[wBronze]

MODERATORS: Please move if there's a better place, or notify if it should be a new thread and I'll re-post it.

I lightly documented the software update process for the Gen1 Volt while I had it in the shop today to receive 1.) Radio updates and 2.) an ECU update. I took multiple photo's of the software update process, with permission, in the back-shop. Here they are:

1. SETUP - The following were used:

1.1 Certified Technician​

1.2 Panasonic Toughbook, Windows 7​

1.4 "Software Programming System"​

1.5 GM Warranty Management Portal​

1.6 GM Multiple Diagnostic Interface 2, OBDII​

1.7 AC "Power Charge" Accessory Battery Power (prevents inadvertent interruption of the process)​

2. PROCEDURES:

2.1 Using VIN find applicable radio and ECU update packages​

2.2 Using laptop software, load files onto generic USB flash drive​

2.3 Use radio to navigate to "Software Update", three stages pictured below​

2.4 ECU flash was just another progress bar on the Laptop software and the OBDII adapter was used.​

 

[rmay635703]

Thanx

This is the first time anyone photo documented the update process.

Interesting

 

[fishhawk]

Thanks! Haven't seen this documented with pictures before.

 

[Southcross]

how hard was it to get them to do the updates? how long did the servicing take?

 

[wBronze]

how hard was it to get them to do the updates? how long did the servicing take?

I asked for the update from the beginning, over the phone while setting up a service appointment. I had mentioned my NAV was misbehaving, but mostly - I just wanted the volts Radio OS and ECU to be running the most current stable release. The technician did say they usually do this update when a customer experiences issue(s). They to have no issue doing it for me simply by request. Could be because I initially had a nav issue (fixed it myself a few days before my appointment).

The update took about 1.5 hours. I had 3 updates not previously applied to my volt. Two for radio, one for the ECU. They only charged me for one update which cost $105 plus tax.

 

[Jetdrive]

Usually software updates are bug fixes. Once in a while I guess they could add new features in a software update but this would be rare. I can't believe they charged for bug fixes.

 

[Southcross]

I have a 2014 CPO, which is still under the bumper to bumper, so I'm wondering if I can get them to update under "warranty"

 

[wBronze]

I have a 2014 CPO, which is still under the bumper to bumper, so I'm wondering if I can get them to update under "warranty"

If your having the following issues. Wink wink:

Bluetooth connectivity, strange radio issues (intentionally vague). Delayed boot screens. Just say you forget the other 3 or 4 things it *was* doing. But ask for the most recent radio update(s) that way all your bases are covered, please and thank you. Once it's there have them check for an ECU update as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rmay635703]

https://www.hptuners.com/forum/showthread.php?63020-First-Gen-Volt-Tune-(Volterado)/page2

If you want to try your hand at Volt software internals

I recommend reaching out to the guys above and reaching out to the Volt cellphone ERDTT disable app guy on the Volt Facebook page,

Both are on this site but not active.

 

[kgvickers]

I'm having BT connectivity issues with my iPhone 6, even with iOS 11. From my research here it appears this is a design defect.

I'm wondering if 1)you had BT issues; and 2) if so, did this software update improve things.

Thanks.

 

[wBronze]

I'm having BT connectivity issues with my iPhone 6, even with iOS 11. From my research here it appears this is a design defect.

I'm wondering if 1)you had BT issues; and 2) if so, did this software update improve things.

Thanks.

I've had no issues with BT connectivity. I do believe that issue was among the complaint list/reason codes for customer requested update. That being said, my BT worked perfect prior to the update as well. I use it for phone function mostly though. I'm unsure as to whether music works through BT. I can try in an hour and let you know. I also have an iPhone 6 so it should be a good comparison.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kgvickers]

Thanks.

Mine sorta works ......

When I RECEIVE a phone call, I can press the "ANSWER" bar on the center screen in the car but the call is (apparently) automatically transferred to the phone rather than the car .... I have to then hit TRANSFER on the screen that pops up after the call is answered and then I can just use "speakerphone" in the car.

BT music streaming works mostly but it's goofy .... sometimes I have to close the music app on my phone then restart it to get it to sync up.

Reading through the forum posts it seems that most folks with iPhones have the same issues.

Geez, with the sophistication in the software running the Volt one would think that GM would be able to master this .....

 

[jjhman]

The radio in my 2017 Volt is by far the worst car radio I have ever had. The radio in my wife's 1999 Toyota, even though the cassette deck no longer works, has vastly superior reception and tone compared to the Volt, both AM and FM.

To add insult to injury there do not seem to be any aftermarket radios that can be installed and I periodically receive unwanted advertisements for Onstar or satellite radio even when the radio is turned off. Thanks GM.

 

[Bill Allen]

While doing some other SMS programming I went ahead and performed the USB update for my 2011 Volt info-entertainment system, changed from 1691 to 1693 on the startup screen. Took about 40 minutes, I noticed a few extra options in some of the menu settings, nothing earth-shattering. Where it made the most difference was in Bluetooth Connectivity with both our iPhone 7's, seamless interface now. The Bluetooth feature was practically useless before the upgrade. Sorry still no bluetooth streaming but Tidal "Hi-Fi" music streaming via USB is now working perfectly ... and sounds amazing!

These where huge upgrades for me ... most unexpected and well worth doing IMO.

 

[wBronze]

The radio in my 2017 Volt is by far the worst car radio I have ever had. The radio in my wife's 1999 Toyota, even though the cassette deck no longer works, has vastly superior reception and tone compared to the Volt, both AM and FM.

To add insult to injury there do not seem to be any aftermarket radios that can be installed and I periodically receive unwanted advertisements for Onstar or satellite radio even when the radio is turned off. Thanks GM.

I'm very sorry to hear that. I'm in a Gen 1 volt with the Bose sound. I'm not sure if that was a package or a standard offering, but it's the best factory sound system I've ever listened too. I definitely seen better in aftermarket sound, but unless your a bass head (and gen 1 isn't even terrible for that) it a good sounding system.

I've had some nice ones to compare too ranging from JBL (Lexus I think it was) to a Bang & Olufsun.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lugar-2004]

I had my 2013 Volt in to have a check engine light checked, mentioned that center stack reset a few times while driving. Check engine light caused by bad battery temp sensor or battery temp sensor issue. Two weeks later I get my car back, I agreed to pay for sofwrare update and my radio stack have reset or blanked out for 5-7 minutes before recovering and coming back on. Will be calling dealer tomorrow to arrange another visit to resolve. Purchased CPO volt and I have doubled the miles since I have owned it. Will update when I have new information.