VW Dieselgate Fix Coming

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI engine (Credit: Volkswagen)

The beginning of the end is nigh for at least some Volkswagen TDI owners. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that on January 14, 2016 it will decide to either accept or reject the auto giant’s recall proposal for the 2.0-liter TDI engine.

Originally, a decision was supposed to be finalized just a few days ago. CARB said that Volkswagen turned over “significant information and data” relating to the repair of the engines so they can be compliant with emissions standards. It’s going to take an extra three weeks to go through all of those extra submissions and make a final decision.

A Reuters report claims that two different plans will need to be put into place for the 2.0-liter TDI. Newer VWs with the engine should only require software to reverse the emissions defeat device, making for a relatively quick and easy fix. When it comes to older models, the repair reportedly involves not only modified software, but also some new hardware, making it more expensive and complex to execute.

Thanks to tougher emissions regulations in the United States, Volkswagen has had to work up a more exhaustive plan versus the relatively simplistic one that was accepted by the German government.

With a resolution on the horizon, Volkswagen has hired an attorney to administer the recall claim program not only for the 2.0-liter TDI, but also the 3.0-liter TDI V-6s. The automaker says it chose this particular attorney because he will be “independent, fair and swift” about processing claims. If true, it would go a long way toward smoothing things over with the public, and at least some TDI owners.

The big question right now is how the finalized plan to make the Volkswagen TDI models compliant will affect the vehicles’ fuel economy and performance. The answer will dictate how well the cars hold onto their value, and how the image of the company will be altered in the longer run.

Yet another plan is being formulated for VW’s 3.0-liter TDI V-6 engines. It’s due in the early part of February, so hopefully that date remains on track.