IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please inform and provide a copy of this document to every person in your dealership with campaign-related responsibilities,
including Service, Parts and Accounting personnel. By law, dealers must correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle that
fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or that contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety.
If you have questions regarding this or any other campaign, please contact Warranty.

Emissions Service Action
Code: 23N5
Subject:

2012-2014 Passat with 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel Engine
ECM Software

Emissions Action Scope
This action is applicable to vehicles showing the 23N5
action open in Elsa and registered or residing in:
 Canada
 All U.S. states (except California).
Problem Description
Some vehicles may experience exhaust turbocharger
failure (under extreme cold weather conditions) in a brief
time period after initial vehicle start up. This condition
could cause a MIL ON and possible vehicle performance
problems. To diminish this condition Volkswagen will
momentarily decrease vehicle turbocharger boost
pressure only during extreme cold start parameters to
assure necessary turbocharger performance.
In addition, the vehicle’s engine management software
has been improved to assure the vehicle’s tailpipe
emissions are optimized and operating efficiently. Under
certain operating conditions, the earlier strategy may
have increased the chance of the vehicle’s MIL light
illuminating. If the MIL illuminates for any reason, the
vehicle will not pass an IM emissions inspection in some
regions.

December 16, 2014

Inventory Vehicle Open Campaign/Action Report
(VIM)
On or about December 16, 2014, affected vehicles will be
listed on the Inventory Vehicle Open Campaign Action
report under My Dealership Reports (found on
www.vwhub.com & VIM). A list will not be posted for
dealers who do not have any affected vehicles.
Parts Information and Allocation
This action is a software update only; no parts are
required.
Owner Notification Mailing
On or about January 15, 2014 the customer mailing will
take place. A sample copy of the owner letter is
enclosed.
Campaign Completion Labeling Guidelines
Vehicles repaired under this action must be identified
with a campaign completion label (part number CAMP
010 000). Labels can be ordered at no cost online via
the
Compliance
Label
Ordering
portal
at
www.vwhub.com.

Corrective Action
Install updated ECM software.
Affected Vehicles
U.S.A. and CANADA:
2012-2014 Passat with TDI® Clean Diesel engine
Verify the open Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa to determine if
the VIN# applies to this Campaign/Action
NOTE:







Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry/verification source. Check
Elsa on the day the campaign work will be performed to verify
vehicle eligibility for the repair in order to receive claim payment
consideration. Campaign status must show “open”.
If this repair appears to have already been performed on the
vehicle but the code still shows open in Elsa, contact Warranty
before proceeding further, e.g. a dealer may have recently
performed this repair but not yet entered a claim for it in the
system.
Elsa may also show additional open action(s); if so, inform your
customer - this work can be done while the vehicle is in for this
campaign.
Contact Warranty if you have any questions.

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. 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2014

23N5/D5 Page 1 of 13

Claim Entry Procedure
Immediately upon completion of the repair work, enter the Applicable Criteria ID and Repair Operation from
the following chart. The Applicable Criteria ID is shown in Elsa. Claims will only be paid for vehicles that
show this campaign open in Elsa on the day of the repair. To help ensure prompt and proper payment, attach
the screen print to the repair order.

Saga Claim Entry Procedure
Check Elsa to determine if this campaign is open.
Service No.:
Damage Code:

23N5
0099

Parts Manufacturer
Removed part: Use vendor code WWO
Sold vehicle = 7 10
Unsold vehicle = 7 90
Accounting Instructions
Criteria I.D. 01
Check/Updated software present, no further work required
Repair operation:

0183 00 99

20 T.U.

2360 25 99

50 T.U.

OR
Update ECM software.
Repair operation:

There is NO reimbursement for Vehicle Wash or Loaner
If customer refused repairs
U.S. dealers: Submit the request through WISE under the Campaigns/Update/Recall Closure option.
Canadian dealers: Fax the Repair Order to Warranty at (905) 428-4811 and provide VIN, applicable
Service Number, Customer Information, Dealer Number and Date.

