From the Audi-VW-Diesel list.  The question was, �How do you emission test a
Syncro?� This answer needs to be in the Vanagon archives too!

Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: Ellen Tober
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 3:48 PM
To:
Cc: 
Subject: RE: [Audi-VW-Diesels] all wheel drive and emissions testing? -
Answer

Ed, 

My hubby sent your question along to me.  I work in the vehicle testing
industry, so he figured I could answer your question.  Please be aware that
this is only my opinion given my knowledge of the various programs � I feel
I have to say that since I work in the industry�

Regarding California�s �Smog Check� (and some other programs), some areas of
the State are designated �Basic� and some �Enhanced�.  Basically, if the air
is dirtier, the area gets designated �Enhanced� and they have to do
more/better/etc. testing on the vehicles to help get them into emissions
compliance.  In CA, the �Enhanced� areas have the analyzer setups with Dynes
and they run an ASM (Acceleration-Simulation-Mode) test on the vehicles
which it is suited for.  These are more expensive test units than those
without a dyne.  In regard to dynes in general, they can be 2wd or 4wd.
However, 4wd dynes are quite pricey to be reasonable for use in these
mandated inspection programs � the test would cost too much if the vendors
were providing 4wd dynes with the inspection systems.  So, all (or nearly
all) of them use the 2wd dyne.  Now, note that I said they run the ASM test
on the vehicles which it is suited for.  An ASM test on equipment with a 2wd
dynamometer is NOT suitable for a subset of vehicles (non-disengageable
traction-control, full time AWD, etc.).  Thus, even in an enhanced area
where ASM inspections are mandated, vehicles not suited for operation on 2wd
dyne will NOT receive ASM test � they will received the non-dyne test.

Now, I know you�re talking diesel.  ASM is an inspection designed for
gasoline/gasoline equivalent vehicles, by EPA definition.  But for
inspection programs which include testing of diesel vehicles, the same logic
applies.  Vehicles safe/suited to test on 2wd dyne get the loaded-mode
(dyne) test, while vehicles not suited for 2wd dyne testing are NOT given
the loaded mode test.  There is always an alternate, non-dyne test defined
for vehicles that can�t go on the dyne.

So it sounds as if the person who asked the question is in an area of CA
which is going to the Enhanced test (with dyne, on vehicles where dyne is
appropriate).  So, yes, some vehicles in area will start receiving dyne
tests � but the vehicles unsuited for dyne will get an alternative test.

Lastly, you are correct in saying �surely they wouldn�t make you disconnect
the drive shaft.�  These programs are unpopular enough without having
mandated techniques which are invasive to the vehicle � I�d say
disconnecting the drive shaft is WAY invasive.  It is a liability issue and
neither the government agency mandating the program nor the vendors
supplying equipment would go for manipulation of the vehicle systems to this
degree.  Plus, it would give inaccurate results (a synchro with a
disconnected drive shaft running an ASM or loaded mode diesel test on a 2wd
dyne will not depict anything near the real driving exhaust scenario for
such a vehicle). 

BTW, Diesel AWD Audi is my dream car.  I don�t have one.  Maybe someday
they�ll import one or hubby will make me one.

Hope this helps.  Please forward to the original person asking about it.

 Regards,

Ellen

2001 Subaru Legacy GT
1991 WV Jetta Diesel 4-Door
1991 WV Jetta Diesel 2-Door
1986 Audi 4000CS Quattro
1986 Chevy C10 Pickup 2wd
1986 VW Scirocco 16V
1986 Honda CB450 Nighthawk

 

 

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