“There’s no steering data changes when you’re on a dynamometer!”
May have been an extension of existing programming.
The anti lock braking system alerts when the rear wheels lock up. These are front wheel drive vehicles. It is possible early programming derated engine output automatically when the anti lock system was activated. The engineers would have to bypass this feature during dynomometer testing, but they would have noticed lower emissions during resting if they didn’t. So...they just enhanced the “safety” features of turning down the engine output in a situation of rear wheel lockup (and running on th dyno).
The latest news is the use of FOUR WHEEL DYNOS!
Our son has a 2015 TDI and we are more concerned about the DSG trans fluid change, required at 40k miles.
The dealers want $600 to $800 to change the gearbox oil!
Not THAT much work, and you can buy the supplies for about $100, but You need a VERY SPECIAL’ OBD tool to reset.
He has 20 k on it now, so we have some time.
If fuel drops around $2 (5 cents/mile), the trans oil change cost 2 cents mile!
Interesting thought.
Interesting defense!