The German Federal Motor Transport Authority has accepted Volkswagen's proposed repairs for the 1.6- and 2.0-liter versions of its emissions-cheating EA189 diesel engine in Europe. The 1.6 will need a software and hardware upgrade to be compliant, but the 2.0 will only require a software update. The first recalls in Germany will likely begin in January, according to VW.
For the 1.6 TDI, technicians will install a piece of mesh called a "flow transformer" in front of the air mass sensor. This part will calm "the swirled air flow in front of the air mass sensor and will thus decisively improve the measuring accuracy" of the component, according to the automaker's explanation. Mechanics will also update the engine software, and the company expects the whole repair to take less than an hour.
So far, VW only says that the 2.0 TDI needs a software update, but the company doesn't explain specifically what the new code changes. It should take about half an hour to install.
The automaker's goal is for these repairs is to meet emissions standards and have no detrimental effects on fuel economy or performance. However, VW admits that it hasn't yet tested the fixes on every model variant to confirm that desire. The company also still needs to submit a fix for the 1.2-liter three-cylinder diesel to the German regulator, but the automaker expects to have a software update ready to present by the end of the month.
To be clear, these repairs only apply to VW's diesels in Europe. The Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board need to approve any fixes in the US before the company can implement them. However, the automaker recently submitted a proposed recall plan to CARB as a possible first step towards ending the emissions problem here. Audi also promised to have a software upgrade for the 3.0 TDI V6 to present to US regulators.
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For the 1.6 TDI, technicians will install a piece of mesh called a "flow transformer" in front of the air mass sensor. This part will calm "the swirled air flow in front of the air mass sensor and will thus decisively improve the measuring accuracy" of the component, according to the automaker's explanation. Mechanics will also update the engine software, and the company expects the whole repair to take less than an hour.
So far, VW only says that the 2.0 TDI needs a software update, but the company doesn't explain specifically what the new code changes. It should take about half an hour to install.
The automaker's goal is for these repairs is to meet emissions standards and have no detrimental effects on fuel economy or performance. However, VW admits that it hasn't yet tested the fixes on every model variant to confirm that desire. The company also still needs to submit a fix for the 1.2-liter three-cylinder diesel to the German regulator, but the automaker expects to have a software update ready to present by the end of the month.
To be clear, these repairs only apply to VW's diesels in Europe. The Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board need to approve any fixes in the US before the company can implement them. However, the automaker recently submitted a proposed recall plan to CARB as a possible first step towards ending the emissions problem here. Audi also promised to have a software upgrade for the 3.0 TDI V6 to present to US regulators.
Related Video:
Technical measures for the EA 189 diesel engines affected presented to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority
Next step in solving the NOx exhaust emissions issue in Europe
Minor hardware measures for the 1.6 TDI engines
2.0 TDI engines only need a software update
Target: no adverse effects on fuel consumption and performance
1.6 TDI engine (EA 189): flow straightener 1.6 TDI engine (EA 189): flow straightener
The clarification and solution of the diesel issue is progressing. The Volkswagen Group has presented specific technical measures for the EA 189 engines affected with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres to the Federal Motor Transport Authority. This means that correction measures have been fixed for the majority of the vehicles affected. In the development of the solutions, the focus was on maximum customer-friendliness. After implementation of the technical measures, the vehicles will comply with the applicable emissions standards. The final technical solution for the 1.2-litre diesel engine will be presented to the Federal Motor Transport Authority at the end of the month and is expected to comprise a software update.
The technical measures developed for the EA 189 diesel engines affected have been presented to the Federal Motor Transport Authority. Following an intensive examination, these measures have been ratified by the Federal Motor Transport Authority. This means that there is now clarity regarding the correction of the irregularities for the majority of vehicles affected.
A "flow transformer" will be fitted directly in front of the air mass sensor on the 1.6-litre EA 189 engine. This is a mesh that calms the swirled air flow in front of the air mass sensor and will thus decisively improve the measuring accuracy of the air mass sensor. The air mass sensor determines the current air mass throughput, which is a very important parameter for the engine management for an optimum combustion process. In addition, a software update will be performed on this engine. The time needed for the implementation of the technical measures is expected to be less than one hour.
The 2.0 litre engines will get a software update. The pure labour time for this measure will be around half an hour.
Thanks to advances in engine development and improved simulation of currents inside complex air intake systems, in combination with software optimisation geared towards this, it has been possible to produce a relatively simple and customer-friendly measure.
The objective for the development of the technical measures is still to achieve the applicable emission targets in each case without any adverse effects on the engine output, fuel consumption and performance. However, as all model variants first have to be measured, the achievement of these targets cannot yet be finally confirmed.
Based on these technical measures accepted by the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the necessary service concepts are currently being developed for the EU28 markets concerned . The aim is to implement the required technical update in the first vehicles during a recall from January 2016. According to the current assessment, all measures in the course of the recall for all engine variants will extend over the whole calendar year 2016.
