[Triumph23]

Like you said earlier you said you had a problem and the person at the dealer debated you saying that the PAM didn't exist, and you can't update something that doesn't exist, but you being a enthusiast to the car you had to say check again. So if you were the average person that complained about the same beeping problem more than likely nothing would have been updated even though they did complain of the exact problem to get the software updated. This is why FCA needs to change policy and just updated everything like other car manufacturers. Cars are more complex than ever that's why there's so many software updates.

Nope. The service desk advisor actually booked the car in when I complained with the issue. They do not know me from the average Joe Bloggs or Drump Trump. When I dropped the car for the problem to be "investigated" I happened to see the technician collect my keys and pointed him in the direction of the PAM update to save his time. Even if I had not mentioned it to him, the process is for him to raise a Tech Case describing the customer problem and await the technical department to advise on the solution or the lack thereof. Alfa dealers do not or should not apply updates when the Witech2 system does not indicate an issue. Unless an update if flagged up as required when they connect your car to the diagnostic system, they cannot do the update. For issues where an update exists, once approved it will appear against your VIN. It is done this way to ensure an incorrect software is not applied to the hardware of the car causing a dangerous malfunction. I am sure you can appreciate this is not a mobile phone that if bricked cannot cause an accident or injury.

Now, I know independent Alfa dealers who have access to the same Witech2 licenced system, can make the updates appear for your car by knowing what is applicable and doing a workaround. There are 3 independents Alfa specialists (not Alfa franchised) here in the UK who can and will apply "some" updates if suitable.

Cars are more complex than ever so all the more reason why they don't just update all the modules unless it is necessary and approved.

 

[Emozine]

Guys, this makes no sense. As an engineer whose teams have designed many embedded systems comprised of many different computers having to talk to each other, any new version of firmware for any single computer must be regression tested and the functional envelope defined and understood in the context of the entire system. That's basic embedded software management. The argument that updating one computer will mess up the others, and therefore you shouldn't update unless you have an issue, is an ignorant and asinine argument. The instructions for updating any single module should include a list of the minimum requirements of all the other firmwares for the system to continue to function. If Alfa Romeo is not doing this, my jaw is on the floor. Wow.

As for updating for the sake of updating, why does the update exist in the first place? Oh, right, to fix a bug. If one car has the bug, ALL cars have the bug. Just because one specific car hasn't exhibited the problem caused by the bug doesn't mean it won't this afternoon, or tomorrow, or when the owner least expects it. It's Russian roulette. I get that FCA/dealers may not want to update all cars in the field due to the expense, but to argue that cars without the update are 'fine' is bullshit. While it's not my business to tell FCA how to run their business, it doesn't preclude me from having an opinion. And that opinion is that a customer who cares to have his car at the latest version of firmware is a good customer. Their car will be the most reliable (remember, updates mostly exist to fix bugs) and will therefore not come on forums like this to talk shit about my product and about unresponsive and dismissive service departments.

Having had my QF updated to the latest firmware recently that gave me MPH in RACE mode, I watched the tech do it and it was maybe 15 minutes of his time, and he updated several modules. The majority of the 1.5 hours it took was the system downloading and verifying the updates while the technician worked on other cars. I don't buy the argument that it's a great expense for cars to be updated. Even if it was, my opinion is that it's the cost of business to keep customers happy and coming back for more and ensuring a reliable fleet of cars in the field. I am currently one happy customer and pleased that AR of Burlingame updated my firmware at my request and was happy to do so, and I therefore also got a 2020 Stelvio TI Sport for my wife. You want to complain about cost? What's the cost of having me and others go buy a BMW instead?

Now, as for the OP's question, I have no idea what the difference in IPC modules is...

 

[JeFizz]

Guys, this makes no sense. As an engineer whose teams have designed many embedded systems comprised of many different computers having to talk to each other, any new version of firmware for any single computer must be regression tested and the functional envelope defined and understood in the context of the entire system. That's basic embedded software management. The argument that updating one computer will mess up the others, and therefore you shouldn't update unless you have an issue, is an ignorant and asinine argument. The instructions for updating any single module should include a list of the minimum requirements of all the other firmwares for the system to continue to function. If Alfa Romeo is not doing this, my jaw is on the floor. Wow.

