RECEIVED SOME UPDATES FROM ALFA, they are indicated inline below in Red.
We all know there are some issues with the way that Alfa programmed certain things in the car. These are things which should be simple to address with a software update, and would make life much better for us owners. Unfortunately I've been led to believe by the dealer that Alfa is giving them every indication that they do not currently intend to issue a software update to change these things. We need to work together as owners to convince Alfa that they need to make these small changes to the otherwise fantastic vehicles.
Until Alfa issues us an official response committing to solving these issues in a reasonable timeframe, I am asking a two things from every owner. 1) contact Alfa via every source you know of (and if you have direct contact information, please share it below) to request these changes, and 2) schedule a warranty visit for your car to your dealer listing these items as the problem, and specifically ask the dealer to open a Star Case on the issues. Normal dealer service tickets are handled internally with the dealer, Star Cases are opened with Alfa directly, and Alfa engineers dictate the repair ticket and must sign off on the issue every time. This ensures that every complaint on these items reaches directly to Alfa.
#1. Problem, Heated Seat and Heated Steering Wheel do not activate when remote starting below a certain temperature. Desired Outcome, upon remote starting vehicle all climate control systems should engage at maximum efficient output to bring cabin to last set temperature, this includes seat / wheel heaters in cold and AC in heat.
"This is a feature not currently available on Stelvio & Giulia. The feature will be implemented shortly, and we will hopefully provide information on re-flashing previous versions" He then explained on the phone this means the software update should be coming out soon, but no specific ETA.
#2. Problem, Parking sensors are active anytime the engine is running, including when remote starting. Desired Outcome, parking sensors automatically activate only when the car is taken out of park, and immediately deactivate when put in park.
#3. Problem, XM radio station selection always starts at the top of the list regardless of currently selected channel. Desired Outcome, scrolling through channel list should start at the currently selected, or most recently selected station.
#4. Problem, Mirrors unfold when remote starting. Desired Outcome, Mirrors should only unfold after pressing the start/stop button. When remote starting you don't have the opportunity to visually confirm there is room to unfold, and you might want them folded to get into the car if someone parked close to you in a parking lot.
#5. Problem, No communication / lack of understanding if pre-Dec 2017 cars are possible to, and if so how / when, to upgrade to Car Play / Android Auto. Desired Outcome, Alfa issue clear and detailed explanation of what is required and how it is possible to upgrade these cars to CP/AA. If certain components require swapping (new USB port or hub has been speculated on the Giulia forum), an explanation of what those components are so owners may make an informed decision if they want to pay for that or not.
All 2018 model year vehicles WILL receive a software update later this year which enables AA/CP support, no word on possible costs. No 2017 model year vehicles will receive the update.
If there are other similar software issues I have overlooked let me know below and I'll update the list accordingly.
Please use the poll to indicate the result of your action.
If we all work together to contact Alfa and let them know that their customers insist on these fixes, which should all be easy for them to implement / issue via a software update to be installed at the next service visit, the result is that we'll all be happier and they will sell more cars.
We all know there are some issues with the way that Alfa programmed certain things in the car. These are things which should be simple to address with a software update, and would make life much better for us owners. Unfortunately I've been led to believe by the dealer that Alfa is giving them every indication that they do not currently intend to issue a software update to change these things. We need to work together as owners to convince Alfa that they need to make these small changes to the otherwise fantastic vehicles.
Until Alfa issues us an official response committing to solving these issues in a reasonable timeframe, I am asking a two things from every owner. 1) contact Alfa via every source you know of (and if you have direct contact information, please share it below) to request these changes, and 2) schedule a warranty visit for your car to your dealer listing these items as the problem, and specifically ask the dealer to open a Star Case on the issues. Normal dealer service tickets are handled internally with the dealer, Star Cases are opened with Alfa directly, and Alfa engineers dictate the repair ticket and must sign off on the issue every time. This ensures that every complaint on these items reaches directly to Alfa.
#1. Problem, Heated Seat and Heated Steering Wheel do not activate when remote starting below a certain temperature. Desired Outcome, upon remote starting vehicle all climate control systems should engage at maximum efficient output to bring cabin to last set temperature, this includes seat / wheel heaters in cold and AC in heat.
"This is a feature not currently available on Stelvio & Giulia. The feature will be implemented shortly, and we will hopefully provide information on re-flashing previous versions" He then explained on the phone this means the software update should be coming out soon, but no specific ETA.
#2. Problem, Parking sensors are active anytime the engine is running, including when remote starting. Desired Outcome, parking sensors automatically activate only when the car is taken out of park, and immediately deactivate when put in park.
#3. Problem, XM radio station selection always starts at the top of the list regardless of currently selected channel. Desired Outcome, scrolling through channel list should start at the currently selected, or most recently selected station.
#4. Problem, Mirrors unfold when remote starting. Desired Outcome, Mirrors should only unfold after pressing the start/stop button. When remote starting you don't have the opportunity to visually confirm there is room to unfold, and you might want them folded to get into the car if someone parked close to you in a parking lot.
#5. Problem, No communication / lack of understanding if pre-Dec 2017 cars are possible to, and if so how / when, to upgrade to Car Play / Android Auto. Desired Outcome, Alfa issue clear and detailed explanation of what is required and how it is possible to upgrade these cars to CP/AA. If certain components require swapping (new USB port or hub has been speculated on the Giulia forum), an explanation of what those components are so owners may make an informed decision if they want to pay for that or not.
All 2018 model year vehicles WILL receive a software update later this year which enables AA/CP support, no word on possible costs. No 2017 model year vehicles will receive the update.
If there are other similar software issues I have overlooked let me know below and I'll update the list accordingly.
Please use the poll to indicate the result of your action.
If we all work together to contact Alfa and let them know that their customers insist on these fixes, which should all be easy for them to implement / issue via a software update to be installed at the next service visit, the result is that we'll all be happier and they will sell more cars.