I created this thread because the post by EE4Life was closed. Looking at the PDF, there are two pages full of updates. Are these all recommended, and does the dealership do them for free? I checked for updates since picking up my ZDX in April and have only one so far (Central Gateway Module). Thanks.

https://acurazine.com/forums/zdx-326...mming-1010557/

 

I checked for updates to my car this morning (hoping for Tesla update and disappointment followed). I have had no updates either in well over a month, including that one you linked that claims to be June.

 

The vehicle-wide programming mentioned in the bulletin is done by dealerships through GM's Techline Connect software. Supposedly, we can bring in the car, mention any of the issues listed in the bulletin, and ask them to do vehicle-wide programming as the fix. In reality, I feel we might need to apply a little nudging. Whether the software package will be released as OTA(s) or not is anyone's guess.

Maybe I will be the guinea pig, if I can get a firm answer from the service department before going in for a regular service.

I thought about subscribing to Techline Connect and getting the necessary dongle (MDI2), so I can update the software package myself. Unfortunately, the price is too steep (Techline Connect alone is ~$5k per year). Theoretically, we can subscribe to the less expensive SPS2 programming tool, but then we need to update the module individually. Without further visibility on how module updates are released, I rather play it safe and stick to either vehicleh-wide programming and/or OTA.

 

I took delivery last Thursday and had to bring my car back to service to address some exterior clear coat defects, misaligned trim and a ding. While it’s there this week- I supplied them the Vehicle Wide Program Bulletin so hopefully they will apply it (and also any additional SW updates).

My lane centering (with or with adaptive cruise on) is also terrible. Won’t keep car in lane- it will allow to drift over w/o correction. So having them address that as well.

 

Let us know how the update goes. Ask them to print out the summary report after vehicle-wide programming. It will show you what modules are updated, so you know they indeed do the work.

Lane centering.... unfortunately it is only available on Type-S with Super Cruise activated. Otherwise, the standard feature is lane-keep assist (LKA) and behaves like you described. Don't expect any improvement to LKA on A-spec.

GM has improved Super Cruise on Cadillac to include hands-on lane centering. Maybe Super Cruise will become standard feature for 26 ZDX.

 

Thanks to Lyriq forum, I learned that anyone can check the software update status of a GM vehicle on the ACDelco TDS website (Sign up a free account > Resources > SPS Calibration Information).

I am surprised to find that most control modules (CM) have new updates available. That includes several CMs not mentioned in the VWP release notes, e.g. BCM, auto level system, suspension control, restrain control, and so on. Even A11 radio (infotainment unit) has a partial update, which I suspect is QNX/Hypervisor related. Only K56 serial gateway, K124 imaging processing unit, and K73 telematics unit are up-to-date.

Considering how extensive the changes are, I think bringing the car in makes sense. Besides, my car does have some issues mentioned in the release notes, like the wobbly steering from Super Cruise when the steering is in sport mode, and the infamous phantom reverse emergency braking.

 

I just check for updates in the car itself. Are there some updates I might need that cannot be done OTA?

 

I think no outsiders really know. The only sure bet is that dealerships can update everything.

Supposedly, the OTA client can update every CM, but so far OTAs are only applied to more mission-critical modules. For example, miscellaneous CMs like lighting and seat memory probably never received any OTAs. Therefore, I think for now you don't miss much if you rely on OTA only.

 

I talked to my service rep about installing the VWP, and he was reluctant, suggesting that cars, unlike phones, should not automatically get all software updates, but only those that address issues the customer is having. If this is something that has to be installed by a technician, I can understand their reluctance. In any case, I pointed out the section B233, everyone’s favorite phantom braking problem, and he agreed to go ahead.

As it turned out, my dealer was unable to install the full VWP; rep said they don’t have the necessary tools. But they did manually install B233, and now almost a week later I can report a dramatic improvement in rear braking behavior. I am getting far fewer orange and red triangle alerts, and so far I have yet to experience a new case of phantom braking. Of course, I can’t yet claim that the problem is completely solved, without more elapsed time with no incidents, but it is at least significantly improved

I would certainly recommend any ZDX owner who is annoyed by this behavior to get this installed by their dealer, rather than waiting for an OTA update.

 

This is how Audi does things (and no OTAs).

I asked my SA about how Acura does things and he made it seem that when they plug car into the computer that if there are any SW updates- they will be applied- except for the transmission. They had been burned in the past when transmission was fine, but after a “SW update”- it was bricked and they couldn’t downgrade SW back to original.

My car is still at service and they have not been communicative at all- my first and only update was when I actually had to call them- their regular line was not being answered.

Definitely- not the best introduction to the Acura brand.

 

That's silly. So they know of an issue but they won't fix it until you experience the problem and possibly get into an accident...

In any case, are you saying B233 is solving the issue where the car would break when backing up for no good reason and you have to put it into forward or break to get out of it? That's about the most annoying issue with our ZDX. If they fix that and get an official Tesla charger adaptor I will be quite a bit happier...)

 

Yes, B233 appears to fix the problem of braking while backing up. I’ll feel more confident in saying that after more time goes by without an incident, but so far it’s been almost a week. I also get fewer warning triangles displayed while backing up. It’s always happened sporadically, though, so I think it’s still too soon to be certain.

I agree with you that all ZDXs should get all software updates. Ideally, they should be delivered OTA. I’m not sure why these aren’t generally available yet. I can understand why a dealer might not want to spend technician time installing these, even if I disagree with that attitude.

 

Service messaged me today- car is back from the paint shop as of this afternoon. They will get to addressing the misaligned lower mouldings and then the SW issues. When I asked specifially about 4 concerns and then the Vehicle Wide Programming- he said that they would only troubleshoot what the tech “sees”. B233 phantom reverse brake issue is a part of the vehicle wide programming bulleting.

The ZDX will become my senior mother’s car and I can see if this happens- an accident is just waiting to happen. So much better to get this fixed before- when there is an actual fix available- instead talking after the accident happened.

 

@sonyfever How do you see if the version currently installed is old/the latest? I see a number under "Selected Software" on many modules, but can't find a way to cross reference it.

 

Either get an obd scanner that can parse GM EV data, or get a J2534 dongle and GM SPS2 subscription from ACDelco TDS website.

 

Any recommendations for an obd scanner that works with the ZDX?

 

See this:
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threa...oldest#replies

 

I have this one and it works very well. It features a power-saving mode and a physical button for easy pairing. Compatible with Car Scanner and ABRP.


Recommended on ABRP site: https://www.iternio.com/abrp-obd

 

Dealer did install VWP- had to get management involved to nudge them

Bad news- they said that Lane Centering: unable to verify customer complaint as tested today, SMH

 

That was my experience as well. They only installed the phantom braking fix because they could document that I had complained about it. I was told that my dealer (who i generally think highly of) did not have the tools to do the complete package.