As for updating for the sake of updating, why does the update exist in the first place? Oh, right, to fix a bug. If one car has the bug, ALL cars have the bug. Just because one specific car hasn't exhibited the problem caused by the bug doesn't mean it won't this afternoon, or tomorrow, or when the owner least expects it. It's Russian roulette. I get that FCA/dealers may not want to update all cars in the field due to the expense, but to argue that cars without the update are 'fine' is bullshit. While it's not my business to tell FCA how to run their business, it doesn't preclude me from having an opinion. And that opinion is that a customer who cares to have his car at the latest version of firmware is a good customer. Their car will be the most reliable (remember, updates mostly exist to fix bugs) and will therefore not come on forums like this to talk shit about my product and about unresponsive and dismissive service departments.

Having had my QF updated to the latest firmware recently that gave me MPH in RACE mode, I watched the tech do it and it was maybe 15 minutes of his time, and he updated several modules. The majority of the 1.5 hours it took was the system downloading and verifying the updates while the technician worked on other cars. I don't buy the argument that it's a great expense for cars to be updated. Even if it was, my opinion is that it's the cost of business to keep customers happy and coming back for more and ensuring a reliable fleet of cars in the field. I am currently one happy customer and pleased that AR of Burlingame updated my firmware at my request and was happy to do so, and I therefore also got a 2020 Stelvio TI Sport for my wife. You want to complain about cost? What's the cost of having me and others go buy a BMW instead?

Now, as for the OP's question, I have no idea what the difference in IPC modules is...

I think that it's an "ignorant and asinine" statement to assume that all manufacturers have the same testing procedures. You would think so, but come on, this is AR we're talking about here. One of the more recent ETM updates was re-released due to not doing a damned thing that the bulletin stated. If there was proper use case and regression testing done, they would have seen that immediately. Software/firmware development is only as good as it's testing processes.

If an update was to apply to everything, why even state in the bulletin when an update is applicable? Yet, there is it is. No, not all cars will have the bug due to different hardware revisions that AR seems to fail at grasping the deployment of. Your MPH in Race mode issue is a great indication of their ineptitude in managing releases. How many folks on here can own a vehicle made around the same time period have differing options available to them? Plenty do, and the update doesn't always fix the problem until a hand full of other updates are applied along with a potential module replacement too.

AR went all Wild Wild West with hardware and firmware and now they are suffering from the same thing that Android OS suffers from: fragmentation. It's obviously not as extreme as that, but it's the same principal. IMO

And that's all we have here, opinions, and our ability to get along even when we have differing opinions. I agree that a solid testing methodology is key, but you can't assume that it's always used.

 

[Emozine]

I think that it's an "ignorant and asinine" statement to assume that all manufacturers have the same testing procedures.

That's why I don't and didn't assume that, because I know it would be ignorant and asinine. Who thinks Tesla tests their firmware the same as AR? I don't. But I also don't think they don't do ANY regression testing...

 

[Emozine]

If an update was to apply to everything, why even state in the bulletin when an update is applicable? Yet, there is it is. No, not all cars will have the bug due to different hardware revisions that AR seems to fail at grasping the deployment of. Your MPH in Race mode issue is a great indication of their ineptitude in managing releases. How many folks on here can own a vehicle made around the same time period have differing options available to them? Plenty do, and the update doesn't always fix the problem until a hand full of other updates are applied along with a potential module replacement too.

AR went all Wild Wild West with hardware and firmware and now they are suffering from the same thing that Android OS suffers from: fragmentation. It's obviously not as extreme as that, but it's the same principal. IMO

This is a very good point. Hardware differences absolutely complicate the matter, but I submit to you that it's nothing novel. All complex embedded systems, especially those that are mass produced, contain some level of hardware fragmentation. It's tough to avoid over time as hardware changes come into play. Regression testing includes accounting for different hardware configurations. Again, basic firmware development takes this into account.

If we're simply arguing about how good AR is at basic firmware development, then alright, neither of us works in their firmware department so whatever. We won't get past each of us stating our opinions and moving on. There's a good take on this topic that's worth revisiting. Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's)

I won't respond on this topic further on this thread, sorry for taking it off-topic this far.

