Software Updates Also Fix Cars; and the Peril of Fancy Keys

You are probably familiar with that common message displayed on your personal computer screen many mornings; “important software updates have been installed”. Software manufacturers are constantly making small corrections to their software to correct problems that were recently discovered, and have developed systems to automatically update their PC software.

Car manufacturers are also constantly updating your car’s software. But unlike your PC, your car does not have a continuous internet connection. You will not get the software updates without going to a repair facility with the equipment and training necessary to perform these updates. Every dealership is equipped to perform updates for their model of car. The more capable independent repair facilities can also do this. The only software that can be installed by either a dealer or an independent repair shop is software officially issued by the vehicle manufacturer. There is no other source of software.

Some software changes make a noticeable change in the way the vehicle operates. They may correct harsh transmission shifts, reduce hesitation when initially accelerating, or correct problems with the vehicle stalling after the initial start-up.

Most of the updates deal with problems that cause the Check Engine Light to come on. Manufacturers discover that a frequently replaced component is not actually the problem, but that a software glitch made the component appear defective. In these situations they modify the software, and sometimes also modify the replacement component. A replaced component will not operate correctly without the new software.

Often manufacturers do not provide detailed information on what their software update is correcting. But if you do not have the current software release, a technician may attempt to replace a part that actually only needed a software patch. On 2001 and newer vehicles it is really becoming necessary to update the vehicle software before continuing with diagnosing problems. The problem may be gone after the update, or the update may not affect the current problem. There is no way to know until the software is updated. It is not possible to put the old version of the software back in.

Lets talk for a moment about “smart” car keys. If you have a 2001 or newer car that had a list price above $20,000, you probably have a smart key. A smart key has electronics in the plastic piece at the top of the key. If your key is more than 1/8 inch thick, you almost certainly have a smart key.

Smart keys cannot be duplicated at the hardware store. It is not that the hardware store couldn’t cut the key, but that your car security system would not recognize the new key. The new key has to be programmed to the car. This usually requires a special diagnostic computer. Ask your repair shop if they can program a new key for your car. If not, you will need to buy a new key from the dealer.

Cars above $30,000 usually have even more advanced keys that contain circuitry that operates off of radio waves broadcast by the car’s security system. These cars can lock themselves and set the alarm just by your walking away with the key. If you loose one key it will usually cost several hundred dollars to replace it. If you loose both keys it could cost over one thousand dollars. Some vehicles require the replacement of the vehicle computer and two new keys, costing over two thousand dollars.

Brian Klaubert owns Christian Brothers Automotive, on Braselton Hwy in Dacula. They have won Best of Gwinnett in both Gwinnett Magazine and the Gwinnett Daily Post.