Apple CarPlay on my Mahindra Thar Roxx unlocked at first service visit!

The engineer at the Mahindra service centre clarified that this feature is present in all software versions and just needs to be activated.

BHPian S14P22N1 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

First Service Experience Thar Roxx (MX3 P AT)

Service Tasks & Requests:

• Apple CarPlay Activation
• Fog Light Switch Unlock
• Service Duration & Executive Behavior

Experience:

I bought my Thar Roxx on December 19 and have driven 1,800 km so far, including two trips from Chandigarh to Himachal Pradesh. Around 1,500 km, the MID started displaying a "Service Due" notification every 25 km or each time I started the car, even though the manual states that the first service is due at 2,000 km.

I booked a 2:00 PM slot at a service centre in Chandigarh and arrived on time. However, due to a queue of cars, my vehicle was attended to only by 3:30 PM.

The executive asked if I had any issues with the car, but I reported none. From 3:30 PM to 5:50 PM, the service team performed a basic check-up as per their schedule—tightening bolts, inspecting components, and topping up the washer fluid. This was followed by a wash and polish from 5:50 PM to 6:15 PM, marking the end of the standard service.

Software Unlock Requests:

Before leaving, I inquired with the main executive about any software updates for the Roxx, but he said there weren’t any. I also asked about activating the fog light switch, to which he replied that Mahindra had restricted them from enabling it.

Just as I was about to leave, I spotted an engineer with a laptop and asked him if he could activate the fog light switch. He agreed and spent 20 minutes trying with two different software versions, but it didn’t work. He assured me that Mahindra hasn’t enabled the option yet, but might in the next service.

Then, unexpectedly, he asked, "Sir, do you want Apple CarPlay activated?"

I mentioned that I had already asked the main service executive about updates, and he had denied any. The engineer clarified that while there’s no new update, CarPlay is present in all software versions—it just needs to be unlocked. Within 5 minutes, he activated Apple CarPlay on my system.

Summary:

• Excessive waiting time – The actual service was more of a routine check-up, but it took far too long.
• Friendly and helpful staff – The executives were polite, even though they aren’t allowed to entertain software unlock requests.
• Software unlocks are possible – If you find the right technician or you have some links.
• Fog light activation is currently locked – Mahindra hasn’t enabled the option in the system yet, but it should be available in the future.
• CarPlay can be unlocked on any software version – You just need to find a cooperative engineer.

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