EPA Desk Statement Regarding Failed DEF Sensors
"EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have been working with the manufacturers of diesel vehicles and engines to address an issue related to the ongoing shortage of computer chips and the impact that has had on the availability of certain replacement parts. One part in particular, a sensor that monitors the quality of diesel emissions fluid (DEF), has been of concern because the failure of the part can lead to the vehicle being unable to operate. The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) on behalf of its member companies has proposed an industry wide approach that would provide a software solution for vehicles with failed parts to enable them to operate temporarily while the industry works to produce more replacement parts and that, long term, would provide replacement parts through a recall program. EPA and CARB have reviewed the proposed approach and believe it is appropriate for the companies to implement the proposed solution going forward as quickly as possible.
"The manufacturers must still develop new software code and test it to ensure the software can be installed on vehicles in the field. The companies expect that they will be able to begin fixing some vehicles with failed sensors as soon as this week. The companies will also make available a similar software update for vehicles whose sensors have not failed but are among a group of vehicles where such a failure could be expected to occur to prevent a sensor failure from disabling the vehicle. This updated software is likewise expected to be available to service centers in the coming weeks."
Sincerely,
Communications Team
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Glen Kedzie, Vice President Energy & Environmental Affairs Counsel with the American Trucking Association released the above EPA desk Statement, along with the following:
"The process above has received full approval by EPA and CARB. Delays in rollout, at this point, are those of the manufacturers working to ensure QA/QC and not to cause any unintended consequences.
Recognize that over 1 million engines, representing more than 40 Engine families (since 2016) are involved. Those engine families each have some unique strategies in their calibration that must be considered. The software for each family must be developed and vetted. Deployment is imminent if it hasn’t occurred already.
This will be a “two-step” process. Trucks will need to return to a service center when sensors are available. The good news is that return visit will not be necessitated by a truck being out-of-service due to a bad UQS. It will be because a truck is receiving other service or is available for this specific service."
