VW starts implementing technical fix for diesel engines

Volkswagen (VW) has started to implement technical measures to fix the EA189 engines in Europe involved in the diesel emissions scandal.

The technical measures have been agreed by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority and come after the discovery of ‘defeat software’ in the engines which allowed vehicles to cheat emissions tests.

VW started implementing the measures on 2.0 litre engines at the end of January and will also work on 1.2 and 1.6 litre engines over the next few months.

A software update is planned for the 1.2 litre, 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre EA189 engines, which is expected to take less than half an hour. The 1.6 litre will also require a flow rectifier to be fitted in the intake duct, which should push the labour time up to around 45 minutes.

The recall has begun with the 2.0 TDI engine in the Volkswagen Amarok, and the Federal Motor Transport Authority has confirmed that the installation of this new engine control software means that the vehicle meets the EU5 emissions standard with no change to the fuel economy, performance or CO2 emissions.

Dr Herbert Diess, chairman of the board of management Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, said: “The start of the recall is taking us a great step forwards. Our customers are getting a good technical solution for their car and can also rely on quick implementation of the modification.”