I got my code at around 4000 miles. They replaced the pump but couldn't get the AdBlue warning to reset so they kept it overnight. Not sure what else they did but haven't had another issue since (3000 more miles).

I just joined so didn't realize this was an issue and the tech told me this was the first problem with a pump he had seen. After reading all this, I'm wondering if that is correct.

 

Well, you've gone 3k without an issue. Mine went at 1200 miles. I'm at 4600. I think the issue has been solved.

 

Update... the new module fixed my issue. I guess they tried recoding my original module but that did not work. The new one did the trick, back to being a happy Touareg owner again.

David

 

O-o-o-h-h-h... the saga of the Touareg's AdBlue system still sounds clear and loud! This has become the most famous poetry of the VW Touareg 2011-2012 vintage! The issue is simple - their AdBlue system initial design sucked, but their Engineering department is snob-ignorant of it and don't want to issue a full scale recall! After all there are not too many of us Touareg owners in the US to raise a stink to a noticeable level! Damn these Californian regulations with their socialistic approach to emission control! Would this be nice if in California it will be prohibited to drive diesel Touaregs so the rest of us can enjoy a non-existence of the AdBlue ugly issue? :-lll

 

I read someone's response that stated they had ad Blue added and they saw crystalline deposits all inside the back. I had my ad Blue warning come on, so I added ad Blue. Last time I took it in to the VW repair they added it, and the So Called Tech, must have spilled it everywhere. The point I want to make is if you allow your ad Blue to run out, and it dries into crystals, might it be crystals clogging the ad Blue system, that is causing all of the ad Blue systems failures? Just a thought!

 

Add me to the list of drivers with AdBlue system issues. Mine occurred at 18,200 miles. It has been in the shop since Wednesday. They said my 2011 already has the software update, so they think it is mechanical. Apparently, the system is pumping too much adblue, or, at least that is the hypothesis at present. I am driving their loaner Jetta. Fortunately, I don't drive many miles when school is in session, so it is not a big deal. On school vacations I drive 1400 miles to Tennessee and back. I wish I were having this problem in Knoxville, where I have some history with the service department. This is one helluva first experience with the folks in Manchester, NH.

 

Does anyone else find it weird that VW had this problem in 09, and now here we are a few years later and the same problem is repeating itself?

 

I think it is a bit strange that anyone who is up to date on the various discussions of VW's competence (or lack of...) even asks that question. Nothing strange or unexpected about it - it is standard VW operating protocol.

 

I read someone's response that stated they had ad Blue added and they saw crystalline deposits all inside the back. I had my ad Blue warning come on, so I added ad Blue. Last time I took it in to the VW repair they added it, and the So Called Tech, must have spilled it everywhere. The point I want to make is if you allow your ad Blue to run out, and it dries into crystals, might it be crystals clogging the ad Blue system, that is causing all of the ad Blue systems failures? Just a thought!

Good theory except mine never ran out. So I doubt that is the issue. I have yet to even see a fill warning on mine since owning it and have only personally filled it once since I had it. It could have been topped off during services. With the bottles VW supplies their adblue in there should be no reason for spillage at all.

 

They may have fancy bottles but I watched a Tech with a 2 gallon container & a funnel filling mine

 

They may have fancy bottles but I watched a Tech with a 2 gallon container & a funnel filling mine

The tech is not too smart then. He should have kept the first gallon bottle and cut the bottom out so he does not need to make a mess with a funnel and a 2 gallon bottle.

 

Ad Blue



I wouldn't say that he wasn't smart. The idea of using a Bottle of Ad Blue that cost $9-$10, versus using a 2 Gallon Jug $15, a smart Business Man would use the 2 Gallon Jug. I went back after the warrantee, and they wanted $96 to fill the Ad Blue. I bought the small Jug, & the approximately 2 Gallon jug. I can screw the top off refill it with a funnel, and use the specialty container to refill the tank, much less of a mess in the trunk. I hate cleaning it up after they spill that stuff all over the spare. It only took about 10 minutes for me to fill it, and I didn't make a mess!

 

I have been told that I need a new pump for the AdBlue system and a new temperature sensor. The parts are not even in the US; they are being shipped into California, and then will be sent across country to New Hampshire. Another thing: there is a regional engineer for VW, who handles Touareg problems in most of the Northeast. This diagnosis comes from his inspection on Monday. The wait is actually not a big problem for me, since I'm not driving the car much while school is in session. The big worry is are they really fixing the car, or just guessing and grasping at straws? And, of course, the wait for the parts themselves.

 

I am waiting on the same pump for a week now. Temp sensor was replaced last week and no ETA on the pump. Truck has less than 700 miles on it.

 

I believe the pump is in short supply. I was lucky to get mine quickly and was told it would normally take a few weeks to get the pump.

Had my pump replaced at 1200 miles. I'm at 4700 miles. No issues. Good luck!

 

You do not need to cut the bottom off, the nozzle screws off so you can refill and store it in the car, for a long trip.

How long of a trip do you plan on taking that you need to take a bottle with you? I crossed the US three times between SLC, UT and York, PA which put over 6K on my vehicle. I did not touch the adblue tank at all.

 

I don't have the part number, but there is a funnel you can buy which lets you fill the tank using bulk adblue. I haven't used the funnel, but since the whole point of using the bottles is that they do not allow for spilling/overfill, I've simply cut off the bottom of a VW bottle and use generic adblue poured into the bottom of it...

