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NHTSA ID Number: 10175944

Manufacturer Communication Number: Circular26M4REV1

TSB/Document Date: 2020-06-04


Summary

Over time and mileage, the factory-installed catalyst may not perform as required. If the effectiveness of the catalyst is reduced, this may result in increased tailpipe emissions and the vehicle could fail an emissions (IM) inspection. Updated claiming instructions to include connecting battery charger.


Elbow Assembly Tool
-T10118-

Ring Wrench 7-Piece Set
-3337(or equivalent)

Battery Tester/Charger

Diagnostic Tester

- GRX3000VAS-

-VAS6150X/VAS6160X-

(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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 8 of 19

Repair Instruction
Section A - Check for Previous Repair
TIP
If Campaign Completion label is present, no further work is required.

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.

Confirm the Campaign/Action is open .
If the status is closed, no further work is required.

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

STOP!
If multiple software update Campaign/Actions are
open, they must be performed in order of the Start date
. The oldest should be performed first.

All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to
completing this campaign.

Proceed to Section B

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 9 of 19

Section B – Replacing Catalyst

See ELSA Repair Manual: Repair Manual >
Engine > 6-Cylinder Direct Injection (3.6L
Engine, 4V) > 26 Exhaust System, Emission
Controls > Emissions Control System >
Catalytic Converter, Removing and Installing

After replacing the catalyst:
o

Proceed to Section C to update the
ECM software.

Note the following when replacing the catalyst:
NOTE
Oxygen sensors , and can be removed
with tools from the Ring Wrench 7-Piece Set
-3337-.
Oxygen sensor will have to be removed with a
locally sourced oxygen sensor socket.

TIP
Take photos of the connector positions or mark the
connectors as needed.

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 10 of 19

CAUTION
Danger of causing damage to the decoupling
element!
Do not bend the decoupling element more than 10°.
Do not damage the wire mesh on the decoupling
element.

Ensure the transportation protection is
secured on the new catalyst before installing.

After installing and securing the catalyst to the
exhaust manifold, remove the transportation
protection from the catalysts.

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 11 of 19

Section C – Engine Control Module Software Update
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

VAS 6150B

VAS 6150C/D

(Front panel behind handle)

(Right side behind WIRELESS door)

(Left side behind SC/EX door)

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 12 of 19

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!
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.

Switch the ignition on.

Apply the parking brake.

Switch off all consumers (headlights, heated
seats, climate control, etc.).

Connect the VAS6150X/VAS6160X Diagnostic
Tester to the vehicle.

Start the ODIS program.

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

Vehicles with Battery Monitoring Control Module
-J367- and/or an EFB Battery:
When connecting the charger to the battery, connect
the positive cable to the positive terminal of the
battery and connect the negative cable to the
grounding lug on the chassis. DO NOT connect the
ground cable directly to negative terminal of the
battery.

Turn the hazards on.

CAUTION
The procedure may cancel itself if the hazard warning
lights are not switched on. The hazard warning lights
prevent the system from switching to bus sleep mode
during the update.

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 13 of 19

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

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 .

Once the GFF scan is complete, select “Special
functions” , then “Adapting software”
, then select “Perform test” .

Select option 2 to “Update software via action (or
measure) code”.
NOTE

The procedure to update the software may not always
be option 1.

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 14 of 19

NOTE
Using Bluetooth or WiFI for this action is
PROHIBITED!
Damage caused to electronic components (e.g. ECM,
TCM, etc.) during the SVM flash process is not
covered.

Enter the corrective action code (SVM code) as
listed below.

SVM code

43E7

Select “Accept” and follow the on screen
prompts.

TIP
This software update also includes modifications for:
DTCs P0456, P2096, P2097, P2098, and P2099.

Select Complete/Continue after each
operation is completed.

When the SVM update is complete a
confirmation message is displayed .

Select “Complete/Continue” .
TIP

If the software in the vehicle is already current, a
message may appear indicating this. If this occurs,
complete the ODIS test plan and send the diagnostic
protocol online.

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 15 of 19

NOTE

It is IMPERATIVE that ALL of the ignition
cycle on/off delay requests are fulfilled in their
entirety during this flash process .

Failing to wait for the ignition on/off timing
cycle to complete (progress bar and
countdown timer ) before cycling
the ignition on/off MAY damage a control
module.

Damage to control modules as a result of
failing to wait the specified time displayed by
the progress bar and countdown timer
are NOT covered under this
action.

After the software update is completed and
before sending the GFF Log Online:

o

Select the “Control Module” tab.

o

Scroll down and right click on the module
that was updated (0001).

o

Select
“Identify
.

Control

Module”

Exit GFF and send diagnostic protocol online
when prompted.
NOTE

Static communication faults may store in various
control modules during the flash. These faults can
only be cleared by following one of these steps:

Drive the vehicle a short distance (around the
parking lot, for example).

After selecting “Yes”, turn the ignition off for
30 seconds, turn it back on and repeat the
GFF exit program.

Clear faults using OBD (an additional key
cycle may also be required).

Release the parking brake.

Disconnect the VAS tester.

Switch off and disconnect the battery charger.

Reinstall the battery cover.

Proceed to Section D.

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 16 of 19

Section D – Campaign Completion Label
Install Campaign Completion Label

Fill out and affix Campaign Completion
Label, part number CAMP 010 000, next to
the vehicle emission control information
label.

TIP
Ensure Campaign Completion Label does not cover
any existing label(s).
Proceed to Section E

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 17 of 19

Section E - Parts Return/Disposal
Properly store (retain), destroy or dispose of removed parts in accordance with all state/province and local
requirements, unless otherwise indicated and/or requested through the Warranty Parts Portal (WPP) for U.S. and
the Part Destruction and Core Disposition Report for Canada.
IMPORTANT CORE RETURN INFORMATION

The catalysts MUST be separated from the
exhaust system for recycling. Cut the exhaust pipe
between the muffler and the catalyst in the area
shown .

The Catalyst must be tagged with a red or blue zip
tie and returned in order to be
considered for core charge reimbursement.
Contact your facing PDC if red or blue zip ties are
needed.
Catalyst replacements done under this action will
be in Scrap/Core immediately once the claim is
approved in SAGA.

Proceed to Section F (California only).

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 18 of 19

Section F – California Only Requirements
CALIFORNIA ONLY Requirements for Emissions Campaigns Having Customer Notification
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require emissions-related
campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When campaign work is done you must provide
the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMIS_CAL VWeBay logo).
Certificates can be ordered at no cost online via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.vwhub.com.
TIP
Ensure owners are aware of the importance of retaining the completed certificate for their records. It should be
mailed to the California DMV only upon request.

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 VolkswageneBay logo dealer. 2020 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
May 2020

26M4 Page 19 of 19

12

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TSB/Document ID: Circular26M4REV1

Replacement Service Bulletin Number:

MFR Communication Date: 2020-05-22

MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version:

Communication Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

NHTSA Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

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