Volkswagen cheats emissions tests!

[TW]Fox · 10 Oct 2015 at 11:25

Hikari Kisugi said:
The dodgy software doesn't affect the engines, but the real world performance will be higher than stated emissions it would appear.

But that is nothing to do with the VW scandal - it seems lots of people, the media, have lumped loads of unrelated stuff together. The fact that real world fuel economy (and thus emissions) do not match the stupid EU lab tests isn't news and it isn't related to the VW thing yet it's being talked about as if it is.

We've all been moaning on here about those tests for years?

wesimmo · 10 Oct 2015 at 11:37

Skeeter said:
So do we know that this affects the EA288 engines as they are part of the EA189 family that is confirmed to have the dodgy software?

Basically is the 2.0L TDI Octavia affected?

My workmate has got a month old Octavia vRS which is impacted, he entered his VIN and got a message apologising and that they would be in touch to sort it out.

I'm guessing they are waiting to see what they are forced to do before confirming their stance.

Kenai · 10 Oct 2015 at 11:41

If what VW need to 'fix' is a software mode that detects test cycles, it could very well be that a great many engines are affected because it's standard software that has been utilised on various EA189 family engines.

That doesn't mean those engines are necessarily spewing out NOx they're not meant to, or that VW needs to strap a barrel of AdBlue to every car etc. just that they might all need a software flash to remove the offending test detection and be on their way, happily meeting their required EU targets regardless.

Obviously the US engines will be needing more of a fix but i'm yet to see any evidence at all that suggests this will be required anywhere outside the US.

Dolph · 10 Oct 2015 at 17:22

Well, this could be interesting. The VW site identifies my Passat as one of the impacted cars, glad I am already committed to getting rid in November.

Still be watching to see what happens mind.

Skeeter · 10 Oct 2015 at 23:45

wesimmo said:
My workmate has got a month old Octavia vRS which is impacted, he entered his VIN and got a message apologising and that they would be in touch to sort it out.

I'm guessing they are waiting to see what they are forced to do before confirming their stance.

Sounds like mine will be too then. I hope it doesn't delay delivery

. Theres already stories of a build up of cars at docks. There US bound ones, but delays in shipping may have an effect on all shipping

.

OracIe · 10 Oct 2015 at 23:54

Well I've used the VIN checker on the VW website, my Amarok 2014 180 BlueMotion Highline isnt affected.

[TW]Fox · 11 Oct 2015 at 09:14

Skeeter said:
Sounds like mine will be too then. I hope it doesn't delay delivery . Theres already stories of a build up of cars at docks. There US bound ones, but delays in shipping may have an effect on all shipping .

There are no US bound Octavia?

PapaLazaru · 11 Oct 2015 at 09:24

My Bluetomotion which I already sold is affected. Noted that the CAP valuation has dropped a grand since I checked it last month.

Kenai · 11 Oct 2015 at 09:47

PapaLazaru said:
My Bluetomotion which I already sold is affected. Noted that the CAP valuation has dropped a grand since I checked it last month.

Good chance it would have dropped a big chunk regardless, especially so if it was fairly new.

PapaLazaru · 11 Oct 2015 at 10:07

Kenai said:
Good chance it would have dropped a big chunk regardless, especially so if it was fairly new.

2009 model so was a fairly large drop.

[TW]Fox · 11 Oct 2015 at 10:12

PapaLazaru said:
2009 model so was a fairly large drop.

CAP estimated a 2% effect on residuals, large drops like that are reasonable common from time to time as the residuals in the guides are adjusted. About 2 months after I got my F10 they all dropped by £1k despite not moving for months beforehand

Skeeter · 11 Oct 2015 at 15:33

[TW]Fox;28669336 said:
There are no US bound Octavia?

I know, but there are US bound VAG cars. Hold ups in shipping US cars may cause a backlog that starts to delay shipping to all areas.

Likewise any slow down or delays in manufacturering US cars may start to affect all.

HangTime · 12 Oct 2015 at 22:30

BBC said:
About 400,000 Volkswagen cars in the UK will need fuel injectors altered as well as a software fix, its UK boss said.
Paul Willis, UK managing director, said that cars fitted with the 1.6L diesel engine would need the physical remedy.
Those with the larger 2L engine would only need a software fix

Note that interpreting other text the 400k vehicles must be across the VAG group so not just VW per se.

Hopefully some enterprising souls will do before/after comparison on performance and fuel economy once they get booked in for recall.

Kenai · 12 Oct 2015 at 22:38

If they do, hopefully it's someone with an ounce of sense, not like half the spurious nonsense you see spouted online about peoples MPG figures because they've decided to compare their old petrol sat in traffic for an hour to their new diesel going downhill on a motorway with a tail wind being towed by someone else

floatindolphin · 12 Oct 2015 at 23:15

anyone know if a Polo Dune 1.4 TDI is likely to be affected?

I'd go grab the Vin number form the windscreen but it's dark and cold outside.

[TW]Fox · 12 Oct 2015 at 23:20

Are they not 10 years old? Too old to be affected I think.

mikeh501 · 13 Oct 2015 at 10:30

I havent read the entire thread, but is there a case for not having the recall performed? if they are going to lean the engine out to meet tighter emmissions then surely it will impact performance and engine reliability.

on an aside, they are going to be awash with claims on this. the next PPI i suspect in the UK. class actions in the US etc.

Billzz · 13 Oct 2015 at 10:43

I've just had a letter in the post saying my 2011 2.0 Golf needs the fix. I'm not sure how I feel about this right now - I really want to know exactly what they need to do to 'fix' the issue: how will it effect mpg, performance, engine life and if there will be any kind of extended warranty to help with any unforeseen potential issues long term. I somehow think not. Shame - I really liked the car/brand - and have been a loyal VW/Audi driver for a few years but highly doubt my loyalty will stay for my next car - unless they do the right thing by their customers.

Myshra · 13 Oct 2015 at 10:55

Well there's a bit more news in that the 1.6 will likely need new injectors and the others will need "new software".

Anyone know why injectors would be the thing here? I assume each injector has a min/max flow so is it possible that the 1.6 injectors can't go low enough or something? Both have similar injectors after a quick google, piezo 1600/1850 bar / 8 nozzle but there will likely be more differences im sure.

Hades · 13 Oct 2015 at 11:08

Billzz said:
I've just had a letter in the post saying my 2011 2.0 Golf needs the fix. I'm not sure how I feel about this right now - I really want to know exactly what they need to do to 'fix' the issue: how will it effect mpg, performance, engine life and if there will be any kind of extended warranty to help with any unforeseen potential issues long term. I somehow think not. Shame - I really liked the car/brand - and have been a loyal VW/Audi driver for a few years but highly doubt my loyalty will stay for my next car - unless they do the right thing by their customers.

The problem is that if you don't get it done they may void the warranty.

I would be writing back and asking the questions you have. Get it in writing etc. I would also maybe consider a rolling road day before and after and then, if the car is relatively new I would be looking to reject the car if performance drops below the originally quoted figures.

Unfortunately I don't know how successful you would be on a 2011 car though.