Emissions Service Action N7 - Update ECM Software For Catalytic Converter Monitoring System (N7/26E1)

WARNING: This page is about the Jetta GLS, 4D Sedan, 1.8 D, Automatic, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2007-08-01
Reference number: N7/26E1

EMISSIONS SERVICE ACTION N7 - UPDATE ECM SOFTWARE FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITORING SYSTEM

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): N7/26E1 Revised, Date of Issue: August 2007

VOLKSWAGEN:

1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 Engine

IMPORTANT: 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 call (800) 741-2919.

SUBJECT

1999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 Engine

Update ECM Software for Catalytic Converter Monitoring System

REVISION SUMMARY

Work procedure updated for ECM programming.

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.

VIN & PRODUCTION RANGES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES

U.S.A.

1999-2002 Golf/GTI (Wolfsburg)

WVW_ _ _1J_XW192716 - WVW_ _ _1J_2W686156
Production Date 11/20/198 - 5/1/2002

2001-2002 Golf/GTI (Brazil)

9BW_ _ _1J_14025699 - 9BW_ _ _1J_24040607
Production Date 11/22/2000 - 12/20/2001

1999-2002 Jetta (Mexico)

3VW_ _ _9M_XM000595 - 3VW_ _ _9M_2M084904
Production Date 1/5/1998 - 2/8/2002

CANADA

1999-2001 Golf/GTI (Wolfsburg)

WVW_ _ _1J_XW199016 - WVW_ _ _1J_1W217264
Production Date 12/01/1998 - 8/18/2000

2001-2002 Golf/GTI (Brazil)

9BW_ _ _1J_14026027 - WVW_ _ _1J_24040613
Production Date 4/1/2000 - 12/20/2001

1999-2002 Jetta (Mexico)

3VW_ _ _9M_XM000444 - 3VW_ _ _9M_2M091289
Production Date 11/24/1998 - 11/26/2001

NOTE: Check ElsaWeb on the day of repair to verify vehicle eligibility and attach the screen print to the repair order. This is the only valid campaign inquiry and verification source. Some vehicles may be involved in an additional action(s); any additional work can be done while the vehicle is in for this action.

ALLOCATION REPORT OF AFFECTED VEHICLES

In the Service Manager's Package, dealers with affected vehicles will receive an updated report containing the complete VIN with customer name and address data. Dealers did not receive a report if they had no affected vehicles.

NOTE: The allocation report contains owner names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. By law, this data may only be used for recall purposes. Use for any other reason may be a violation of law in many states/provinces. Accordingly, you must limit the use of this report.

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.

CLAIM ENTRY PROCEDURE

Immediately upon completion of the repair work, enter the correct code listed below. 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.

N7 CLAIM ENTRY PROCEDURE

Damage Code	Time Units	Work Scope
N7 11	10 T.U.	- Check - ECM software level current; NO further work required
N7 12	65 T.U.	- Perform ECM program update, clear DTCs and set readiness code
N7 20	0 T.U.	- Customer refused repairs
(NOTE: In the rare event that an ECM fails during this update, contact the Campaign Helpline at (800) 741-2919 for instructions.) There is NO reimbursement for Vehicle Wash or Loaner Vehicle The system will enter labor & parts applicable to the code above.

Fig 1: N7 Saga Claim Entry Procedure

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

CAMPAIGN WORK PROCEDURE - N7 EMISSIONS SERVICE ACTION

SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Only use VAS 5051B or VAS 5052 Diagnostic tester. Do not use 5051A (Fig 2)

Fig 2: VAS 5051 And VAS 5052
PSC 550S or INC 940 Battery charger
CD ROM containing reprogramming information (part number N7ACTION0707) (Fig 3)

Fig 3: ECM Software Update CD ROM

WORK SEQUENCE

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 (see Fig 4 for ECM / TCM Tuning form)

Fig 4: ECM / TCM Tuning Form

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 electro-magnetic radiation (e.g. mobile phones) switched OFF.

