[WestCoastBestCoast]

In case anyone is like me with a non-OTA updatable head unit, someone on the Forester forums was able to get the latest update files and put it in a Google Drive. I used the files, a spare USB stick I had lying around, and it all went fine.

This is the comment of his that links to the Google Drive.

 

[TnC Eas]

In case anyone is like me with a non-OTA updatable head unit, someone on the Forester forums was able to get the latest update files and put it in a Google Drive. I used the files, a spare USB stick I had lying around, and it all went fine.

This is the comment of his that links to the Google Drive.

Per the TSB, it looks like these are just for the Nav capable versions. Am I reading that incorrectly? Is there a way to update the software non-nav versions?

 

[Arthur]

You can use the Google Drive and copy the update file to download in your Subaru.

The update should apply to both Nav and non-Nav radios.

 

[TnC Eas]

You can use the Google Drive and copy the update file to download in your Subaru.

The update should apply to both Nav and non-Nav radios.

The way it was worded on the TSB, wasn't 100% sure. They mention the Base+, which wouldn't have navigation. But, they mention navigation repeatedly (even though the update doesn't have map updates.

 

[WestCoastBestCoast]

The way it was worded on the TSB, wasn't 100% sure. They mention the Base+, which wouldn't have navigation. But, they mention navigation repeatedly (even though the update doesn't have map updates.

Yeah it’s just the system update, not nav update. Should work for both radios, but I can see how the TSB could be worded better.

 

[cbetts]

In case anyone is like me with a non-OTA updatable head unit, someone on the Forester forums was able to get the latest update files and put it in a Google Drive. I used the files, a spare USB stick I had lying around, and it all went fine.

This is the comment of his that links to the Google Drive.

Worked like a champ for me! Subaru was kind enough to send me an email with instructions on how to update my head unit. Well, turns out my unit does not have the ability.

I took a shot a tried the the Google Drive provided file. Just follow the instructions on the site and you should have no issues. There is an authentication step that prevents you from loading the incorrect image (from what I have read). Seemed to work fine on my car.

After waiting for the five updates to happen, all is good!

 

[stahl2624]

Per the TSB, it looks like these are just for the Nav capable versions. Am I reading that incorrectly? Is there a way to update the software non-nav versions?

Interesting there is a Service Bulletin. To me that implies that the dealer could/should perform this work. I called my dealer to ask if I really needed to bother with this update, and if so, could they do it for me. Answer: Yes, you should do it soon, and NO we won't do it for you. So the dealer won't do a SB? Really??

 

[cbetts]

Interesting there is a Service Bulletin. To me that implies that the dealer could/should perform this work. I called my dealer to ask if I really needed to bother with this update, and if so, could they do it for me. Answer: Yes, you should do it soon, and NO we won't do it for you. So the dealer won't do a SB? Really??

Yeah, I had the same problem. I had to tell them that my volume control would intermittently stop responding (a documented issue on older firmware versions) before they would flash the unit. They would not perform the upgrade unless it fixes an issue.

 

[stahl2624]

Yeah, I had the same problem. I had to tell them that my volume control would intermittently stop responding (a documented issue on older firmware versions) before they would flash the unit. They would not perform the upgrade unless it fixes an issue.

Hmm. My unit doesn't seem to have any problems whatsoever. I wonder if I should just skip this and wait for an actual issue to occur.

Or is it possible that the update is required to enable some soon-to-be implemented telematics function that will effect all Starlink users? I'm sure I can follow the instructions and get it done (though I'll bet there are other older folks who aren't tech-comfortable and wouldn't try it themselves)...take note, SUA -- this is bad PR.

But I do fear introducing a new problem that isn't there now (ah...that might coax the dealer into helping me out!!). Or worse, getting half-way through the download only to suffer an ABEND (yeah, I'm old enough to remember those).

 

[cbetts]

Or worse, getting half-way through the download only to suffer an ABEND (yeah, I'm old enough to remember those).

Wow! I thought I was the only old-school computer guy here! I have been a UNIX sysadmin for 30+ years. It has been a while since I heard that term.

The upgrade is easy. Once I saw the authenticating page, i was reassured that I would not brick the unit.

 

[slipkid]

As a former IT professional a lesson I learned early on was software updates are like surgery.

Unless there is a very good reason for doing it (or having an operation) it is best to just leave well enough alone. You could die on the operating table or worse.

Since I have no known issue to fix and no idea why this update is "necessary" I will be skipping it.

And funny about "abends" I only remember that term from using it back in the very old days of working on IBM mainframes, compiling various types of programs entered into the system with punch cards!

 

[cbetts]

Times have changed in IT. Now it is usually safer to keep things patched and updated since there are so many programmers working on the code. This keeps things like zero-day exploits and backdoors to a minimum. Yeah, I don't think anybody is doing that kind of exploit on a head system, but our Crosstreks do have it tied into the CAN bus so it has the capability of affecting other things in the vehicle. There have been features added to Android Auto that could be affected by using an older version of the AA protocol over the USB port.

My IT history dates back to running old DEC VMS systems, even running a PDP11 emulator on an Alpha that used not only punch cards but high speed paper tape. I also supported an Elxsi minicomputer for a short time before migrating everything to Sun servers.

 

[stahl2624]

As a former IT professional a lesson I learned early on was software updates are like surgery.

Unless there is a very good reason for doing it (or having an operation) it is best to just leave well enough alone. You could die on the operating table or worse.

Since I have no known issue to fix and no idea why this update is "necessary" I will be skipping it.

