I test drove a Cruze diesel, and noticed by the spare tire there was a reservoir opening labeled diesel exhaust fluid. The salesmen said it needs to be replaced every 10k miles. If you don't replace the fluid, the engine computer will limit your speed to 50 MPH. Oh, and you can't refill it yourself or it will void the warranty.

It seems to be an industry standard for new diesel engines, the engine is governed at 50 MPH unless refilled, and a mechanic may have to reset the sensor. The labor on this can range from less than $20 to almost $400.


WTF

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_exhaust_fluid

required for cleaning burning diesels. limiting your speed (RPMs actually via injector timing i would hazard) would limit cylinders temps which would in turn limit NOx production.

modern diesel fuel is now low sulfur so the engines can have a catalytic convertor so i am surprised this is necessary. perhaps because they can't find a why to add ethanol to diesel fuel.

I'm not sure exactly how it works on that car, but it is standard for any diesel engine. A DEF filters out ammonia and nitrogen so that it doesn't get released into the environment.

The new VW Jetta and Golf do not use this. The Cruze engine is slightly more powerful, so it must produce just enough emissions to warrant the fluid.

BTW, General Motors products have really improved over the past few years. The interior is a far cry from the GM interiors of old.

It's determined by curb weight more than anything else. Some cars emit more than others. I'm guessing the VW's may have perfected the technology, they've making diesels for awhile.

It is a really simple procedure though. In some cars, it's as easy as opening the trunk. As logn as it's done on time I don't see it costing more than $50 at the stealership.

Rockhound Wrote:
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> As logn
> as it's done on time I don't see it costing more
> than $50 at the stealership.

You cant make an appt at a stealership for $50

Ah... here is the relevant bits:

Beginning with diesel engines manufactured on or after January 1, 2010, the engines are required to meet lowered NOx standards for the US market.

All of the heavy-duty engine (Class 7-8 trucks) manufacturers except for Navistar International and Caterpillar Inc. continuing to manufacture engines after this date have chosen to use SCR. This Includes Detroit Diesel (DD13, DD15, and DD16 models), Cummins (ISX, ISL9, ISB6.7, and ISC8.3 line), PACCAR, and Volvo/Mack. These engines require the periodic addition of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF, a urea solution) to enable the process. DEF is available in a bottle from most truck stops, and some provide bulk DEF dispensers near diesel fuel pumps. Caterpillar and Navistar had initially chosen to use enhanced exhaust gas recirculation (EEGR) to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, but in July 2012 Navistar announced it would be pursuing SCR technology for its engines, except on the MaxxForce 15 which was to be discontinued.



Some gas engines have an actual EGR valve and some just rely on cam overlap on the intake/exhaust to "cool" the cylinders. Diesel engine manufacturers appear to be somewhat conservative.

eesh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BTW, General Motors products have really improved
> over the past few years. The interior is a far cry
> from the GM interiors of old.

I guess that's what fucking a few million stockholders gets you.

Stabitha Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> eesh Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > BTW, General Motors products have really
> improved
> > over the past few years. The interior is a far
> cry
> > from the GM interiors of old.
>
> I guess that's what fucking a few million
> stockholders gets you.


You mean gov't bailouts? They still owe over $10 billion to the feds.

Rockhound Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >
>
> You mean gov't bailouts? They still owe over $10
> billion to the feds.

No Im talking about the owners of shares of the original GM stock which was rendered worthless when they declared the phony bankruptcy.

eesh you test drive a lot of cars. why don't you just pick one??????? i think you look good in a smart car

eesh the car expert Wrote:
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> i think you look good in a
> smart car



I test drove a Smart car, it feels like a concussion grenade every time it shifts.