Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Condition
Applicable Vehicles
Year

Eng. Code

Trans. Code

VIN Range
From

VIN Range To

2002-2024

All

All

All

All

Model(s)
All
(Except Routan)

Revision Table
Instance Number

Published Date

Version Number

Reason For Update

2014603/19

6/27/2023

01-18-12

To include model year
2024 applicability.

2014603/18

6/22/22

01-18-12

To include model year
2023 applicability and
minimum battery charger
amperage.

2014603/17

6/21/21

01-18-12

To include model year
2022 applicability.

2014603/1

4/11/07

V011135

Original publication.

This Technical Bulletin details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management
(SVM) software update for any Technical Bulletin (TSB) / Update.
Note:
If software updates or flash campaign/actions are performed on a vehicle, a charger with at least
70A charging current MUST be used in order to avoid problems during software updates and flash
campaign/actions.
ODIS-Service tester should be updated to the latest GFF technical version.
Troubleshooting information is included in the Additional Information Section.

Page 1 of 16
© 2023 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.

Technical Service Bulletin

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

Technical Background
A VAS 6150X or VAS 6160X diagnostic tool sends vehicle control module data to the SVM database.
SVM is a process to update the programming in re-programmable (flashable) control modules using the
diagnostic tools to send vehicle-specific data to the SVM database, download instructions from the SVM
database, and to program control modules for identified software updates.
The technician must first diagnose the condition in the vehicle and find a Technical Service Bulletin that
describes that condition. This conditional bulletin specifies the appropriate Unit Code (Action Code) for
the programming update. SVM eliminates the wait for Flash CDs/DVDs to be sent to the dealer and
problems such as scratched or missing discs.
Note:
An Update document changes the vehicle control module software level in Volkswagen vehicles. This
system uses the VAS 6150X or VAS 6160X Programming procedure (flash) which may overwrite any
“TUNED” ECM or TCM programming. A “TUNED” ECM or TCM is described as any ECM or TCM altered
so as to perform outside the normal parameters and specifications approved by Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc.
Current Tuned Engine/Motor Control Module -J623- or Transmission Control Module -J217- , J514- requirements:
If you encounter a vehicle with a “tuned” ECM or TCM, your dealership must do the following before
performing any procedure that updates ECM or TCM programming:
 Notify the owner that their ECM or TCM was found to have been tuned.
 Notify the owner any damage caused by the tuning of the ECM or TCM (including any adverse
emissions consequences) will not be covered by Volkswagen of America, Inc. warranties.
 Obtain the owners written consent on the attached Control Module Tuning form prior to performing
any repair that requires flashing. This document informs the customer that flashing the vehicle may
automatically overwrite the “tuned” program.

Production Solution
No production change required.

Service
1. Ensure the customer’s vehicle condition matches the conditions stated in the Technical Bulletin and the
operator has a valid GeKo user ID and password. Only perform operations explicitly stated in the
Technical Bulletin or Update.
2. Ensure that the following tester requirements are met:
 Off-board Diagnostic Information System Service (ODIS) is installed and up-to-date.
 VAS Tester is plugged into a 110V AC Power supply at all times.
 Connect VAS Tester to the Local Network.
Page 2 of 16
© 2023 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.

Technical Service Bulletin

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

Note:
Prior to launching the ODIS Service application and starting the control module update process, confirm
the tester screen saver and power settings are in accordance with Special Tools and Equipment - Service
Information Document # VSE-08-18. Failure to do so may result in the tester entering power save mode
during data transfer and subsequent control module failure.
When performing a flash procedure using a VAS tester in conjunction with a VAS 5054A or VAS 6154
wireless transmitter head, please connect a USB cable between the transmitter head and the tester.
Failure to do so may lead to errors during the flash procedure and may damage control modules.
3. Ensure the following vehicle requirements are met:
 Connect vehicle to a powered Volkswagen approved Midtronics Battery Maintainer/Charger
MTRMSP0702 (or equivalent 70 amp or higher).
 Battery MUST have and MUST maintain a minimum no-load charge of 12.5V and 70 amps.
 Switch OFF the radio and all other accessories, and when necessary, switch running lights OFF
 Switch off any appliances with high electromagnetic radiation (i.e. mobile phones)
4. The Owner’s Control Module Tuning Consent Form has been completed as necessary.
5. Start Diagnosis by using the ODIS Service application. Allow GFF to interrogate all control modules
before proceeding.
Note:
If GFF does not interrogate all control modules, manually select and interrogate remaining modules
before proceeding.
Address or record all DTCs related to a customer concern before continuing. Sporadic communication
DTCs will be created during the flash procedure and must be erased with all other sporadic DTCs by GFF
after exiting the flash test plan.

Page 3 of 16
© 2023 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.

Technical Service Bulletin

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

6. On ODIS Service application start up, make sure to select “Diagnosis” under Operating modes and not
“Flash” (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Page 4 of 16
© 2023 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.

Technical Service Bulletin

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

7. Enter the SVM test plan by selecting the following inside GFF: Special Functions >> Software Version
Management >> Adapting Software (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Page 5 of 16
© 2023 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.

Technical Service Bulletin

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

8. Select update software through measures code (Figure 3).

Figure 3
9. Follow the on screen prompts for the SVM update procedure and enter the SVM Unit Code (Action
Code) found in the Conditional Technical Bulletin when requested.

Page 6 of 16
© 2023 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.

Technical Service Bulletin

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

10. Enter your GeKo ID when requested. This will allow data to be transmitted to the SVM server and will
provide instructions on how to continue the procedure (Figure 4).

Figure 4

Page 7 of 16
© 2023 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.

Technical Service Bulletin

01-18-12 - Software Version Management

Transaction No:

2014603/19

Release date:

6/27/2023

11. The procedure may include one, or any combination of the following comments for one or more
control modules as specified in the Technical Bulletin/Update (Figure 5):
 Update a Control Module (flash)
 Code or Adapt a Control Module

Figure 5

Page 8 of 16
© 2023 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.