TDI / AEM Emissions Service Action – USA ONLY

Code: 23Z3
Repair Available – Emissions Service Action 23Z3 / Improved Post-AEM Engine Control
Module Software (AEM-C)
This notice is for: 



Date:
IMPORTANT!
Emissions Service
Action 23Z3 (AEM-C)
ONLY Applies to
Vehicles that have
received the AEM

Issue:

Dealer Principal
General Manager
Sales Managers





Service Manager
Parts Manager
Service Consultant




Warranty Administrator
Technicians

December 20, 2018
•

Dealers MUST provide a copy of the attached customer letter to each customer
who presents their vehicle for repair under Emissions Service Action 23Z3.

•

Emissions Service Action 23Z3 (AEM-C) only applies to vehicles that have
received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM).

•

The AEM must be completed BEFORE performing the Emissions Service
Action 23Z3 (AEM-C) software update.

•

Emissions Service Action 23Z3 (AEM-C) software update MUST explicitly be
elected by the customer and be clearly marked on the repair order PRIOR to
commencing the software update.

•

If a vehicle has not received the AEM, Emissions Service Action 23Z3 (AEM-C)
does not apply.

Vehicles that have received the AEM inject an inadequate amount of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) after driving at high speeds (typically over 80 miles per hour) for 15 minutes or
longer. This 15-minute period need not be continuous and may accumulate over multiple,
consecutive trips. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and/or the DEF lamp on the
instrument panel may come on due to this problem.
This condition can activate the “200 miles to no restart” countdown timer, and when the
timer reaches 0 miles the vehicle will not restart.

Repair:

•

REPAIR AVAILABLE – December 20, 2018

•

Repair instructions available in ELSA/ServiceNet

•

Install updated ECM software

•

Check daily campaign open inventory report or OMD for affected vehicles in
inventory
Repair every affected inventory vehicle before delivery to consumers.

•

Parts Department:
Notes:

No parts needed; software update only
•

Vehicles: Certain 2012 – 2014 MY Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI Gen 2

•

Schedule owner repairs immediately

•

Owner mailing – December 5, 2018
-END OF MESSAGE-

Ensure all dealership personnel are aware of this notice so they are able to address customer questions. Contact Warranty if you require
additional assistance. Direct press inquiries to Volkswagen Public Relations.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2018 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
December 2018

TDI / AEM EMISSIONS SERVICE ACTION

23Z3 Page 1 of 10

Claim Entry Instructions
After campaign has been completed, enter claim as soon as possible to help prevent work from being duplicated
elsewhere. Attach the Elsa screen print showing action open on the day of repair to the repair order.
If customer refused campaign work:
 U.S. dealers: Submit request via WISE under the Campaigns/Update/Recall Closure option.
 Canada dealers: Upload the repair order [signed by customer] to Volkswagen WIN/Operations/Campaign
Closure.
Service Number
Damage Code
Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

23Z3
0099
WWO
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner
Criteria I.D.

Mark labor as causal
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
01
Check/Updated ECM software present, no further work required
Labor operation: 0183 00 99

10 T.U.

-ORUpdate ECM software.
Labor operation: 2360 25 99

40 T.U.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2018 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
December 2018

TDI / AEM EMISSIONS SERVICE ACTION

23Z3 Page 2 of 10

Customer Letter Example (United States)
This notice applies to your vehicle:
Subject:

Emissions Service Action 23Z3
2012-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI Vehicles

Dear Volkswagen Owner,
You should have recently received a notice identifying a problem with the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) that was
previously approved for your vehicle. This notice is to inform you that we have identified a solution to this problem (an “AEM
Correction”).
What is the issue?
We determined that 2012-2014 model year Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDIs that received the AEM
inject an inadequate amount of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) under certain conditions.

What will we do?

What should you do?

•

This issue may occur after driving at high speeds (typically over 80 miles per hour) for
15 minutes or longer.

•

This 15 minute period need not be continuous and may accumulate over multiple
consecutive trips.

•

This issue causes a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) (the dashboard warning lights)
to illuminate.

•

If a vehicle that has received the AEM continues to be driven with this MIL illuminated,
the vehicle may enter into a 200 mile countdown until it will not restart.

We developed a software calibration update to correct this issue.
•

This software change does not change any vehicle attributes, such as fuel economy or
DEF consumption, and the software update does not affect your vehicle’s warranty.

•

The software calibration update will be available free of charge.

•

The update will take less than one hour to complete and will not impact the drivability
or other features of your vehicle.

•

Please keep in mind that your dealer may need additional time for the preparation of
the repair, as well as to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.

If you already received an AEM, you have two options:

•

Option 1: At your convenience, you may contact your nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer
and arrange for an appointment to receive the software upgrade at no cost to you.

•

Option 2: When you visit your Volkswagen service department for any reason, including a
MIL caused by this issue, the dealer can update the software with your approval.

Additionally, If you chose to receive an AEM, but have not yet received it, please contact your
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer for an appointment. The dealer will provide the AEM
and an AEM Correction during the same appointment.
Lease vehicles and
address changes

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward this
letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt. If you have
changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card
and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Can we assist you
further?

If you should have any questions about this communication, please don’t hesitate to contact
Customer CARE, Monday through Friday by phone at 800-893-5298. You are also welcome to
e-mail or chat through the “Contact Us” page http://www.vw.com/contact.

Checking your vehicle
for open Recalls and
Service Campaigns

To check your vehicle’s eligibility for repair under this or any other recall/service campaign,
please visit www.vw.com/owners/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
into the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool.

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2018 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
December 2018

TDI / AEM EMISSIONS SERVICE ACTION

23Z3 Page 3 of 10

Campaign Work Procedure

______________________________________

ATTENTION!
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.
IMPORTANT!

•

Emissions Service Action
23Z3 (AEM-C) ONLY
Applies to Vehicles that
have received the AEM

Emissions Service Action 23Z3 (AEM-C) only applies to vehicles that have
received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM).

•

The AEM must be completed BEFORE performing the Emissions Service Action
23Z3 (AEM-C) software update.

•

Emissions Service Action 23Z3 (AEM-C) software update MUST explicitly be
elected by the customer and be clearly marked on the repair order PRIOR to
commencing the software update.

•

If a vehicle has not received the AEM, Emissions Service Action 23Z3 (AEM-C)
does not apply.

Campaign Work Procedure

23Z3 Emission Recall

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.

•

Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.

Required Tools

Battery Tester/Charger

Diagnostic Tester

- GRX3000VAS-

-VAS6150X/VAS6160-

(or equivalent)

(or equivalent)

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer. 2018 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
December 2018

TDI / AEM EMISSIONS SERVICE ACTION

23Z3 Page 4 of 10

Repair Instruction
Section A - Check for Previous Repair

•

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.
•