The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule (40 CFR Part 86) that would mandate on-board diagnostic systems for trucks with advanced emissions control systems, such as catalyzed diesel particulate filters and catalysts capable of reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.
The proposal, if approved, would require that the advanced emissions control systems be monitored for malfunctions similar to those systems that have been required on passenger cars since the mid-1990s, according to information published in the Federal Register January 24.
The equipment would be required on 2010 and later heavy-duty engines used in highway applications over 14,000 pounds. In addition, revisions would be made to on-board diagnostic requirements for diesel highway heavy-duty vehicles under 14,000 pounds.
The proposal would require manufacturers to install systems that monitor the functioning of emission control components and alert the vehicle operator to any detected need for emission related repair. This proposal would also require that manufacturers make available to the service and repair industry information necessary to perform repair and maintenance service on the systems and other emission-related engine components. In addition, the proposal would revise certain existing on-board diagnostic system requirements for diesel engines used in heavy-duty vehicles under 14,000 pounds.
To see the proposal in the Federal Register, click here.