If I had one of these, I know I don't want to take it in and have it neutered. And since it already defeats the smog test, what's my incentive?
But how will they verify? Would it be a voluntary recall?
If I had one of these, I know I don't want to take it in and have it neutered. And since it already defeats the smog test, what's my incentive? -- Drew |
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Vee have vays of making you cooperate!
I assume they'll offer incentives to get people to bring their cars in. I also assume that if the participation rate is not high enough, then there will be draconian sanctions - like not being able to register the car. In places that have annual emissions tests, I'm sure the word will go out that the car has to demonstrate that it has been fixed before it will be passed and get the magic sticker. As long as the EPA knows the VIN, it won't be easy to avoid having the cars fixed. I assume they can find a way to give slightly worse mileage and substantially cleaner exhaust. But it will cost money - money that VW didn't want to spend. TTAC: The Cruze Diesel 2.0-liter engine is based on the one of the same size used in Europe, but many changes have been made including a new intake manifold, throttle body system and ceramic glow plugs. The fuel system was also modified to run at 1,600 PSI instead of the 2,000 PSI they see in Europe. Changes in the emissions programming were also made in order to meet U.S. emissions requirements. Both engines employ a diesel particulate filter (DPF) along with a urea injection system. FWIW. Cheers, Scott. |
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Feds'll have to strongarm the states for that
CA and the those that already sued the auto makers to use CARB rules will likely go after them on their own. The rest? You know this is just an Obama plot, right? |
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Can you say "unfunded mandate"?
In Ohio the emissions check is just plugging in the ODBII. If, as some articles have suggested, owners will have to provide some proof they've been fixed* before they can be tested, someone is going to have to define what that proof looks like. Garages will have to be able to produce it. Testing centers will have to verify it. Someone will have to track it. I hope someone accounts for that and puts it on top of whatever the actual fine is. * I just realized I've now used the terms "neutered" and "fixed" for this change. I kill me. -- Drew |
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I wouldn't be surprised if it goes something like this.
VW sends the EPA data showing that Bosch computer firmware version 27.2934.378.b fixes the problem. EPA agrees, orders the recall. VW does the recall, flashed the EEPROM and installs the new firmware. Mary American takes her VW to emissions-check place. ODBII computer interrogates the Bosch computer - "what firmware version are you?". "27.2934.378.b" Ok, that's proof the fix was done. Tester checks the other stuff, M.A. pays the fee and gets her sticker. Just a guess though. Cheers, Scott. |
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I would...
The OBDII tests are government mandated and defined extensively in formal specifications. There is not a "show firmware version" command or api in the spec. That would have to be in the proprietary tests that are done however the manufacturer wants, eg. Oil Life Remaining; every manufacturer can do that any way they want or not at all. The Germans, in particular, are very fussy about turning over ANY of their proprietary tests. Considering that it would probably take 10 years to get a complete sign off on OBDII specification changes, the settlement will probably be along the lines of "Do you promise to fix it? Soon? Pinky-swear? OK, then... done deal" My 0.02 "Religion, n. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable." ~ AMBROSE BIERCE (1842-1914) |
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Ok. Thanks. It'll be interesting to see what they do.
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I do. Can the Tea Party?
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:-) Good points.
But the EPA does have sticks to hold over the states and localities. The EPA letter to VW (6 page .PDF) has all the details about the allegations, the relevant federal laws, etc. EPA FAQ on the VW situation: Can EPA require Volkswagen to recall these vehicles? Cheers, Scott. |