Engine Controls - DTC's P0300-P0304/P0420/P0441
0109-10
Affected Vehicles
Condition
01 09 10 Apr. 15, 2009 2010348 Supersedes T. B. Group 01, number 09-06 dated Apr. 8, 2009 due to additional "Note" under Technical Background information.
Update Programming Engine Control Module to Address DTCs P0300-P0304, P0420 and P0441
NOTE: DO NOT diagnose or replace Evaporative or Emissions system components such as Catalyst, Ignition Components, Fuel Cap, Activated Charcoal Canister or the Evaporative system purge valve -N80-, before performing the update function as explained in this bulletin.
Updated ECM software that addresses:
Technical Background
May be caused by software of Engine Control Module.
Improved software in Engine Control Module resolves concerns related to:
- EVAP strategy change to prevent system testing below 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Adjustment to OBD diagnostic parameter strategy.
- For catalyst efficiency faults also see Technical Bulletin instance number 2010271.
NOTE: Monitoring strategy for catalytic converter is too sensitive causing unnecessary catalytic converter replacements. Engine misfire diagnostic strategy is adjusted for better catalyst protection. Updated programming of the ECM software is based on recent engineering experiences and makes this knowledge available for the monitoring strategy.
Production Solution
Software concern was identified after end of production.
Service
PROCEDURE:
Engine Control Module Update - Programming (Flashing) using Software Version Management (SVM)
Vehicle requirements
Battery MUST have minimum no-load charge of 12.5V (failure to maintain voltage during update process can lead to ECM failure) (use a Volkswagen approved Midtronics/InCharge 940 (INC-940) tester/charger to maintain battery voltage).
VAS 5051: connected to vehicle and to 110V AC Power supply at all times during procedure.
VAS 5052: connected to vehicle with battery voltage requirements met.
Any appliances with high electromagnetic radiation (i.e. mobile phones) switched OFF.
When performing the update programming procedure, ALL DTCs for all systems are erased.
DTCs linked to Guided Fault Finding function tests will be lost. Therefore, always address stored DTCs for Customer concerns unrelated to the update programming procedure first.
NOTE:
- Non observance of the following points may lead to ECM failure! VAS 5051 or VAS 5052 must always be connected to the approved power supply at the approved voltages. Under no circumstances should the power supply be interrupted or the diagnostic connector unplugged during the update programming procedure. Any appliances with high electromagnetic radiation (i.e. mobile phones) must be switched OFF.
- Prior to launching VAS-PC application and starting control module update process, confirm tester screen saver and power settings in accordance with Special Tools and Equipment - Service Information Document # VSE-08- 18. Failure to do so may result in the tester entering power save mode during data transfer, and subsequent control module failure.
Tip: 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.
For further update instructions and troubleshooting, refer to SVM Technical Bulletin Instance 2014603, in ElsaWeb.
- Update the Engine Control Module using the SVM action code as listed in the table below:
Tip: The procedure can be found in GFF under Functions/ Component Selection, Software Version Management, Adjust Software.
NOTE: An Update Programming procedure (flash) may overwrite any "TUNED" ECM or TCM programming. A "TUNED" ECM or TCM is described as any ECM or TCM altered so as to perform outside the normal parameters and specifications approved by Volkswagen Group of America.
Current Tuned ECM or TCM requirements: If you encounter a vehicle with a "Tuned" ECM or TCM, your dealership must do the following before performing any procedure that updates ECM or TCM programming:
- Notify the owner that their ECM or TCM was found to have been tuned
- Notify the owner any damage caused by the tuning of the ECM or TCM (including any adverse emissions consequences) will not be covered by Volkswagen Group of America warranties.
- Obtain the owner's written consent (see attached Control Module Tuning form) for any requested repair under warranty or outside warranty that requires flashing, which will automatically overwrite the "Tuned" program.
If the vehicle has a tuned ECM or TCM, ensure the Control Module Tuning Form has been filled out.
Warranty
Required Parts and Tools
No Special Parts required.
Additional Information
All part and service references provided in this Technical Bulletin are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Dept. and Repair Manuals for the latest information.
Tuning Authorizing Form