[DrMaine]

For a software update? This is unbelievable to me.

My wife and I have 4 Tesla, the first two in 2018, plus one we traded in last year makes 5, and we've NEVER had to bring any of them in to a Service Center for a software update of any kind. Plus, it never takes 4.5 HOURS, or two days at a dealership, the longest one took 45-50 minutes, most of them in 30-40 minutes while sitting in our driveway. And they always notify me as soon as one is available, which averages every two months, I just push "Install Now" on my phone's screen.

What is GM smoking? And how can they claim they have OTA software update capability? This seems like false advertising...

Shoot, I feel like every time I get in my wife's Tesla it says there is an update or one was applied. Same can't be said for my other vehicles.

 

[Marvin]

If it's through OTA you don't... All you have to do is wait for it to be pushed to your vehicle or press a button to have it check for one... If one is available and just hasn't arrived yet it should ping the servers and become available shortly.

Huh? That was basically my point. Maybe I'm missing your point.

Also... Don't act as if Tesla Service Centers don't have techs that are trained for Software Diagnostic and installation issues.

I didn't act like that, Tesla has the best software techs in the business. I was simply saying in 7+ years, over 5 cars, with literally hundreds of software updates, not one has failed, not one has needed a tech and ALL of them were done in our driveway (or on a road trip), never at a Service Center.

It's not clear why you think I acted like Tesla didn't have technicians capable of diagnosing software installation issues. That's just crazy. Of course they do, they are a tech company! Where did that crazy talk come from? Beside full-on left-field?

 

[mikejeep]

You might want to be careful because I've seen discussions saying that GM is blocking clone devices from working with their SPS software (not that the Amazon device looks like a clone, but it's not a Bosch).

I am not an expert, but from what I have read, GM/ACDelco are only blocking counterfeit MDI2 devices -- not all devices that aren't an MDI2.

I had a VCX NANO that I used on my 2016 Silverado for several years with an SPS subscription I renewed several times. I have had similar success with a VCX FD on a 2024 SEV. These are not MDI2 clones, they are generic J2534 "passthrough" devices. They do not look like an MDI2 nor do they present as an MDI2 in Techline Connect.

The ACDelco site has a very prominent disclaimer that seems to support this:

"USE OF COUNTERFEIT "CLONE" GM MDI DEVICES will result in your account being blocked. Aftermarket J2534 devices are not impacted."

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

My AT4 was built on July 7 or so and AFAIK has all the current updates; turn camera works at least.

Is there a UI to tell what updates/software versions are already applied? Only thing I can find is the Android version, maybe it's bundled in that unless they have a modular approach which doesn't require a repave of the whole build.

This is my understanding as well. 2026 models already have the new software.

If you go into the about screen it should show you the build number. The SQBR6 is what you should see if you have the latest update.

on the subject of aftermarket MDI tools. I would urge extreme caution while these devices may work only the Bosch official GM tool gets full support from GM. I would hate to see someone run into an issue and then get a bill from GM for thousands of dollars (negating any savings from buying a clone or 3rd party tool) or have their TDS account blocked (GM is enforcing this pretty strongly from what I hear).

I get it that the devices are expensive, but the trucks are also expensive and the repairs will be expensive as well. If you ask me, it’s cheap insurance to buy the official Bosch tool and that’s why if you’re gonna do this, I strongly recommend you go that route. You also need a really good jump pack or the official GM tool to connect to the battery. The little jump, starters or trickle chargers are not sufficient.

 

[SilverDan]

This is my understanding as well. 2026 models already have the new software.

If you go into the about screen it should show you the build number. The SQBR6 is what you should see if you have the latest update.

Yes that's in the long identification tag so is updaed. Unfortunately that indicates that this appears to be a full 'repave' update rather than modular, in which case they'd give a list. The original details I could dig up (not much) on Ultifi is that it was an inversion of control plugin based system which would support modular updates, but seems like they didn't push that through to deployment. If they had it could mean faster release, more focused updates, rather than a entire system rewrite. Also they didn't put much energy into this ID string.

Anyhow if that's accurate then they're probably playing it safe as it's easier to do a whole firmware update. They probably also have dual images (keep the old as fallback) in case something goes wrong.

Otherwise you won't catch me programming my truck in a million years. I do that crap for a living, too many ways for it to go wrong and I'm paying GM to do the work for me.

or have their TDS account blocked (GM is enforcing this pretty strongly from what I hear).

They should, and nobody should be programming their own truck IMO. Why? No advantage I can see, only costs, time, huge bother and huge risks.

 

[nebula1701]

nobody should be programming their own truck IMO. Why? No advantage I can see, only costs, time, huge bother and huge risks.

Lamest Take... If people want to do this they should be allowed, right-to-repair is a thing and needs to be protected.

Yes that's in the long identification tag so is updaed. Unfortunately that indicates that this appears to be a full 'repave' update rather than modular, in which case they'd give a list. The original details I could dig up (not much) on Ultifi is that it was an inversion of control plugin based system which would support modular updates, but seems like they didn't push that through to deployment. If they had it could mean faster release, more focused updates, rather than a entire system rewrite. Also they didn't put much energy into this ID string.

Anyhow if that's accurate then they're probably playing it safe as it's easier to do a whole firmware update. They probably also have dual images (keep the old as fallback) in case something goes wrong.

