Emissions Service Action
Code: 23EP
Subject
Document History

Affected Vehicles

Engine Control Module (ECM) Software

Date
10/24/2023

Country
USA
CAN

Summary
Original publication

Beginning
Model Year
2009
2009

Ending
Model Year
2012
2012

Vehicle

Vehicle Count

TOUAREG
TOUAREG

314
50

Check Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this
action. Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source.

Problem Description

Corrective Action
Code Visibility



Campaign status must show “open.”



If Elsa shows other open action(s), inform your customer so that the work can also be completed at
the same time the vehicle is in the workshop for this campaign.

Vehicles included in this action have been identified as having received the Diesel Approved
Emissions Modification (AEM). Volkswagen dealers will inspect the software level on the
vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM) to ensure that the AEM software level is current. If a
software discrepancy is found, the ECM software will be updated free of charge. Please note
that the ECM software check will automatically result in a check of the Transmission Control
Module (TCM) software level, which would also be updated to the AEM level, if a software
discrepancy is found. Only in the event that current software is not found on a vehicle, there
could be an impact on vehicle tailpipe emissions.
Inspect and if necessary update engine and/or transmission control module software.
On or about October 24, 2023, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.

Owner Notification

Owner notification will take place in October 2023. Owner letter examples are included in this
bulletin for your reference.

Emissions Campaigns
Requirements
(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 EMISCAVWAU). Order certificates online via the
Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.vwhub.com.

Additional Information

Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.
Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before
delivery to consumers
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) after work is complete.
Labels can be ordered at no cost 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. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
23EP Page 1 of 11

Claim Entry Instructions
The labor times listed here may differ from the labor operations and labor times listed in ELSA.
After campaign has been completed, enter claim as soon as possible to help prevent work from being duplicated
elsewhere. Attach the ELSA screen print showing action open on the day of repair to the repair order.
If customer refused campaign work:
 U.S. dealers: Submit request via WISE under the Campaigns/Update/Recall Closure option.
 Canada dealers: Upload the repair order [signed by customer] to Volkswagen WIN/Operations/Campaign
Closure.
Service Number

23EP

Damage Code

0099

Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

WWO
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner

Mark labor as causal
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
U.S.A.: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. However,
loaner/rental may be covered under the Alternate Transportation Program. Please refer
to the Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual for loaner claims
information and reimbursement details.
Canada: Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. Please refer to t
Volkswagen Service Loaner Program to determine loaner eligibility.

Criteria I.D.

01

LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

2706 89 50

10

Connect battery charger

2470 25 99

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol

Inspect and if necessary update engine
and/or transmission control module software

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. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
23EP Page 2 of 11

Customer Letter Example (USA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Service Action 23EP – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, we are
informing you of our decision to conduct an emissions service action on certain 2009-2012 model year Volkswagen vehicles.
Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

Your vehicle has been identified as having received the Diesel Approved Emissions Modification
(AEM). Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will inspect the software level on your vehicle's
Engine Control Module (ECM) to ensure that the AEM software level is current. If a software
discrepancy is found, the ECM software will be updated free of charge. Please note that the
ECM software check will automatically result in a check of the Transmission Control Module
(TCM) software level, which would also be updated to the AEM level, if a software discrepancy
is found. Only in the event that current software is not found on a vehicle, there could be an
impact on vehicle tailpipe emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will inspect and if necessary update the engine and/or
transmission control module software. 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 any control module(s) in your vehicle has been “chipped,”
“tuned,” or otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components
and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the control module(s) to factory
specifications is NOT covered under this action.

What should you do?

Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service.
To set up an appointment online, please visit www.vw.com/find-a-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.

Important information for California regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to the time you renew your
California Vehicle Owners 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
– California Regulations
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.
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, or if you should have any questions about this communication, please don’t
hesitate to contact Customer CARE, Monday through Friday by phone at 800-893-5298. You are
also welcome to e-mail or chat through the “Contact Us” page http://www.vw.com/contact/.

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 www.vw.com/owners/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the
Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool.

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.
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. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
23EP Page 3 of 11

Customer Letter Example (CANADA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Service Action 23EP – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
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
2009-2012 model year Volkswagen vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by
this action.
What is the issue?

Your vehicle has been identified as having received the Diesel Approved Emissions
Modification (AEM). Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will inspect the software level
on your vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM) to ensure that the AEM software level
is current. If a software discrepancy is found, the ECM software will be updated free
of charge. Please note that the ECM software check will automatically result in a check
of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software level, which would also be updated
to the AEM level, if a software discrepancy is found. Only in the event that current
software is not found on a vehicle, there could be an impact on vehicle tailpipe
emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Volkswagen dealer will inspect and if necessary update the engine
and/or transmission control module software. 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 any control module(s) in your vehicle has been
“chipped,” “tuned,” or otherwise modified from factory specifications with
aftermarket components and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or
return the control module(s) to 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 October
24, 2023 the necessary service action 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.

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 contact Customer Relations, Monday through
Friday from 8AM to 8PM EST by phone at 1-800-822-8987 or via our “Contact Us”
page at 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.
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. 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
23EP Page 4 of 11

Required Tools

Battery Tester/Charger

Diagnostic Tester

- GRX3000VAS-

-VAS6150X/VAS6160X-

(or equivalent)

(or equivalent)

Repair Instruction
Section A - Check for Previous Repair
TIP
If Campaign Completion label is present, no further work is required.

•

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.
•

Confirm the Campaign/Action is open . If the status is closed, no further work is
required.

•

Note the Applicable Criteria ID for
use in determining the correct work to be done
and corresponding parts associated.
CRITICAL REPAIR STEP

STOP!
If multiple software update Campaign/Actions are
open, they must be performed in order of the Start
date . The oldest should be performed
first.
•