ECU "software update"

[Spookytooth]

I got a yellow engine warning light and took my 2009 2.0 tdi LeMans to my local garage just to see what the fault was. They said it was

4875-P261A Coolant pump 2 open circuit
4878-P261C Coolant pump 2 short to ground - defective.

They didn't want to replace the pump and directed me to Audi. Took it to them and asked them to quote me for a new aux cooling pump. The price was reasonable (£230) so I asked them to do it.

On the way home the light came on again. A week later the car went back to Audi again. This time they said I needed a "software update" on the ECU, and if I'd let them do the diagnostics first time round they'd have sorted it out at the same time, and by the way, maybe the coolant pump wasn't faulty in the first place.

It cost me another £120 but I need the car so had them do it. The light has stayed out since.

So what is a software update, why would it be needed, and are Audi telling the truth or does this story sound fishy?

[Guest 2]

Did you get any paperwork showing the software update?

Software updates are created and they're put on the car for free?

[Spookytooth]

Work done today was

"Carried out GFF fault stored in system for software update. Carried out software update clear fault codes and retest - all OK"

The service desk guy implied that the need for a software update was a bit like a computer whose software has become corrupt and needs reloading.

[Guest 2]

So they've charged you for the diagnostic scan, the software may of consisted of the cooling pump having newer software than the ecu of the car or something.

If you can call down and ask them for a breakdown of everything that was done.