I received an email from AcuraLink about updating the software for my car – to be done prior to 22 February 2022. When I bought my car (RDX 2020) I was given the Concierge package to try out, but did not buy the package after the trial period ended.

Is this updating of the software for the concierge package? I don’t need it, just the basic services.

I’m not sure if it’s something I really need to do. Is this their way to make me purchase their concierge package?

Thanks,

MP



Thank you for being a valued AcuraLink1 customer. An important system update is available for your Acura and requires your action.

Wireless providers are terminating the 3G network that supports AcuraLink and WI-FI Hotspot services on February 22, 2022. As a result, your vehicle needs an Over the Air (OTA) software update so your services can work on the LTE network.

If you do not update your vehicle prior to February 22, 2022, important features such as Emergency Call, Remote Commands, Amazon Alexa Skill, as well as other security and convenience features including WI-FI Hotspot, will no longer work.1

Without the update, Automatic Collision Notification will not function. If your airbag deploys or a significant collision is detected, your vehicle will be unable to contact an operator to request that emergency services be sent to you.

After February 22, 2022, services can only be restored by visiting an authorized dealer and paying for a new embedded cellular device.

 

As far as I can tell, if you don't do it, AcuraLink will not longer work. I'm not clear on anything else that it impacts. OTOH, it seems that unless you subscribe to one of the packages AcuraLink doesn't do anything anyway. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

i did the update but we don't subscribe to any of the AcuraLink stuff, just doesn't seem worthwhile for us. YMMV.

I read somewhere that the automakers have just recently woken up the idea of charging subscription fees for things that used to be included. It's just another revenue stream for them. But it sounds like Acura doesn't do nearly as much as some of the others like BMW or Mercedes...yet.

 

The update is mandatory and doesn't require a subscription of any kind. Acura is telling you they're moving from 3G (older tech) to LTE (current tech).

If you don't do the update, you or future owners won't be able to get more updates w/o visiting the dealer since you never got this one to talk to the mothership.

 

I think not having the LTE update limits future infotainment updates to downloading to a flash drive using a computer and then updating from the flash drive rather than directly through the network. This is described in How to Update with a USB Device in the owners manual. A dealer can update the network connectivity with new parts, but of course that may be subject to a cost. It might not be considered warranty work.

 

Cant wait for the

’dealer wants me to pay because i didnt do the update ‘ threads lol

 

Although it's true you can do USB updates yourself down the road, I've seen enough "what am I doing wrong" threads to know that this is a disaster waiting to happen!

 

I think you can also use your wifi to download uPdates

 

There are apparently things in this update in addition to the 3G fix. My LKAS was nagging me quite a bit before the update, telling me I needed to steer quite frequently when I'd been steering. It's no longer doing that. I haven't found any other differences, but I'm sure there are some. It's always good to keep software up to date.

 

It's funny you mention this as I've also noticed that the LKAS nagging has been much less recently. I didn't relate it to the update but maybe you're on to something here.

 

I did the D1.6.2 update late last fall and I also believe that the update to LTE was done as part of that update and was not a standalone update. Right after that update I did the 3 finger diagnostic procedure documented in a number of different posts here to validate the TCU update and it was at the level needed to support LTE.

 

Yes, that's the version that's needed. Acura's multiple mailings and notifications weren't very consistent or clear on what was going on.

We could make this harder...but not much.

 

Looks like there was another improvement to LKAS. It doesn't make a dive for the exit like it used to when the the right lane stripe doesn't carry across the exit ramp opening (e.g. Missouri).