QUESTION: How do software updates work? When is it done?

[Knarfoh]

As a newbie, I have read various posts about software updates while trying to understand my 2012 Spyder RT-S SM5 better.

You veterans talks about this stuff, but it leaves me asking several questions - How are updates done?

(1) Is it like a "safety recall" and you are officially notified by the manufacturer? And you take it in specifically for the update?

(2) Is it something a dealer will do automatically NEXT time you have it in for service? But in the meantime don't worry about it?

(3) Can I call my dealer and arrange to take it in now and they are expected to do the update? Does being in warranty or out-of-warranty make a difference whether there is a charge?

(4) In conjunction with these updates (and other issues I see discussed), you veterans talk about "throttle body" or sometimes even plural "throttle bodies". Are we talking about a mechanical part? A collection of parts? Is a throttle body hardware or software? Is it a combination of the two? The way it is discussed, it sometimes seems like it is hardware, but other times it sounds like it is software.

Thanks for any responses.

 

[Bob Denman]

The throttle bodies are definitely hardware; hard enough that if they bust, you'd like nothing more than to pitch them into your neighbor's Koi pond! :gaah:
But their control is computer driven by software... :shocked: Now I'm lost...

 

[Pennyrick]

As a newbie, I have read various posts about software updates while trying to understand my 2012 Spyder RT-S SM5 better.

You veterans talks about this stuff, but it leaves me asking several questions - How are updates done?

(1) Is it like a "safety recall" and you are officially notified by the manufacturer? And you take it in specifically for the update?

(2) Is it something a dealer will do automatically NEXT time you have it in for service? But in the meantime don't worry about it?

(3) Can I call my dealer and arrange to take it in now and they are expected to do the update? Does being in warranty or out-of-warranty make a difference whether there is a charge?

(4) In conjunction with these updates (and other issues I see discussed), you veterans talk about "throttle body" or sometimes even plural "throttle bodies". Are we talking about a mechanical part? A collection of parts? Is a throttle body hardware or software? Is it a combination of the two? The way it is discussed, it sometimes seems like it is hardware, but other times it sounds like it is software.

Thanks for any responses.

I'm not expert but I'll take a shot at the questions.

1. I'm not aware of any safety recalls recently but if such were the case, your VIN is on file with the manufacturer and you would be notified. This would be for something filed with the NHTSA that would make it unsafe to operate the machine.

2. Most updates are just that. Software or Firmware updates to make the machine operate more efficiently. Checking with your dealer (or any dealer of that matter) by running your VIN against the factory information will tell you if your machine is included in the list.

3. I don't believe warranty enters into the picture but checking with the dealer will verify this.

4. The throttle body problem was the result of a factory Firmware modification designed to solve one problem but ended up presenting others. As a result some Throttle bodies had to be replaced. Firmware is software that's embedded in hardware for the purpose of controlling the hardware. In some cases the firmware can be overwritten by a software upgrade but I am not certain this was applicable to the Throttle body problems. I had a 2011 RTS that had to have the throttle body (actual part) replaced twice before the problem was solved. My 2012 has the latest factory stuff in place and so far no problems.

 

[spyder3]

As a newbie, I have read various posts about software updates while trying to understand my 2012 Spyder RT-S SM5 better.

You veterans talks about this stuff, but it leaves me asking several questions - How are updates done? Your spyder needs to be hooked up to BUDS computer at dealer.

(1) Is it like a "safety recall" and you are officially notified by the manufacturer? And you take it in specifically for the update? If its a safety recall, you would be notified. Your best bet for finding out about ANY update is right here. Lamont usually post them as they come out.

(2) Is it something a dealer will do automatically NEXT time you have it in for service? But in the meantime don't worry about it? I guess it depends on the service needed. Throttle body's should probably get done sooner rather than later.

(3) Can I call my dealer and arrange to take it in now and they are expected to do the update? Does being in warranty or out-of-warranty make a difference whether there is a charge? FREE

(4) In conjunction with these updates (and other issues I see discussed), you veterans talk about "throttle body" or sometimes even plural "throttle bodies". Are we talking about a mechanical part? A collection of parts? Is a throttle body hardware or software? Is it a combination of the two? The way it is discussed, it sometimes seems like it is hardware, but other times it sounds like it is software. Hardware which is updated by software

Thanks for any responses.

I'm sure others will chime in

 

[Wanderer]

Update done

I had my 2011 RT SM5 with only 1600 mi. To the dealer for the software update because it would stumble/hesitate when I would back off on the throttle and "coast" a little. When I'd roll back on the gas it would be rough and hesitate. The update stopped the problem.

It needed no other service.

Greg

 

[LLSailor]

I had my 2011 RT SM5 with only 1600 mi. To the dealer for the software update because it would stumble/hesitate when I would back off on the throttle and "coast" a little. When I'd roll back on the gas it would be rough and hesitate. The update stopped the problem.

It needed no other service.

Greg

Were you charged for getting the update done?

 

[spyder3]

Were you charged for getting the update done?

software updates are free....so far..:dontknow: