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An allowance has been made to keep the DEF monitoring systems in place. For example, emergency vehicles simply can’t be de-rated, lest those rigs be put out of service. While the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requires the DEF monitoring system, it recognizes some “essential” services can’t be stopped. If there aren’t microchips to fix the problem, can’t something else be done?Ī temporary “fix” exists. Meanwhile, their RVs sit immobile and useless. Many RVers are being told replacement DEF heads could be months away. But just as the auto industry is shutting down production lines due to the worldwide shortage of microchips, DEF head manufacturers are likewise plagued. The chips are very specific in design, and require the appropriate replacements. These are the culprits that are causing the problem – they’re failing. Like so many modern products, DEF heads contain silicon chip microprocessors. Why not just get the problem fixed and keep on going? Enter the human toll, not just from a real traffic accident, but the mental stress of worrying about it. If your de-rate happens while traveling down a high-speed roadway, the chances of a rear-end collision from a faster rig are increased. If your motorhome or truck is de-rated, you get nowhere fast. It’s a sure inducement to get the rig to a repair shop. For many users, after 100 miles or so the engine is “de-rated,” or slowed down to as low as five miles per hour. At this point, a sort of “clock” begins a countdown.
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The engine control computer, on receiving this signal, turns on a dash warning light. The complete monitoring system is made up of various parts and is commonly called a “DEF head.” If this system determines the DEF isn’t up to standard (or has run out), the DEF head sends a signal to the engine computer warning of the trouble. To ensure the DEF in a vehicle system is effective, a monitoring system checks, among other things, its quality, quantity, and temperature. A monitoring system ensures this process goes as planned. Both of these elements are found in the air we breathe and, in themselves, are harmless. The DEF helps convert nitrogen oxide, an air pollutant, into nitrogen and oxygen. So what does that have to do with anything?Ī major way these emissions are controlled is by injecting DEF into exhaust gases. Most current USA-produced diesel engines are equipped with federal government-required devices that reduce nitrogen oxide tailpipe emissions. Wouldn’t this create an expensive problem for Cummins?.So why won’t the EPA allow the reprogramming?.If there aren’t microchips to fix the problem, can’t something else be done?.Why not just get the problem fixed and keep on going?.So what does that have to do with anything?.