P2407 on 2012-2019 Volkswagen Passat: EVAP Pump Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2019 Volkswagen PASSAT

The 2012-2019 Passat (NMS B7 generation) is susceptible to this code, as evidenced by multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that list P2407 as a common customer complaint. The primary issue is the location of the Leak Detection Pump in the rear passenger wheel well, where it is exposed to water, road salt, and debris. This environment leads to corrosion of the pump's electrical connector and internal failure of the pump itself, making this a more frequent repair on this model compared to vehicles where the component is better protected. This issue is also common on other VWs from the same era that share the LDP, such as the Jetta, CC, and Tiguan.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on.
• Inability to pass an emissions inspection.
• No noticeable change in engine performance or fuel economy.
• A faint fuel odor may be present near the rear of the vehicle in some cases.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Leak Detection Pump (LDP) 🔴 High Probability The pump is located in the rear passenger wheel well, exposing it to road salt and moisture which can cause the internal sense circuit to fail over time. The pump contains a sensor that reports its status to the ECM, and this sensor is the common point of failure.
   How to confirm: After verifying the wiring is intact, this is the most likely cause. A scan tool with live data can monitor the pump's sense circuit voltage; erratic readings (e.g., dropping to 0V or spiking) during an EVAP test confirm the internal failure. This is the definitive test before ordering a new part.
   Typical fix: Replace the Leak Detection Pump. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the Passat's leak detection pump. It is mounted via three 10mm nuts to a bracket on the charcoal canister.
   Est. part cost: $65-$165
2. Corroded or Damaged Wiring/Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness and 4-pin connector for the LDP are in a vulnerable location. Road spray and salt cause corrosion on the connector pins (look for green/white powder), leading to an intermittent signal.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the connector and wiring harness leading to the LDP. Look for green or white corrosion, chafed wires, or broken insulation. Disconnect the plug and check the pins for integrity. Tug gently on the wires at the connector to check for a loose pin.
   Typical fix: Clean the connector pins thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner and a small brush. If corrosion is severe or wires are broken, the connector pigtail may need to be replaced. The repair pigtail part number is often 1J0-973-704.
   Est. part cost: $5-$30