NOTE: Use PSC 550S or INC 940 battery charger to maintain vehicle battery voltage.

Section A - 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. (Fig 5)

Fig 5: Damaged Diagnostic Connector

TIP: Damaged cable replacement is not covered under this campaign.

Section B - 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. (Fig 6)

Fig 6: Diagnostic Tester Start-Up Screen
Select "Onboard Diagnostics" (OBD) button.
Select "01 - Engine Electronics".
Check ECM part number -arrow A- and software level -arrow B-. (Fig 7)

Fig 7: VAS Display - ECM Part Number
If ECM part number and software level match this list, no further work is required. Disconnect diagnostic tester; OTHERWISE, proceed to Section C.

ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)

Part Number	Current Software Level
021 906 018 A	6781
021 906 018 B	6782
021 906 018 K	6758
021 906 018 M	6760
021 906 018 Q	6759
021 906 018 R	6762
021 906 018 S	6761
021 906 018 T	6764
021 906 018 AA	6763

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.

Section C - Installing Software Onto Scan Tool Hard Drive

Insert CD ROM (N7ACTION0707).
Select "Applications" from start up screen. (Fig 8)

Fig 8: Diagnostic Tester Start-Up Screen
Select "Start application of CD-ROM"; wait until screen flashes. (Fig 9)

Fig 9: VAS Display - Select Start Application Of CD-ROM
Remove CD-ROM.
Return diagnostic tester to start up screen.

TIP: If CD ROM is not removed, update programming will not begin. Ensure CD ROM has been removed.

Section D - Update Programming Through Guided Functions

Select "Guided Functions". (Fig 10)

Fig 10: Diagnostic Tester Start-Up Screen - Select Guided Functions

TIP: Update programming can be performed multiple times; this includes reprogramming of inoperative ECMs.
Select "Volkswagen". (Fig 11)

Fig 11: VAS Display - Select Volkswagen
Select type of vehicle. (Fig 12)

Fig 12: VAS Display - Select Type Of Vehicle
Select model year. (Fig 13)

Fig 13: VAS Display - Select Model Year
Select version. (Fig 14)

Fig 14: VAS Display - Select Version
Select engine code. (Fig 15)

Fig 15: VAS Display - Select Engine Code
Confirm vehicle identification. (Fig 16)

Fig 16: VAS Display - Confirm Vehicle Identification
Connect VAS Tester to vehicle, if not already connected. (Fig 17)

Fig 17: VAS Display - Connect VAS Tester
Select "Motor AFP". (Fig 18)

Fig 18: VAS Display - Select Motor AFP
Select "Engine Control Module, software adaptation, recall N7". (Fig 19)

Fig 19: VAS Display - Select Engine Control Module, Software Adaptation, Recall N7
Press forward arrow.
Select "Engine Control Module, software adaptation, recall N7". (Fig 20)

Fig 20: VAS Display - Select Engine Control Module, Software Adaptation, Recall N7
Press forward arrow to start test plan.
Prerequisite screen appears, "Connect a battery charger". (Fig 21)

Fig 21: VAS Display - Prerequisite Screen

NOTE: Use PSC 550S or INC 940 battery charger to maintain vehicle battery voltage.
Select "Done" when charger is connected.
TIP: If update programming does not begin, make sure CD ROM has been removed.
- Select "Engine Control Module, software adaptation, recall N7".
- Press forward arrow to start test plan.
- Use PSC 550S or INC 940 battery charger to maintain vehicle battery voltage.
Reading of data records screen appears. (Fig 22)

Fig 22: VAS Display - Reading Data Records
Select "Done" to continue.
Data record Initialization screen appears. (Fig 23)

Fig 23: VAS Display - Data Record Initialization Screen
Select "Yes" to adapt control module software.
Checking pre-conditions screen appears. (Fig 24)

Fig 24: VAS Display - Checking Pre-Conditions Screen
Select "Done" to adapt control module software.
Read "Note" and "Warning". (Fig 25)