The bottle is worth the $10 VW wants for it, the adblue they sell is a ripoff, I can buy a 10L jug for $11 bucks at the truck stop, the same 10L would cost me around $60 at the dealer!

 

So, does anyone have a handle on what the adblue problem really is? In my review of the many posts on this subject, I found for most replacing the pump was the fix, but others replaced the delivery module or wiring harness instead. Still others had the whole system replaced. Are we any closer to knowing?

My check engine light came on today, but not the adblue light. Dealer checked the code and said it was for the adblue pump, but after a reset, could not get the code again. We had a very frank discussion and I specifically told him all I have learned from this forum. He says once he had to replace the whole system, other times he just resets the warning light and the problem never came back. We tried the reset, and so far, so good. I have had excellent service from this same dealership with my Subaru, so I will remain optimistic.

 

There is no consensus yet. My first time AdBlue fix at 3400 miles was firmware upgrade. Second fix at 5300 miles was AdBlue pump replacement (this one had “check engine” light). I bet that both times the issue was one and the same - the pump and the VW simply doesn’t want to do a full scale recall. Second remote possibility is that the Touareg diagnostic system does not function properly so it reports problems when they do not exist. IMO that doing things like replacing delivery module or wiring harness is simply an indication of the fact how clueless Service Departments are about this problem with Touaregs 2011-2012.
P.S. Ironically, if my second guess is right, then you truck is in as good condition after system reset as mine after pump replacement.

 

CC, I think you're spot on. Mine, being newer, already had the latest software but pump was replaced. No issues since.

 

Another Touareg with AdBlue issues. My 2011 Lux just turned 20,000 miles and the AdBlue notification started along with the service reminder. The check-en.gine light also happened to come on a day later. Took it in for service Thursday and received call Friday that there were problems with AdBlue system. Service rep said they think it's the injector. Parts are supposed to have been overnighted for Monday delivery. Fortunate that it all happened at scheduled service interval as my dealer is 55 miles away. Driving new Passat for loaner.

 

Count me as one who had AdBlue system issues. The first two incidents were as Consumer described above. First fix was software only, second fix was pump replacement (I think). Third fix was complete system replacement with parts sent from Germany. The last fix was completed about 1,000 miles ago, or so. So far so good. I love the car, but would like if the AdBlue system problems went away.

When it became clear the system needed fixing for the third time, I filed a case with VW of America. Hopefully the third time is the charm.

p.s. My Touareg has 38,000 miles now. Took delivery of it in early November, 2010.

 

My TReg is ready to be picked up today. The wait for the pump was not as long as I feared. Hopefully the car will be clean and run right when I get it. I've been missing it! GREAT car (and to be fair, this my first issue after 18+K miles.) Fingers crossed in Manchester NH.

 

Recall Rumored

So I just got my car back from Quirk Volkswagen in Manchester. At 18.2K the Ad Blue system went bad. They ended up replacing the temperature sensor, but according to the service advisor, apparently there is going to be a software update or even a "recall" in mid June for the entire Touareg line. It is costing Volkswagen a ton of money to keep replacing the system under warranty, and moreover, customer buzz is starting to be negative about a car which has good sales but which could have great sales. Anyway, the adviser was told that a fix is imminent. Here is the language directly from the service receipt:

Completed diagnostic scan of engine management system and retrieved diagnostics codes P20S500 (Reducting consumption too high) and P20EE00 (catalyst EFF below threshold). See VTA 65618428. Completed SCR leak detection test. Measurement test 40 mL below manufacturer guidelines. Per VTA replaced exhaust gas temp sensor and reset values for the ad blue pump till software update is available (customer care will notify customer when software update is available). Road tested through two engine cycles to verify repair.

According to the service advisor, my car was using urea at four times the standard rate. They took the tank out and reinstalled it, did the same for the pressure sensor, recalibrated the urea system at zero and then filled the tank to the top. This is supposed to keep me running until mid-June when VW will be rolling out the new fix.

On a related note, I would say that I was mildly pleasantly surprised by the work done by the service department at the Manchester dealer. They kept in touch, they did not obfuscate, they were very concerned to limit my time without the truck, and to keep me happy. In addition, they performed, unasked, a courtesy inspection that eliminated a slight steering vibration from the front end. Finally, there were no missing items or weird changes to my odometer or to my infotainment settings upon picking up the car. So, good in them.

Anyway, I hope there really is a permanent fix on the horizon for the urea system problems on the Touareg T3. A lot of us would either breathe easier, or just get back to enjoying our truck. That's my latest.

 

Update. Service rep called yesterday and told me I could pickup the Touareg anytime. He said a VW engineer told him it was just a software update and safe to drive until they have it ready in a month or so. No equipment needed replacing.

Got a call today saying that a different engineer called and told them that the injector must be replaced for fear of burning up the exhaust system. Plus there will be a software update but it is not yet ready. Now we have to wait for equipment - again - since original order was cancelled.

Glad I'm out of town.

New Passat has console that my right knee hits in a most uncomfortable way.

 

Update. It was 5 weeks to the day but I finally got the Touareg back.

 

And how have VWoA re-imbursed you for that?

 

They're reimbursing me for a car payment and not charging for some other services I had done while the car was in for service i.e wheel balance, chrome pedal kit. It's +/- $1K.