Does this finally mean that Volkswagen has got the software fix for this design fault (see post copied below) and if so why is it not yet available to all main dealers.

I have worked out from experimenting with seven of eleven early Passats all suffering same fault plus two fixed in warranty and two not gone wrong YET!

That the problem seems to be the motor in the steering lock winds just short of fully depressing the micro switch that sends the signal to the system confirming the lock has been disengaged, if switch is not fully depressed then no signal so vehicle will not start and simply trying dozens of times tends to do the trick because eventually the motor winds on far enough to activate the switch.

I do think Volkswagens lack of honour regarding sorting this minor fault causing major hassle just unbelievable and they deserve all the bad publicity possible. Melvyn.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...258021839.html
The Irish Times - Wednesday, November 4, 2009
MICHAEL McALEER
HELPDESK: Answering all your motoring queries
From P Murphy: My 2007 VW Passat has 47,000km on it, and it has been stalling recently. I took it to the garage and they tell me the steering column lock will have to be replaced (this is connected to the steering column itself, including a control module) at a cost of approximately €1,500 and it is not covered by warranty.
I was a little upset at the cost and typed in “Passat” and “steering lock” on the web. Now I am wondering is there a defect or design fault with this, as there appear to be thousands of posts and blogs about this problem on discussion forums.
They all seem to point to there being a problem or defect with this part. The garage insists it has never heard of the problem before.
According to a spokesman for VW, the problem concerns software on the control unit of a limited number of the current Passat models. VW Ireland now has updated diagnostic software that can rectify the problem on affected vehicles.
VW has added the complaint to the “goodwill list” for its warranty team. Those who believe they might have a problem or who have already paid to have the problem fixed should contact VW customer care on 01-8989700. The spokesman says a full recall has not been considered, as it is not necessarily a safety issue.