 

[Triumph23]

The reality is simple. You get the update only if it is flagged up as required either automatically or if approved by Alfa tech support in Italy, matched to your VIN. End of story. There are plenty of reasons we can come up with or argue the toss about but ultimately if you want something specific make it a problem. That is the only way from my experience. Nothing more to add.

 

[MJG]

There's an update to freshen up the 2016/2017 display to the 2018/2019 layout, better shading, reflection on the speed, more increments for the fuel consumption bar, and a clearer trip meter layout. See below comparison from my car before and after update.
The 2020 is different yet again, with a speed display at the top of all screens, DNA mode displayed, G-meter changes, and new graphics for lane guidance, among other things. My hope is we can get the fresher 2020 look on the earlier cars with another update down the track.

Dynamic, Speed Mode, Before and After:
View attachment 98867
View attachment 98868

Natural, Trip Mode, Before and After:
View attachment 98869
View attachment 98870

Thank you

 

[MJG]

That's because the IPC has nothing to do with the parking sensors... you need to get the PAM( park assist module) updated in order to get that functionality improved

Updated as hardware or software?

 

[Triumph23]

Updated as hardware or software?

Software.

 

[MJG]

I agree with @Crosshairs. My parking beeps only went because I complained it always beeps even when I am parked as soon as I switch on the ignition and I park near a hedge, it drives me mad each morning. Well that is how I played it And yes you are not entitled to software updates unless there is a recall, bulletin or problem to be resolved.

I told the service technician the Park Assist Module will need to be updated. For which he said, there is no such module in the Giulia. I said, how about you raise a tech case and we will see. He said while handing over the car, sorry sir. I said, it happens mate

Anyhow, these are all the modules that needs updating to "fix" the annoying parking sensor beeping in Park mode. Why don't you guys try that first?
PAM - Park Assist Module
IPC - Instrument Panel Cluster
BSM/ABS .... among others as posted in the bulletin above.

Did they update the PAM software or installed a new module? Thank you!

 

[Crosshairs]

Updated as hardware or software?

Its a software update as @Triumph23 said

 

[MJG]

Software.

Thank you! I appreciate the info!

 

[MJG]

Its a software update as @Triumph23 said

Thank you! I’m getting my IPC replaced due to some issues and I’m having similar issues with the parking sensors going off. I’m assuming the new IPC will come with an updated software and the PAM software needs to be updated via witech. And these updates have nothing to do with the radio unit updates (I had apple CarPlay updated and do t want to mess it up 😊) Am I correct? Thanks again for your help everyone

 

[Crosshairs]

Thank you! I’m getting my IPC replaced due to some issues and I’m having similar issues with the parking sensors going off. I’m assuming the new IPC will come with an updated software and the PAM software needs to be updated via witech. And these updates have nothing to do with the radio unit updates (I had apple CarPlay updated and do t want to mess it up 😊) Am I correct? Thanks again for your help everyone

Depending on whether its a reman or a new unit the IPC may come with older software ,but hopefully they update it and the accompanying modules before you get the car back.... The car play should be fine as long as they dont perform a reconfiguration on the vehicle

 

[Triumph23]

My 2017 IPC went dead after 1 year in 2018. They fitted a new one but it had the same old display. So I would complain about the parking sensor and ask them to update it so that it does not beep in park..this will get you the new IPC display in case it's not updated.

 

[MJG]

Depending on whether its a reman or a new unit the IPC may come with older software ,but hopefully they update it and the accompanying modules before you get the car back.... The car play should be fine as long as they dont perform a reconfiguration on the vehicle

They ordered a new one. They didn’t have one in stock. it’s in back order till next week. They said it will be new coming from Spain I believe.

 

[kshitishsoman]

Huh after is inferior. It doesn't have GorillaDanceHits.

...

 

[MorganB]

I had no idea this update was available ! So does complaining about the parking sensors actually get the update? I didn't know there was an option to get the parking sensors disabled in park but I don't see it as customer complaint reason in the TSB. It drives me crazy every time I start my car in the garage.

 

[Triumph23]

It drives me crazy every time I start my car in the garage.

I made this complaint to my dealer and also told them newer cars don't beep incessantly in Park. They raised a tech case, Alfa approved it. End of story.

 

[Triumph23]

I also complained that the parking sensor goes off randomly while at traffic lights or at intersections with no objects in front. Even this issue seems to have been resolved by the update. So I would say state both of these problems.