Car will not update. Lucid says needs new telematics module not covered by warranty. Is this normal?

[borski]

I have actually done an update to my Lucid in Illinois while I was in Hawai'i with my Lucid App. I don't believe there is a setting for automatic updates. Every time I've seen an update available, I have to tell it to do the update. I'm guessing it is because while an update is running, the car cannot be operated and it gives you 2 minutes to get out of the car if you set it to run from the car otherwise you will get locked in (I remember seeing some woman stuck in her Tesla during an update story a while back btw).

Anyway, I don't think Lucid offers any 'automatic' update feature at this point. Unless there is a connection issue, I don't see why or how there would be an issue remotely updating just like I have for an update. I remember being in Hawai'i and being 'warned' that that particular update will take 90 minutes... I LOLed thinking, okay, I'm enjoying a sunrise hike while my car is updating in the garage 4200+ miles away.

You can schedule an update. So if you want it installed tonight, just hit scheduled install instead of install now and pick a time.

 

[Tâm]

The most likely options here are:
1) a rogue service manager decided not to cover it, or,
2) something else is going on.

I can pretty much guarantee it isn’t as simple as “you didn’t update your car, sucks to be you.”

I wouldn't even consider "rogue service manager" as an option in this thread. The manager in this thread reportedly did follow up through the chain of command: "Service center ran this by the "higher ups" and they'll do nothing other than allow me to pay the price to replace the module."

That's a good quality and not "rogue."

 

[Tâm]

...But I am not standing where you stand, and neither is anyone else here, which means the more interesting part is why this is happening, to which the answer is almost certainly not "Lucid decided to enforce a dumb new policy." That's all I'm saying.

There are actions/policies that I disagree with Lucid but I would not call those are "dumb."

Just because an owner has to pay for firmware that doesn't mean it is "dumb" in this thread because Lucid has its own reasons and its decisions are in the best interest of the corporation/shareholders, even though it might cost an owner an inconvenience and a few bucks.

 

[borski]

There are actions/policies that I disagree with Lucid but I would not call those are "dumb."

Just because an owner has to pay for firmware that doesn't mean it is "dumb" in this thread because Lucid has its own reasons and its decisions are in the best interest of the corporation/shareholders, even though it might cost an owner an inconvenience and a few bucks.

I agree in general. I think in this case, based on the information provided to us here, this would be a dumb decision.

Given that Lucid doesn’t make too many dumb decisions on average, my bet is that there is a reason for it that makes it not dumb.

And that reason is not simply “a new policy.”

That’s my point. I think we can be done now, as we understand each other’s positions.

 

[suchluke]

I think the lesson learned here is for any potential second buyers is to check and make sure the version is at lease 2.1.43. If it is not either make the dealer/current owner replace the TCU or negotiate price down from asking to cover the cost. Lucid probably realized that there are many more cars out there on dealers lots that are not being updated and below 2.1.43. As a result they don't want to set the precedence by replacing one module and others will follow in the future quoting this tread. Either way the opinion will most likely be split 50/50 if this is right or wrong thing to do. I still think it could have been handled differently by leaving a "back door" option to update older TCUs at the service center rather than just dumping a vendor responsible for deployments and moving their releases to a totally different location. Sure make the second owner pay for updating to newer version at the service center let's say $200, but if that's not possible and the whole TCU hardware needs to be replaced then it should be covered under warranty since the unit can't communicate to the server meaning it's defective. This is just my 2 cents opinion and speculation.

 

[momo3605]

I think the lesson learned here is for any potential second buyers is to check and make sure the version is at lease 2.1.43. If it is not either make the dealer/current owner replace the TCU or negotiate price down from asking to cover the cost. Lucid probably realized that there are many more cars out there on dealers lots that are not being updated and below 2.1.43. As a result they don't want to set the precedence by replacing one module and others will follow in the future quoting this tread. Either way the opinion will most likely be split 50/50 if this is right or wrong thing to do. I still think it could have been handled differently by leaving a "back door" option to update older TCUs at the service center rather than just dumping a vendor responsible for deployments and moving their releases to a totally different location. Sure make the second owner pay for updating to newer version at the service center let's say $200, but if that's not possible and the whole TCU hardware needs to be replaced then it should be covered under warranty since the unit can't communicate to the server meaning it's defective. This is just my 2 cents opinion and speculation.