Fig 25: VAS Display - Note And Warning
Select "-Continue-" to perform adaptation.
TIP: Update programming can be performed multiple times; this includes reprogramming of inoperative ECMs.
"Job will be performed" will appear on screen and progress bar will appear showing update being performed. (Fig 26)

Fig 26: VAS Display - Job Will Be Performed On Screen
Once adaptation has completed "Ignition off" screen will appear. (Fig 27)

Fig 27: VAS Display - Ignition Off Screen
Switch ignition off and then select "Done".
Progress bar will appear, leave ignition off for 10 seconds. (Fig 28)

Fig 28: VAS Display - Leave Ignition Off
Switch ignition back on and select "Done". (Fig 29)

Fig 29: VAS Display - Switch Ignition Back On And Select Done
Evaluating part number screen will display old software version and new software version. (Fig 30)

Fig 30: VAS Display - Evaluating Part Number Screen
Select "Done".
"OK Engine Control Module, software adaption, recall N7" will display on Test Plan screen. (Fig 31)

Fig 31: VAS Display - Test Plan Screen
Select "GO TO".
Then select "EXIT".
Print Diagnostic Protocol, if possible, and attach to repair order.

Section E - Removal Of Update Programming From Hard Drive

Insert CD ROM (N7ACTION0707).
Select "Application" from start up screen. (Fig 32)

Fig 32: Diagnostic Tester Start-Up Screen

TIP: Failure to remove N7 update programming from hard drive could result in the interference of other update CD ROMs.
Select "Start application of CD-ROM", wait until screen flashes. (Fig 33)

Fig 33: VAS Display - Select Start Application Of CD-ROM
Remove CD-ROM.
Return diagnostic tester to start up screen.

Section F - ECM Coding And Cruise Control Activation

Select "Vehicle Self-Diagnosis". (Fig 34)

Fig 34: Diagnostic Tester Start-Up Screen - Select Vehicle Self-Diagnosis
Select "Onboard Diagnostics" (OBD) button.
Select "01 - Engine Electronics".
Select "009 - Coding". (Fig 35)

Fig 35: VAS Display - Select 009 - Coding
Code 1999 M.Y. vehicles to "1" for automatic transmission or "0" for manual transmission.
Code 2000 - 2001 M.Y. vehicles to "33" for automatic transmission or "31" for manual transmission.
Code 2002 M.Y. vehicles according to coding found on printout obtained prior to update.
Set readiness code.

Activate Cruise Control Feature (if equipped).

If "G" -arrow- is visible in the ECM detail information, the cruise control system is activated. (Fig 36)

Fig 36: VAS Display - G Visible In ECM Detail
If there is no "G" -arrow-, the cruise control feature is not activated;
- Select "016 - Access authorization" and enter 00003 for 1999 M.Y. vehicles.
- Select "016 - Access authorization" and enter 11463 for 2000 to 2002 M.Y. vehicles.
The "G" should then be visible in the display.
California Dealers ONLY: Fill out and affix emission recall completion label (part number ZVW 010 000) next to the vehicle emission control information label. Ensure recall completion label does not cover any existing label(s).

WORK IS COMPLETE.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) EMISSIONS SERVICE ACTION N7

This FAQ is intended to provide supplementary information regarding this campaign. For additional information, please refer to the campaign circular that will be posted on ElsaWeb and on ServiceNet.

What vehicles are affected?

1999-2002 MY Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 engine.

How many vehicles are affected?

Approximately 89,400 in the U.S., approximately 7,300 in Canada.

What is the problem?

The software in the catalytic converter monitoring system is too sensitive.

What can happen?

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.

Can I drive the vehicle until it is repaired?

Affected vehicles can continue to be driven as usual, but if the MIL light illuminates, motorists should contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer to make an appointment for service.

What exactly will be repaired on the vehicle?

Dealers will update catalytic converter software.

How long does the repair take?

The update will take less than one hour to complete.

Is a loaner vehicle or towing being covered under this action?

No.

Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes, after you receive a letter confirming that you are the owner of an affected vehicle and parts are available.

When will this repair be available?

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified in May 2007.