# Can any car mechanic update a car's software? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 31, 2024, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080 "2024-07-31T22:19:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2024, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/1 "2024-07-31T22:19:54Z")
We recently took our 2 Subarus to the dealer for scheduled maintenance. Our impression is that some of the computer displays had been updated - although the receipts do not mention it. I know all mechanics hook cars up to the computers to identify repair codes. Would an independent mechanic also be able to update anything as well as a dealer? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2024, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/2 "2024-07-31T22:50:36Z")
Depends. All that access costs money. A shop that specializes in Subarus would almost certainly have that access since it’ll pay for itself. For Subarus, but maybe not for Mercedes. A shop that mostly does MB’s probably can’t update your Subie. A really scruffy gas station might have a basic diagnostic computer but little else. Ask the place you’re considering using what specific capabilities they have. It’s the only way to be sure. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/3 "2024-08-01T15:02:19Z")
The OP specified it was at the dealer. They definitely did a software update if one was available. It’s a standard part of scheduled maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/4 "2024-08-01T15:35:19Z")
Most independent auto mechanics and many dealers have subscriptions to Alldata, Besides needed for diagnosis and repair of modern vehicles, it can also update software, program new key fobs and help with vehicle recalls. There are very few auto manufacturers that do not supply data to them. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/5 "2024-08-01T15:37:27Z")
Part of the reason that the data is available is that some recalls are handled via software updates. They’d love someone else to deal with it. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/6 "2024-08-01T16:22:18Z")
> [@racer72](#): > > Most independent auto mechanics and many dealers have subscriptions to Alldata, Besides needed for diagnosis and repair of modern vehicles, it can also update software, program new key fobs and help with vehicle recalls. I am hoping this is the case. I recall some vehicle manufacturers were wanting to encrypt the data interfaces, thus forcing owners to take their vehicles to the dealer. ---
**Author:** ![a6ka97](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c2a13f/32.png) [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/7 "2024-08-01T16:40:03Z")
The BCM (Body Control Module) went out on my pickup, causing various lights to turn on/off randomly. My trusted independent mechanic explained he could install a new one but only the dealership has the ability to program it as it is VIN specific. A used one would need to come from a pickup that had the same exact options and may not even work then. He was honest enough to tell me just go to the dealership as he would need to bill me for his time to install the BCM, the cost of getting it to the dealership, plus whatever the dealership charged him to do the programming. Went to the dealership, $700 repair. But my dome light, left headlight, cargo light, etc…no longer turned on and off randomly. ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/8 "2024-08-01T16:42:37Z")
My car has an app (myVW I think it’s called) which has allowed me to update the software myself. This might just be the infotainment software, I don’t know if it updates the engine computer, or if there’s much of a difference. I also bought a third-party dongle apparatus which lets me see and reset error codes, and I paid a nominal fee use it to install some code snippets, which allowed me to make small changes (like closing the power windows while the car is off, and getting rid of the seat belt alarms). Haven’t used either in a couple years though, so I might be misremembering some details. Still, if I can do it myself, I’m sure an independent mechanic shop can. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/9 "2024-08-01T17:03:34Z")
Tesla (and probably others) do over the air software updates. Like a smart phone. This is where things will be moving. For example, Tesla had a big “recall” because of a problem where in an occasional corner case the sensor wouldn’t detect an open latch on the front trunk. They fixed it as part of a regular update several weeks ago. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/10 "2024-08-01T19:10:02Z")
Many independent ones _can_, but probably do not. It’s not a task they’re supposed to do and time consuming. But I can’t speak for all brands, but the ability to update _your own_ firmware is a click away in many cases on Youtube. I updated mine to install Android Auto/Apple Carplay. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080/11 "2024-08-01T19:12:57Z")
Thanks, all. Our boring appliances are about to go off warranty, and we were discussing taking them to our local shop instead of the dealer. After the last service, we noticed some of the displays (which we seldom look at) had changed, which made us realize that, in addition to changing the oil and rotating the tires, the dealer likely ran some update. We’ll ask if the local guy can do the same. We both thought we had to wait longer than we would wish at the dealer, and we can walk from/to the local shop. Or maybe we can get regular maintenance at the local shop, and every once in a while pay something to have Subaru plug it into their machine… Funny - I never had to think about updating the software on my Corvair! 🙄