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

[truckdiagnostics]

No, it's not what VW did. If you install a delete kit, the vehicle will not pass any kind of emissions test.

So, based on what you said is, all of the VW diesel should have failed the emission's test done by the states and all of them should have been impounded in California? Yes, once the emissions components are on it is just a matter of deleting them in the software. In most cases they are re-flashing the ecms to an engine that doesn't have the emissions components(on a truck anyway). Depending on the delete kit, which in most cases is just software, you can leave the emissions components on the vehicle. Some of the delete kits are software and some hardware changes depending on the level of delete, you however in most cases you can't see it once it is done. Most states base passing or failing on if the ecm is turning on a check engine light. In the case of a delete kit, it doesn't see the emissions components, so if they are physically there or not it does not care. They are not testing the individual vehicle exhaust emissions! They are visually checking to see if the stuff is on there and if there is any codes. They maybe testing exhaust emissions in say California, maybe other states? So, based on California's accurate exhaust emissions test, there is none of the new VW diesels in that state?
As, for ease of doing a delete, if you have the correct vehicle interface tool, they remote in over the internet and re-flash the ecm. (on a truck) Give them your credit card number, makes some hardware changes and the stuff is gone.

 

[ultrarunner]

Depends... on older cars in California they get the exhaust sniffer... on newer cars no.

My newer car they just plug into the computer and do a visual check.

On the older cars going back to 1976 it is the dyno, exhaust sniffer, pressurize the fuel tank, pressure check the fuel cap, visual check and mechanically check EGR and check timing.... again this happens as far back as year model 1976.

 

[ultrarunner]

. I own a C-Max Energi (after deciding VW TDI was too expensive to maintain). Love the CMax but it gets an honest 40-42 MPG in hybrid mode.

I've often wondered about this... I get 40 mpg on Mom's 2001 Toyota Corolla on a trip from Oakland to Tahoe and back... I think 39 was highway on the sticker... it only a straight gasser with nothing special... drives well and has not needed any repairs other than wear parts like tires, brake pads/shoes and a battery... really nothing else... well it did need a $5 sylvania headlight bulb...

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Depends... on older cars in California they get the exhaust sniffer... on newer cars no.

My newer car they just plug into the computer and do a visual check.

On the older cars going back to 1976 it is the dyno, exhaust sniffer, pressurize the fuel tank, pressure check the fuel cap, visual check and mechanically check EGR and check timing.... again this happens as far back as year model 1976.

Based on that they would not find it, if they deleted the emissions components in the ECM. If they are doing it the same way for heavy trucks, they won't find it there either.

 

[Garandman]

I've often wondered about this... I get 40 mpg on Mom's 2001 Toyota Corolla on a trip from Oakland to Tahoe and back... I think 39 was highway on the sticker... it only a straight gasser with nothing special... drives well and has not needed any repairs other than wear parts like tires, brake pads/shoes and a battery... really nothing else... well it did need a $5 sylvania headlight bulb...

We have two Cruze TD's and a Cruze Eco. The TD's get enough better mpg than the Eco to offset the fuel cost difference, but cost $3,000 more. Remains to be seen if resale value will recover that.

 

[Helitech]

On a VW TDI, you can't just tune the ecm. It has to be physically removed, sent to a specialist, have the ecm opened and some work done inside the ecm.

 

[MikePA]

On a VW TDI, you can't just tune the ecm. It has to be physically removed, sent to a specialist, have the ecm opened and some work done inside the ecm.

That's interesting. VW has no way to update the ECM, for any reason, once it's been installed at the factory. Makes them somewhat unique in the passenger car world where reprogramming is possible at the dealer and in the aftermarket.

 

[Helitech]

VW may be able to. From a aftermarket DPF/EGR delete standpoint....it's not so easy.

 

[MikePA]

VW may be able to. From a aftermarket DPF/EGR delete standpoint....it's not so easy.

You are referring to the ability of the aftermarket to tune the ECM. The references to changing the ECM in this thread have been related to VW doing it to comply with EPA regulations.

 

[Helitech]

I'm aware of that.