DEF Head Failures, promising news.

[elkhartjim]

Here is an update reported to be from the EPA that was posted on another forum.


Statement Regarding Failed Diesel Emission Fluid (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.

For more information, please contact your dealer or service center.

[manholt]

Good luck!  🤬

[jleamont]

That’s great news….but. When you break down you will have to be towed into a Cummins authorized location. Then you’ll be at the mercy of their staff being aware of this change and hopefully they down load it properly, and again hopefully it actually works. Factory software changes are like a see-saw, something else will be changed, it always is and not disclosed. I can remember software changes in my dealer days and having people coming back screaming that their MPG’s were cut in half and the manufacturer denying it. 
Don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing if all of the dominoes fall properly. 

Edited September 12, 2021 by jleamont

[manholt]

Joe, and when was the last time,, all the tiles fell in place, when dealing with a gov't entity? 

 

[jleamont]

9 hours ago, manholt said:

Joe, and when was the last time,, all the tiles fell in place, when dealing with a gov't entity? 

 

Exactly! 

[elkhartjim]

A group of 8 motorhome owners developed an electronic work around. 

https://defsim.myervin.com/

Edited September 13, 2021 by elkhartjim

[rayin]

Jim that link reminded me of the catalytic converter "test pipe" for gasoline engines.