VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP COMMUNICATION
Date:

December 15, 2014

To:

Dealer Principal, Sales Manager, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Administrator

Subject: Upcoming Emissions Service Action 23N5 – ECM Software
2012-2014 MY Volkswagen Passat with 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel Engine

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO DEALERS - FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Upcoming Emissions Service Action
We would like to inform you of an upcoming Emissions Service Action. Please refer to the attached
Campaign Data Sheet for additional information.
If you have any questions or require additional assistance, please contact Warranty. As always, any
press inquiries should be directed to Volkswagen Public Relations.
Volkswagen Customer Protection
Attachment: Campaign Data Sheet (1)

23N5/D5

CAMPAIGN DATA SHEET
CAMPAIGN TYPE
SAGA CODE
MARKET(S)
AFFECTED VEHICLES
TOPIC

Emissions Service Action

23N5
United States and Canada
2012-2014 MY Volkswagen 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.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION DATE

On or about January 07, 2015

ELSA VISIBILITY DATE

On or about December 16, 2014

VIM VISIBILITY DATE

On or about December 16, 2014

TOTAL AFFECTED
VEHICLE COUNT

Update ECM software

USA: Approximately 91,588

CANADA: Approximately 11,696

DEALER INVENTORY

USA: Approximately 412

CANADA: Approximately 45

CPO INVENTORY

USA: Approximately 317

CANADA: Approximately 59

APPROXIMATE REPAIR TIME
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED?

Up to 50 TU
SEE WORK PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

PARTS REQUIRED

None – software only

EXPIRATION DATE

NONE

IMPORTANT! To ensure that ALL of your personnel are aware of this action before receiving questions from any customer, please share this information with ALL personnel
who have campaign-related responsibilities, including service writers, technicians, parts employees, warranty administrators, etc. See the campaign circular on Elsa for the
most current repair information. Refer to the campaign circular for complete repair and claiming instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Service Action 23N5
SUMMARY
Campaign Code: 23N5
Affected Vehicles: 2012-2014 Passat with 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel Engine
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.
Corrective Action: Install updated ECM software.
What is the parts allocation plan for this action?
This is a software update only; no parts are required.
Will the software update result in a noticeable change in the vehicle’s performance?
Some customers may notice a reduction in vehicle performance for approximately the first 100 seconds after the
engine is started in extremely cold weather. This is intended to protect the turbocharger from damage during
engine startup in these types of extreme weather conditions.
Can the software update be reversed if a customer is not happy with how the vehicle operates after this
campaign has been performed?
No. The software update cannot be reversed.
Is a loaner vehicle being covered under this action?
No. A loaner vehicle is not being covered under this action.
Is towing being covered under this action?
No. Towing is not covered under this action.
What should dealers do if they have any affected vehicles in inventory?
Dealers can use their most current VIM report to identify any affected vehicles that may be in their inventory. In
the interest of customer satisfaction, affected vehicles should be kept in a secure area where they cannot be
made available for sale, lease, trade or demo use until this repair has been performed.
IMPORTANT!
This FAQ is intended to provide supplementary information regarding this action. For additional information, please refer to the campaign circular posted on ElsaWeb and ServiceNet. To
ensure that ALL of your personnel are aware of this action before receiving questions from any customer, please share this information with ALL personnel who have campaign-related
responsibilities, including service writers, technicians, parts employees, warranty administrators, etc.

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23N5/D5

Who should dealers contact if they have additional questions?
Dealers with additional questions about this or any other campaign should contact Warranty. Press inquiries
should be directed to Volkswagen Public Relations.

IMPORTANT!
This FAQ is intended to provide supplementary information regarding this action. For additional information, please refer to the campaign circular posted on ElsaWeb and ServiceNet. To
ensure that ALL of your personnel are aware of this action before receiving questions from any customer, please share this information with ALL personnel who have campaign-related
responsibilities, including service writers, technicians, parts employees, warranty administrators, etc.

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23N5/D5