LEAKED: Volkswagen Sends "EcoPlus" Diesel Fix to Customer

It looks like Volkswagen has inadvertently sent a fix for its illegally polluting TDI vehicles to a customer, along with a letter spelling out the costs of said fix.

The fix, which is included on an OBD II adapter, wasn’t supposed to be sent with the letter, explained the TDI owner who wished to remain anonymous. Other TDI owners can expect to receive their fix in the next 90 days, says the letter.

From the letter:

Dear Volkswagen Owner,

As you are more than likely aware, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating the emissions compliance of certain model year Volkswagens powered by the TDI series of diesel engines. Although Volkswagen admits no fault or wrongdoing in this issue, and points out further that vehicles powered by the TDI engine family have met the most stringent and ethically administered emissions tests in Europe, to prevent customer dissatisfaction among our United States base of existing owners we have engineered a solution that addresses the EPA’s concerns while continuing to deliver the low-consumption, environmentally conscious TDI experience that our owners love.

During the next 90 days, you will be contacted by your dealership with an offer to take advantage of our EcoPlus reprogramming service. The EcoPlus is a small device that connects to your Volkswagen vehicle through the existing diagnostic port — no greasy fingers or bruised knuckles required! That’s the Volkswagen way! After the dealer connects the EcoPlus device to your vehicle, you’ll be asked to drive as you normally do for a period of seven (7) to fourteen (14) days, at which point you’ll return to your dealer to have the device removed.

At that point, your TDI Volkswagen will comply with the most stringent EPA tests at any time. It’s that easy!

If you purchased your VW TDI used, or if you have moved away from your selling dealer, please contact Volkswagen of America via physical mail at the following address:

Attention: EcoPlus Compliance Program

Include your VIN, your current physical address where the car is located, and the best times and method to reach you.

Be aware that by connecting the EcoPlus device to your car, you may be waiving your right to legal recourse in most states, exempting California and Rhode Island. You will also be changing your powertrain warranty coverage to a total of 12 months/12,000 miles after the EcoPlus device is connected, regardless of current warranty coverage.

Drivers may notice a decrease in fuel efficiency of between 5 and 32 percent, depending on climate, engine model year, and driving habits. Some drivers may also notice a decrease in power under certain conditions, such as full-throttle driving or highway operation. In some tests, the power rating of the VW TDI engine was affected by as much as 26 percent during full-throttle operation in cold climates. Finally, the increased duty cycle brought on by changes in engine programming may significantly reduce the time between major services for TDI engines coupled to a manual transmission.

For more information, please write to the address above.

With all the performance and fuel economy losses, you’d be foolish to plug this into your Volkswagen.