NHTSA ID Number: 11016571
Manufacturer Communication Number: Circular 38G3_20250328
TSB/Document Date: 2025-04-04
Summary
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software. Work instructions updated: Fuse pull to prevent battery draw is now required for all vehicles.
Service Action
Code: 38G3
Subject
Document History
Affected Vehicles
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software
Date
03/28/2025
Summary
Work instructions updated: Fuse pull to prevent battery draw is now
required for all vehicles.
03/12/2025
Added workaround steps to prevent a 12V battery draw after the
software update.
02/22/2025
Updated to include additional model years & updated vehicle counts
Claiming instructions added to include Criteria 02
Owner letters updated to reflect added model years
02/21/2025
Original publication
Country
USA
USA
CAN
CAN
Beginning
Model Year
2022
2022
2022
2022
Ending
Model Year
2024
2024
2024
2024
Vehicle
Vehicle Count
GOLF GTI
GOLF R
GOLF GTI
GOLF R
16,659
5,260
4,760
3,599
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
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.
On certain vehicles built during a limited production period, oversensitive diagnostic software
could cause the message, “Error: selector lever. You can drive on. Please visit workshop” to be
displayed in error. To address this condition, Volkswagen is providing a software update for the
gearbox control unit. This software will enhance the function of the mechanical “emergency
park lock” system with an electric “emergency park lock” system so that unwarranted error
messages do not occur.
As a reminder, your vehicle owner’s manual contains important information regarding your
vehicle’s warning lights and messages. We encourage you and anyone who drives your vehicle
to review the owner’s manual to become familiar with the types of vehicle indicators, warnings
and messaging you may see.
Code Visibility
On February 21, 2025, the campaign code was applied to affected vehicles.
Owner Notification
Owner notification took place in March 2025. Owner letter examples are included in this bulletin
for your reference.
Campaign Expiration
Date
This campaign expires on December 31, 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.
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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 1 of 9
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 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. 2020 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 2 of 9
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 a customer declines campaign work, refer to the “Customer Declines Campaign/Update Repair” section in the
Campaign/Update Policy and Procedures Manual.
Service Number
38G3
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.
ALL
LABOR
Labor Op
Time Units
Description
0150 00 10
SEE ELSA
GFF/Guided Functions
(setup + battery charger)
0150 00 60
Time stated on
diagnostic protocol
GFF/Guided Functions
(software update)
9792 19 99
10
R&I fuse to prevent 12V battery drain
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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 3 of 9
Customer Letter Example (USA)
This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Service Action 38G3 - Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software
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 2022-2024 model year Volkswagen
vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a
vehicle affected by this action.
About this Service Action:
On certain vehicles built during a limited production period, oversensitive diagnostic software could cause the message,
“Error: selector lever. You can drive on. Please visit workshop” to be displayed in error. To address this condition,
Volkswagen is providing a software update for the gearbox control unit. This software will enhance the function of the
mechanical “emergency park lock” system with an electric “emergency park lock” system so that unwarranted error
messages do not occur. 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 work, as well as to accommodate their
daily workshop schedule.
As a reminder, your vehicle owner’s manual contains important information regarding your vehicle’s warning lights and
messages. We encourage you and anyone who drives your vehicle to review the owner’s manual to become familiar with
the types of vehicle indicators, warnings and messaging you may see.
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 December 31, 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 no longer own the vehicle identified in this letter, 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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 4 of 9
Customer Letter Example (CANADA)
This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Service Action 38G3 - Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software
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 2022-2024 model year Volkswagen vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a
vehicle affected by this action.
About this Service Action:
On certain vehicles built during a limited production period, oversensitive diagnostic software could cause the message,
“Error: selector lever. You can drive on. Please visit workshop” to be displayed in error. To address this condition,
Volkswagen is providing a software update for the gearbox control unit. This software will enhance the function of the
mechanical “emergency park lock” system with an electric “emergency park lock” system so that unwarranted error
messages do not occur. 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 work, as well as to accommodate their
daily workshop schedule.
As a reminder, your vehicle owner’s manual contains important information regarding your vehicle’s warning lights and
messages. We encourage you and anyone who drives your vehicle to review the owner’s manual to become familiar with
the types of vehicle indicators, warnings and messaging you may see.
What should you do?
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer without delay to schedule this work.
Additional Information
•
This service action will be available for you free of charge only until December 31, 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 no longer own the vehicle identified in this letter, or if you should have
any questions about this communication, please contact Customer Relations, Monday through Friday from 8AM
to 8PM EST by phone at 1-800-822-8987 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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 5 of 9
Required Tools
Battery Tester/Charger
Diagnostic Tester
-VAS5908-
-VAS6150X/VAS6160X-
(or equivalent charger with
a current rating of at least
70A)
(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!
All campaigns/actions with a repair available must
be performed in order of the Start date .
The oldest should be performed first (unless
otherwise noted in the repair instructions).
Proceed to Section B.
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!
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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 6 of 9
Section B – Update Transmission Control Module
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 “Alerts” section on ServiceNet home page for the current ODIS version.
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 (or higher, if directed in the work instructions) 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.
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.
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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 7 of 9
IMPORTANT
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.
•
Switch off all consumers, air conditioning, heater blower motor, lights, heated seats, etc.
•
Connect battery charger.
•
Ensure the latest version of ODIS is downloaded.
•
Ensure diagnostic head is connected to ODIS tester via USB cable.
•
Move selector lever to P.
•
Use operating mode, DIAGNOSIS.
•
Select “SVM – Code Input”.
•
Enter SVM code FDQP and follow the on screen prompts.
•
Ensure the diagnostic log is sent to GFF Paperless after completion.
IMPORTANT
If the software update fails for any reason, ODIS feedback must be sent prior to further diagnosis. This ensures the
failure/error is reported. Failure to do so may result in non-payment of consequential requests for additional time or
parts.
NOTE
After the software update is completed, it is possible that a 12V battery draw is introduced. To prevent the draw, the
fuse for the selector lever components must be removed and reinstalled.
•
Remove fuse SC42 for five minutes and then
reinstall it.
o
Reference “Component Locations:
Fuses” in the Repair Manual/Wiring
Diagram
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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 8 of 9
Section C – Campaign Completion Label
•
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label,
part number CAMP 010 000, next to the vehicle
emission control information label.
TIP
Ensure Campaign Completion Label does not cover
any existing label(s).
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. 2025 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada. All Rights Reserved.
38G3 Page 9 of 9
If the PDF is very large, it may not load in the preview below.
Some older TSBs had multiple PDFs — visit the NHTSA Website to view all PDFs.
If the TSB PDF does not show, download or view it on the NHTSA Website.
Click on the (+) Plus Sign
Then Click on Associated Document(s)
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Investigations
View Latest Vehicle Investigations
Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Complaints
View Latest Vehicle Complaints
TSB/Document ID: Circular 38G3_20250328
Replacement Service Bulletin Number:
MFR Communication Date: 2025-03-28
MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version: 38G3
Communication Type: Service Campaign
NHTSA Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MFR Component System:
MFR Component Subsystem:
Previous TSB | Next TSB |
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