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
Circular

Code:

Subject: 1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 Engine
Update ECM Software for Catalytic Converter
Monitoring System
Revision Summary
• Work procedure updated to add SVM (Software
Version Management) code programming
information
• Vendor code updated to WWO
Problem Description
The ECM software for the catalytic converter monitoring
system is too sensitive. This can cause the MIL to come
on, and some vehicles may exceed Federal and/or
California emissions standards. Also, in some cases this
leads to unnecessary catalytic converter replacement.
Corrective Action
Update ECM software.
Affected Vehicles
U.S.A.
1999- 2002 Golf / GTI (Wolfsburg)
2001- 2002 Golf / GTI (Brazil)
1999- 2002 Jetta (Mexico)

CANADA
1999- 2001 Golf / GTI (Wolfsburg)
2001- 2002 Golf / GTI (Brazil)
1999- 2002 Jetta (Mexico)

To determine if the VIN applies to this Campaign verify
the open Campaigns/Actions screen in ElsaWeb
NOTE:
•

•

•
•

ElsaWeb is the only valid campaign inquiry/verification source.
Check ElsaWeb 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 ElsaWeb, 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.
ElsaWeb 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.

Allocation Report of Affected Vehicles
In the Service Manager’s Package, dealers with affected
vehicles received an updated report containing the
complete VIN with customer name and address data.

26E1

September 18, 2013

Dealers did not receive a report if they had no
affected vehicles.
Parts Information and Allocation
There was no parts allocation.
Owner Notification Mailing
On or about May 29, 2007 Volkswagen notified all
known owners of affected vehicles. A sample copy of
the letter is enclosed.
Requirements for Emissions Campaigns Having
Customer Notification (California ONLY)
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 VW). A supply of these
certificates was enclosed with your initial allocation list
for this campaign. Additional certificates can be
ordered at no cost from Resolve at 1-800-544-8021.
NOTE: 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.

Emissions Campaign Vehicle Labeling Guidelines
(California ONLY)
Vehicles repaired under emission campaigns in the
state of California are required by the California Air
Resources Board (CARB) to be identified with an
emission campaign completion label when the work is
performed. It is mandatory for all dealers in the state of
California to complete and affix an emission campaign
completion label (part number ZVW 010 000) whenever
an emissions campaign is performed. Labels can be
ordered at no cost from Resolve at 1-800-544-8021.
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.

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. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 1 of 23

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 ElsaWeb. Claims will only be paid for vehicles that show this campaign
open in ElsaWeb 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 ElsaWeb to determine whether the campaign is open.
Service No.: 26E1
Damage Code: 0099
Parts Manufacturer
Removed part: Use vendor code WWO
Sold vehicle = 7 10
Unsold vehicle = 7 90
Accounting Instructions
Criteria I.D. 01
Check - Current ECM software level present; NO further work required
Repair operation:

0183 00 99

10 T.U.

Criteria I.D. 01
Perform ECM program update, clear DTCs and set readiness code
Repair operation:

2470 25 99

65 T.U.

There is NO reimbursement for Vehicle Wash or Loaner

If customer refused repairs
Fax the Repair Order to the warranty team at (248) 754-6501 (U.S) and (905) 428-4811 (CAN). Provide the
VIN, applicable Service Number, Customer information, Dealer number and date.

