Ordering Software
Ordering Software
The ordering procedures for software can differ in different markets.
This only describes ordering software via VIDA.
Generally software downloading can be separated into two steps. The software must first be ordered and sent from the Volvo central database to the VIDA station. The software must then be downloaded from VIDA to the car.
This section describes the first step. For information regarding the second step, Software Downloading
Each Volvo replacement part has a part number. This also applies to software. Software is listed in the replacement parts catalogue just as other replacement parts are.
Each file in a control module has a Part Number. This Part Number can be read off the car by reading off the control module ID via the VIDA vehicle communication.
NOTE:
- It cannot be emphasized enough that the Part Numbers are not used in the replacement parts catalogue. These are unique numbers found on every file in the software package.
- The Part Number is used to determine if a software update has been carried out or not for a specific control module.
It is important to note that the files included in the software package are not a choice made by the mechanic. The content of the software package is decided by the software designer when the system is designed.
Upgrades are not included in the replacement parts catalogue but must be ordered via VIDA - software manager. Also Action Code
The reason for this is that upgrades must be accessible very quickly.
They cannot wait for a replacement parts catalogue to be updated and a new VIDA disc to be distributed.
When ordering the software the mechanic must understand the difference between ordering from a Part Number and ordering from an action code.
When ordering from a Part Number, for example, when reloading, an exact copy of the software stored in the Volvo central database is sent. It does not matter if one or more software updates have been carried out for this software. An exact copy of the car software is sent and downloaded to the car.
After reloading the software, the car will have the same software as before the download. There are certain exceptions.
When ordering from action codes, i.e. when upgrading, the car is updated with new software. As soon as the upgrade has been downloaded into the control module, the Volvo central database is updated with the new configuration.
If a reload is carried out at a later date, the later version of the software is downloaded.
Software is ordered as follows:
The mechanic specifies the software to be ordered and for which car (model and chassis number). This can be done either from the replacement parts catalogue (by Part Number) or via the software manager (by action code).
A message asking whether a control module has been replaced is displayed via a dialog window in VIDA. If the mechanic answers that a control module has been replaced, it is requested to connect VIDA to the car. This is so that the hardware number and the serial number can be read off before ordering software.
If, however, the mechanic answers that the control module has not been replaced, the system assumes that the car and Volvo central database correspond. A verification that confirms that this is the case is made just before downloading. This is described in more detail in Software download operation. Software Download Operation
If the verification displays that the car and the database do not correspond, a miss-match occurs. Non Matching Data
It is possible to reload the same software package again without making out a new order. By obtaining the same software package that previously failed.
In all cases a check is made in the Volvo central database that the desired software is applicable to the relevant car. If any of the checks are not approved an error message "INVALID" is displayed.
The mechanic must deduce what the fault is and reorder the software once the fault has been remedied.
Hint: Help can be accessed by clicking on "Components" to see which type of fault occurs in the relevant software package.
Upgrading using the action code is only applicable for a limited number of VIN numbers. For example, an action code might only function on S80 chassis number 0-29667 (The Volvo central database uses structure week 9815-9849).
In this way it is possible to control which software should be sent to the car. All the parameters available in the Car configuration file can be included as conditions in an action code. In principle an action code can only work in one specific vehicle.
Downloading can start when the software has been supplied to the VIDA station and is accessible.
CAUTION:
- Software downloading is limited in that only one new control module can be replaced at a time.
- It is therefore important that only one control module is replaced, and that one reload is carried out for that control module before replacing the next control module.
- If two control modules are replaced at the same time, an incorrect configuration will be sent to the Volvo central database. The car cannot be reset without help from the helpdesk, which can take several days.