And funny about "abends" I only remember that term from using it back in the very old days of working on IBM mainframes, compiling various types of programs entered into the system with punch cards!

I retired from IBM 10 years ago. I started during the S/370 era, but spend most of my career in project management, leaving most of the tech details to others.

As for this update, I'm leaning toward the "it's best to patch" viewpoint.

 

[slipkid]

Times have changed in IT. Now it is usually safer to keep things patched and updated since there are so many programmers working on the code. This keeps things like zero-day exploits and backdoors to a minimum. Yeah, I don't think anybody is doing that kind of exploit on a head system, but our Crosstreks do have it tied into the CAN bus so it has the capability of affecting other things in the vehicle. There have been features added to Android Auto that could be affected by using an older version of the AA protocol over the USB port.

My IT history dates back to running old DEC VMS systems, even running a PDP11 emulator on an Alpha that used not only punch cards but high speed paper tape. I also supported an Elxsi minicomputer for a short time before migrating everything to Sun servers.

Funny you mention DEC VMS (running on Vaxes/Alphas etc). After my IBM mainframe period I did a lot of work on DEC equipment, VMS, Pathworks, All-in-1, etc. Used to go to DECUS conferences back in the day. I transitioned to other things but I assume everything in IT now is vastly different than those prehistoric days. I even go back to the first IBM PC, running DOS, the IBM vs MS-DOS confusion, HP Deskview, Windoze, conferences that Bill Gates was at answering questions about MS-DOS when we could expect to have longer filenames than 8.3 or whatever it was, way b4 Windoze or GUIs were even dreamt of and Apple wasn't even a thing yet other than in orchards, let alone cellphones or the internet or everything else we take for granted now. I am so friggin' old....need to put my dentures in a glass now...

 

[e2m]

FYI, latest OTA software version for Gen3.1 HU as of today is Rel_UK.23.16.70.

List of changes available in this post:

https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2019-starlink-update-01-05-24-anyone-have-issues-downloading-this.853165/page-2?post_id=7903186&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-7903186

 

[James Ardery]

Worked like a champ for me! Subaru was kind enough to send me an email with instructions on how to update my head unit. Well, turns out my unit does not have the ability.
View attachment 320070

I took a shot a tried the the Google Drive provided file. Just follow the instructions on the site and you should have no issues. There is an authentication step that prevents you from loading the incorrect image (from what I have read). Seemed to work fine on my car.
View attachment 320074

View attachment 320071

After waiting for the five updates to happen, all is good!
View attachment 320072

View attachment 320073

So I have a 3018 base model with the smallest screen and non nav and no wifi connection. I would like to try this update. Do you think it will work? Is this the most recent update available? I have seen people posting about their 2024 model cars getting HU updates as recently as this week. Wondering if this is the same one.

 

[WestCoastBestCoast]

So I have a 3018 base model with the smallest screen and non nav and no wifi connection. I would like to try this update. Do you think it will work? Is this the most recent update available? I have seen people posting about their 2024 model cars getting HU updates as recently as this week. Wondering if this is the same one.

As long as you follow the instructions on the TSB for your specific radio, it should work. Be sure to follow the steps EXACTLY though.

Also, it is not the most recent update. We got lucky even finding this file update online as Subaru does not make the update files publicly downloadable. This update is from May 2023 I believe?

 

[James Ardery]

As long as you follow the instructions on the TSB for your specific radio, it should work. Be sure to follow the steps EXACTLY though.

Also, it is not the most recent update. We got lucky even finding this file update online as Subaru does not make the update files publicly downloadable. This update is from May 2023 I believe?

Does Subaru post anywhere the current update for a given HU model. Obviously not posting the files but just some "6.5 inch HUs are currently running version software version 11.6.2.whatever". The thought being I have zero point of reference for where my HU is from a software standpoint. If I am running some ancient patch or something relatively recent. I do use Android Auto and have a new pixel 8 phone and my HU has all these glitchy weird issues that I think are related to Bluetooth software on the HU as it is the only link in the chain on most likely old technology.

 

[James Ardery]

So I did try this and it did not work. I am not 100% sure why. May have something to do with the USB I was trying to use but there is something to note... The TSB and the corresponding google drive files do mention the 6.5inch base head unit but it say specifically for 2019 and up. I have a 2018 care and while it may be same size at the 2019 and up base version it may actually be an older headunit all together. I am going to get a new USB drive tomorrow and try again. The only thing I was taking very specific from those instructions is that when you select the files for your headunit model and download and unzip the files... there is a top level file that contains all of the files names SystemOnly and underneath that file is a file update.... all of the instructions said to only copy update onto the USB drive and nothing else. I am wondering if possibly I should copy it on there with the top level SystemOnly file as well.

 

[cbetts]

So I did try this and it did not work. I am not 100% sure why. May have something to do with the USB I was trying to use but there is something to note... The TSB and the corresponding google drive files do mention the 6.5inch base head unit but it say specifically for 2019 and up. I have a 2018 care and while it may be same size at the 2019 and up base version it may actually be an older headunit all together. I am going to get a new USB drive tomorrow and try again. The only thing I was taking very specific from those instructions is that when you select the files for your headunit model and download and unzip the files... there is a top level file that contains all of the files names SystemOnly and underneath that file is a file update.... all of the instructions said to only copy update onto the USB drive and nothing else. I am wondering if possibly I should copy it on there with the top level SystemOnly file as well.

Double check the filesystem on the thumb drive and make sure it is NTFS, not FAT. I can step you through the process if you do not know what I am talking about.