Rare But Worth Checking

• Engine Control Module (ECM) Software: Multiple TSBs for other VW/Audi group vehicles (like TSB 2071770/9 and 2069659/1) indicate the diagnostic parameters for P2407 can be too sensitive, and a software update is the fix. This is a known issue where the ECM flags the pump incorrectly. If a new pump and clean wiring do not solve the code, checking with a dealer for an available ECM software update is a valid next step before replacing the ECM itself.
• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): This is extremely rare. The ECM's internal driver for the LDP sense circuit would have to fail. This should only be considered after every other possibility, including a software update, has been exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P2407 is present.
2. Safely raise the rear of the vehicle and remove the passenger-side rear wheel.
3. Remove the T-25 Torx screws holding the plastic wheel well liner to gain access to the charcoal canister and Leak Detection Pump (LDP).
🎬 Watch: This video shows how to access the pump behind the liner.
4. Visually inspect the 4-pin electrical connector and wiring going to the LDP. Look for any signs of corrosion, damage, or loose connections. If corrosion is found, clean it thoroughly.
5. For advanced diagnosis, use a scan tool (like VCDS) to command the EVAP system test and monitor the live data from the LDP sense circuit. The signal should be stable around 4.5-5.0V; if it's erratic or absent, the pump has failed internally.
6. If the wiring looks good and the signal is erratic, the LDP itself is the cause of the fault.
7. If the wiring is damaged, repair or replace the connector pigtail (Part No. 1J0-973-704). If the wiring is good, replace the LDP.
8. If a new pump and clean wiring do not resolve the code, contact a VW dealer to check if an ECM software update is available for your VIN per TSBs 2071770/9 or 2069659/1.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• EVAP Leak Detection Pump (OEM #7L0-906-243-D) — This is the component that contains the sense circuit that fails, triggering the P2407 code. It is the most common fix. The original part 7L0-906-243-A has been superseded by newer revisions like C, D, and F. 7L0-906-243-D or F is the recommended replacement.
  Trusted brands: Bosch (OEM supplier, P/N 0261222027), Dorman (P/N 310-601), Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $160-$240
  Aftermarket price range: $65-$120
• Hose Clamp — The factory hose clamp connecting the pump to the charcoal canister is often a one-time-use crimp style that must be cut off. A new worm-gear style clamp (approx. 1-inch diameter) is needed for reassembly.
  OEM price range: $2-$5
  Aftermarket price range: $1-$3
• Connector Repair Kit (Pigtail) (OEM #1J0-973-704) — If the connector housing or pins are heavily corroded or the wires are broken, this 4-pin pigtail is required to repair the harness.
  Trusted brands: URO Parts, Genuine VW/Audi
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0442 — Mentioned in TSB VIN4APIN20200720. If the LDP is not working correctly, it may not be able to seal the system properly for a test, leading to a false small leak code.
• P0111 — Mentioned in TSB VIN4APIN20200720. This code for the Intake Air Temp sensor is likely an unrelated issue that happens to be common on the vehicle, as there is no direct system relationship.
• P2402 — This code for 'EVAP Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit High' points to a different electrical fault in the same component. It's common to see various LDP circuit codes appear, all pointing back to a faulty pump or its wiring.
🎬 See how to swap the pump and inspect the connector.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• VIN4APIN20200720: Notes customer complaints of MIL-on with P2407.
• VIN4APIN20200728: Notes customer complaints of MIL-on with P2407.
• VIN4APIN20200812: Notes customer complaints of MIL-on with P2407.
• TSB 2071770/9 (Audi): Details a fix for P2407 on related vehicles via an ECM software update because the original diagnostics were 'too sensitive'.
• TSB 2069659/1 (VW): Warns dealers not to replace parts for P2407 before performing a software update, as 'Current engine software may allow erroneous faults to be stored in ECM memory'.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Volkswagen issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that include customer complaints of the Check Engine Light being on with code P2407 stored in the ECM.
• A specific owner on Reddit with a 2012 VW CC (a platform mate) reported getting a code for the leak detector pump just before an emissions test was due, a common scenario for this failure.
• TSB 2069659/1 (01-23-03) explicitly states that for P2407, technicians should NOT replace components before checking if an ECM software update is available, as the fault logic may be too sensitive.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• LDP Sense Circuit Voltage (Live Data) — expected: Stable 4.5V - 5.0V during EVAP test. Failure: Rapid spikes or drops to 0V
• LDP Internal Sensor Resistance — expected: 300 - 500 Ω. Failure: Reading is outside of the expected range
• LDP Ground Strap to Chassis Resistance — expected: < 0.1 Ω. Failure: Resistance is higher than 0.1 Ω, indicating a poor ground

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• VCDS (VAG-COM): Basic Settings - Group 071 (EVAP Leak Test) — To initiate the EVAP system self-test. While the test is running, the technician can monitor the LDP sense circuit voltage in Measuring Blocks to check for the intermittent signal that causes P2407.
• VCDS (VAG-COM): Output Tests — To sequentially activate individual EVAP components, including the Leak Detection Pump. This allows a technician to confirm if the pump motor activates on command, helping to isolate a circuit control problem from a sense circuit problem.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• LDP Connector (4-pin) — On the Leak Detection Pump, located in the rear passenger-side wheel well, attached to the charcoal canister.. This connector is the primary failure point for corrosion and wire damage due to its exposed location, directly causing the intermittent/erratic signal of P2407.
• Ground Connection 685 — On the right front longitudinal member (frame rail) in the engine compartment.. A poor ground connection at this point can create a floating reference voltage for various components, potentially causing erratic signals in sensitive circuits like the LDP sense line. While the pump itself is in the rear, its control and sense circuits are routed to the front and rely on chassis grounds.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 7L0-906-243 → 7L0-906-243-A — Revision and improvement of the component.
• 7L0-906-243-D → 7L0-906-243-F — Revision and improvement of the component.
• 7L0-906-243-F → 7L0-906-243-L — Latest revision of the part.
  Heads up: All listed part numbers (A, D, F, L) are generally considered interchangeable for the B7 Passat, with later revisions being preferred for reliability.