Ford Explorer 2004, Техническое учебное пособие, Страница: 52 / 134

LESSON 3: POWERTRAIN
Engine
LEV I Defined
Starting in the northeastern states in the 2000 model year and nationally in 2001, new cars and light light-duty
trucks must meet tailpipe standards that are more stringent than EPA can mandate prior to model year 2004.
These standards will be enforceable in the same manner as any other federal new motor vehicle program.
National LEV will reduce air pollution nationwide, harmonize federal and California motor vehicle standards to
reduce manufacturers design and testing costs, avoid a patchwork of state regulatory requirements, and achieve
emission reductions in the northeast equivalent to or better than would be achieved if each northeastern state
adopted the California Low Emission Vehicle program. Although it originated as a way to help the northeastern
states address their smog problems, National LEV will have public health and environmental benefits nationwide.
LEV II Defined
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved a package of new automobile emission standards known as
Low Emission Vehicle II (LEV II). The regulations will run from 2004 through 2010. Among other standards, the
regulatory package requires most mini vans, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to reduce emissions
to passenger car levels by 2007. These vehicles currently certify to a less stringent medium-duty vehicle category
standard. Since the emission standards are expressed in grams of pollutants emitted from the vehicle per mile, the
light trucks and SUVs will have to be actually cleaner than cars if emissions are compared relative to the engine
power output. Other requirements in the LEV II package include:
•
An extension and tightening of the fleet average standards requiring automakers to reduce fleet emission levels
each year through 2010. A ‘‘fleet’’ includes all new vehicles an automaker sells each year in California.
•
Significantly lower oxides of nitrogen (the main contributor to smog) standards for low and ultra-low emission
vehicles; a reduction of 75 percent from current LEV standards.
•
Increased emission control durability standards, from 100,000 miles to 120,000 miles, for all passenger cars
and other vehicles up to 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight.
•
Further reduction in evaporative emissions from hoses, gas lines, and valves.
•
Creation of partial zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) credits for vehicles that achieve near-zero emissions, such as
hybrids, fuel cells and cars meeting the new super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) standard.
2004 Explorer/Mountaineer New Model Technician Training 12-AUG-03 3-2