engine output to reduce warranty issues that you would seldom encounter. Most updates do not explain what is actually being changed.

And lets be clear, GM has the capability do download and install calibration changes to your car without your involvement. GM has been a defense contractor for many years and things like this are an easy task.