Software update screwed up my 14

[apeas2]

Vipercluster.jpg

So, me dealership visit to fix my passive entry has turned into a nightmare. The Viper tech (who I like alot) told me the car needed 3 updates. The longest one which they have done twice has destroyed the speedo stack. The regional manager is now involved and is hinting that the stack will need to be pulled out and sent back because the mileage (a whopping 200) is burnt on the chip and must be transferred. Im not comfortable leaving this car at the dealership.

[Rapidrezults]

So, me dealership visit to fix my passive entry has turned into a nightmare. The Viper tech (who I like alot) told me the car needed 3 updates. The longest one which they have done twice has destroyed the speedo stack. The regional manager is now involved and is hinting that the stack will need to be pulled out and sent back because the mileage (a whopping 200) is burnt on the chip and must be transferred. Im not comfortable leaving this car at the dealership.

My local Viper tech had this same issue on another '14 so I avoided the updates altogether.

[Steve M]

Wow...it really messed it up. Even flipped it upside down.

[ViperSmith]

Ah no fun. I had a flash and it disabled all the airbags. They got it squared away without an issue.

Problem with so much software running the cars.

[apeas2]

so my Viper with 200 miles has come home with me while they figure out what to do next. The dealership is waiting on instructions from higher ups. Ugh!

[commandomatt]

Anything positive coming out of these updates (or is it just an incentive for the dealers as they probably get paid for them from Dodge) ?

If you don't do the updates, does this affect warranties etc ?

[Bruce]

Being in IT my whole life, I feel your pain. Almost every other time I get major updates from software vendors, something goes wrong. So it really is if it ain't broke, don't update it. Therefore I'm still running dozens of Windows XP machines in the office. Actually for for the Viper, I prefer big analog gauges with a big bright shift light behind the steering wheel, then give me all the digital gizmos in the center console.

[mblgjr]

I had mine done about a month ago with no issues thus far.

Per the manual/procedure guide it seems these cars are super voltage sensitive while performing firnware updates. I.e. if dealer doesnt put a trickle charger on battery while performing longer updates there may be a voltage drop/change causing issues.

Of course sometimes its other things/computer miscommunication.

Good luck.

[mblgjr]

Anything positive coming out of these updates (or is it just an incentive for the dealers as they probably get paid for them from Dodge) ?

If you don't do the updates, does this affect warranties etc ?

If you're not having a problem you dont have to do them. Most updates are to fix smaller issues. If the car goes in for service or other warranty; most dealers will check for updates/flash as needed without asking the owner.

[apeas2]

I had mine done about a month ago with no issues thus far.

Per the manual/procedure guide it seems these cars are super voltage sensitive while performing firnware updates. I.e. if dealer doesnt put a trickle charger on battery while performing longer updates there may be a voltage drop/change causing issues.

Of course sometimes its other things/computer miscommunication.

Good luck.

The dealer did have it on a trickle charger during the initial flash and reflash. Thanks!

[ViperSmith]

My bigger question is as these cars run out of basic warranty - what happens when a standard update from Dodge hoses a car out of warranty?

[dethred]

My bigger question is as these cars run out of basic warranty - what happens when a standard update from Dodge hoses a car out of warranty?

I would think it'd be like any other visit to a shop. If the shop damages your car or the work makes something worse, you push them to fix it free of charge or don't pay for the initial attempted repair.

[apeas2]

Just heard from the dealer, and they have been instructed to replace the Display unit. Parts on order, how much damage do you think they will cause ripping the dash apart? Ugh!!!

[Dman]

Had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1st. Geesh

It's like you have to ship your car to Woodhouse for a software update.

I wonder if you didn't have a hidden issue in the dash already. These cars are locked images essentially, the hardware and software are controlled so there's just no excuse for an update issue if any QC is involved at all.

Good luck with the issue and the dealer.

[Malu59RT]

Dealer believes my battery drain issue was caused by the reflash also. I didn't even know they were doing one until after picking up the car and having an issue.

[Zybane]

Hm, maybe I should hold off on any flash updates this sounds like a nightmare. Whenever dealers rip something apart it's never the same put back together like the factory.

[mjorgensen]

Well I guess we should knock on wood, we have updated maybe 70 cars and never had an issue... you really do need to dot the I's and cross the T's with the electronics.

[USCDOC]

My bigger question is as these cars run out of basic warranty - what happens when a standard update from Dodge hoses a car out of warranty?

Maybe overkill, but I am purchasing the 7 year extended for a couple grand for piece of mind. A supercar with a warranty is so awesome. I'm told the warranty will cover rental car and towing too... lets hope they got an SRT rental. Wouldn't mind borrowing a hellcat for a few days

[Rapidrezults]

Maybe overkill, but I am purchasing the 7 year extended for a couple grand for piece of mind. A supercar with a warranty is so awesome. I'm told the warranty will cover rental car and towing too... lets hope they got an SRT rental. Wouldn't mind borrowing a hellcat for a few days

Best part of owning a new Viper with warranty!

[viper04]

Best part of owning a new Viper with warranty!

I know just for some peace of mind.

[apeas2]

Update.

The service manager just informed me that the instrument cluster is on backorder (after they told me that it would be here today). I have a brand new Viper with a destroyed instrument cluster due to their software, and no parts available. I have a case number with SRT (which is doing nothing). I feel like I am being treated like a dodge omni customer. Does anyone have contact information for anyone important at Viper to escalate my problem? Thanks! Alan

[ViperGeorge]

It is hard to believe that the software update could so totally screw up the cluster so that it needs to be replaced. Having worked with hardware and software for most of my career, I can't say I've ever seen a software update that rendered the hardware forever unusable. Usually a reflash or falling back to an older version of the software would correct the problem.

[dethred]

Update.

The service manager just informed me that the instrument cluster is on backorder (after they told me that it would be here today). I have a brand new Viper with a destroyed instrument cluster due to their software, and no parts available. I have a case number with SRT (which is doing nothing). I feel like I am being treated like a dodge omni customer. Does anyone have contact information for anyone important at Viper to escalate my problem? Thanks! Alan

ViperSmith recommends Ourisman in Alexandria, maybe consider talking to them before commiting to the wait?

[dethred]

It is hard to believe that the software update could so totally screw up the cluster so that it needs to be replaced. Having worked with hardware and software for most of my career, I can't say I've ever seen a software update that rendered the hardware forever unusable. Usually a reflash or falling back to an older version of the software would correct the problem.

If this was a firmware update, then it's entirely possible. If it corrupted the programming at a certain level it can make further updates impossible. Not exactly the same, but try pulling the power cord during a BIOS update on your PC (don't really do that!), it'll more or less brick your motherboard.

[ViperGeorge]

If this was a firmware update, then it's entirely possible. If it corrupted the programming at a certain level it can make further updates impossible. Not exactly the same, but try pulling the power cord during a BIOS update on your PC (don't really do that!), it'll more or less brick your motherboard.

I suppose it could happen, I've never seen it though. There has always been a way of reloading the firmware. Maybe things are just more complicated now than they used to be.