Mack Trucks customers can now make unlimited parameter updates through the Mack Over The Air (OTA) remote programming solution.
“Mack wanted to make it easier for customers to implement parameter updates since some need to do so on a frequent basis depending upon their specific applications,” said David Pardue, vice president of connected vehicle and contract services for Mack Trucks. “Unlimited parameter updates help improve the total cost of ownership, fuel efficiency and vehicle productivity, so Mack is pleased to be able to offer this to our customers.”
Mack Trucks offers a list of vehicle parameters that can be set through Mack OTA, including maximum road speed, multiple idle shutdown parameter and kits, and parameters that control the Mack mDrive automated manual transmission.
Mack OTA is free for the first two years of ownership and can be extended by subscription after that time period. OTA allows customers to make vehicle parameter settings and software updates remotely through Mack’s fully integrated telematics platform, the Mack GuardDog Connect bundle. Mack Trucks recently made driver-activated OTA updates standard on the Mack Anthem, Pinnacle and Granite models. Each customer designates who has permission to initiate the update, whether it’s the driver or a designated technician who will use a unique password, the OEM says.
Mack Trucks noted most driver-activated software updates are completed in less than 13 minutes, while driver-activated parameter updates are usually completed in less than one minute. Multiple vehicles can be updated at one time.
The driver download activation feature is factory-equipped on models built beginning Nov. 30, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Operations, in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Mack Class 8 models for North America and export are assembled. Software retrofits for 2019 Model Year and later Anthem, Pinnacle and Granite models also are available.
The driver-activated feature can be retrofitted on Mack Model Year 2019 and newer vehicles through Mack Premium Tech Tool, a Windows-based application designed to test, calibrate and program engine parameters. OTA parameter changes also are available for previously purchased vehicles with Mack EPA 2017 engines.
Agent-guided Mack OTA continues unchanged through Mack OneCall for trucks ineligible for the driver-activated updates.
