Collapse to view only § 86.614-84 - Hearings on suspension, revocation, and voiding of certificates of conformity.

§§ 86.601-1—86.601-83 - §[Reserved]

§ 86.601-84 - Applicability.

The provisions of this subpart apply to light-duty vehicles, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles. However, manufacturers that optionally certify heavy-duty vehicles based on chassis testing under § 86.1863-07 may choose instead to perform selective enforcement audits using the procedures specified in 40 CFR part 1068, subpart E. References to “light-duty vehicle” or “LDT” in this subpart G shall be deemed to include light-duty trucks and heavy-duty vehicles as appropriate.

(a) Section numbering; construction. (1) The model year of initial applicability is indicated by the two digits following the hyphen of the section number. A section remains in effect for subsequent model years until it is superseded.

(2) A section reference without a model year suffix shall be interpreted to be a reference to the section applicable to the appropriate model year.

(b) References in this subpart to engine families and emission control systems shall be deemed to refer to durability groups and test groups as applicable for manufacturers certifying new light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks under the provisions of subpart S of this part.

(Secs. 206, 208(a) and 301(a), Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7525, 7542(a) and 7601(a)) [49 FR 69, Jan. 3, 1984. Redesignated at 54 FR 2122, Jan. 19, 1989, as amended at 62 FR 31234, June 6, 1997; 64 FR 23922, May 4, 1999; 75 FR 22980, Apr. 30, 2010]

§ 86.602-84 - Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this section apply to this subpart.

(b) As used in this subpart, all terms not defined herein have the meaning given them in the Act.

(1) Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) means the maximum percentage of failing vehicles that, for purposes of sampling inspection, can be considered satisfactory as a process average.

(2) Axle Ratio means all ratios within ±3% of the axle ratio specified in the configuration in the test order.

(3) Configuration means a subclassification of an engine-system combination on the basis of engine code, inertia weight class, transmission type and gear ratios, axle ratio, and other parameters which may be designated by the Administrator.

(4) Test Sample means the collection of vehicles of the same configuration which have been drawn from the population of vehicles of that configuration and which will receive exhaust emission testing.

(5) Inspection Criteria means the pass and fail numbers associated with a particular sampling plan.

(6) Vehicle means any new production light-duty vehicle as defined in subpart A of this part.

(7) Test Vehicle means a vehicle in a test sample.

(8) In the Hands of the Manufacturer means that vehicles are still in the possession of the manufacturer and have not had their bills of lading transferred to another person for the purpose of transporting.

[49 FR 48480, Dec. 12, 1984. Redesignated at 54 FR 2122, Jan. 19, 1989]

§ 86.602-98 - Definitions.

Section 86.602-98 includes text that specifies requirements that differ from § 86.602-84. Where a paragraph in § 86.602-84 is identical and applicable to § 86.602-98, this may be indicated by specifying the corresponding paragraph and the statement “[Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.602-84.” Where a corresponding paragraph of § 86.602-84 is not applicable, this is indicated by the statement “[Reserved].”.

(a) through (b)(2) [Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.602-84.

(b)(3)(i) Configuration, when used for LDV exhaust emissions testing, means a subclassification of an engine-system combination on the basis of engine code, inertia weight class, transmission type and gear ratios, axle ratio, and other parameters which may be designated by the Administrator.

(ii) Configuration, when used for LDV refueling emissions testing, means a subclassification of an evaporative/refueling emission family on the basis of evaporative and refueling control system and other parameters which may be designated by the Administrator.

(4) Test sample means the collection of vehicles of the same configuration which have been drawn from the population of vehicles of that configuration and which will receive emission testing.

(b)(5) through (b)(8) [Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.602-84.

(9) Executive Officer means the Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board or his or her authorized representative.

(10) Executive Order means the document the Executive Officer grants a manufacturer for an engine family that certifies the manufacturer has verified that the engine family complies with all applicable standards and requirements pursuant to Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.

(11) 50-state engine family means an engine family that meets both federal and California Air Resources Board motor vehicle emission control regulations and has received a federal certificate of conformity as well as an Executive Order.

[59 FR 16300, Apr. 6, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 31234, June 6, 1997]

§ 86.603-88 - Test orders.

(a) The Administrator will require any testing under this subpart by means of a test order addressed to the manufacturer.

(b) The test order will be signed by the Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation or his designee. The test order will be delivered in person by an EPA Enforcement Officer to a company representative or sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the manufacturer's representative who signs the Application for Certification submitted by the manufacturer pursuant to the requirements of the applicable sections of subpart A of this part. Upon receipt of a test order, the manufacturer shall comply with all of the provisions of this subpart and instructions in the test order.

