Bricked Tahoe after Software Update

[K2 Kaiju]

This could be the security system of the truck coming alive when you locked it fighting with the in-progress update causing a major conflict. GM really tried to crack down on the ECM swaps that thieves were using to steal the last generation, and this may be an unavoidable consequence. HAL: "Im sorry Dave, Im afraid I can't do that."

 

[Morbo]

Asked service consultant questions and learned several things.

In your conversation with the service consultant, did he say why it only happens to some vehicles and not others? I'm just wondering if it is some option or configuration combination that triggers the brick.

I've performed many OTA updates on my 2022 Denali and no problems to date. Interestingly, I had two updates within days of each other last week, but each went off without a hitch. Even so, I think in the future I'll have the dealer do it, then it's his problem.

Sorry to hear of your ordeal, but thanks for the warning and advice for the rest of us.

 

[ZKWBQD]

I've read a few of these instances, and here is another. Was asked to update software on Thursday. I clicked install now and came back to my truck after 30 minutes and it said installation successful. I started the truck, no problems and drove it all day. On Friday, the next day, went to store and it came up and asked for another update. I had time so I clicked install now and went into store. Came back after 30 minutes and found a dead truck. Nothing. had to use the physical key to unlock door. No dome light, no chime, nothing on dash. Completely dead. Called Chevrolet customer service and was on the phone for 1 hour with no one able to help me (waste of time). Finally called Road Side Assistance and they arranged a tow, which they had to drag my truck onto a flat bed since it wouldn't go into neutral. While waiting for the tow truck, I did take the negative terminal off the battery and waited 5 minutes to try to reset. Did this 3 different times. Did see a slight arc when reattaching the negative terminal (battery not completely dead). I tried jump starting the truck, but with cables and power attached, still did not have any electrical charge to the truck at all, no lights no dash, nothing.

Got truck to the dealer by 3:30 Friday afternoon, and was told they would get to it hopefully sometime Monday!

What I don't get is that GM is completely aware of this issue, I've seen articles from July of 2022 that describes this issue and what fix that GM put in place. I've had my vehicle to the dealer 4 times since July 2022 for other issues yet they never implemented any fix during those visits. I was not aware that when GM sends you an update and asks you to update your truck, that they might actually brick your vehicle. This is complete garbage for an automotive company!

My groceries were ruined, I couldn't use my truck to haul my boat all weekend, I wonder if they damaged my drive train while dragging my truck onto tow truck and I sit waiting for someone to call me and tell me what they can do to get my truck back. Are there any assurances that this won't happen again?

Needless to say, I'm not a satisfied Chevrolet customer at this point. This is my 5th Tahoe and probably my last!
It is a 2022 4x4 Tahoe.

I NEVER do ANY software updates unless I'm having a definite problem and I SPECIFICALLY KNOW that update will address that problem. When Apple has an update for my Mac, you can click on a link, and it will detail EVERY single thing that update does. General Motors does not do this. I have NEVER done ANY updates on my Tahoe. I'm perfectly happy with how it is working. Remember, it is VERY common for updates TO BREAK THINGS that were working or to TAKE FEATURES AWAY from you that you enjoy. A friend did a software update on his vehicle. Now every time he puts the car in reverse it emits a loud beeping sound like a dump truck backing up.

 

[Eusibius2]

I've performed many OTA updates on my 2022 Denali and no problems to date. Interestingly, I had two updates within days of each other last week, but each went off without a hitch

I'm in the same situation as @Morbo . Maybe I'm just lucky, but haven't had any issues yet.

What was the update #?

 

[509Yukon]

Add me to the OTA bricked list. Parked in the garage at home on Saturday and approved the update at shut down, I have auto lock enabled and I heard it lock and chirp as I walked away. Came out the next day and the Yukon was unlocked and completely dead, no interior lights, no start. I put it on a battery charger through the next morning and it never took the the charge. Called the dealer this morning (Monday) and the advisor said I wasn't the first call with this, he asked if I could call roadside and they would be expecting it.

Roadside assigned the tow company and as soon as I got a confirmation text I called them to say I've got a tile floor in my garage with a rubber threshold, thus was very uneasy about it being dragged out. They sent a truck with a dolly and the driver was awesome, incredibly careful. You'll see in the pics he even put down plastic furniture moving sliding pads under his equipment so he wouldn't scratch my floor as he put pressure on them, the tow company was great.

As I said above it put my Yukon into an unlocked state, so consider that next time you do an update in a store parking lot or somewhere unattended. If I do another OTA it will be in the driveway at home.

 

[StephenPT]

Anyone that has had this happen know the update # that it was trying to install when it bricked itself? Wondering if there’s a common denominator here…

 

[Eusibius2]

Here's a list of what I've installed OTA, from the Chevy app. Hopefully none of these are creating this problem but would be great to know what is..

 

[509Yukon]

Dealer discovered my battery had a bad cell which likely caused the update to fail mid-process.

 

[jimgeb]

I always wait until I'm home before I install any updates and had no problems as of yet (knock on wood).

 

[Tahoeblake22]

I've read a few of these instances, and here is another. Was asked to update software on Thursday. I clicked install now and came back to my truck after 30 minutes and it said installation successful. I started the truck, no problems and drove it all day. On Friday, the next day, went to store and it came up and asked for another update. I had time so I clicked install now and went into store. Came back after 30 minutes and found a dead truck. Nothing. had to use the physical key to unlock door. No dome light, no chime, nothing on dash. Completely dead. Called Chevrolet customer service and was on the phone for 1 hour with no one able to help me (waste of time). Finally called Road Side Assistance and they arranged a tow, which they had to drag my truck onto a flat bed since it wouldn't go into neutral. While waiting for the tow truck, I did take the negative terminal off the battery and waited 5 minutes to try to reset. Did this 3 different times. Did see a slight arc when reattaching the negative terminal (battery not completely dead). I tried jump starting the truck, but with cables and power attached, still did not have any electrical charge to the truck at all, no lights no dash, nothing.

Got truck to the dealer by 3:30 Friday afternoon, and was told they would get to it hopefully sometime Monday!

What I don't get is that GM is completely aware of this issue, I've seen articles from July of 2022 that describes this issue and what fix that GM put in place. I've had my vehicle to the dealer 4 times since July 2022 for other issues yet they never implemented any fix during those visits. I was not aware that when GM sends you an update and asks you to update your truck, that they might actually brick your vehicle. This is complete garbage for an automotive company!

My groceries were ruined, I couldn't use my truck to haul my boat all weekend, I wonder if they damaged my drive train while dragging my truck onto tow truck and I sit waiting for someone to call me and tell me what they can do to get my truck back. Are there any assurances that this won't happen again?

Needless to say, I'm not a satisfied Chevrolet customer at this point. This is my 5th Tahoe and probably my last!
It is a 2022 4x4 Tahoe.

What was the outcome? Mine had to get towed to the shop on Tuesday but they won’t get to it until the end of next week and nobody from Chevrolet or the dealership will give me any information.