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MSG 038 Software: Update Available?

 
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Zak1976



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Post21-08-2006, 10:57    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

Hello.
"I'm driving a pre-production ARL (engine number 80!!). One of the old high-pressure diesel injectors (PDE) failed, so I bought a set of newer ones (038 130 073 AL), adjusted them, and installed them. Now, after starting, the car runs at 500 RPM for about 10 seconds, and then the RPM stays at 903 RPM. When I slowly press the accelerator, the engine's RPM changes, and the engine sound also changes; it sounds somehow tired and quieter than just above idle speed. It's hard to describe."
In the MSW system, two errors have been recorded: PDE cylinder 2 and 4 exceeded the regulation limit for PDE.
I then logged the MWB 23 data and saw consistent switching times of 126 for all cylinders. With the diesel temperature sensor disconnected, the switching times were even 176, which is very strange. This could indicate a faulty PDE (common rail injector) or a stuck magnetic valve, but on all 4 cylinders?
The adjustment was made visually, using a reference point, and the torques were set according to the repair manual.
My MSG number is 038 906 019 AQ, G000SG, revision level 1062.
Could it be that the software version of the MSG is the reason, as it might not be able to properly control the PDE? Is my MSG defective?
VW is, once again, remaining silent on the matter and wants to inspect the vehicle itself (ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!).
The round connector has already been treated with contact cleaner, and the grounding connections have also been checked.
Next, I plan to replace the diesel temperature sensor and the wiring harness for the common rail pressure sensor (PDE) to rule out any contact problems in that area.

Thank you very much for your tips.
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:46.
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Post21-08-2006, 12:05    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

There is no update available for that, regardless of whether the control unit is capable of being updated or not.


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:49.
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Zak1976



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Post21-08-2006, 12:06    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

Can I then rule out the software version as the cause of this behavior?
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:49.
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Post21-08-2006, 12:09    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

Please provide the exact error code entries.


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:49.
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Zak1976



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Post21-08-2006, 13:40    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

Here are the exact entries:

17678 - Pump Jet Valve: Cylinder 4 (N243): Regulation Range Exceeded.
P1270 - 35-00 - -
17672 - Pump Jet Valve: Cylinder 2 (N241): Regulation Range Exceeded.
P1264 - 35-00 - -
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:50.
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Post21-08-2006, 14:47    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/17672/P1264/004708
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/17678/P1270/004720

How about MWB 018? Are the resistances correct?


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:50.
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Zak1976



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Post21-08-2006, 15:32    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

I'll post the measurement values later. I'll need the values for MWB 13/18/23 at idle, both cold and warm, and under load. If you need any other values, please let me know.
"Something else I noticed is that when I removed the fuel temperature sensor and drove the car, no error codes appeared in the diagnostic memory. However, the temperature readings still seem normal."
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:51.
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ulf
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Post21-08-2006, 15:43    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

Zak1976 wrote:
What I also noticed is that when I removed the fuel temperature sensor and drove the car, no error codes appeared in the error memory.

Really? Then your software must be really old... I wouldn't have thought that there were any PD-MSG (Powertrain Diagnostic Message) that would tolerate an "open circuit" at the diesel sensor without throwing an error.
Gruß Ulf
_________

MG4 Electric


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:52.
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Zak1976



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Post21-08-2006, 16:49    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

@ Ulf
Yes, it really seems old. How can I get an updated version? Also, the MSG shouldn't be flashable, right?
VW, however, refuses to check, even with the chassis number, whether there is a more recent software version available for my engine.

"If I disconnect the temperature sensor, an error code is stored, but it only indicates that no signal is coming from the sensor. However, the errors related to the PDE (presumably a fuel injector or similar component) only appear when the temperature sensor is connected."
I believe the engine control unit (ECU) will use the values from the coolant temperature sensor as a substitute.
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:53.
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Zak1976



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Post21-08-2006, 18:17    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

Okay, here's a log file, created with a cold engine, just idling. From the timestamp 135 onwards, I gave it a little bit of gas while it was still idling. The other log files will follow. The laptop battery died, but hopefully, something can be determined from this log.



LOG-KALT-01-013-018-023.xls
 Description:
 MSG 038 Software: Update Available?
MSG 038 Software: Update Available?
Download
 File name:  LOG-KALT-01-013-018-023.xls
 File size:  51.5 KB
 Downloaded:  399 times
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:54.
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Zak1976



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Post22-08-2006, 19:49    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

It appears the PDE is indeed defective. Today, I replaced the fuel line for the PDE and the diesel temperature sensor. No improvement. Then, I placed a container of diesel directly behind the DIFI and inserted the supply and return lines, and started the engine, but there were hardly any changes (the switching times improved from 176 to 172, which isn't really better). I think this also rules out the pre-pump and the DIFI + Knackfrosch. Only the PDE remains. I'll install the old ones (which I cleaned with a wire brush icon_evil.gif) tomorrow.
In the log I posted, status code 47 appears for the MWB 18 after approximately 2-3 minutes. Can someone explain what this means? I was able to find information about the other status codes in this forum, but not about code 47.
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:55.
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Zak1976



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Post31-08-2006, 18:08    Subject: MSG 038 Software: Update Available? Quote

Just a quick update: The control unit can definitely be flashed while it's installed! The software version was so old that it was even possible to flash it without removing the fuse for the instrument cluster...
Fährt mit Golf 3 TDI Umbau (von AFN auf ARL)


Translated on 12-09-2026, 18:56.
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