Unfortunately the lesson doesn't matter to those here. The vast majority of interested people will buy the car first and then come find the forums (if they ever do)

 

[chris]

You can schedule an update. So if you want it installed tonight, just hit scheduled install instead of install now and pick a time.

Right but it's still not an automatic update... like I am not aware of any setting to say " always install any updates at 2am" sort of thing.

 

[joec]

Unfortunately the lesson doesn't matter to those here. The vast majority of interested people will buy the car first and then come find the forums (if they ever do)

Yes, but this is why search is one of the best things mankind ever invented.

If one person does a google search for "Should I buy a used Lucid?" and happens to land on this thread, they will be rewarded. It only takes one for the posting to be worth it.

The vast majority won't, but someone may.

 

[Science]

You can schedule an update. So if you want it installed tonight, just hit scheduled install instead of install now and pick a time.

Thanks! I think the Tesla works the same way.

 

[borski]

Thanks! I think the Tesla works the same way.

Same. I do not believe Teslas automatically update overnight without you scheduling it. I genuinely think that would be such an absurd feature, for your car to start updating randomly without you knowing about it.

 

[borski]

I did some digging and hey guess what, Tesla says the same thing in their manual about software updates: "Install a software update as soon as possible. Any harm resulting from failure to install a software update is not covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Failure or refusal to install updates can cause some vehicle features to become inaccessible or digital media devices may become incompatible."

And from page 8 of the Tesla New Vehicle Limited Warranty:

Voided Warranty

You are responsible for the proper operation of the vehicle and for receiving and maintaining detailed and accurate records of your vehicle's maintenance, including the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number ("VIN"), servicing center name and address, mileage, date of service or maintenance and description of service or maintenance items, which should be provided to each subsequent purchaser or transferee.

You may void this New Vehicle Limited Warranty if you do not follow the specific instructions and recommendations regarding the use and operation of the vehicle provided in your owner documentation, including, but not limited to:

• Installing the vehicle's software updates after notification that there is an update available;
• Complying with any recall advisories;
• Carrying passengers and cargo within specified load limits; and
• Making all repairs.

I'm just saying, Lucid isn't alone in trying to incentivize owners and expect them to update their vehicles quickly.

 

[xwave]

I’m running a Tesla certified collision shop, and during training, I heard a similar case. There was a situation where, because a vehicle hadn’t been updated for over a year, OTA became impossible, and they had to replace major modules.

 

[Tâm]

Same. I do not believe Teslas automatically update overnight without you scheduling it. I genuinely think that would be such an absurd feature, for your car to start updating randomly without you knowing about it.

Just like delaying a cellphone update, Tesla does allow delays for a duration of time and after that, it would forced update without warning or consents. I've owned 3 different Tesla cars since 2012 and I even specifically told Service Centers to avoid updating the firmware and they all complied. However, after a while all those Tesla cars all forced update overnight without my consent.

My sister's Tesla doesn't have Wi-Fi access at home and she doesn't pay for Premium Connection access so she got the original firmware for years whether she wants to update or not. However, when she woke up one morning, the car did an update overnight without her consent. That was because Tesla had a NHTSA recall and they did it by OTA (more than 1 recalls). And those forced updates happened without Wi-Fi and without payment for the car's cellular connections.

 

[rking0122]

I’m running a Tesla certified collision shop, and during training, I heard a similar case. There was a situation where, because a vehicle hadn’t been updated for over a year, OTA became impossible, and they had to replace major modules.

Lucid isn’t unreasonable at all wanting the cars updated. But where Tesla differs is they’re clear on the screen when updates are available. The Lucid at issue said it was up to date despite being way behind.

 

[joec]

Lucid isn’t unreasonable at all wanting the cars updated. But where Tesla differs is they’re clear on the screen when updates are available. The Lucid at issue said it was up to date despite being way behind.

