Lincoln, NE — Concerned about recent reports of diesel exhaust fluid systems causing sudden power/speed loss and engine shutdowns, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office has issued a safety alert for “farmers, truckers and other diesel operators.”
“Since 2010,” the Environmental Protection Agency website says, “nearly all on-road diesel trucks and many types of nonroad equipment (such as tractors and construction machinery) have used DEF as part of selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, a major contributor to air quality nonattainment. These systems can force a vehicle to drastically reduce speed or become inoperable if DEF runs out or if system sensors fail.”
In August, EPA issued guidance urging manufacturers to revise the software in DEF systems present in their vehicles and equipment to prevent slowdown and shutdown risks.
“Despite this warning to manufacturers,” the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office says, “DEF system failures reportedly remain ongoing and continue to impact consumers. [On Feb. 3], the EPA demanded information from major diesel engine manufacturers on critical data from DEF system failures to help evaluate the situation and safety risks.”
The office encourages operators of diesel engines and equipment to:
- Contact the manufacturer to ensure it meets the new EPA guidance. Software updates may be necessary.
- Follow EPA’s right-to-repair guidance to get affected DEF systems modified and avoid issues.
- Make sure their vehicle or equipment DEF levels aren’t low or at risk of running low, especially when operating in conditions or at distances that would be unsafe if a slowdown or shutdown were to occur.
