By Jim Grey

Wouldn’t it be nice to know that your car’s computer systems are operating properly without having to wait until a check engine light comes on or your car is in the shop for a repair or to fix a recall problem?

Cars manufactured since 1996 can have up to three computers networked together to control and monitor several safety and performance systems, and just like your personal computer or video player, those computers need upgrading.

But it isn’t in the best interest of automotive manufacturers to let vehicle owners know it’s time to take their care in for an upgrade of its computer system to make the vehicle run optimally.  Even when you do take your car in, a dealer or repair facility often charges up to $75 for the check and reprogramming.

AAA Car Care Centers (see page    for a list) will now do computer vehicle upgrades free, thanks to the purchase of new testing equipment called EASE, which includes thousands of upgrades published in the past two years by the manufacturers. EASE uses licenses purchased to access manufacturer’s websites to download the computer upgrade programs.

Computer Controls
Automotive computer systems control drivability, suspension, cabin temperature, brakes (anti-lock braking systems), and in some cases, the sound system.  And these systems need upgrading from time to time just like your laptop or desktop systems.

The question is, how is it done on your car and who does this service?

Until recently the only upgrading (reprogramming) of automotive computers was done at the manufacturers service shops but there has been reluctance on the part of the manufacturers to notify owners that the computers in their car need an upgrade.

The fear is tens of thousands of car owners would descend upon dealers seeking upgrades, even at a cost of $75.

Consequently, upgrades normally occur today when a vehicle is taken to a shop for repairs and a computerized diagnosis is needed or when a vehicle is under warranty and a recall has been issued, which may be a programming issue.

Reprogramming Fixes
What are some issues drivers face when a vehicle hasn’t been upgraded?

They can include a steering wheel shaking when the engine turns over, loss of the drive belt when starting the vehicle, hesitations when pushing the gas pedal, erratic idling speeds, poor mileage, door lock malfunction and more.

Manufacturers have quietly published thousands of upgrades in the past two years. To perform them, a repair shop needs certified equipment and licenses to manufacturer’s web sites for download. The equipment is the compatible with the same diagnostic machines repair shops use when making Department of Motor Vehicle inspections.
Called EASE, it allows upgrading and reprogramming of all automotive computers in 30 minutes to an hour, depending upon the vehicle.

AAA’s goal in offering this service free, with an appointment, is for the motoring public to know that we perform this service so they have an alternative to paying or going to a dealer.  We feel it is fair to the consumer for manufacturers to know something is wrong, have the information to fix it, and not tell their customer.               

Side Benefit
EASE also possesses a high level access tool called Mode 6 that allows a
Comprehensive look at how all the computerized systems in a car are functioning. If it sees the engine check light fault flagged, it signals a problem exists.

Using Mode 6, an automotive mechanic can determine if a complicated repair is complete, and eliminate the problem of the check engine warning light coming back on after the vehicle is driven 40 miles.

Since AAA Car Care Centers handle DMV inspections,  it has been a policy that a car has to be driven 40 miles following a repair so the car’s  computer can monitor the systems and verify the repair was done properly. Mode 6 verifies the repair without the customer have to take a 40-mile drive to make sure everything is working properly – a convenience not only to the customer, but also the repair facility.