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 2 of 23

Customer Letter Example (All United States EXCEPT California)
May 2007
Subject: Emissions Service Action N7
1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 Engine
Update Electronic Control Module (ECM) Software
for Catalytic Converter Monitoring System
Dear Volkswagen Owner:
We are writing to inform you of an emissions service action on some 1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI VR6 engine
vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of one of these vehicles.
What Is The Problem?
The electronic control module (ECM) software for the catalytic converter monitoring system is too sensitive. This
can cause the MIL to come on, and some vehicles may exceed Federal and/or California emissions standards.
Also, in some cases this leads to unnecessary catalytic converter replacement.
What Will Volkswagen Do?
Dealers will update the ECM software.
What We Would Like You To Do
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer and arrange for an appointment without delay. This service
will take less than one hour and will be free of charge. Please keep in mind that your dealer may need additional
time for the preparation of the repair and to accommodate the daily workshop schedule.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If you have previously paid for a catalytic converter replacement out-of-pocket, we would be pleased to review your
reimbursement request. The enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement.
Lease Vehicles
If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward this information
immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt of this notification.
Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold The Vehicle?
If you have, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Service Help from Us
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 Center – Hills East (N7)
3499 West Hamlin Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
1-800-893-5298
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your
continued satisfaction with your vehicle. Thank you for driving a Volkswagen!
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Service & Quality

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 3 of 23

Customer Letter Example (California ONLY))
May 2007
Subject:

Emissions Service Action N7
1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 Engine
Update Electronic Control Module (ECM) Software
for Catalytic Converter Monitoring System

Dear Volkswagen Owner:
We are writing to inform you of an emissions service action on some 1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI VR6 engine vehicles. Our
records show that you are the owner of one of these vehicles.
What Is The Problem?
The electronic control module (ECM) software for the catalytic converter monitoring system is too sensitive. This can cause the
MIL to come on, and some vehicles may exceed Federal and/or California emissions standards and may cause the vehicle to
fail an emission inspection or I/M smog check test. Also, in some cases this leads to unnecessary catalytic converter
replacement.
What Will Volkswagen Do?
Dealers will update the ECM software. Your eligibility for vehicle inspection/repair under this action may not be denied solely
on the basis that the vehicle or engine owner used parts not manufactured by Volkswagen, or had repairs performed by outlets
other than an authorized Volkswagen dealer.
What We Would Like You To Do
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer and arrange for an appointment without delay. This service will take less
than one hour and will be free of charge. Please keep in mind that your dealer may need additional time for the preparation of
the repair and to accommodate the daily workshop schedule. In order to assure your full protection under the emission
warranty provisions, it is recommended that you have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Failure to do so could be
determined as lack of proper maintenance of your vehicle.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CALIFORNIA VEHICLE OWNERS
California Regulations
California regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to the time that you renew your vehicle registration.
Therefore, please make sure that this campaign is completed prior to the renewal of your vehicle registration, and
that you furnish proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the form of a copy of the dealer’s repair
order, including a signed “Proof of Correction” certificate. You obtain this from your dealer after the campaign has been
completed. Please retain the signed “Proof of Correction” certificate with your vehicle records. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM
to the DMV, unless requested.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If you have previously paid for a catalytic converter replacement out-of-pocket, we would be pleased to review your
reimbursement request. The enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement.
Lease Vehicles
If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward this information immediately
via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt of this notification.
Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold The Vehicle?
If you have, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Service Help from Us
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 Center – Hills East (N7)
3499 West Hamlin Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
1-800-893-5298
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your continued
satisfaction with your vehicle. Thank you for driving a Volkswagen!
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Service & Quality

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 4 of 23

Customer Letter Example (Canada)
May 2007
Subject: Emissions Service Action N7
1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 Engine
Update Electronic Control Module (ECM) Software
for Catalytic Converter Monitoring System
Dear Volkswagen Owner:
We are writing to inform you of an emissions service action on some 1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI VR6 engine
vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of one of these vehicles.
What Is The Problem?
The electronic control module (ECM) software for the catalytic converter monitoring system is too sensitive. This
can cause the MIL to come on, and some vehicles may exceed Federal emissions standards. Also, in some cases
this leads to unnecessary catalytic converter replacement.
What Will Volkswagen Do?
Dealers will update the ECM software.
What We Would Like You To Do
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer and arrange for an appointment without delay. This service
will take less than one hour and will be free of charge. Please keep in mind that your dealer may need additional
time for the preparation of the repair and to accommodate the daily workshop schedule.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If you have previously paid for a catalytic converter replacement out-of-pocket, we would be pleased to review your
reimbursement request. The enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement.
Lease Vehicles
If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward this information
immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt of this notification.
Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold The Vehicle?
If you have, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Service Help from Us
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 CARE Center (N7)
P.O. Box 842, Stn. A
Windsor, ON N9A 9Z9
1-800-893-5298
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your
continued satisfaction with your vehicle. Thank you for driving a Volkswagen!
Sincerely,
Volkswagen Service & Quality

