Emissions Service Action
Code: 23BZ
Subject
Release Date
Affected Vehicles

Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
October 08, 2020

Country

Beginning
Model
Year

Ending
Model
Year

Vehicle

USA
CAN

2009
2009

2010
2010

TOUAREG
TOUAREG

Vehicle
Count
2,551
1,055

Check Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this
action. Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source.

IMPORTANT!
This Service Action
ONLY applies to
vehicles that have
received the AEM



Campaign status must show “open.”



If Elsa shows other open action(s), inform your customer so that the work can also be completed at
the same time the vehicle is in the workshop for this campaign.

•

Dealers MUST provide a copy of the attached customer letter to each customer
who presents their vehicle for repair.

•

This action only applies to vehicles that have received the Approved Emissions
Modification (AEM). The AEM must be completed BEFORE performing this work.
If a vehicle has not received the AEM, this action does not apply.

•

This repair MUST explicitly be elected by the customer and be clearly marked on
the repair order PRIOR to commencing the software update.

Problem Description

During routine evaluation testing, it was determined that some software functions required
updates.

Corrective Action

Install updated Engine Control Software that will improve On-Board Diagnostic (OBD)
monitoring of vehicle emission systems and otherwise improve the software used by your
vehicle. These improvements have no impact to the vehicle's drivability, performance, fuel
consumption, or emissions.

Parts Information

Software only; no parts needed.

Code Visibility

On or about October 08, 2020, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.

Owner Notification

Owner notification will take place in October 2020. Owner letter examples are included in this
bulletin for your reference.

Additional Information

Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.
Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before
delivery to consumers.
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) after work is complete.
Labels can be ordered at no cost via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.vwhub.com.

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. 2020 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020
23BZ Page 1 of 11

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

23BZ

Damage Code

0099

Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

WWO
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner

Mark labor as causal
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
U.S.A.: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. However,
loaner/rental may be covered under the mobility program. Please refer to the
Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual for loaner claims information and
reimbursement details.
Canada: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. Please refer to t
Volkswagen Service Loaner Program to determine loaner eligibility.

Criteria I.D.

01

LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

2706 89 50

10

Connect battery charger

2360 25 99

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol
(up to 100 TU)

Perform engine control module software 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 Volkswagen dealer. 2020 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020
Form No. F_3.4_AHQ-CP-C_048 Rev. 1.0

23BZ Page 2 of 11

Customer Letter Example (United States)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Service Action 23BZ – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, we are
informing you of our decision to conduct an emissions service action on certain Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 3.0L
TDI engine. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

During routine evaluation testing, it was determined that some software functions required
updates.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will install updated Engine Control Software that will
improve On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring of vehicle emissions systems and otherwise
improve the software used by your vehicle. These improvements have no impact to your
vehicle's drivability, performance, fuel consumption, or emissions. This work will take about
an hour to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. 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.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or software,
work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to factory specifications is NOT covered
under this action.

What should you do?

If your vehicle has already received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you
elect to receive this emissions service action, please contact your authorized Volkswagen
dealer to schedule this service.
If your vehicle has NOT received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you elect
to receive an AEM and this emissions service action, please contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer to schedule this service. At the time of service, the dealer will provide
both the AEM and this emissions service action.
Please note: before the AEM and/or this emissions service action is applied to your vehicle,
you will be required to provide written authorization to the Volkswagen dealer.
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible to schedule this
service. To set up an appointment online, please visit www.vw.com/find-a-dealer.

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 your authorized Volkswagen dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge
within a reasonable time, or if you should have any questions about this communication,
please reach out to us using your preferred method of communication at
www.vw.com/contact or by calling us at 800-893-5298.

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 of America
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. 2020 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020
Form No. F_3.4_AHQ-CP-C_048 Rev. 1.0

23BZ Page 3 of 11

Customer Letter Example (Canada)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject:

Emissions Service Action 23BZ – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software

Dear Volkswagen Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Volkswagen has determined that a defect, which relates to a prescribed emission standard, exists in certain Volkswagen
vehicles equipped with a 3.0L TDI engine. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

During routine evaluation testing, it was determined that some software functions required
updates. These improvements have no impact to your vehicle's emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will install updated Engine Control Software that will
improve On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring of vehicle emissions systems and otherwise
improve the software used by your vehicle. These improvements have no impact to your
vehicle's drivability, performance, fuel consumption, or emissions. This work will take about
an hour to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. 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.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or software,
work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to factory specifications is NOT covered
under this action.

What should you do?

If your vehicle has already received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you
elect to receive this emissions service action, please contact your authorized Volkswagen
dealer to schedule this service.
If your vehicle has NOT received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you elect
to receive an AEM and this emissions service action, please contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer to schedule this service. At the time of service, the dealer will provide
both the AEM and this emissions service action.
Please note: before the AEM and/or this emissions service action is applied to your vehicle,
you will be required to provide written authorization to the Volkswagen dealer.
On or about October 08, 2020 the necessary repair instructions and parts will be available to
your authorized Volkswagen dealer.

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 your authorized Volkswagen dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge
within a reasonable time, please contact Customer Relations, Monday through Friday from
8AM to 8PM EST by phone at 1-800-822-8987 or via our “Contact Us” page at www.vw.ca.

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 Canada

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. 2020 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020
Form No. F_3.4_AHQ-CP-C_048 Rev. 1.0

23BZ Page 4 of 11

Required Tools

Battery Tester/Charger

Diagnostic Tester

- GRX3000VAS-

-VAS6150X/VAS6160X-

(or equivalent)

(or equivalent)

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