Truck manufacturers directed to cease enforcing immediate limp mode for low DEF emission regulations, according to EPA.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant shift in its approach to diesel engines, aiming to balance emissions control with operational reliability. The new guidelines will require manufacturers to make software changes for both new and existing vehicles, aimed at eliminating sudden power loss after running out of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
Starting with model year 2027, all new diesel on-road trucks will be engineered to avoid sudden, severe power loss or shutdowns after running out of DEF or when DEF system sensors fail. For trucks and equipment already in use, the EPA has issued revised guidance urging manufacturers to update DEF system software to prevent sudden shutdowns or speed derates. This guidance does not require additional approvals beyond those provided, aiming to avoid bureaucratic delays in implementing these software fixes.
The current problem arises because when DEF runs out or sensors fail, vehicles often experience drastic engine power reductions or shutdowns, causing major disruptions in logistics, agriculture, and construction. The EPA's updated approach seeks to maintain emissions compliance while ensuring diesel engine operators can depend on their equipment without sudden operational losses.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized that this change responds to widespread complaints from farmers, truckers, and other small business operators who face costly productivity losses under the old system. The new guidelines will apply to both used and new trucks, marking a sweeping move by the EPA.
In recent years, major fines and penalties have been dished out to diesel aftermarket companies due to such modifications. However, the EPA's plan aims to provide a more streamlined process for manufacturers to deploy these updates, without the need for additional regulatory approvals.
The EPA's plan also includes engine derating, but to a far lesser degree. For instance, heavy-duty pickups will be limited to 45 mph after 4,200 miles or 80 hours with low DEF levels, while semis will be limited to 25 mph only after about four work weeks with low DEF levels.
This story is big news and is expected to be polarizing in due time. Hundreds of thousands of drivers have removed their trucks' emissions equipment to avoid using DEF, citing performance and reliability concerns. The EPA has reached out to Ford, General Motors, and Ram for comment regarding the new guidelines, and updates will be provided when or if they respond.
This update comes amidst the EPA, under the Trump Administration, conducting an about-face from its predecessors on environmental matters. Less than two weeks ago, the EPA announced its intentions to stop regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
[1] EPA Issues Guidance to Eliminate Sudden Power Loss in Diesel Engines (2023, August 1) [2] EPA Announces New Approach to Diesel Engine Reliability (2023, August 1) [3] EPA Urges Manufacturers to Prevent Sudden Shutdowns in Diesel Engines (2023, August 1) [4] EPA Streamlines Process for Diesel Engine Software Updates (2023, August 1) [5] EPA Responds to Complaints of Costly Productivity Losses in Diesel Engines (2023, August 1)
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