Service Action
Code: 97H1
Subject
Document History

Affected Vehicles

Vehicle Software Update to Level 3.2.12

Date
04/30/2024

Country
USA

Summary
Original publication

Beginning
Model Year
2021

Ending
Model Year
2021

Vehicle
ID4

Vehicle
Count
298

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.

About this Service
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.

Volkswagen is providing a software update for certain 2021 model year Volkswagen ID.4
vehicles in order to bring the vehicle’s software level up to 3.2.12. This will make it possible for
these vehicles to receive future over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
On or about April 30, 2024, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.

Owner Notification

Owner notification will take place in May 2024. An owner letter example is included in this
bulletin for your reference.

Campaign Expiration
Date

This campaign expires on April 30, 2029. Work must be performed on or before this date to be
eligible for payment. Keep this expiration date in mind when scheduling customers for this
action. If a customer wishes to have this work performed after the expiration date, your normal
parts and labor cost associated with this work will apply.

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. 2024 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
97H1 Page 1 of 28

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.
Service Number

97H1

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.
Loaner/rental coverage cannot be claimed under this action. However, loaner/rental
may be covered under the current loaner/mobility program. Please refer to the
Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual for loaner claims information and
reimbursement details.

Criteria I.D.

01, 02 or 03

LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

0150 00 10

SEE ELSA

GFF/Guided functions
(setup + battery charger)

2706 02 99

25 TU per bus sleep

Perform up to three bus sleep procedures

0121 00 04

SEE ELSA

Test drive

0150 00 60

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol(s)

GFF/Guided functions
(flash + GFF functions)

NOTE: If the software update and related GFF work is performed on more than one
diagnostic session, the multiple GFF logs can be added together.
Ensure the GFF logs are added together correctly. For example, two logs from the same
diagnostic session are not allowed.
Claims and GFF logs may be audited to ensure that the actual GFF log time is being
claimed.

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. 2024 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
97H1 Page 2 of 28

Customer Letter Example (USA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Service Action 97H1 - Vehicle Software Update to Level 3.2.12
Dear Volkswagen Owner,
As part of Volkswagen's ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction, we are informing you of our decision to
conduct a service action on certain 2021 model year Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles. Our records show that you are the
owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
About this Service Action
Volkswagen is providing a software update for certain 2021 model year Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles in order to bring
the vehicle’s software level up to 3.2.12. This will make it possible for these vehicles to receive future over-the-air
(OTA) software updates. This software update will take your authorized Volkswagen dealer up to three hours 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 work, as well as to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
What should you do?
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer without delay to schedule this work. To set up an appointment
online, please visit www.vw.com/find-a-dealer.
Additional Information
•

This service action will be available for you free of charge only until April 30, 2029. If you wish to have
this work performed after that date, your dealer’s normal costs associated with this repair will apply.

•

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 your authorized Volkswagen dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a
reasonable time, if you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, or if you should have any questions
about this communication, please reach out to us using your preferred method of communication at
www.vw.com/contact or by calling us at 800-893-5298.

•

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. 2024 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
97H1 Page 3 of 28

Required Tools

Battery Tester/Charger
-VAS5908-

Diagnostic Tester
-VAS6150D(or higher)

Diagnostics Interface

USB Module

W-LAN

-VAS6154/4A-

-VAS6154A-

(included with -VAS6154A-)

(or newer equivalent)

(or newer equivalent)

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. 2024 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
97H1 Page 4 of 28

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.
•

All Safety Recalls must be completed prior
to completing this campaign.

•

Vehicles assigned Criteria 03:
o

•

Proceed to Section B

Vehicles assigned Criteria 01 or 02:
o

Proceed to Section C

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. 2024 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
97H1 Page 5 of 28

Section B – Restore OTA Functionality (Criteria 03 ONLY)
NOTE
When connecting the charger to the battery, connect
the positive cable to the positive charging terminal for
the battery and connect the negative cable to the
grounding lug on the chassis. DO NOT connect the
ground cable directly to negative terminal of the
battery.
•

Open the hood.

