UPDATE Technical Bulletin
May 22, 2017
37K7 UPDATE – TCM Software Update (NVLW)
NOTE:
• Perform this UPDATE on all applicable vehicles within NVLW
• It is MANDATORY to perform UPDATES on all applicable vehicles in dealer inventory PRIOR TO
RETAIL SALE.
• Inform customers that this UPDATE will be available free of charge as long as their vehicle is within the
Warranty parameters outlined in this UPDATE.
NOTE:
Required DMS Wording/Programming Text (SAGA claim comments):
UPDATE Code 37K7 - TCM Software

Model(s)

Year

Engine Code

Trans. Code

Atlas

2018

See ELSA

See ELSA

REVISION HISTORY
Revision

Date

Purpose

1

May 20, 2017

Original publication

2

May 22, 2017

Work procedure steps updated

Condition
This update has been proactively released to address a Software update needed for smoothing the shift
operation, driveshaft protection and transmission emergency mode for the AQ450 transmission.
This UPDATE is in effect until removed.
Vehicle must meet all of the following criteria:
•

Procedure is valid only for vehicles that show the 37K7 code in Elsa, Campaign/Action Information
screen on the day of repair.

•

If the vehicle is sold it must be within the NVLW.

•

Procedure must be performed within the allotted time frame stated in this UPDATE.

•

Procedure must be performed on applicable vehicles in dealer inventory prior to sale.

Technical Background
Software update needed for smoothing the shift operation, driveshaft protection and transmission
emergency mode for the AQ450 transmission. continued driving is still possible.
Page 1 of 18
© 2017 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

UPDATE Technical Bulletin
Production Solution
Updated software introduced into production.

Service
NOTE:
• Elsa is the only valid inquiry/verification source. Check Elsa on the day this vehicle UPDATE will be
performed to verify vehicle eligibility for the UPDATE. Status must show “open”. Attach an Elsa printout
showing the “open” status to the repair order.
• If this UPDATE appears to have already been performed but the code still shows open in Elsa, contact
Warranty before proceeding further. Another dealer may have recently performed this UPDATE but not
yet entered a claim for it in the system.
• Elsa may also show additional open action(s); if so, inform your customer - this work can be done while
the vehicle is in for this UPDATE.
• Contact the Warranty Helpline (U.S.) or the Warranty Campaign Specialist (Canada) if you have any
questions.

•

Enter the VIN in Elsa and proceed to
the “Campaign/Action” screen

TIP
On the date of repair, print this screen and
keep a copy with the repair order
•

Ensure that the Status is “Open”

•

Note the Applicable Criteria ID
for use in determining the
correct work to be done and
corresponding parts associated

Page 2 of 18
© 2017 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

UPDATE Technical Bulletin
NOTE
Prior to launching the VAS Diagnostic Tester and starting an update, ensure the following conditions are
met;
The ODIS software is completely up to date.
•

Refer to the “Alerts” section on ServiceNet home page for the current ODIS version.

The battery charger is connected to the vehicle battery and remains connected for the duration
of the software update.
•

Battery voltage must remain above 12.5 volts for the duration of the software update. Failure
to do so may cause the update to fail, which could result in damage to the control module.
Control modules damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered.

The screen saver and power saving settings are off.
•

Failure to do so may result in the tester entering power save mode during the software
update, which could result in damage to the control module.

The VAS Diagnostic Tester is plugged in using the supplied power adapters.
•

Under no circumstances should the tester be used on battery power alone during the
software update. Failure to do so may result in the tester powering off during the update,
which could result in damage to the control module.

If using a Bluetooth transmitter head, it is connected to the tester with a USB cable.
•

Performing a software update using a Bluetooth connection increases the risk of losing
connection during the update, which could result in damage to the control module.
It also greatly increases the time required to perform the update. Requests for additional time
or parts will be denied if the GFF log shows the update was performed using Bluetooth.

The Bluetooth function of the scan tool is physically switched off .

VAS 6150 & VAS 6150A
(Front panel behind handle)

VAS 6150B
(Right side behind WIRELESS
door)

VAS 6150C/D
(Left side behind SC/EX door)

Page 3 of 18
© 2017 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

UPDATE Technical Bulletin
WARNING
Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury
may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s)
during Update Process!

NOTE
•

Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer’s
responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action.

•

This procedure must be read in its entirety prior to performing the repair.

•

Due to variations in vehicle equipment and options, the steps/illustrations in this work procedure may not
identically match all affected vehicles.

TIP
To Update-Programming using SVM, review and follow instructions in Technical Bulletin 2014603: Software
Version Management (SVM) Operating Instructions.
The SVM Process must be completed in its entirety so the database receives the update confirmation response.
A warranty claim may not be reimbursed if there is no confirmation response to support the claim.
•

Open the hood.

•

Open the battery cover.

•

Attach the GRX3000VAS Tester/Charger (or
equivalent) to the vehicle battery.

•

Switch the ignition on.

•

Apply the parking brake.

•

Switch off all consumers (radio, headlights,
etc.).

•

Turn the hazard flashers on.

•

Connect the VAS6150D Diagnostic Tester (or
equivalent) to the vehicle.

•

Start the ODIS program.

Page 4 of 18
© 2017 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

UPDATE Technical Bulletin
•

Confirm that scan tool is communicating with the
diagnostic head by USB .

•

If the Bluetooth symbol is shown then
disconnect the diagnostic head from the vehicle
and reconnect the USB cable to the diagnostic
head and then reattach to the vehicle.

•

Upon ODIS startup, verify the “Diagnosis”
operating mode is selected .
NOTE
Using Bluetooth for this action is PROHIBITED!
Damage caused to electronic components (e.g.
Transmission Control Module, etc.) during the SVM
flash process is not covered.
•

Select “Starting Diagnosis” and perform a
GFF scan of the vehicle.

•

Select “Special functions” , then
“Adapting software” , then select
“Perform test” .

Page 5 of 18
© 2017 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

UPDATE Technical Bulletin
•

Select the appropriate option to “Update
software via action code” .

TIP
Read this screen carefully. The option to update
software via action code is NOT always selection
#2 on this screen.

•

Enter “3C02” .

•

Select “Accept” .

•

Select “Complete/Continue” to begin
the software update process.
o

If the response indicates that the
control modules are current Flash
Process is Complete, proceed to
Section C.

o

If the response indicates new software
versions are available ,
Select “Complete/Continue” and follow
the on-screen prompts to complete
the test plan.

Page 6 of 18
© 2017 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

UPDATE Technical Bulletin
•