VW Clean diesels.... how did they get them so clean?

[300UGUY]

It was not 'faulty' programming.

VW has been accused, and admitted to if news reports are correct, to having special code in the ECM that allowed them to pass emissions tests with flying colors, claim to be Clean Diesels, etc.

I could understand how VW could rig vehicles for the Federal EPA testing, e.g., just send them vehicles with special ECMs. It's not clear to me how vehicles passed the various state emissions tests, i.e., how was the ECM switched into 'Pass The Emissions Test' mode when owners had them tested/inspected.

The ECM has a code that detects the test equipment. When it is plugged in, it recognizes it just like your computer does when a printer comes online.

 

[MikePA]

Must be the car detects when it's plugged in.

Good idea and a simple check in the ECM code.

300UGUY confirmed.

i can't imagine EPA checks ECM programming. I wonder if they were tipped off.

 

[Helitech]

It's faulty to me if it's accelerating emission system failures. I understand completely what they did. Was a diesel mechanic from 83 till a few years back. Now working on helicopters.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Just look at GM and faulty ignition switches, more than 100 deaths.

No one going to jail.

Just last week, the obama admin said CEO's will be held accountable for white collar crimes. I guess large fines make things right? With the GM bailout, my tax dollars are paying the fine!

mark

I wouldn't bet on it. It's one thing to produce a faulty product and take insufficient measures to correct it, and another to deliberately plot and carry out a plan to circumvent the law.

“It sounds pretty damning from what EPA said,” said Carl Tobias, a products-liability law professor at the University of Richmond in Virginia. “I think they need to be worried about more than just the fines.”

I suspect this administration will go after them and someone will face prison time. Like we used to say, every company has at least one VP whose sole responsibility is to go to jail.

I also suspect there will be some discontent among those who are complying with the law; cheaters put the rest at a competitive disadvantage. Environmental requirements are often extremely complex, and in the early days some companies didn't take them seriously enough and ended up paying huge fines for their neglect, but it's not the same as intentionally circumventing the law. My experience with industry has been that mostly they try pretty hard to comply with the law, and will work with regulators when they are having difficulties, and regulators will work with them until they can come into compliance.

 

[newbury]

This may have come just in time for us. SWMBO needs a replacement for her '04 Civic down in Mississippi. No safety or emission inspections. Might be able to pick up another Jetta TDI cheap

 

[hutchman]

This will be a fun situation to watch. From what little I know about it ... any vehicle can be operated in such a way or in conditions what will cause it to exceed emissions limitations it was certified against.

 

[hutchman]

This may have come just in time for us. SWMBO needs a replacement for her '04 Civic down in Mississippi. No safety or emission inspections. Might be able to pick up another Jetta TDI cheap

I like the way you think. Have a kid that needs a car. Will probably stick to 2006 vintage since I already know all the problems with those and how to fix them.

 

[hutchman]

The tread at TDIClub talking about it:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=448053

 

[MikePA]

This may have come just in time for us. SWMBO needs a replacement for her '04 Civic down in Mississippi. No safety or emission inspections. Might be able to pick up another Jetta TDI cheap

I bet EPA will require all vehicles to be recalled and fixed.

 

[dodge man]

Its a new revenue stream for the Feds. Find something wrong and then fine the heck out of them. They did it to GM, Chrysler Fiat, Toyota, now VW, I figure Ford is next.