Volkswagen will ensure that the time needed to implement the technical measures is as short as possible for all customers. In addition, Volkswagen will contact all customers and endeavour to consider individual customer needs during the implementation of these measures to avoid any disadvantages for the customer such as possible curbing of their mobility. In connection with this, the Volkswagen brand will thus ensure that all customers are offered appropriate replacement mobility options free of charge.
For example, since the beginning of October, all Volkswagen customers have been able to check for themselves whether their vehicle is affected by the diesel issue. At www.volkswagen.de/info every customer can enter their vehicle identification number to obtain clear information.
With these defined measures, technical solutions are already available for the majority of all Group models affected in Europe with EA 189 engines. At the end of this month, corresponding measures will be presented to the Federal Motor Transport Authority for the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine as well.
Based on the approach of the Volkswagen brand, the Group's other brands – Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – are also planning corresponding measures for their affected vehicles.
In addition, until 31 December 2016, Volkswagen AG is expressly forgoing the right to plea on the grounds of statutes of limitations in respect of any warranty or guarantee claims due to the software installed in vehicles with EA 189 engines, as long as the rights to make any such claims have not already expired. Volkswagen customers will therefore not be disadvantaged by any waiting.
One thing is certain: the vehicles remain technically safe and can therefore be driven on public roads without any limitation.
NB: The information in this press release does not refer to products and services from the Volkswagen Group of America or Volkswagen Canada.
Next step in solving the NOx exhaust emissions issue in Europe
Minor hardware measures for the 1.6 TDI engines
2.0 TDI engines only need a software update
Target: no adverse effects on fuel consumption and performance
1.6 TDI engine (EA 189): flow straightener 1.6 TDI engine (EA 189): flow straightener
The clarification and solution of the diesel issue is progressing. The Volkswagen Group has presented specific technical measures for the EA 189 engines affected with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres to the Federal Motor Transport Authority. This means that correction measures have been fixed for the majority of the vehicles affected. In the development of the solutions, the focus was on maximum customer-friendliness. After implementation of the technical measures, the vehicles will comply with the applicable emissions standards. The final technical solution for the 1.2-litre diesel engine will be presented to the Federal Motor Transport Authority at the end of the month and is expected to comprise a software update.
The technical measures developed for the EA 189 diesel engines affected have been presented to the Federal Motor Transport Authority. Following an intensive examination, these measures have been ratified by the Federal Motor Transport Authority. This means that there is now clarity regarding the correction of the irregularities for the majority of vehicles affected.
A "flow transformer" will be fitted directly in front of the air mass sensor on the 1.6-litre EA 189 engine. This is a mesh that calms the swirled air flow in front of the air mass sensor and will thus decisively improve the measuring accuracy of the air mass sensor. The air mass sensor determines the current air mass throughput, which is a very important parameter for the engine management for an optimum combustion process. In addition, a software update will be performed on this engine. The time needed for the implementation of the technical measures is expected to be less than one hour.
The 2.0 litre engines will get a software update. The pure labour time for this measure will be around half an hour.
Thanks to advances in engine development and improved simulation of currents inside complex air intake systems, in combination with software optimisation geared towards this, it has been possible to produce a relatively simple and customer-friendly measure.
The objective for the development of the technical measures is still to achieve the applicable emission targets in each case without any adverse effects on the engine output, fuel consumption and performance. However, as all model variants first have to be measured, the achievement of these targets cannot yet be finally confirmed.
Based on these technical measures accepted by the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the necessary service concepts are currently being developed for the EU28 markets concerned . The aim is to implement the required technical update in the first vehicles during a recall from January 2016. According to the current assessment, all measures in the course of the recall for all engine variants will extend over the whole calendar year 2016.
Volkswagen will ensure that the time needed to implement the technical measures is as short as possible for all customers. In addition, Volkswagen will contact all customers and endeavour to consider individual customer needs during the implementation of these measures to avoid any disadvantages for the customer such as possible curbing of their mobility. In connection with this, the Volkswagen brand will thus ensure that all customers are offered appropriate replacement mobility options free of charge.
For example, since the beginning of October, all Volkswagen customers have been able to check for themselves whether their vehicle is affected by the diesel issue. At www.volkswagen.de/info every customer can enter their vehicle identification number to obtain clear information.
With these defined measures, technical solutions are already available for the majority of all Group models affected in Europe with EA 189 engines. At the end of this month, corresponding measures will be presented to the Federal Motor Transport Authority for the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine as well.
Based on the approach of the Volkswagen brand, the Group's other brands – Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – are also planning corresponding measures for their affected vehicles.
In addition, until 31 December 2016, Volkswagen AG is expressly forgoing the right to plea on the grounds of statutes of limitations in respect of any warranty or guarantee claims due to the software installed in vehicles with EA 189 engines, as long as the rights to make any such claims have not already expired. Volkswagen customers will therefore not be disadvantaged by any waiting.
One thing is certain: the vehicles remain technically safe and can therefore be driven on public roads without any limitation.
NB: The information in this press release does not refer to products and services from the Volkswagen Group of America or Volkswagen Canada.
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