ECU software update

[Chris-h]

My one year old GT has just had its first service and the dealer advised me that the ECU had had its software updated. Does anyone know what effect this software update should have on the car. It may be my imagination but I don't think the car is as fast as it was. I have the DSG and it was always difficult to start off "briskly" without spinning the wheels - now it seems to be a 'softer' start.

Any techies out there who can shed light on this please?

[Keithuk]

Any software updates they are put in shouldn't effect your car Chris unless you've had it chipped in any way.

[Chris-h]

Thanks Keith - it's probably just my imagination.

[Hughesynights]

Supposedly Nissan released an ecu update for the Navara that reduced torque under certain scenarios because of a mechanical problem (design flaw) with the clutch. Owners were not happy that instead of supplying new clutches they just reduced the engine output, therefore reducing performance.

There were many software upates in the early days of dsg. I wouldn't be suprised if this included reduction in engine torque (by changing fuel and boost maps) to improve driveability.
The changes could be to the clutch behaviour (amount of slip allowed for example) which makes it feel less brisk.
Some people would prefer the car not to wheelspin, the upate might be about making the 'box feel smoother.
I think you are right to be paranoid, but there's not much you cqn do about it!

[Keithuk]

Thats possible but I think you would have a hard time convincing the dealer its lost power. I'm not sure if updates can be removed and the older one installed?

[Chris-h]

Thanks both - if it has actually changed the characteristics I will gladly trade a bit of urge for a smoother get away. It will stop me looking like a grey haired boy racer!

[Alabama978]

I've got the 1.6 TDi and the ECU upgrade fixed the alarm, which went off intermittently for nearly a year. I eventually found out via this forum that the ECU software was the culprit. My dealer never even heard of it, so what do they do with the tech bulletin sheets?

Cut them in to squares and hang in loo to save money on soft paper and increase VW's Eco score on recycling

May not affect your GT model, but could well be some commonality in the Golf range.

[Keithuk]

How do you know the tech bulletin sheets are paper based to the tech?

[Rhigour]

You know, that's strange. I had my car (DSG) serviced a few weeks ago and since then it has lost it,s **** off a shovel attitude to traffic light getaways. I had put it down to using supermarket 5p off petrol. This makes me wonder if they updated mine , although nothing was said.

[iced_07]

I have the GT too, albeit in manual form. The software update was brought in due to a number of reported engine failures with the 1.4 tsi 160 ps model worldwide, especially in Australia. The update reduces throttle opening to 70% until around 4500 rpm or under full acceleration. Many GT drivers in other forums have noticed this as a loss of power - the car not feeling as springy with some experiencing a boost around 4500rpm. Hope this helps