Juggernaut
Well-known member
That’s very informative, thanks for that post. I had no idea about that. I always thought you bring it in for service and they automatically look for updates and apply them. I already have to schedule an appointment for the airbag software update. I assumed other updates would be applied as well. I’ve never been told otherwise. Now that I know that they aren’t I can bring in my little log that I made to list the quirks I’ve experienced and when.The only thing a normal user can do is check the software version in the vehicle settings pages. This is only the infotainment software version and basically useless. The only way to identify modules/subsystems that require software/firmware updates is to plug into the FCA WITECH scan tools, which are proprietary. All software and firmware updates are proprietary as well. So, non dealers have zero chance basically to see or do anything about it. It is possible that high dollar 3rd party scan tools "might" tell you the software version, but are incapable of updating it. I am speaking about $1-5K tools, not the free loaner scan tool from autozone.
Unless the update is marked required for all, they are not normally applied unless you specifically complain about a certain issue that has a certain update. Updating software is only done to people with problems, who complain about them, not everyone. Some updates do apply to everyone, some don't unless you complain. Obviously different trims have different features, which have different modules, etc... you get it. The issue is people here see user X with update Z, but it might not apply to them due to options/trims, etc...
Thanks! You just save me some future frustration.