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Firmware Updates?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by rsforkner, Apr 15, 2008.

  1. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    From reading these forums it appears that there are times when the firmware gets updated, however my questions are... (I'm not concerned about the maps, just the basic functions.)

    • Is this something I have to ask for or does the dealer just do it when the car is in for service?
    • Is there a screen where I can see when the last update was done?
    • Can I download and do it myself? Like burn a CD and update from there?
    • Do they ever add new features to the display or just tweak existing problems?

    Just wondering.....

    Bob
     
    #1 rsforkner, Apr 15, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    The updates are quite infrequent. I think I've had 2 or 3 on my early '04 Prius and none for the last 2 years or more. If it's an important update it will come in the form of a SSC (special service campaign) and you'll get a letter in the mail to see your dealer. Occasionally there are TSBs (Technical Service Bulletin) where the update is only done if a customer complains of a specific problem that the update is designed to address.

    Realistically the first place you're likely to hear about any updates will be here at Priuschat if you check in frequently.

    And no, you can't do this at home. Some of the updates require an hour or more, the 12v battery has to be kept on a special charger, and the sequence has to be done properly with the Toyota scan tool as an error can, literally, destroy the HV ECU and require it to be replaced. That said, I haven't heard of that happening since the early days of the 2G Prius.
     
    #2 efusco, Apr 15, 2008
  3. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    OK Thanks...

    I'll check that one off my list of things to worry about with one comment.

    It seems like, if Toyota were so inclined, that a lot of the "features" folks are asking about on these forums could be implemented in new software. I guess they want you to buy a new car instead. i.e. raising the ICE limit of 41 mph.

    Again, thanks,
    Bob
     
    #3 rsforkner, Apr 15, 2008
  4. auricchio

    auricchio Member

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    Any change to firmware would probably require testing to ensure it still meets safety and emission standards. Even unrelated changes probably require a ream of documentation stating it has no effect.

    So it gets down to cost.
     
    #4 auricchio, Apr 16, 2008
  5. rsforkner

    rsforkner Member

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    I agree 100% that it comes down to $$$$$$$. The phrase, "Follow the money!" comes to mind.....

    Bob
     
    #5 rsforkner, Apr 16, 2008
  6. diamondlarry

    diamondlarry EPA MPG #'s killer

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    My biggest concern about going to the dealer is that they will do some kind of an update and my 70 and 80 mpg tanks will go bye-bye. Is this a valid concern? Or am I worrying for nothing?
     
    #6 diamondlarry, Apr 16, 2008
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