Changing Factory Configuration File - heated seats

[missmysaab]

Hi All,
My 2013 C30 has all of the hardware (equipment) installed for heated from seats and automatic climate control. (All genuine Volvo parts: seat and back heating elements (L&R), wiring harnesses, seat heater control modules, cabin air temperature sensor, and dash control unit (with ACC knobs, telephone, bluetooth). Since these options were not factory installed, the vehicle configuration file is missing the software for these. Downloading software and re-flashing CEM does nothing (except setting me back $200).

l asked my local dealer (San Diego) to contact the Volvo Field Technical Service Specialist to request that the vehicle configuration file be changed. An east coast dealer had told me that this was possible if the FTSS requested it. "The file in Sweden (or, Belgium, or wherever the Volvo server is) can be modified on an individual basis as a:"special request."

My dealer related to me that the FTSS "ran the VIN and your vehicle does not support these options." Well, I knew that. The original configuration file does not contain these options. What I am asking is for Volvo to change that file, so the modified software can be downloaded. When I explained that to the service advisor, he replied, "Well, we don't know how to do that." Somebody must know. I am more than happy to pay for the CEM re-flash, plus a reasonable fee for changing the file.

Does anyone else have any experience (success) with this process? Is it possible to contact someone higher up in FTS? Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

[precopster]

If the options you fitted weren't available for your particular model year I doubt you can wrangle a custom file from Volvo corporate.

Henry (Doublebug) and I toyed with an XC 2001 and fitted power mirrors and heated seats afew years ago. Henry has "the gift" as far as firmware fiddling on Volvos. You may want to try him for suggestions.

[missmysaab]

Hi "precopster,"
Thank you for your reply. These options were available for that model year (2013). They just weren't installed at the factory in this particular car. So, I believe Volvo is able to provide a custom file. The challenge is connecting with someone who is willing to provide this kind of special customer service. Had I bought the car new, I would have purchased both options. But, I bought it used (Volvo Certified) in 2016, and later discovered that it was pre-wired for heated seats. So I started wondering about whether they could be added. I will definitely reach out to Henry. Thank you for that lead.

Cheers.