Module software updates at home

[Stryker6040]

This there a way to update all the modules (PCM, TCM, BCM etc) at home using jeep software or anything like that. Just brought our 21 JT into the shop for the first time since purchasing it in the summer of 2021, it now has 42k miles on it and asked the service advisor how much it was cost to update all the modules with the most current software,

He stated that they generally dont like to do this unless their is a specific issue to address but then said he would get an hour of labor rate per module that needed updating and it would be 160 per hour. I know for Fords you can pay for a license of the factory software for a set amount of time and then have access to basically the same thing used by techs, is there anything like this for the Jeep platform?

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[biplaneguy]

Is there a specific issue you're wanting to fix or improve?

 

[Stryker6040]

Is there a specific issue you're wanting to fix or improve?

Nothing in particular, jeep is just four years old and I assume there is some updated software/firmwares to what we have

 

[Janster]

Nothing in particular, jeep is just four years old and I assume there is some updated software/firmwares to what we have

I wouldn’t do anything unless you have an issue. Your tech would want to find the latest software for YOUR 2021 model year. You don’t necessarily want software that’s for a 2024 model (for example), as that might not be compatible (for a variety of reasons). You could be opening up a huge can of worms….. that could create issues.

If it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.

 

[Stryker6040]

I wouldn’t do anything unless you have an issue. Your tech would want to find the latest software for YOUR 2021 model year. You don’t necessarily want software that’s for a 2024 model (for example), as that might not be compatible (for a variety of reasons). You could be opening up a huge can of worms….. that could create issues.

If it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.

I am assuming the factory software would only updated what would be needed based off the VIN but i get what your saying

 

[Mr._Bill]

This there a way to update all the modules (PCM, TCM, BCM etc) at home using jeep software or anything like that. Just brought our 21 JT into the shop for the first time since purchasing it in the summer of 2021, it now has 42k miles on it and asked the service advisor how much it was cost to update all the modules with the most current software,

He stated that they generally dont like to do this unless their is a specific issue to address but then said he would get an hour of labor rate per module that needed updating and it would be 160 per hour. I know for Fords you can pay for a license of the factory software for a set amount of time and then have access to basically the same thing used by techs, is there anything like this for the Jeep platform?

There are usually no updates unless they discover a problem that needs addressed. If there was an update that needed done, you should have received a notification by mail. The dealer will happily take your money to have the tech plug in the computer and tell you that there are no recommended updates to apply.

The only thing that might benefit from an update is the head unit. You can find out if one is available by starting an order for a map update. If one is available, they will ship it with the map update, which is $149.

The dealer equipment and a software subscription is available so you can check it yourself. Someone posted the cost once. I don't remember what it was, but not cheap.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Nothing in particular, jeep is just four years old and I assume there is some updated software/firmwares to what we have

Probably not.
They don't update just to update - unlike some stuff. It's not like your phone or computer.
There's actually a bit of a risk doing an update - in fact, if dealers don't follow specific instructions, they can brick a PCM - not something you want to do at home without knowing all of the details.

 

[rharr]

I know a mobile ecu repair guy and he has told me fca modules are the worst and if it is not broken don't mess with them. It is very common for fca modules to stop working with the rest of the network when updated cause fca does do a very good job testing/integrating updates.

 

[MaximusTX]

This there a way to update all the modules (PCM, TCM, BCM etc) at home using jeep software or anything like that. Just brought our 21 JT into the shop for the first time since purchasing it in the summer of 2021, it now has 42k miles on it and asked the service advisor how much it was cost to update all the modules with the most current software,

He stated that they generally dont like to do this unless their is a specific issue to address but then said he would get an hour of labor rate per module that needed updating and it would be 160 per hour. I know for Fords you can pay for a license of the factory software for a set amount of time and then have access to basically the same thing used by techs, is there anything like this for the Jeep platform?

I totally get what you are saying coming from a Ford F-150 that I paid $50 bucks for a two day license for the Ford Software and completely updated all of the software on it which added BlueCruise and a host of other features to the truck I don't think Jeep has anything like that as far as I have looked. The only thing that can be updated is the head unit but I don't think they even update that anymore.

 

[cranbiz]

The map update will include the head unit firmware IF it needs it. I took advantage of the $99 sale for the maps and I needed to update the HU firmware first. I can't tell if the new HU firmware did anything but it did all work once I was done with the updates.

