Method for performing diagnostics or software maintenance for a vehicle

A method of performing diagnostics or software maintenance on a vehicle, the method comprising:

• storing or making accessible components of configuration files in a central data processing system consistent with vehicle electronics of a particular vehicle, the components of configuration files support electronic communication of the components by a common payload compatible with two alternate connections:
• a local connection comprising communication by a local diagnostic computer directly connected to the vehicle electronics through a wire, cable or wireless link and a remote connection comprising communication by a vehicle wireless communications device of the vehicle electronics over a communications network between the central electronic data processing system and the vehicle electronics;
• requesting an update of the stored configuration files for the vehicle from the central electronic data processing system based on a user request;
• and
• receiving the update of requested components of configuration files from the central electronic data processing system based on a comparison of a record of vehicle-installed configuration files and target configuration information, in the configuration files, stored at the central electronic data processing system.