How to get firmware upgrades?

[lionvt]

I have an 05 approaching the end of the warranty period. I recently asked the dealership to make sure the vehicle had the latest firmware/software upgrades for all the computer controlled wizardry.

The dealership refused, saying that Land Rover will not let them download the updates unless the consumer is complaining about a problem that the upgrades will fix.

Assuming this is true, this is absurd. Why would Land Rover refuse to give a free (except for labor which I assume is nominal) software update that might solve unrecognized or future problems?

:banghead:

But maybe you can see where this is going.

So, what should I be complaining about to receive the firmware updates? Apparently, I need a symptom. And apparently any symptom will do -- I am hoping someone who has received the latest firmware updates can tell me what problems they were having so I can lodge such a complaint -- and get the software, that should be free to the owner anyway. Thanks for your help.

 

[MonLand]

I don't know this for sure, but I live in the software world and my company produces patches, service packs, software releases, etc. The "firmware upgrades" must be of the "patch" level and very likely undergo limited amount of testing (compared to major releases), as such, they may actually create more problem than they fix for some users (who might be using features that were not tested). So I'd venture to guess that LR want to limit the potential issues by only fixing your known problems (vs. adding new problems).

BTW, it's crazy how the (basic) radio system is buggy..... Often, I have to stop/start the truck to be able to change channel.....

 

[CoyGlasscock]

Don't know about the software, but for the radio, I cut the acc power wire from the back of the harness and tapped it into the acc power for the aux 12v just below the radio. Solved my radio freaky propblems and worked fine. (for about 3 months, then I replaced the entire factory radio, stereo system).

 

[rmuller]

I got a firmware upgrade when I was complaining about a 'bucking' when coming to a complete stop.

 

[MonLand]

I did not mention it, but the firmware for the radio (in my case) has already been updated (could often not change volume level while driving). The tech told me that the next step will be to actually replace de radio....