Have an aftermarket exhaust, turbo, chip, etc? Then you're a criminal and the Feds will get you!
08-29-2001, 12:27 PM
#1
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Have an aftermarket exhaust, turbo, chip, etc? Then you're a criminal and the Feds will get you!
Or at least, that's Audi's stance...
Don't know if this has been posted here before, but I found this taped to the wall in the Service Department at my dealership:
(The <B>bold items</B> are theirs.)
<B>Service Manager/Warranty Administrator</B>
The purpose of this bulletin is to inform all dealers regarding EPA's enforcement policy change concerning tampering with or modifications of any emission controls.
An amendment in 1991 to the Clean Air Act makes tampering with emission controls by "any person" a violation of the Clean Air Act. Additionally, it is the EPA's position that modifications to any part or system that may affect emissions, including modifications to the exhaust system <B>even after the catalyst,</B> would constitute tampering and, therefore, a violation of the Clean Air Act because changes in the back pressure may effect vehicle emissions. Exhaust system tampering could also include the installation of a dual exhaust system before the catalytic converter that does not come together as a single pipe before the catalyst or a non-OEM exhaust system or heater boxes.
The EPA's enforcement policy also imposes specific obligations on dealers to refuse to work on cars which have been tampered with. In summary, the EPA recommends:
<B>1.</B> If you work on a vehicle which has already been tampered with or shows signs that <B>any</B> emission related component has been tampered with, the <B>shop or person</B> is obligated to return the vehicle to its original certified condition. If the customer refuses to comply, then your only option is to not perform any work at all. This should be documented on the repair order and signed by the customer.
<B>2.</B> If you do perform any work on a vehicle that has been tampered with, it is highly recommended that you <B>document</B> the exact condition of the vehicle when it comes into the shop and list the <B>EXACT</B> work that was performed on the Repair Order and have the Repair Order signed by the customer. <B>This MAY only limit you exposure under the tampering provisions.
3.</B> Under the tampering provisions, you can be made liable if you complete a modification that was already begun by someone else which <B>ALTERS</B> in any way the emission characteristics of the vehicle.
Repairs made to any vehicle's tampered Emission Control System(s) to bring them back up to the specifications <B>are not covered under warranty.</B>
Modifications that may affect vehicle emissions are not only limited to the exhaust system but also include the electrical systems, fuel system, ignition system and basic engine components (including all respective hardware, control unit software and/or chips.)
Please consult with your own legal advisors concerning the EPA's enforcement policy and your compliance with that policy, and please advise all appropriate personnel accordingly.
Don't know if this has been posted here before, but I found this taped to the wall in the Service Department at my dealership:
(The <B>bold items</B> are theirs.)
<B>Service Manager/Warranty Administrator</B>
The purpose of this bulletin is to inform all dealers regarding EPA's enforcement policy change concerning tampering with or modifications of any emission controls.
An amendment in 1991 to the Clean Air Act makes tampering with emission controls by "any person" a violation of the Clean Air Act. Additionally, it is the EPA's position that modifications to any part or system that may affect emissions, including modifications to the exhaust system <B>even after the catalyst,</B> would constitute tampering and, therefore, a violation of the Clean Air Act because changes in the back pressure may effect vehicle emissions. Exhaust system tampering could also include the installation of a dual exhaust system before the catalytic converter that does not come together as a single pipe before the catalyst or a non-OEM exhaust system or heater boxes.
The EPA's enforcement policy also imposes specific obligations on dealers to refuse to work on cars which have been tampered with. In summary, the EPA recommends:
<B>1.</B> If you work on a vehicle which has already been tampered with or shows signs that <B>any</B> emission related component has been tampered with, the <B>shop or person</B> is obligated to return the vehicle to its original certified condition. If the customer refuses to comply, then your only option is to not perform any work at all. This should be documented on the repair order and signed by the customer.
<B>2.</B> If you do perform any work on a vehicle that has been tampered with, it is highly recommended that you <B>document</B> the exact condition of the vehicle when it comes into the shop and list the <B>EXACT</B> work that was performed on the Repair Order and have the Repair Order signed by the customer. <B>This MAY only limit you exposure under the tampering provisions.
3.</B> Under the tampering provisions, you can be made liable if you complete a modification that was already begun by someone else which <B>ALTERS</B> in any way the emission characteristics of the vehicle.
Repairs made to any vehicle's tampered Emission Control System(s) to bring them back up to the specifications <B>are not covered under warranty.</B>
Modifications that may affect vehicle emissions are not only limited to the exhaust system but also include the electrical systems, fuel system, ignition system and basic engine components (including all respective hardware, control unit software and/or chips.)
Please consult with your own legal advisors concerning the EPA's enforcement policy and your compliance with that policy, and please advise all appropriate personnel accordingly.
08-29-2001, 12:36 PM
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I sure wish the feds would write more laws like the Clean Air Act so I can be more heavily...
..regulated. I feel that freedom is still just a little to legal.
Of course, the real killer in stuff like the clean air act is the number of absolute polution hog vehicles that are exempt.
Just curious, do shops like Midas install true OEM equipment?
Of course, the real killer in stuff like the clean air act is the number of absolute polution hog vehicles that are exempt.
Just curious, do shops like Midas install true OEM equipment?
08-29-2001, 12:58 PM
#5
Hmmm, so how in the hell do muffler shops legally do business and sell aftermarket exhausts???
Sure they state they will not remove a catalyst, but they'll gladly do most anything else. Seems like if it was the EPA's enforcement policy to do this, those places would be out of business. What the hell is an EPA enforcement policy anyway? Is it codified in the Code of Federal Regulations?
08-29-2001, 01:03 PM
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You in Cali?
Cause emmissions testing isn't a part of our inspection in Texas (at least I've never had them check anything coming out of the tailpipe) so maybe since Cali is more stringent on emmisions, they're more heavyhanded on mods that screw with them.
just a thought
'nyx
just a thought
'nyx