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. 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2014

23N5/D5 Page 2 of 13

Customer Letter Example (United States – 49 states)
Subject:

Emissions Service Action 23N5 – ECM Software
2012-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Passat with 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel Engine

Dear Volkswagen Owner,
As part of Volkswagen's ongoing commitment to our environment, and in cooperation with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, we are informing you of our decision to conduct an emissions service action on
some 2012-2014 model year Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel engine vehicles. Our records show that you
are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue, and
what will we do?

Some vehicles may experience exhaust turbocharger failure (under extreme cold weather
conditions) in a brief time period after initial vehicle start up. This condition could cause a
MIL ON and possible vehicle performance problems. To diminish this condition
Volkswagen will momentarily decrease vehicle turbocharger boost pressure only during
extreme cold start parameters to assure necessary turbocharger performance.
In addition, the vehicle’s engine management software has been improved to assure your
vehicle’s tailpipe emissions are optimized and operating efficiently. Under certain
operating conditions, the earlier strategy may have increased the chance of the vehicle’s
MIL light illuminating. If the MIL illuminates for any reason, your vehicle will not pass an IM
emissions inspection in some regions.
This work will take about one 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 original factory specifications with aftermarket
components and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM
to original factory specifications is NOT covered under this action.

What should you do?

In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized Volkswagen
dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service.

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.

Reimbursement of
Expenses

If you have previously paid for repairs relating to the condition described in this letter, the
enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review
your reimbursement request.

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 call or write to:
Volkswagen of America, Inc.,
Attn: Customer CARE (23N5)
3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
1-800-893-5298
www.vw.com

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 the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool at www.vw.com and
enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). As always, if you have any questions or if
you need additional assistance, please contact Customer CARE or your authorized
Volkswagen dealer.

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. Thank you for driving a Volkswagen!
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Customer Protection

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. 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2014

23N5/D5 Page 3 of 13

Customer Letter Example (CANADA)
Subject:

Emissions Service Action 23N5 – ECM Software
2012-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Passat with 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel Engine

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 20122014 model year Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel engine vehicles. Our records show that you are the
owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue, and
what will we do?

Some vehicles may experience exhaust turbocharger failure (under extreme cold weather
conditions) in a brief time period after initial vehicle start up. This condition could cause a
MIL ON and possible vehicle performance problems. To diminish this condition
Volkswagen will momentarily decrease vehicle turbocharger boost pressure only during
extreme cold start parameters to assure necessary turbocharger performance.
In addition, the vehicle’s engine management software has been improved to assure your
vehicle’s tailpipe emissions are optimized and operating efficiently. Under certain
operating conditions, the earlier strategy may have increased the chance of the vehicle’s
MIL light illuminating. If the MIL illuminates for any reason, your vehicle will not pass an IM
emissions inspection in some regions.
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 original factory specifications with aftermarket
components and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM
to original factory specifications is NOT covered under this action.

What should you do?

In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized Volkswagen
dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service. On or about December 16, 2014 the
necessary repair instructions 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.

Reimbursement of
Expenses

If you have previously paid for repairs relating to the condition described in this letter, the
enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review
your reimbursement request.

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 call or write to:
Volkswagen Canada
Attn: Customer Relations (23N5)
PO Box 842, Stn. A
Windsor, ON N9A 6P2
1-800-822-8987
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. Thank you for driving a Volkswagen!
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Customer Protection

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. 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2014

23N5/D5 Page 4 of 13

Campaign Work Procedure

23N5 Emissions Service Action

Required Tools:



VAS 6150C Scan Tool (or equivalent)



INC-940 Battery Charger (or
equivalent)

Required Parts:
NONE – Software update only

Work Procedure

Tip: If Campaign Completion label is
present, no further work is required
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

 Ensure that the Status is “Open”

 Note the Applicable Criteria ID
for use in determining the
correct work to be done and
corresponding parts associated
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 Volkswagen dealer. 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2014

23N5/D5 Page 5 of 13

Section B – Update ECM Software
Note:
Prior to launching VAS Diagnostic Device application and starting control module update
process, confirm tester screen saver and power settings are off.
Failure to do so may result in the tester entering power save mode during data transfer, and
subsequent control module failure.
When using any tester in conjunction with a VAS 5054A wireless transmitter head for a flash
procedure:


Connect the tester using an Ethernet “hard line” cable between the tester and the online network. DO NOT USE WI-FI.

