A recall isn’t just a parts replacement anymore

I may catch some flak for this from many readers, but I have my vehicle serviced at the dealership. (They caught me with a maintenance package deal when I bought it.) My Subaru Outback has already had three vehicle recalls since I purchased it two years ago – but one of those notices was actually a software update to the Starlink infotainment system.

In fact, looking through recent recalls for Subaru, as well as other vehicle manufacturers, there’s been a continuous increase in software updates to fix computer-related systems on late-model vehicles.

While vehicles under warranty will still be taken to dealerships, and vehicle recalls will still be handled at the dealer level, the tools and equipment dealers used to reprogram the vehicles can handle all vehicle software updates – not just NHTSA-mandated recalls.

“With the advent of CAN networks, there are many more instances where programming is necessary when a component is replaced. Many vehicles now require a programming event when seemingly normal service repairs, like battery replacements, are done,” says Barry Hoyland, PTEN contributing editor, shop owner and industry trainer.

As the average age of vehicles on the road continues to rise, and those vehicles are no longer covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, drivers won’t necessarily need to receive this service at a dealership – but an aftermarket repair shop must become a one-stop shop for all service needs in order to fill that void.  

Service technicians at independent repair shops currently have access to J2534 reprogramming devices, but there is still reluctance from many techs in the industry to take on reprogramming for a number of reasons: uncertainty in training, concerns with purchasing the equipment and the return on investment for buying this equipment.   

But, that may soon change.

This month’s cover product addresses these concerns for the independent repair shop. The Drew Technologies Remote Assisted Programming Kit (on page xx) provides shops the ability to complete J2534 ECU reprogramming updates and electronically-controlled parts replacements remotely. Meaning, the service tech receives all the necessary equipment to hook up to the vehicle – including a battery maintainer – and access to experts in the field to conduct the reprogramming remotely on the tech’s behalf.

And, the shop isn’t purchasing any of the reprogramming equipment – they pay only for the programming event.

This isn’t to say that shop-owned programming hardware won’t be commonplace at some point in the future, but there are now options in the interim as shops begin to take on more programming work; or only choose to intermittently provide this service.