Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI, 2D Hatchback, Automatic DCT TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Engine Control Module -J623-, With An Anti-Theft Immobilizer

If replacing the Engine Control Module (ECM), then connect the vehicle diagnostic tester and perform the Guided Function "Replace Control Module".

Removing

-- Turn off the ignition.

-- Remove the windshield wiper arms. Refer to WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS .

-- Remove the plenum chamber bulkhead. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Push the retaining frame in the -direction of the arrow- downward and remove the ECM.

Fig 1: Identifying Direction To Push Retaining Frame

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Push the retainers in the -direction of the arrow- and disconnect the connector.

Fig 2: Identifying Direction(s) To Push Retainers

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Installing

-- Connect the connector to the ECM and push the retainers all the way in, in the -direction of the arrow-.

Fig 3: Identifying Direction(s) To Push Retainers

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Mount the ECM into the retaining frame and push it in, in the -direction of the arrow- upward.

Fig 4: Identifying Direction To Push Retaining Frame

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Install the plenum chamber bulkhead. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Install the windshield wiper arms. Refer to WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS .

If replacing the Engine Control Module (ECM), then connect the vehicle diagnostic tester and perform the Guided Function "Replace Control Module".

Removing

-- Turn off the ignition.

-- Remove the windshield wiper arms. Refer to WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS .

-- Remove the plenum chamber bulkhead. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Push the retaining frame in the -direction of the arrow- downward and remove the ECM.

Fig 1: Identifying Direction To Push Retaining Frame

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the shear bolts -arrows- with pliers.

Fig 2: Locating Shear Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Slide a screwdriver between both locking plates -arrow-.

Fig 3: Identifying Screwdriver Placed Between Locking Plates Of Locking Bracket -1-

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Carefully push the screwdriver in the -direction of the arrow- and at the same time bend the locking bracket -1- upward.

-- Bend the locking bracket -1- in the -direction of the arrow- until it can be removed from the connectors.

Fig 4: Identifying Removal Of Locking Bracket -1-

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Push the retainers in the -direction of the arrow- and disconnect the connector.

Fig 5: Identifying Direction(s) To Push Retainers

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Installing

-- Connect the connector to the ECM and push the retainers all the way in, in the -direction of the arrow-.

Fig 6: Identifying Direction(s) To Push Retainers

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Place the locking bracket -1- on the connectors and press it in the -direction of the arrow-.

Fig 7: Identifying Installation Of Locking Bracket -1-

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Install the bolts -2- all the way into the hole on the ECM housing.

-- Secure the locking bracket to the ECM with new shear bolts -arrows-.

Fig 8: Locating Shear Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Tighten the shear bolts -arrows- evenly until the bolt heads break off.

-- Mount the ECM into the retaining frame and push it in, in the -direction of the arrow- upward.

Fig 9: Identifying Direction To Push Retaining Frame

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Install the plenum chamber bulkhead. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Install the windshield wiper arms. Refer to WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS .

Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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