[jjs]

Software version question....

OK, this might sound like a silly question, but do all 300's, as they are built, receive the latest and greatest software version or are they still rolling off the line with 'older' versions and then DCX updates them at the dealership when people complain about issues?

And yes this is a general question, so please don't move this thread.

 

[ibdcx]

Yes they do....

 

[cmego]

Yes they do....

Ha ha. Do we need to take a build date/sw version poll?

 

[jjs]

Yes they do....

Is this an assumption or do you have something this is based upon?

 

[AndyK]

It's been documented that people with later build dates have more recent revisions of the software version displayed in the EVIC (I believe 3.61 / 7/27 is the latest but I may be wrong).

Also note that the software version you see in the EVIC is not the software version for the entire car, just the instrument cluster.

There is no reason why they would not use the latest software revision at the time of assembly.

 

[5point7]

If this is the case, does it make sense to have dealer install updated version?

 

[jjs]

There is no reason why they would not use the latest software revision at the time of assembly.

Actually there is....$.

I am not saying it would make sense, but we have all had run ins with companies taking the easy way out to save a buck.

 

[AndyK]

5point7: first rule of software is that you don't update unless you're having a problem, IMHO. I wouldn't go out of my way to have it done but if you take your car there for routine maintenance I'd have them check it to see if there's anything that applies to any problems you may be having.

jjs: I'm assuming they have to plug the computer system in to an external device at some point in the build process to do setup and configuration. I'd be basicially cost-free to update the firmware then. They'd save money by doing it on the factory floor, rather than paying a dealer to have a tech do it. IMHO, they only do these software updates to fix problems that will cost them money.

You could ask the bramptonassembly.com people or the people on dodgemagnum.net that work there (henry and markyneutron, iirc), if you're curious.

 

[StCassel]

Are you asking about the software for the navigation system? The version of the software would not make a great deal of difference on your navigation system. I have been told by Lincoln and Acura dealers, that it would not be cost effective to get annual updates of the navigation software. It would not effect a vast majority of your active navigation trips. The only items that would change would be the inclusion of a new residental housing development street, the new interstate highway route, or the Shell gas station, at one navigation map location, may no longer be in business. Should customers email in corrections to map navigation software (Version 1), the suggested correction may not appear until Version 3 comes out two years later. For this reason, locations of gas stations and restaurants may never be totally up-to-date and correct. Regardless of the version of navigation software, the vast majority of the time, the different software versions should not make any great difference.

 

[jjs]

Are you asking about the software for the navigation system? The version of the software would not make a great deal of difference on your navigation system. I have been told by Lincoln and Acura dealers, that it would not be cost effective to get annual updates of the navigation software. It would not effect a vast majority of your active navigation trips. The only items that would change would be the inclusion of a new residental housing development street, the new interstate highway route, or the Shell gas station, at one navigation map location, may no longer be in business. Should customers email in corrections to map navigation software (Version 1), the suggested correction may not appear until Version 3 comes out two years later. For this reason, locations of gas stations and restaurants may never be totally up-to-date and correct. Regardless of the version of navigation software, the vast majority of the time, the different software versions should not make any great difference.

No, I was referring to controls and engine management type software.

 

[mileshoover]

Just had my factory computer settings (2/25/04, v 2.85) flashed to 7/25/04, v 3.61). Among other things, if I left the auto wiper settings set in any position, once in a while, the left turn signal would turn on the wipers.

There was no charge to me; to DC, it was a warranty charge.

Wiper problem now appears to be fixed.

 

[LWOOD]

Miles, I have the same problems! Same Software. I am glad the new version took care of it. I will have it done at next service.

 

[jeepgrady]

Miles,

When I had my car at the dealer. I was told that they didn't receive the updated software. Quite frankly, they seemed to be somewhat lost regarding the entire car. Is this just an update they get from the Chrysler computer, or is there a cd they need to use?

 

[mileshoover]

Mr

Someone is giving you some BS. If the dealer is a DC one, they routinely get updates on all kinds of things -- especially the EVIC s/w updates. They are placed into the Startech computer for updating all appropriate 300 series cars. It should be done automatically when your car is in for service.

My dealer, a rural one, tried that on me and we had a bit of a discussion. I had to go back a week later, but lo and hehold, they "found" an update disk and finally put the update into my car as I said earlier. My dealer is a recent 5* one and they want to keep that designation, so they are learning, too, about this auto series.

This flashing is a "Free" warranty thing -- if you have any problems with the dealer, tell your regional rep. Also, you can always go to another dealer, but for the long run, get the current one on track so you don't have any more such problems with them lying to you.

If they are as bad as you feel/implied; perhaps moving on to another dealer, if not too difficult, would be in your best interests. But still report the incident to the Regional Rep. Otherwise, they'll continue to give DC a bad name.

 

[ibdcx]

Is this an assumption or do you have something this is based upon?

Almost every controller in the vehicle has had multiple updates since the launch. These are not necessarily to fix problems (some are) but to add new feature content, or support newer versions of communication specifications, etc....

Many of these updates are available to the dealers to install as well.

 

[toothdoc]

current software

anybody know what current software version is?

 

[CottyGee]

July 27, 2004. Don't recall the version number, but 7/27 is the date, IRRC.

 

[mileshoover]

Please see my post earlier in this thread.