This is only the case because of a one-time shift of OTA providers, though. It's an edge case, not the norm. Our cars definitely tell us when an update is available, under normal circumstances.

 

[JohnAStebbins]

This is only the case because of a one-time shift of OTA providers, though. It's an edge case, not the norm. Our cars definitely tell us when an update is available, under normal circumstances.

Not precisely true. I don't know the circumstances that cause this, but the used Air Dream I just bought says it is "up-to-date" on version 2.1.47. I received a response from customer care this weekend saying they would notify the update center and push an update. Still waiting for the update to appear...

 

[Tâm]

I hate updates in Tesla cars because the user interface would change. My elderly sister complained the same. She wants the interface the same as when she bought the car and doesn't want to learn new ones. That's why she doesn't pay to install wifi at home and doesn't pay for the car's premium connections but her wish doesn't work in her case, because in a NHTSA recall, it forces an update without notice.

One Tesla owner was able to use the summon to get his car in and out without a driver in the seat for his very narrow parking space fine. However, with the new and improved update, the car complains the parking area is too narrow to work for a summon. He has to climb through the back trunk to park and unpark in his narrow parking space now, thanks to the update:

Tesla updated its summon feature. Now this owner can't get to his car.

Tesla recently sent out an update to its vehicle “summon” feature – which it calls Actually Smart Summon – and as...

electrek.co

 

[suchluke]

This is only the case because of a one-time shift of OTA providers, though. It's an edge case, not the norm. Our cars definitely tell us when an update is available, under normal circumstances.

Under normal circumstances yes. Hypothetically if the car is parked in the At&t network dead spot and not connected through wifi for a long period of time it might never get a notification. It's unfortunate that rking0122 had to experience this situation first. I am pretty sure there are many other examples where cars were not updated to 2.1.43 and second hand buyers are going to be greeted with $1400 surprise. Someone on the top made a decision to switch OTA providers without having plan b ability to update older cars manually at the service center. One would think that connecting a service laptop to the car with the correct image would allow to update the software to correct version. Hopefully someone at Lucid reads these posts and are already thinking about the solution. I am hoping that they still have older images where they can upload on the service laptops and allow for manual update in the future. Have the service laptop be the gateway between the car and new OTA update location with ability to force the update. Unless this was a conscious limitation put in place in order to prevent potential software jailbreaking/moding and enabling features that a car didn't come with.

 

[Tâm]

...Hopefully someone at Lucid reads these posts and are already thinking about the solution...

The solution was planned as written in the release note of 2.1.43:

"Updating to 2.1.43 is required in order to migrate to a new software update management system with enhanced features. It is necessary to accept this software update to migrate the vehicle to this new software update management system. Failing to timely accept the update may prevent the vehicle from receiving future updates over-the-air and will require you to bring your vehicle to a Lucid Service Center to restore OTA compatibility."

The plan was executed flawlessly: If you are late, just bring yours to a Service Center. Of course, whether you need to pay or not, that's another issue.

Just because you have to pay, it doesn't mean the plan is flawed because after the payment, the system works as if nothing has happened.

 

[suchluke]

The solution was planned as written in the release note of 2.1.43:

"Updating to 2.1.43 is required in order to migrate to a new software update management system with enhanced features. It is necessary to accept this software update to migrate the vehicle to this new software update management system. Failing to timely accept the update may prevent the vehicle from receiving future updates over-the-air and will require you to bring your vehicle to a Lucid Service Center to restore OTA compatibility."

The plan was executed flawlessly: If you are late, just bring yours to a Service Center. Of course, whether you need to pay or not, that's another issue.

Just because you have to pay, it doesn't mean the plan is flawed because after the payment, the system works as if nothing has happened.

That's not the solution to the issue I was talking about. This is the warning that either you update or you are left behind. I meant a solution for cars that didn't update on time. I still think it's ridiculous to require to replace TCU if the hardware is working otherwise just doesn't see the OTA because of the location move. Either connect service laptop and charge 1 hour setup time to update software manually or if that is not possible and hardware needs to be replaced then it should be covered under warranty.