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NHTSA ID Number: 10228693

Manufacturer Communication Number: Circular 23EM

TSB/Document Date: 2023-01-06


Summary

SERV_ACT - Engine Control Module (ECM) Software


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. 2022 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2022

23EM Page 5 of 11

Section B – Software Update Instructions
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.

The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable.

Performing a software update using a Bluetooth or WiFi 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 or WiFi.

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.

The 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. 2022 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2022

23EM Page 6 of 11

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.

NOTE

All campaign software updates must be completed during a single, standalone ODIS Diagnostic Session.
You must fully complete this campaign and send all logs before beginning any other campaigns or
operations.

If there are any ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches installed, they must be removed from the scan tool before beginning
this operation. ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches may affect the update process.

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 a Battery Tester/Charger capable of
minimum 70 Amp continuous supply.
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 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. 2022 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2022

23EM Page 7 of 11

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 the correct option to “Update software via
action code” OR “Software update via measured
code”.

NOTE
The different options to perform the SVM operation
may vary based on model.

The 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. 2022 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2022

23EM Page 8 of 11

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

4A9C

Select “Accept” and follow the on screen
prompts.

During the flash, this screen appears when each
operation is performed:

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 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. 2022 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2022

23EM Page 9 of 11

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.

o

Select
“Identify
.

Control

Module”

Exit GFF and send diagnostic protocol online
when prompted.

TIP
Static communication faults may store in various
control modules during the flash. These faults can be
cleared by putting the vehicle in a bus sleep mode.
To put the vehicle in bus sleep mode, disconnect the
diagnostic tester, remove the key from the vehicle and
lock the vehicle with the remote for about a minute.
The faults should change from static to passive and
will be cleared upon exiting GFF.

Release the parking brake.

Disconnect the VAS tester.

Switch off and disconnect the battery charger.

Reinstall the battery cover.

Proceed to Section C.

The 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. 2022 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2022

23EM Page 10 of 11

Section C – 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 D

Section D – 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 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. 2022 VolkswageneBay logo Group of America, Inc. and VolkswageneBay logo Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2022

23EM Page 11 of 11

12

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TSB/Document ID: Circular 23EM

Replacement Service Bulletin Number:

MFR Communication Date: 2022-12-20

MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version:

Communication Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

NHTSA Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

MFR Component System:

MFR Component Subsystem:


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