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 5 of 23

Campaign Work Procedure

N7 Emissions Service Action

If there are questions regarding the work procedure:
• U.S. dealers, contact Warranty
• Canadian dealers, open an VTA ticket using concern group “Compliance_Recall
Assistance (C)”

Please Note: If performing this Campaign using an ODIS
equipped scan tool, proceed to Appendix section at the end of
this publication.
Special Tools and Equipment
⇐ Only use VAS 5051B or VAS 5052 Diagnostic
tester. Do not use 5051A
•

PSC 550S or INC 940 Battery charger

⇐ CD ROM containing reprogramming
information (part number N7ACTION0707)

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 6 of 23

Work Sequence
Tip: If Campaign Completion label is
present, no further work is required
Section A – Identify Criteria and Check for Open
Status
Tip: On the date of repair, print this screen
and keep a copy with the repair order.
•

Enter the VIN in ElsaWeb and proceed to the
“Campaign/Action” screen.

⇐ Ensure that the Status is “Open” .
⇐ Note the Applicable Criteria ID for
use in determining the correct work to be done
and associated parts.
Continue to Section B

Note: ECM DTCs will be erased when
performing the update programming
procedure

Note: The following “Update – Programming”
process may overwrite any “TUNED”
ECM programming. The dealership
should advise owner accordingly and
get owner’s written consent to perform
the update procedure

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 7 of 23

Note: Battery MUST have a minimum no load
charge between 12.5V and 14.5V
(failure to maintain voltage during
update process can lead to control
module failure)
VAS 5051B must be connected to
vehicle and 110V AC power supply at
all times during update programming
VAS 5052 must be connected to
vehicle and battery voltage
requirements maintained
Any appliances with high electromagnetic radiation (e.g. mobile
phones) switched OFF
Note: Use PSC 550S or INC 940 battery
charger to maintain vehicle battery
voltage

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 8 of 23

Section B – Diagnostic Cable Check

⇐ Check diagnostic cable for any damage to
diagnostic connector (example shown) and to
cable connector at scan tool, replace cable if
any damage is found
Tip: Damaged cable replacement is not
covered under this campaign

Section C - Check ECM Part Number and
Software Level
• Connect PSC 550S or INC 940 battery charger
to vehicle
Note: Ensure battery voltage is greater than
12.5V and less than 14.5V
• Connect diagnostic tester to vehicle
• Turn ignition switch to “ON” position
⇐ On diagnostic tester start-up screen, press
“Vehicle Self-Diagnosis” button
• Select “Onboard Diagnostics” (OBD) button
• Select “01 – Engine Electronics”

⇐ Check ECM part number -arrow A- and
software level -arrow B-

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 9 of 23

⇐ If ECM part number and software level match
this list, no further work is required.
Disconnect diagnostic tester; OTHERWISE,
proceed to Section C

Tip: 5051B: Before performing update
programming, print, then delete DTC’s
in ECM. If DTC’s not related to
catalyst efficiency are present address
them before performing update
programming
5052: Save printout. If DTC’s not
related to catalyst efficiency are
present address them before
performing update programming

Update programming is not possible
when an EPROM fault is active

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 Volkswagen dealer. 2013 Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 2013

REVISION - 26E1/N7 Page 10 of 23

Section D - Installing Software Onto Scan Tool
Hard Drive

• Insert CD ROM (N7ACTION0707)

⇐ Select “Applications” from start up screen

⇐ Select “Start application of CD-ROM”;
wait until screen flashes
• Remove CD-ROM