Recovering a Bricked Uconnect 8.4 after Uconnect software update failed. While attempting to install "SIRI UPDATE FOR UCONNECT® 8.4A_RA3_16.13.13_MY13_&_M14" via a USB flash drive, I encountered the error "Sierra Wireless: bolo file install failed".
Uconnect Software Update Failed
As you can see, the update process went smoothly up until Unit number 10 of 11. At step 10, Unit Name: Embedded Air Card, the process was stuck at 1%, and eventually timed out with the error:
Sierra Wireless: bolo file install failed
The following is a picture of the final error after timeout. It further reveals the real problem, showing where the Uconnect software update actually got stuck.
After the Failed Uconnect 8.4 Software Update, the update process would continuously loop while the USB flash drive was inserted. When I removed the USB flash drive, I was constantly prompted to Please Insert Update USB. It appeared the failed Uconnect update had bricked my Uconnect 8.4.
It was now obvious to me that bad embedded air card was the reason why the updated failed to finish. But at this point I simply wanted to get my Uconnect system back to partially functional order until the vehicle could be brought in for service... For the simple reason that there are several touch controls on screen that do not have physical control buttons or knobs.
How I temporarily fixed my Bricked uConnect 8.4
WARNING: Note that my uConnect system was non-functional and stuck in an update loop. The following solution worked for me, and I am sharing it for that sole reason. However, if you choose to follow along, proceed entirely at your own risk. I have no idea what issues these steps could cause if followed correctly or incorrectly!
With that being said, here's how I finally unBricked Uconnect 8.4, and successfully booted back into a functional system.
- First, I turned the Key to the Run Position.
- Next, when prompted, I inserted my update USB.
- I then Removed the USB drive while Uconnect was checking the integrity of the ISO (during Pre-Update ISO validation).
Removal of the USB specifically during the Pre-update ISO validation caused the test to fail, and broke the system out of the update loop it was stuck in. After this, Uconnect successfully booted back up, and I was able to resume using my Uconnect features while waiting to schedule and get my vehicle in for service. This concludes how I recovered from a failed uConnect 8.4 software update.