 

[Stryker6040]

There are usually no updates unless they discover a problem that needs addressed. If there was an update that needed done, you should have received a notification by mail. The dealer will happily take your money to have the tech plug in the computer and tell you that there are no recommended updates to apply.

The only thing that might benefit from an update is the head unit. You can find out if one is available by starting an order for a map update. If one is available, they will ship it with the map update, which is $149.

The dealer equipment and a software subscription is available so you can check it yourself. Someone posted the cost once. I don't remember what it was, but not cheap.

Thanks for this information, i did check on this got into the dealer menu of the head unit per the steps outlined in the uconnect update page

i appear to be running 39.62.0-20210504 and when i enter the full number into the UCONNECT update site I get this "

Notes
1) You will receive 1 Software Update with your Map Update Package. The Software Update must be installed prior to the Map Update. The Software USB will come in a very small cardboard box and have the letters 'QR' on it

 

[Mr._Bill]

Thanks for this information, i did check on this got into the dealer menu of the head unit per the steps outlined in the uconnect update page

i appear to be running 39.62.0-20210504 and when i enter the full number into the UCONNECT update site I get this "

Notes
1) You will receive 1 Software Update with your Map Update Package. The Software Update must be installed prior to the Map Update. The Software USB will come in a very small cardboard box and have the letters 'QR' on it

That shows there is a Head Unit update available. It will be the latest version, same or newer than what is available from the dealer.

 

[DailyDrivenTJ]

This there a way to update all the modules (PCM, TCM, BCM etc) at home using jeep software or anything like that. Just brought our 21 JT into the shop for the first time since purchasing it in the summer of 2021, it now has 42k miles on it and asked the service advisor how much it was cost to update all the modules with the most current software,

He stated that they generally dont like to do this unless their is a specific issue to address but then said he would get an hour of labor rate per module that needed updating and it would be 160 per hour. I know for Fords you can pay for a license of the factory software for a set amount of time and then have access to basically the same thing used by techs, is there anything like this for the Jeep platform?

Witech is the software you can purchase as a subscription monthly and also per VIN number per month. Dealers get access and you can purchase the subscription as a independent shop. They call this aftermarket subscription.

Once the subscription is purchased you need J2534 connector and an Internet connected notebook running Windows.

Witech is web based software so if you lose Internet connection, you lose ability to connect to the vehicle.

The purchasing of the subscription and activating the account is rather cryptic but there is information out there to get that done.

When all the software and hardware are setup, when you connect to vehicle, it will check for VIN and get vehicle configuration from their database/sales code.

So if you have modified anything after sales and flashing stuff just based on sales code, you may even lose features added.

Prior to flashing any ECU, the software prompts you a warning that you are doing this at a risk that it can cause further damage if the ECU and configuration is not matched.

Someone mentioned already, reflashing ECU is not like an incremental update on iOS or Android that they are developing to improve quality of the product. It is written to fix very specific issues that became apparent that are present on "some" vehicles so it is not beneficial to just flash them unless you have problems that you are specifically after.

I have played around with Witech a little bit for me to install the ACC on my Gladiator and to fix issues on my Ram.

I have to agree someone above reporting a ECU person was saying how bad Chrysler ECUs are with issues. I am partial to Jeep and it's family of products but I have never seen ECU so fragile and loses it's configurations with a battery change. It is quite pathetic.

 

[Hootbro]

Yeah, I would not recommend it. Not like a PC and you could brick something and wishing you never went down that road.

It is one thing if the dealer is doing it as a course of action for a problem that is driven by a TSB or recall as they assume the risk. You asking for a selective update "just for the because" and anything going sideways will be on you to unscrew.

 

[DailyDrivenTJ]

Yeah, I would not recommend it. Not like a PC and you could brick something and wishing you never went down that road.

It is one thing if the dealer is doing it as a course of action for a problem that is driven by a TSB or recall as they assume the risk. You asking for a selective update "just for the because" and anything going sideways will be on you to unscrew.

Not quite Jeep related, but my Ram (similar to JK architecture) was showing dozen DTCs. BCM and TIPM lost configuration after battery gone flat. I had to reflash half dozen ECUs to clean up all the DTCs.

Prior to flashing any ECU, Witech asked to confirm by clicking a radio button and type in the issues you are trying to resolve. It also gives you very concise but strong warning stating that you did due diligence prior to starting the flashing process and that you have your vehicle on a charger. The amount of stuff you have to click through makes you second guess if you really want to proceed or not.

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