What do software updates do for your car?

ViciousClone

ViciousClone

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So i went in today to visit Ford to check on everything ,if it's all running smooth.( it was :p )

Then he said he just wants to update the cars software,so I've heard of this before but never really bothered asking WHAT EXACTLY it's for..

So i'm struggling to find my question on google..I'm sure one of you guys or girls know :)

Car..Ford Focus 2.0 Gdi Sport manual
 
djbrendan said:
So i went in today to visit Ford to check on everything ,if it's all running smooth.( it was :p )

Then he said he just wants to update the cars software,so I've heard of this before but never really bothered asking WHAT EXACTLY it's for..

So i'm struggling to find my question on google..I'm sure one of you guys or girls know :)

Car..Ford Focus 2.0 Gdi Sport manual
Click to expand...

What type of software upgrade?He is probably referring to the entertainment system(Audio,GPS, etc) than the actual software on the ECU(controls air - petrol mix and other things) because that would void warranty.
 
With so much of today's cars running on CPU power a lot of issues can be resolved by updating the software, e.g. V40s were having DPF issues - when I took mine in they replaced a physical pipe and updated software to align to some new parameters that would reduce DPF issues. Similarly ICE updates as well as updates to engine logic to improve consumption (localised settings etc).
 
Batista said:
What type of software upgrade?He is probably referring to the entertainment system(Audio,GPS, etc) than the actual software on the ECU(controls air - petrol mix and other things) because that would void warranty.
Click to expand...

Why could it void if it was Ford that did the software update :x ??
 
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As mentioned above software updates can resolve a number of issues and is normally the first line of defense before changing parts.

Audi Q7 - Boot lid software was updated because the sensor would not pick up an object blocking the movement of the lid when closing.

Takata airbags - very well known issue - the control units were not properly programmed which meant that there could be a potential delay from the time of impact to the time of deployment.

Turbo boost valve - on some of the Audi vehicles there was servo operated boost valve which would boost late, a software updated the tolerances of the servo.

Sorry my knowledge is limited to Audi but hope it gives you an idea of the various components.
 
"Software Updates" is a very broad term.

It could be anything from the fuelling, to the gearbox to the door mirrors in modern cars.
 
Had a software update on my Clio, saw the DSG box change gears smoother. Also a software update for Airbags.
 
Aah oky! Thanks guys..So in short it could help with fuel consumption and fix issues( usually i offer a tissue for an issue,that was lame)
 
Will most likely be an update to the entertainment system.

I've done that myself to my fiesta to resolve an issue with the bluetooth functionality going tits up.
 
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