Our 2019 Limited has never had a firmware update. Why do an update if you are having no issues?

 

Our 2019 Limited has never had a firmware update. Why do an update if you are having no issues?

I agree. I'm sure there are updates on my 2020 Premium, but I've never done one. If it ain't broken.........

 

The service tech showed me the documentation. The update(s) included how the eyesight interfaces with the car, the cameras are updated (software) and other features. A slew of items is supposed to have their functions improved. One had to do with the interface with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Another one I remember was the update that was to improve the screen being laggy. I will get the documentation and post it. Anyways, I figured while it's under warranty, why not.... I asked him how much it would cost to do each update out of warranty and he said, "It depends, anywhere from $95.00 and up").

Take it for what it's worth. Some software updates on my computer are great others meh, probably the same with the Crosstrek and others. Cars today are computers on wheels that need software updates to keep functioning smoothly behind the scenes.

I remember my Outback, the DCM kept calling home like "ET" except it was trying to call on the 3G network which was discontinued and kept killing the battery until I got that fixed. Then there was the ECM that needed to be flashed and the rear lift gate that if kept opened it would kill the battery unless you tricked it.

Now in the Crosstrek it's the alternator that is supposed to be smart charging, how's that working out? I have to drive around with my headlights on to keep the alternator in a charging state of 14V. I'm happy with my Subaru, I would buy it again, I'm just learning how to live with it, keep it running and updated just like my computer.

 

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Now in the Crosstrek it's the alternator that is supposed to be smart charging, how's that working out? I have to drive around with my headlights on to keep the alternator in a charging state of 14V. I'm happy with my Subaru, I would buy it again, I'm just learning how to live with it, keep it running and updated just like my computer.

I'm into my 3rd year of my Xtrek and do not bother with manually turning on headlights just to force smart charging. I expect my factory battery to last at least thru the Subaru 3yr warranty, unless my battery has a longer warranty.

Are you aware that our led headlights have three light levels? Drl is lower lighting than low beams, then low beams, and high beams. I have my blower motor almost on most of the time, on low to medium speed, depending on temperatures and humidity. Since all electronics are running while driving, I presume the smart charging system is well aware of when to cycle alternator power at any time, day or night. I choose not to concern myself about smart charging; 2+ years without a dead battery, two winters using heat and summers with ac. Next July of 2026 will end my factory warranty. I won't know if this battery will get thru a third winter, presuming its only a 3yr battery. I think smart charging was designed as an improvement over conventional non smart charging systems otherwise it wouldn't be implemented.

 

I got an OTA update earlier this week. I wonder if it's the same. What's the Firmware Version on your head unit?

 

Notifications for OTA updates to the head unit are the only updates for which you will receive an on-screen notification. My 2025 Crosstrek Llimited has 5 possible updates pending: head unit, engine control module (ECM), EyeSight, transmission control module (TCM), and key access control unit. I found out about these and got the details of what's involved by downloading the Subaru service bulletins for my vehicle from the NHTSA website. Apparently manufacturers are required to submit these to NHTSA, and they're made publicly available.

 

I never saw an on-screen notification of any type, curious. Do the service bulletins describe a DIY update over air/download? The service tech told me it's a Dealer procedure and if so, it will get expensive over time (should be free). By the way, 5 possible updates on a 2025 is scary if you had to come out-of-pocket.

 

Hello Mod's can you merge my original post with this one? seems appropriate. (3) New Firmware Available for 2024 | Page 5 | Subaru Crosstrek and XV Forums

 

My take on updates, If it has to do with safety or normal vehicle operation, it will be a recall and done for free. Unlike a TSB which is an update to current service or operation of a vehicle, example moving the AVH to the main screen bottom or removing the outdated Starlink icon.

If you want to continue getting these it's like the yearly license I pay for my OBD diagnostic tool. Just to stay update cost me about $100 a year, but for me that's cheaper than paying to have someone else read, diagnose or operate a solenoid to solve a problem.

You are free to add your experiences or comments ......

 

If Subaru made the updates available on their service/support webpage, I'd download them to USB drive and install them myself. Maybe.

But like Windows and Apple now, it's impossible to install updates piecemeal, it's just a black box package of changes you can't control.

As it is, because I removed the DCM (the box that actually does connected services) and disconnected the SXM and cellular antennas from everything... I don't get forced updates or ads or harassment about not having this or that activated "over the air".

 

If Subaru made the updates available on their service/support webpage, I'd download them to USB drive and install them myself. Maybe.

But like Windows and Apple now, it's impossible to install updates piecemeal, it's just a black box package of changes you can't control.

As it is, because I removed the DCM (the box that actually does connected services) and disconnected the SXM and cellular antennas from everything... I don't get forced updates or ads or harassment about not having this or that activated "over the air".

I was told by the tech it is a dealer procedure. You have to have a certain scanner/reader

 

Here is the pdf... Good grief and good luck to all of us going forward with your computer on wheels! this one is 80 pages and from page 37-80 discusses improvements and there are a lot. I had 2 more done in conjunction with this one.



Sorry guys.... the upload file is too large for the server to process. I even zipped it and it's too big.

 

The more I read posts in this thread, the less I want a newer vehicle.

 

I am 100% in agreement! I screwed up buying this car (or any other new car) only because of the "tech". I can barely stay on top of 2 I phones, 3 computers, 2 I pads, 2 Apple watches, keeping my network safe and up to date, the list can go on but you get the idea. In fact, if something happens to this car I am going backwards to something pre-onboard crap. Amazing though, I'm still able to back in and out of a parking spot without hitting anyone or anything, merge lanes with no problem and come to a stop for cars in front of me when I am behind the wheel of my wife's old VW Golf and I make it back home safely! I think what happened to me is I became a product of my environment. I got suckered into believing all this stuff is good/needed, high-tech cars, phones, computers, tablets, and so on. It's made my daily Life harder. I have to read and research more than ever. BTW, I'm retired; my daily commute is probably a 5-mile radius. Sorry for the rant, but yesterday at the Dealer wore me down.

