Paying for software updates?

[Tam_Mullen]

Hi All,

I've recently had a bit of an issue with my 2021 Renault Trafic where the AdBlue level sensor wouldn't update after filling the tank. It started on a countdown and seemed to be stuck unable to register the full tank despite the diagnostics not throwing codes (the countdown was on but nothing visible on a good OBD) and the diagnostics machine showing a full tank. I have posted on owners forums and one ex Renault Mechanic told me its a common issue and it needs a reflash.

I had it back into Renault and they told me that, right enough, the adblue dosing unit ECU that needs a software update and this would be chargeable. Fair enough, I need the van back so asked to go ahead with it. I did say that it doesn't feel like this kind of update should be chargeable but was just repeatably told that its not covered in the warranty.

I'm not left feeling a bit cheesed off at being charged for it. If I didnt get it updated the van would grind to a halt and be unusable, all for the sake of a software update!

[mmm-five]

Sounds like it should have been a recall to fix a problem that was inherent from manufacture.

[Sebring440]

Tam_Mullen said:

If I didnt get it updated the van would grind to a halt and be unusable, all for the sake of a software update!

I suppose you've got to look at it like preventative maintenance, which normally you'd be happy to pay for.

[Tam_Mullen]

Sebring440 said:

I suppose you've got to look at it like preventative maintenance, which normally you'd be happy to pay for.

I suppose I have to. Not sure I do though, imagine the backlash if you had to pay for software updates on your phone etc.

I got my invoice today and it’s got an actual Renault Bulletin number on it, so I’m going to contact Renault UK tomorrow. I can see both sides, so not expecting it to come to much.

I guess this is an occasion when a DEALER service history, as opposed to the local Indy service history, the van has would have paid dividends. Presumably it would have been done as part of normal servicing otherwise.

[Mr Tidy]

Tam_Mullen said:

Hi All,

I've recently had a bit of an issue with my 2021 Renault Trafic where the AdBlue level sensor wouldn't update after filling the tank. It started on a countdown and seemed to be stuck unable to register the full tank despite the diagnostics not throwing codes (the countdown was on but nothing visible on a good OBD) and the diagnostics machine showing a full tank. I have posted on owners forums and one ex Renault Mechanic told me its a common issue and it needs a reflash.

I had it back into Renault and they told me that, right enough, the adblue dosing unit ECU that needs a software update and this would be chargeable. Fair enough, I need the van back so asked to go ahead with it. I did say that it doesn't feel like this kind of update should be chargeable but was just repeatably told that its not covered in the warranty.

I'm not left feeling a bit cheesed off at being charged for it. If I didnt get it updated the van would grind to a halt and be unusable, all for the sake of a software update!

Silly question maybe, but is your 2021 van actually still in Warranty?

If not it's always going to be chargeable. Much like so many cars that need a new battery coded at a cost, unless you have the software.

[RazerSauber]

I don't pay for software updates for my phone, computer, or the other various electronic devices in my home. Weird that they charge for a service when they've supplied a product that's defective. Especially when there's no material cost to them.

[richhead]

Tam_Mullen said:

Hi All,

I've recently had a bit of an issue with my 2021 Renault Trafic where the AdBlue level sensor wouldn't update after filling the tank. It started on a countdown and seemed to be stuck unable to register the full tank despite the diagnostics not throwing codes (the countdown was on but nothing visible on a good OBD) and the diagnostics machine showing a full tank. I have posted on owners forums and one ex Renault Mechanic told me its a common issue and it needs a reflash.

I had it back into Renault and they told me that, right enough, the adblue dosing unit ECU that needs a software update and this would be chargeable. Fair enough, I need the van back so asked to go ahead with it. I did say that it doesn't feel like this kind of update should be chargeable but was just repeatably told that its not covered in the warranty.

I'm not left feeling a bit cheesed off at being charged for it. If I didnt get it updated the van would grind to a halt and be unusable, all for the sake of a software update!

So the van you own doesnt recognize that you have filled up a tank and would if left fail to work, and they want to charge you, i would be well pissed off at that.

[SteBrown91]

RazerSauber said:

I don't pay for software updates for my phone, computer, or the other various electronic devices in my home. Weird that they charge for a service when they've supplied a product that's defective. Especially when there's no material cost to them.

There is a cost - the 1 to 2 hours it’s taking up a bay in the workshop that could be used to do a service and health check to find other stuff to bill you for.

I do think manufacturers should have made connectivity better in newer cars so the ECU/modules can be updated over the air. I think even in the latest stuff only really updates the infotainment OTA. Any other modules are not touched.

Or at least have an offer where you pay £200 or whatever but all updates are applied that are compatible. Quite often they will not install the “latest” update because the OEM diagnostics require the car to have a symptom of an issue fixed in that update.

So for example, the latest software version for your gearbox might be 4.7, but if your car has a jerky change in 2nd-3rd and this is fixed in 4.3, then that’s what is installed, which for someone who works in IT just seems wrong. But the diagnostics only lets the tech do that.