03-01-2024, 04:32 PM
(02-28-2024, 05:42 PM)webpoinz Wrote: A perhaps stupid question on the topic.
Isn't it possible to simply leave the car running instead of using a charger for most operations such as changing the car configuration (so no firmware flashing or similar)?
With my Mercedes, I have been able to do all coding stuff and also long ECU flashing routines (which can last up to 1 hour) simply with the engine running instead of with the ignition on and a charger connected...
Config change is programming on the Volvo, and programming should not be done with the engine running. OrBit has safety built in for this, it won't let you flash a config while the engine is running.
You can work around this, start the engine to make sure the battery is charged up, shut the car down, flash a config, then start the engine back up if needed to keep the battery charging. Flashing config is quick, so you don't drain too much battery by doing this.
It is at your own risk, use your own judgement of course. It's very common and folks don't have issues at all that I know flashing config on the battery, but technically software flashing should be done with a power supply connected to maintain the 12V system. That's common across all automotive mfrs as far as I know.
On the other hand OTA updates in the Android cars will flash software without any external power without issue, that seems to be fine given the 12V system does not run down during the process which the OTA process probably makes sure that doesn't happen.