 

I don't know how to do that... can you tell me how?

 

Assuming your files are in Adobe or equivalent format, open the file and determine number of pages, then use the menu to print it again but create a new file and select pages to print, then print as a new pdf. When asked, add a number to file name to differentiate each file so you have each new file with other pages to separate them. File#1 - pages 1-5, file#2 - pages 6-10, etc. Try halving the file and if not accepted, then making three files, if not accepted, four, etc, until the first file is accepted. The number of pages and drawings determines file size.

 

I don't drive every day and when I do its usually short runs, which; probably doesn't help the health of my battery and being out of the Country for long stretches doesn't help either. I do put it on a battery tender weekly and disconnect it when I'm traveling.

BTW, Thanks for the pdf tip. I will try it.

 

I am still not sure I see this as an actual issue. I have my lights on AUTO at all times, and my cars battery is original (almost 3 years old) and it shows no hints of getting weak.

I am still not sure I see this as an actual issue. I have my lights on AUTO at all times, and my cars battery is original (almost 3 years old) and it shows no hints of getting weak.

Fair enough, if you drive everyday a "fair" distance than you probably won't have an issue. Me, I don't drive far and not every day. I monitor the voltage and with the headlights in auto I have approximately 11V at any given time. If I turn on my headlights or parking lights, the alternator gives me 14V constantly. I might be unique in my driving habits, but it does make a difference when the alternator is the one deciding on my voltage.

 

Fair enough, if you drive everyday a "fair" distance than you probably won't have an is
sue. Me, I don't drive far and not every day. I monitor the voltage and with the headlights in auto I have approximately 11V at any given time. If I turn on my headlights or parking lights, the alternator gives me 14V constantly. I might be unique in my driving habits, but it does make a difference when the alternator is the one deciding on my voltage.

If you are measuring 11V and you aren't cranking your engine, there is something wrong with your charging system. A static voltage of 11V is deep discharge. You may want to put a battery charger on and trickle charge your battery back to health.

 

Here is the pdf for the firmware update I had done. Special thanks to Nutjob1 who gave me the tip on splitting the pdf in two so the server could upload it. This update requires the SSM5-R (Dealer only) and USB. The first part of the pdf is the procedure for updating. It's not until you get to appendix 9 (pg. 37 and on) that it discusses system improvements. Hope this might help someone.

 

OK, good, nothing I care about in this update.

 

While some don't mind the smart charging system, it was NOT implemented to get you a 'better' charge for your battery. It was designed, along with other do-dads created and enforced to improve MPG. That's it!
A.S.S. features, smart charging, active shutters, thinner oils, smart AC compressors now (not on Subie yet thank god), all are solutions looking for problems IMO.
I am a big advocate to bypass any if not all these features. The .00001 gal of gas they 'supposedly' save is no where near the upfront cost to the consumer to have theses in place, let alone the long term issues caused by these government mandated 'mouse traps'.

With all the technology power draw needed/required in modern day vehicles, you would think 'dumbing down' the voltage at times to save fuel is going against all common sense that the vehicle needs even MORE constant and consistent voltage reliability!! Not brief voltage drops to cause very sensitive sensors and electrical equipment to throw CEL codes?? And same goes with battery life. Keeping the charge at full 14.5(ish) all the time is much better than dropping the charge. Especially with the crappy made batteries of today, you need to provide as much charge as possible to get any longevity of the battery. This is all designed @$$ backwards ??

Sorry for my rant, but certain topics just get me going. And of all the 'fuel saving' gadgets, the NOT SO 'smart charging' system in today's vehicles is at the top of my list.
You do you in whether you like/use these supposed fuel saving features, but I for one am not falling for their marketing/PR crap!!

 

While some don't mind the smart charging system, it was NOT implemented to get you a 'better' charge for your battery. It was designed, along with other do-dads created and enforced to improve MPG. That's it!
A.S.S. features, smart charging, active shutters, thinner oils, smart AC compressors now (not on Subie yet thank god), all are solutions looking for problems IMO.
I am a big advocate to bypass any if not all these features. The .00001 gal of gas they 'supposedly' save is no where near the upfront cost to the consumer to have theses in place, let alone the long term issues caused by these government mandated 'mouse traps'.

With all the technology power draw needed/required in modern day vehicles, you would think 'dumbing down' the voltage at times to save fuel is going against all common sense that the vehicle needs even MORE constant and consistent voltage reliability!! Not brief voltage drops to cause very sensitive sensors and electrical equipment to throw CEL codes?? And same goes with battery life. Keeping the charge at full 14.5(ish) all the time is much better than dropping the charge. Especially with the crappy made batteries of today, you need to provide as much charge as possible to get any longevity of the battery. This is all designed @$$ backwards ??

Sorry for my rant, but certain topics just get me going. And of all the 'fuel saving' gadgets, the NOT SO 'smart charging' system in today's vehicles is at the top of my list.
You do you in whether you like/use these supposed fuel saving features, but I for one am not falling for their marketing/PR crap!!

What are active shutters and smart AC compressors?

 

Google not Giggle, but a good laugh anyway.

 

I call it giggle purposely, because as @KJ_Aardvark states, its a laugh sometimes on what comes up

 

At this point calling it Giggle is more accurate.