The shop wants $125 and an hour to do the flash update. When I brought the rig in they said the $136 inspection, which was thorough, could go towards any repair. They said it couldn't for the update.

Thoughts? Does it take an hour of computer time to effect the update and is it necessary?

I am sure they have me cornered as most places won't have the ability, hardware, to preform the update.

I am sure the update is smart, I'm picking my priorities. How often do these updates occur?

Thanks again

 

What is the year/model/engine of your Rover?

 

07 lr3 4.4 se

 

I am unaware of a software update to correct "Catalyst Efficiency" codes. Software updates come out to fix "glitches" and/or poor programming from the factory. Usually once a car is about 5 years old, you don't see any new software updates. Occasionally we see vehicles that managed to slip out of warranty without needing the updates. So when we are programming a 2007, it isn't because there is a "new" update, it just never had the old ones done.

Also, software updates usually have a bulletin to go with them, so the tech knows what the software update will "fix".
For example, LTB00071 outlines a software update to fix: MIL ON WITH DTC P0170/0173/2097/2099 AND/OR P0461 STORED

Did you or your mechanic find a bulletin that applies to your vehicle to necessitate this update?

 

We didn't get that far. I just met them and left with concerns of over servicing or pricing...The y wanted $58 for the cabin filter. Cmon, it cost $10 and take maybe a minute to replace. So I am suspicious of they're recommendations. Unfortunatly

 

$10 is hardly a decent filter. I use quality filters w/ activated charcoal and they cost me around $20 which is wholesale price. And of course, we have to mark it up and charge install fees as well, its paramount to running a business. Its up to you, to decide what you want to pay for and what to tackle yourself. The shop doesn't know what you can and/or are willing to do, they just quote what they see.

 

I can appreciate that. It may have been $15, did have charcoal. Yes they don,t know my ability, but it would have gone a long way to say...those are easy to do..maybe losing that sale, but they had $4k of stuff recommended to a person they never met...
Didn't get a personal feel, felt like they were looking for a huge sale or none at all.
I may follow up and give them some polite feed back,,see what happens.

 

This is a tough situation, because lets say for example you had a transmission leak, needed brakes and the belt was cracked. If they just recommend the brakes and didn't mention anything else because you were a 1st time customer, how would you feel if 2 months later you were stranded because your belt broke and after inquiring, they knew it was cracked, but didn't want to come off "too strong" on your fist visit.
Long story short, it is the mechanics job to report what they see and make recommendations. If ever in doubt, ask to see what they are talking about. I have no issues taking customers back in the shop to see leaking struts, cracked bushings, etc... Sometimes I'll even ask them to take a look, so that I can feel better about the transaction.
And of course, there is always the "second opinion". Take it to another shop for a different point of view.

 

I agree, should have asked to look, and I know the belt was cracking, I think they did a great job looking it over. And I was great-full to be aware of all things. Sticker shock i guess and I have already checked on cabin filter and that would have been an opportunity to say, hey that's and easy fix you could probably do yourself... instead got big ticket without any info on why its so much. I see trans filter is a lot of work etc..
The are probably a good shop, geared for liquid customers.
I will call them and share my thoughts.

 

As said, I don't think there is any update for a Cat efficiency code...I fear you might be in the same boat as me and need a new catalytic converter, which will also give you sticker shock. Is the CEL on?