Software updates

[BrianandChrissy]

I went to the dealership today for regularly scheduled oil change, tire rotation etc. While on the lift, the tech brought me out to the Bay to show me the sliders on the calipers we're almost dry. He told me it's easily something I could do, and it is..but I thought hey, he's a very up front honest tech..let them do it. $99.95 for all 4. I was happy!
While I waited, I asked my service coordinator if there was any flash updates that were needed. He told me that as of January 1st, 2018, updates were being done on an as needed basis. I.E. unless I had problems, there wouldn't be anymore flash updates. My truck is a 2016 with just over 30k on the clock.
My question to all of you is have you been told the same thing or something similar? I'm very happy with this dealership, as this is my 2nd truck from them. So happy in fact, I bought my fiancee her shaker challenger from them also. (She's in heated storage til April 1st)
I was wondering if any of you have a similar relationship with your dealership?

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[CostaRam]

I would like to add to this tread:
Is there a way to check the installed software version without something else than the dealersip computer?
Chris

 

[Hemi395]

My dealer did an update to my truck when it was in for a recall and it made it run different and shift different. Then I got my tuner and it "downgraded" the software to the original version so it could tune it. I've never had a problem with the downgraded flash so I'm good with it. The last recall I brought it in for I specifically asked them not to update the PCM and they told me the same thing just told you, they won't flash any updates unless there's a problem.

 

[BTD07]

I would like to add to this tread:
Is there a way to check the installed software version without something else than the dealersip computer?
Chris

Yes. You can go on UConnect and type in your VIN and it will tell you the version and if theres any updates. The way to do it yourself is download the update, put it on an empty flash drive, then plug that into your trucks USB and follow the prompts. Theres obviously a little more to it but that will get you started. Takes about 30 minutes total.
If youre all talking about something other than UConnect then disregard what I am saying haha

 

[steven_sbs]

...I bought my fiancee her shaker challenger from them also. (She's in heated storage til April 1st)...

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I'm sorry but I have to ask, is it your fiancee or her Challenger that's in heated storage?

 

[kad]

My question to all of you is have you been told the same thing or something similar?

Yup, unless you can show that you're experiencing a problem corrected by the flash, they are no longer free. Mine will do it anyway if you pay them an hour's labor.

Mind you, the sales dept at my dealer is pure slime, but the service guys are ok and the parts guys are very good.

-K

 

[BrianandChrissy]

I'm sorry but I have to ask, is it your fiancee or her Challenger that's in heated storage?

*****
I wondered who would ask 1st! I left it worded that way knowing one of the wise guys on here would kick it on me lol. Thank you very much as you didn't let me down.
Going to the heated storage to start this girl up on Saturday...

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[Podcast]

My dealer did an update to my truck when it was in for a recall and it made it run different and shift different. Then I got my tuner and it "downgraded" the software to the original version so it could tune it. I've never had a problem with the downgraded flash so I'm good with it. The last recall I brought it in for I specifically asked them not to update the PCM and they told me the same thing just told you, they won't flash any updates unless there's a problem.

I had the same issue after they updated my PCM during a recall procedure. The problem is that I noticed shift points were different along with terrible gas mileage but they lied and told me they never did any PCM updates, bunch of BS. I was pissed. Opened a case with FCA which went no where since it was then at my expense to have it "diagnosed".

Back to the OP. My dealership over a year ago told me if I wanted any updates the technician would need to be paid so I would be charged. Told them where to go.

I don't want to get this thread confused as there is a mention of Uconnect updates. The PCM and Uconnect updates are entirely different animals.

 

[CostaRam]

If youre all talking about something other than UConnect then disregard what I am saying haha

I understood that OP is talking about engin PCM software updates and that is what i am asking for.
My Uconnect is already last version, but still works bad ...

Chris

 

[ColdCase]

While I waited, I asked my service coordinator if there was any flash updates that were needed. He told me that as of January 1st, 2018, updates were being done on an as needed basis. I.E. unless I had problems, there wouldn't be anymore flash updates. My truck is a 2016 with just over 30k on the clock.
My question to all of you is have you been told the same thing or something similar?

This is the way its been for decades, like TSBs in general. There are a few exceptions that are suggested for all at the next oportunity (like perhaps Uconnect currently). Over the past couple years dealers seem to be doing software updates routinely, probably because they get paid to do them not because its good for the customer. FCA may be cracking down. There used to be a repair code dealers used to get paid for routine stuff that may have been closed.

So its back to the old, don't go in and request an update or TSB applied, go in and complain about the issue the TSB is suppose to address.

 

[JB1]

the tech brought me out to the Bay to show me the sliders on the calipers we're almost dry..let them do it. $99.95 for all 4.

Huh....what’s a slider and what did they do for $100?

 

[BrianandChrissy]

Huh....what’s a slider and what did they do for $100?

Dude....your calipers move in and out on a shoulder bolt known as a "slider"
They are to be lubed yearly, otherwise the calipers don't work as they should, causing uneven pad wear and rotor warping. They pulled all 4 calipers and lubricated each one while rotating the tires. I figure 25$ per caliper is a no brainer.

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[RamInfo]

So, where does one go to see TSBs that might be applicable?

Best,
DG

 

[kad]

So, where does one go to see TSBs that might be applicable?

Best,
DG

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Go to the Vehicle tab, input the year/make/model and on the chart that comes up, TSBs will be listed under "Manufacturer Communications"

-K

 

[RamInfo]

Awesome, thanks a bunch for that info! Some interesting reading there...

Best,
DG

 

[Spirit79]

On brake sliders. Buffalo, NY vs Houston, Texas: completely dfferent under vehicle maintenance requirements. Folks who live in areas where the roads are salted in the winter have serious issues to deal with that those of us who live in the South never see.

 

[kad]

On brake sliders. Buffalo, NY vs Houston, Texas: completely dfferent under vehicle maintenance requirements. Folks who live in areas where the roads are salted in the winter have serious issues to deal with that those of us who live in the South never see.

Seems to depend on the vehicle too. I'm in NY as well and on my previous vehicle, an '01 Dakota, I never had any issues with the calipers. My wife's '02 Liberty on the other hand, I've had to replace entire caliper brackets a couple of times because the pins seized so badly I couldn't even get them out. And that was with normal care and lubrication.

-K

 

[meedom]

So I’m guessing sliders are actually the caliper pistons??

 

[BrianandChrissy]

So I’m guessing sliders are actually the caliper pistons??

No. There is a shoulder bolt that the caliper moves on. It's the one with the rubber boot. It needs to stay lubricated.

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[meedom]

Damn, wish I had known about that before just doing my pads LOL!