So I've been reading that Volvo will do all needed software updates/upgrades for free while your car is at the dealership.

I have an appointment to take care of the only open recall on my car for the fuel pump. It hasn't given any symptoms showing a bad fuel pump, but might as well.

My question is, can I ask them (will they?) to do the free software updates? Or am I gonna have to take it one day and pay for an oil change or something simple to have the updates done at the same time?

2002 S60 2.4L Base.

 

The free software update is with factory scheduled maintenance only. However, some dealers have done them for other work. You can ask, but if they tell you no because you are not having a FSM done, they would be correct.

 

Ok thanks, I'll ask them politely lol.

In the event I take it for a FSM service, do they provide any type of proof that they did the software update? Or will they simply be "Yeah, we did that." and that's it? I don't want to pay them for an oil change and not be certain they did the update or that it didn't "need" it.

 

An oil change isn't a FSM. If I have a car that's just an oil change, I don't do the upgrade, even if the service writer puts a line on there for it. If its a customer not in for an FSM but bought a good amount of work, I'll do the upgrade even though we aren't supposed to. There isn't any way to prove it unless they bring you back in the shop and have you watch them do it, or watch them try to do it later and show you the error message that comes up when the car contains the latest software. There should be a separate line on the repair order for it with a software part number (8691414 for your car) charged out. But even if it is charged out, there's no way to prove it was put in the car.

 

Got it, thanks. In that case I'll just ask if they will be kind enough to do it during the recall since it won't hurt to ask.

I'll hold back on the software update unless the electrical system gets too funky and I find that I need it. I assume I can just pay for a software update specifically and get it done one day right? From what I've read only the dealer can do it; there are a good amount of euro shops around my area.

 

I've never had someone ask to pay for it, but I'm sure we would sell it if they asked. The software is only $0.01, but they would charge an hour labor most likely. In that case, it might be worth buying the cheapest service.

It isn't really going to fix anything with the electrical system. It only updates certain modules, depending on car. For example, there are some problems that require a software update for the steering angle sensor module. This free update does not take care of that problem.

And yes, the dealer is the only one who can do it unless those shops have VIDA (a legal copy) and a subscription to software downloads. And then, they will most likely charge you.

 

i recently had my S80 upgraded software and the there 2 way i could tell that it was done ..well 3 way:
1) the OBDII cover was left open ( it wasnt before i know that for sure)
2) the time on the instrument panel was displayed 00:00..so meaning that something was restarted
3) i could def feel crisp in driving and transmission shifting.

Wel;l i think the clock reset to zeros was give away. But usually the tech should set the correct time after software upgrade