•

Open the battery cover.

•

Attach the battery charger.

•

Connect the VAS6150X/VAS6160X Diagnostic
Tester to the vehicle.

•

Start the ODIS program.

•

In diagnostic address 8124, select the test plan,
“8124 – Reset over-the-air update warning.”

•

Follow the test plan instructions to restore OTA
functionality.

•

Activate bus sleep:
o Remove battery charger.
o Remove diagnostic interface from
vehicle.
o Close all doors and hood.
o Lock vehicle with remote and leave
vehicle locked for at least five minutes.
o Switch on ignition.
o Reconnect diagnostic interface.

Proceed to Section C

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. 2024 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
97H1 Page 6 of 28

Section C – Perform SVM Update (All Vehicles)
NOTE
Prior to launching the VAS Diagnostic Tester and starting an update, ensure the following conditions are
met;
The ODIS software is completely up to date.
•

Refer to the “Current ODIS Service Version” circular found in Elsa2Go Service References.

The battery charger is connected to the vehicle battery and remains connected for the duration of
the software update.
•

Battery voltage must remain above 12.5 volts for the duration of the software update. Failure to
do so may cause the update to fail, which could result in damage to the control module. Control
modules damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered.

The screen saver and power saving settings are off.
•

Failure to do so may result in the tester entering power save mode during the software update,
which could result in damage to the control module.

The VAS Diagnostic Tester is plugged in using the supplied power adapters.
•

Under no circumstances should the tester be used on battery power alone during the software
update. Failure to do so may result in the tester powering off during the update, which could
result in damage to the control module.

The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable.
•

Performing a software update using a Bluetooth or WiFi connection increases the risk of losing
connection during the update, which could result in damage to the control module.
It also greatly increases the time required to perform the update. Requests for additional time
or parts will be denied if the GFF log shows the update was performed using Bluetooth or WiFi.

WARNING
Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury
may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during
Update Process!
TIP
To Update-Programming using SVM, review and follow instructions in Technical Bulletin 2014603: Software
Version Management (SVM) Operating Instructions.
The SVM Process must be completed in its entirety so the database receives the update confirmation response. A
warranty claim may not be reimbursed if there is no confirmation response to support the claim.

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. 2024 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
97H1 Page 7 of 28

NOTE
•

Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer’s
responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action.

•

Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.

NOTE
•

All campaign software updates must be completed during a single, standalone ODIS Diagnostic Session.
You must fully complete this campaign and send all logs before beginning any other campaigns or
operations.

•

If there are any ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches installed, they must be removed from the scan tool before beginning
this operation. ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches may affect the update process.

Before starting the software update, the following conditions must be met:
•

ODIS Service version MUST be completely up to date.

•

ODIS Feedback must be set up correctly:
o

•

Dealership’s internet firewall settings must meet the specified requirements.
o

•

See communication: Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service (ODIS Service), Number:
VOS-21-08 / Subject: ODIS Login – SFD Functions / Date: Mar. 11, 2021

ODIS user must have GRP access.
o

•

See communication: Diagnostic Device Hardware & Windows®, Number: VHW-22-15 / Subject:
VAS Diagnostic Device Firewall Settings / Date: December 19, 2022

ODIS user must have SFD access.
o

•

See communication: Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service (ODIS Service), Number:
VOS-22-06 / Subject: Dedicated Email Server Configuration & Feedback Settings / Date: Feb.
1, 2022

See communication: Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service (ODIS Service), Number:
VOS-24-35 / Subject: ODIS log in Procedure for Group Retail Portal (GRP) / Date: Mar. 27, 2024

Windows Power Options must be set according to the ODIS tester setup directions:
o

See communication: Diagnostic Device Hardware & Windows®, Number: VHW-22-13 / Subject:
Change Power Options in Windows® 10 / Date: Nov. 1, 2022