tranmission software update...3 hours?

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 05 Nov 2010, 16:01

OK, so I wanted to take our 2001 today to see if they could still turn off the issue with the clunk from a dead stop that has been discussed so many times. At a 120K miles I would hope this was done by the PO...but who knows.

I asked him if this was a quick one hour charge (MAG in Columbus Ohio) for a software update...OOOOOH NOOOOO! 3 hours my friends. Plus is execute that they had to drive it for an hour for adaptive reprogramming...cannot that simple be done by me like I've had to do with Saabs, BMWs, and Porsches I've own and had software changes!

Can any independent shop do this stuff if they have the right Volvo computer equipment. Or is this is 100% a dealer only? We got some high end Volvo only shops in town and I wonder if they can. I know my old Saab shop in town was able to still do "factory only" upgrades with the proper GM test, card and software.

Since we we live is very much a hassle to lose the car for a day, I'd really like to understand if I can search for non-dealer volvo specialists to assist. thanks.

Post by **JRL** » 05 Nov 2010, 16:38

If they have VADIS, of course the shop can!
A drive cycle takes about 15-20 minutes
Tell the dealer you will pay them the one hour for the software and to clear the adaptions and to just back it out of the stall and park it and not drive it.
I can send you the drive cycle, you pick it up and do it.
BTW, how does 1+1=3 hours?
NO ONE, NO VOLVO DEALER CHARGES 3 HOURS FOR THIS, TELL THEM TO SHOVE IT

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 05 Nov 2010, 17:25

Thanks for the comments.

This is why I hate dealers of all type. I do 99% of my own work, short of rebuilding a transmission, on my own cars and only go to dealers when it's something such as this (software). Glad to read on the VADIS for any indie shop.

I was very frustrated talking to this service manager about this. I asked him if they were pulling out a ECU and benching it to do this to get 3 hours! I said in the "real" world hooking up a diagnosis and loading plus a 5 minute test drive should all be fine to meet the hour minimum charge. I don't mind paying minimum book time and understand they need to make a buck...but software upgrades are pure profit. He didn't care...there are 1001 full price paying yuppies in his area...he doesn't need to worry about one frugal DIYer!

Is the "drive cycle" the software upgrade? You can send it to me in case an Indie show with the VADIS doesn't have it?

Post by **JRL** » 05 Nov 2010, 18:31

This is extreme. You can cut these times in half and the 2nd is almosty never necessary

Volvo drive cycle
1.) Accelerate 0-50 MPH within 30 seconds… (ie:VERY SLOWLY, light pedal)
2.) Maintain 45-50 MPH for 10-15 minutes without using cruise control
3.) Park car, turn of A/C, idle for 2 minutes
4.) Accelerate 0-50 MPH within 30 seconds
5.) Maintain 45-50 MPH for 10-15 minutes without using cruise control
6.) Shut off car and allow to cool for 30 minutes before repeating cycle
( in some cases the car requires two cycles (SELDOM)

You need to do this IMMEDIATELY after the adaptions are reset
You don't drive for 10 minutes and do it, you don't drive for 5 minutes and do it, you do it right out of the shop that resets the adaptions as the tranny is adapting immediately

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 05 Nov 2010, 20:52

I find this adaptive driving strange. How do the sell a new car? Does each dealer drive the cars off the truck around to this profile before selling them or do they come from the factory "ready"?

Jerry

jjaV70T · Post by **jjaV70T** » 05 Nov 2010, 22:20

It's a word since many years ago to with the 1st Saturn..it is starange. sir..
and the Dealers are too..

We a have a dealer here in Pasadena starts with R, poor service,, one cowboy mech, one concerned, but looking, I see one cap screw lose, a plastic clip broke, loud steering noise for one month, cowboy left 4 cap bolts off the lower engine cover, see a dent .I am afraid to bring ii back, I need a left front axle, (i can shake it) trans software issue, and yesterday a check engine=coil pack..I have 700 miles on the ex.warr.. I am happy with the warr.not the Mechanic.. ( I have done all the fluid changes, ie: steering,brake 12qt.mobilone,3309, Mobil 1 since 7July2003, 48K

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 06 Nov 2010, 11:00

Checksix wrote:I find this adaptive driving strange. How do the sell a new car? Does each dealer drive the cars off the truck around to this profile before selling them or do they come from the factory "ready"?

Jerry

they come from the factory ready. The "drive cycle" is done by computer to make the tranny change gears smoothly.

The TCM keeps learning and adapting to the driving habits of the new driver, so if you have an aggressive new driver the adaptives in the TCM will be rough gear changes.

So, if your tranny is failing/clunking between gears, its recommended to pay the dealer to reset the adaptives and do a drive cycle.

Post by **JRL** » 06 Nov 2010, 13:41

Checksix wrote:I find this adaptive driving strange. How do the sell a new car? Does each dealer drive the cars off the truck around to this profile before selling them or do they come from the factory "ready"?

Jerry

ALL cars are driven at the factory the the odo is reset to 0
When new this only take a mile or two

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 06 Nov 2010, 23:01

Thanks JRL, that makes sense, as if it was a computer thing, then the dealer should be able to "take it for a spin" without even starting it up, Ha ha!!!

Jerry

parkcity+ · Post by **parkcity+** » 08 Nov 2010, 19:41

When I see posts such as this, it makes me want to sell my Volvos. Can you buy a VADIS system on ebay for about $650 and program it yourself? I hate to be at the mercy of the dealership. They say you can download software but I want to know if anybody ever has? I am one of those guys when I am 95 years old I will be up on my roof repairing it myself cause I hate being taken advantage of. Of course I guess I would be subject to Darwins theroy and be taken out.