Otherwise you won't catch me programming my truck in a million years. I do that crap for a living, too many ways for it to go wrong and I'm paying GM to do the work for me.

What are you talking about?? I think I'm getting a little confused on your description here.... SQBR6 is Infotainment ONLY Build number for Android Automotive 12. This is like a Feature release for iPhone where 18.4 goes to 18.5 when they release features.

All other OTA updates will show in the Update History, if done via MDI2 for individual modules then it won't show in the update history and only via MDI2 tool when scanning.
GM has been sending individual targeted Module updates via OTA... that's what the 652.XX and 653.XX OTA updates are.

 

[mikejeep]

They should, and nobody should be programming their own truck IMO. Why? No advantage I can see, only costs, time, huge bother and huge risks.

I agree that there are risks and dealers should be handling the updates for owners. But, despite written guidance from GM saying VWP should be done upon request and at every appointment, many owners have struggled to find dealers willing to do updates properly, if at all. Some dealers that will do the updates take the car for a day or more with no loaner option. Also, once the bumper-to-bumper warranty runs out, programming will not be free.

Many of these updates have included significant improvements to the truck and are well worth installing. I am glad that there is an option for owners to educate themselves and perform the updates on their own.

 

[tiaank]

I am not an expert, but from what I have read, GM/ACDelco are only blocking counterfeit MDI2 devices -- not all devices that aren't an MDI2.

I had a VCX NANO that I used on my 2016 Silverado for several years with an SPS subscription I renewed several times. I have had similar success with a VCX FD on a 2024 SEV. These are not MDI2 clones, they are generic J2534 "passthrough" devices. They do not look like an MDI2 nor do they present as an MDI2 in Techline Connect.

The ACDelco site has a very prominent disclaimer that seems to support this:

"USE OF COUNTERFEIT "CLONE" GM MDI DEVICES will result in your account being blocked. Aftermarket J2534 devices are not impacted."

Good to know. I am still worried about the "but you didn't use proper GM tool which voids your warrany" if something goes wrong. I just ordered a official MDI2 GM device so will see how that goes.

 

[SilverDan]

Guess I’m spoiled, so many EVs around here both the Chevy and GMC dealers are fully EV knowledgeable, never had a problem getting dealer updates or repairs. Only thing the Chevy dealer can’t figure out is how ton get the TPMS locations right 😅

 

[flyinglow]

Lamest Take... If people want to do this they should be allowed, right-to-repair is a thing and needs to be protected.

I would be concerned that I put a lot of effort and thought into it only to have it all overwritten by an update at some point.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

There are some important points here. This is risky and could be very inconvenient if something goes wrong. I think having that warning out there is important. I also agree that folks should have the right to do it if they so choose. The considerations are

• It takes a good amount of time to do
• The equipment needed to do this properly and maintain GM warranty is expensive
• There is always risk of a module being bricked which would result in significant inconvenience at a minimum.

Unless someone is technical and has several hours to tinker I would always recommend either trying to get it done at a dealer or waiting for the OTA.

 

[tiaank]

Got my little present from Bosch today.

 

[Johnlcoley]

Got my little present from Bosch today.
View attachment 6625

Let us know how it goes.

 

[tiaank]

Let us know how it goes.

I can already tell you that the software is rough… it failed to download, failed to launch, and when I research the error, the recommendation was well maybe we try to reinstall.

 

[nebula1701]

You are not using wireless are you? Make sure no wifi is in use. Those are the first instructions in the TSB. You also need to have your 12V battery on a charger.

 

[tiaank]

I can already tell you that the software is rough… it failed to download, failed to launch, and when I research the error, the recommendation was well maybe we try to reinstall.

Ok - so after trying to get the update up, it looks like you need:
1. An update subscription which is $45 per 24 months for 1 update of all modules
2. The $900 MDI-2 or J2534 pass through device.

 

[tiaank]

You are not using wireless are you? Make sure no wifi is in use. Those are the first instructions in the TSB. You also need to have your 12V battery on a charger.

yeah nowhere near the car yet - just trying to get techline software working right now.

 

[nebula1701]

you do not need a techline connect subscription, only need the SPS2.

turn off wifi, wired connection, Disable AV, run as admin, make sure no other USB devices are plugged into the PC.

https://www.silveradoevforum.com/threads/updating-modules-with-oe-tool-sps2.244

 

[Clayman]

For those that have updated, can you see if you are seeing the following things? I’ve been speaking with the EV concierge to see if a few things are a result of the update or not.
1. Rain sense wipers no longer working when the intermittent wiper setting is selected.
2. Toggle switch on the front right of the steering wheel between the audio source and DIC buttons no longer cycles through favorites but advances to the next station outside of the favorites when pushed up or down.
3. On the DIC, on the right side of the speedometer, the power meter used to show the number in red or green depending on if you were using or generating power. Now it stays white and just the power bolt changes color.

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[tiaank]

you do not need a techline connect subscription, only need the SPS2.

turn off wifi, wired connection, Disable AV, run as admin, make sure no other USB devices are plugged into the PC.

https://www.silveradoevforum.com/threads/updating-modules-with-oe-tool-sps2.244

yup it’s a dedicated PC with nothing else on it, reinstalled again (3rd try, now we have success!), something must be going wrong with the software install.