EV Hybrid Service/Services
Software updates and module programming
After work on the battery, the inverter or a control unit, the car may need coding, adaptations or a software update. We work on the control units of hybrid and electric systems where we have the equipment and access needed, and we tell you from the start when a make or a control unit can’t be programmed here.
When programming is needed
It makes sense when you have replaced a control unit, the battery or the inverter and the system needs to recognise the part, when communication errors appear after a job, or when the manufacturer has issued an update for a known problem. It isn’t “installing apps”, it is work on the car’s control units.
Faults after replacing the battery or inverter
The part is fitted, but the car keeps its warning lights, stays in limp mode or won’t complete calibration. Sometimes all that is missing is an adaptation or coding in the hybrid system control unit.
A new control unit that isn’t recognised
A replaced control unit, for example for the battery, the inverter or the hybrid system, may need programming. Without it, a good part doesn’t communicate properly with the rest of the system.
The manufacturer has issued an update
Sometimes the fix for a known problem is new software. Toyota, for example, addressed the third-generation Prius inverter problem with a software update. We check whether your car has the right version.
The key or immobiliser is no longer recognised
Some work on the car’s control units also affects the immobiliser. In the EU, access to manufacturers’ security functions requires special accreditation (SERMI). We tell you beforehand whether we can do the job or where you need to go.
Why software matters after a repair
On a hybrid or an electric car, the replaced part is only half the job. Without coding or calibration, a good module can leave the car with faults. That is why we tie programming to diagnostics and do it only when the manufacturer’s procedure calls for it.
We tell you honestly what we can do
Not every make and not every control unit can be programmed at an independent workshop. We tell you what we can do and when you need a dealer or a specialist for that make.
Tied to battery or inverter work
Many codings are needed after replacing modules, the battery or the inverter. We don’t write software “just in case”, only when the diagnosis and the procedure require it.
We check after every programming job
After an update or coding we read the codes again, check the calibrations and how the car behaves. Software written without a final test isn’t a finished job.
How we work, step by step
We start from what the diagnosis shows, check whether we can work on that make and control unit, and only then write software or make adaptations. At the end we confirm the faults have cleared.
1. Diagnosis and identifying the control units
We read the codes, identify the control units involved and the procedure the manufacturer requires: coding, adaptation, update or simply clearing the codes.
2. We check whether we can work on that make
We tell you clearly whether we can do the programming here. If not, we don’t start a job we can’t finish.
3. We prepare the car
We ensure a stable power supply and the conditions the procedure requires. Programming interrupted by low voltage can brick the control unit.
4. Coding, update or adaptation
We apply the procedure to the module in question: a software update, coding after a part replacement or the adaptations needed.
5. Final check
We clear the resolved codes, check the communication between modules again and, where relevant, carry out a short test before handover.
What the job can include
The quote depends on the make, the control unit and the reason for the work. As a rule, the job includes:
- Diagnosis of the hybrid and electric systems involved
- Identifying the control units and their software version
- Coding after replacing the battery, inverter or a module
- Software updates, where we have access for that make
- The adaptations and calibrations the procedure requires
- Checking recalls and updates issued by the manufacturer
- A final code read and a check of communication between modules
- An explanation on handover: what we wrote and what limits remain
Makes we often work on
What we can program varies far more from make to make than battery testing does. Tell us the make, the model and the control unit in question, and we will tell you whether we can work on it here.
Typical situations
We will publish real, documented jobs one by one. Until then, here are situations we come across often:
Toyota and Lexus hybrids
Checking for updates after an inverter problem
On some models, the manufacturer fixed known problems with new software. We check the installed version and tell you whether the car needs an update or a recall visit to a dealer.
Hybrids and plug-ins
A control unit replaced, but communication fails
The new control unit is fitted correctly but not programmed. The code read shows the pairing is missing; after coding, the modules communicate normally again.
What we cover on software
The warranty covers the coding or update we carried out, under the conditions on the handover sheet, not “any software on any car”.
We guarantee what we wrote
If a fault related to our programming comes back, we redo it under warranty. Unresolved hardware faults are not a software problem.
Limits by make
If a control unit can’t be programmed here, we don’t start the job. We don’t promise we can work on every control unit on the market.
The procedure matters
We follow the required steps and power conditions. If someone else later works on the same module, the warranty on our software no longer applies.
Frequently asked questions about software and programming
Can you program any hybrid or electric car?+
No. It depends on the make, the control unit and the equipment. We tell you beforehand whether we can do the programming here or whether another solution is needed.
Is software needed after a battery repair?+
Not always. On some models it is enough to clear the codes and test the car; others need coding or calibration. The diagnosis after fitting shows what is required.
How long does it take?+
It varies from case to case: it depends on the procedure and how many modules are involved. We give you an estimate once we know which control unit is involved.
Do you program keys or immobilisers?+
In the EU, access to manufacturers’ security functions, such as programming keys or immobilisers, requires special accreditation (SERMI). When our work touches these functions, we tell you beforehand whether we can do it or where you need to go.
Can an update brick the car?+
Any control unit programming carries risk if the power supply or the procedure is interrupted. That is why we prepare the conditions beforehand and never write software in a hurry.
Can I come in just for a software update?+
Yes, if there is a clear reason: a recall, a fault or software incompatible with a new part. We don’t do updates without diagnosis just because “I heard it’s a good idea”.
Tell us the make and the control unit you are interested in
Book a check. We tell you whether we can do the coding or update here, and what comes next if not.
Book a check