GM software update processes for EVs using compatible J2534 devices (i.e VXDIAG VCX FD GM) and Techline Connect.
For those of you that perform vehicle programming there are some different processes when updating software in the EVs. This is all of the ultium chassis vehicles. It is coming to all new GM models soon.
The new GM ultium chassis vehicles use the new VIP communication platform. The easiest way to identify if a vehicle has VIP systems is to listen to the door chime. If it is multiple tones it has VIP.
Well what’s different? They have moved to vehicle wide programming, VWP. Almost all of the modules will be updated during the flash process. I say almost all because the radio is still USB. The telematics module may need to be flashed independently also.
There a few different steps to perform a VWP event. The vehicle software levels need to be read first.
Almost all of the following functions are done with the power off or in accessory mode. They will not complete in ready mode. Another point to mention is that the MDI (or Other compatible J2534 devices) must be hardwired to the laptop it will not perform a VWP wirelessly
Entering accessory power mode is also new. The EVs do not have a power button to enter ready mode. The driver simply enters the vehicle with the fob or a phone if equipped with Bluetooth start, steps on the brake and it enters ready mode. Programming most modules will not complete in ready mode.
To enter accessory mode and bypass ready mode: enter the vehicle with the fob, close and open the door, depress the accelerator pedal 3X it will now enter accessory mode. This will be evident by the cluster being on without the green ready symbol.
Ok now go into TLC. Select read data for VWP. This will actually work with the power off in most cases. Once software is read it is checked against the latest calibration levels. If a module needs an update it will be in the list with the calibration numbers listed.
Now go back into VWP, it will guide the operator through the rest of the steps.
Updating the radio is done through usb. Like most new vehicles these are equipped with usb-c ports. You will need a minimum of a 16 gig USB-c storage device. The memory device must be able to be formatted to NTFS and not ex-Fat32. I use a PNY brand 256 gig it was like 17 bucks. I was told the GMs do not like the sandisk ones for some reason. There are several TSBs stating the requirements for the flash storage device. I am telling you this so you can purchase one before you need it.
To program the radio login to TLC. Select radio. Follow the steps in order. Prepare for USB. Download USB. Flash process 1. Flash process 2. Register software.
The USB flash port is in the front of the console. The software is downloaded to the USB. Install the USB into the port. Continue the process using the scan tool to initialize the flash from the USB to the vehicle.
It took me about 25 minutes for the VWP. Another 45 minutes for the radio and the telematics. So all in all about 1.5 hours start to finish.
Included are some pictures of the operation.