(c)(1) The test order will specify the vehicle configuration selected for testing, the time and location at which vehicles must be selected, and the procedure by which vehicles of the specified configuration must be selected. The test order may specify the number of vehicles to be selected per day and may include alternative configurations (primary, secondary, etc.) to be selected for testing in the event that vehicles of the first specified configuration are not available for testing because those vehicles are not being manufactured at the specified assembly plant, not being manufactured during the specified time, or not being stored at the specified assembly plant or associated storage facility. If total production of the specified vehicle configuration is less than the number specified in the test order, the manufacturer will select the actual number of vehicles produced per day. If the first specified configuration is not being manufactured at a rate of at least four vehicles per day over the expected duration of the audit, the Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation or his designated representative may select vehicles of a primary alternate configuration for testing in lieu of the first specified configuration. Likewise, vehicles of a secondary alternate configuration may be selected in lieu of vehicles of the first specified configuration or primary alternate configuration. In addition, the test order may include other directions or information essential to the administration of the required testing.

(2) The following instructions are applicable to each test order issued under this subpart:

(i) The manufacturer shall make the following documents available to an EPA Enforcement Officer upon request:

(A) A properly filed and current Application for Certification following the format prescribed by the EPA for the appropriate model year; and

(B) A copy of the shop manual, dealer service bulletins, and pre-delivery inspection procedures for the configuration being tested.

(ii) Only one mechanic at a time per vehicle shall make authorized checks, adjustments, or repairs, unless a particular check, adjustment, or repair requires a second mechanic as indicated in the shop manual or dealer service bulletins.

(iii) A mechanic shall not perform any check, adjustment, or repair without an Enforcement Officer present unless otherwise authorized.

(iv) The manufacturer shall utilize only those tools and test equipment utilized by its dealers when performing authorized checks, adjustments, or repairs.

(d) A manufacturer may indicate preferred assembly plants for the various engine families produced by the manufacturer for selection of vehicles in response to a test order. This shall be accomplished by submitting a list of engine families and the corresponding assembly plants from which the manufacturer desires to have vehicles selected to the Administrator. In order that a manufacturer's preferred location for issuance of a test order for a configuration of a particular engine family be considered, the list must be submitted prior to issuance of the test order. Notwithstanding the fact that a manufacturer has submitted the above list, the Administrator may, upon making the determination that evidence exists indicating noncompliance at other than the manufacturer's preferred plant, order testing at such other plant where vehicles of the configuration specified in the test order are assembled.

(e) During a given model year, the Administrator shall not issue to a manufacturer more SEA test orders than an annual limit determined by dividing the projected sales bound for the U.S. market for that model year, as made by the manufacturer in its report submitted under paragraph (a)(2) of § 600.207-80 of the Automobile Fuel Economy Regulations, by 300,000 and rounding to the nearest whole number, unless the projected sales are less than 150,000, in which case the annual limit is one. However, the annual limit for SEA test orders will be recalculated if a manufacturer submits to EPA in writing prior to or during the model year a sales projection update.

(1) Any SEA test order for which the configuration fails in accordance with § 86.610 or for which testing is not completed does not count against the annual limit.

(2) When the annual limit has been met, the Administrator may issue additional test orders for those configurations for which evidence exists indicating noncompliance. An SEA test order issued on this basis will include a statement as to the reason for its issuance.

[41 FR 31483, July 28, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 4552, Feb. 2, 1978; 49 FR 48480, Dec. 12, 1984. Redesignated and amended at 54 FR 2122, Jan. 19, 1989]

§ 86.603-98 - Test orders.

Section 86.603-98 includes text that specifies requirements that differ from § 86.603-88. Where a paragraph in § 86.603-88 is identical and applicable to § 86.603-98, this may be indicated by specifying the corresponding paragraph and the statement “[Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.603-88.” Where a corresponding paragraph of § 86.603-88 is not applicable, this is indicated by the statement “[Reserved].”.

(a) through (c) [Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.603-88.

(d) A manufacturer may indicate preferred assembly plants for the various engine families and evaporative/refueling families produced by the manufacturer for selection of vehicles in response to a test order. This shall be accomplished by submitting a list of engine families with the associated evaporative/refueling families, and the corresponding assembly plants from which the manufacturer desires to have vehicles selected, to the Administrator. In order that a manufacturer's preferred location for issuance of a test order for a configuration of a particular engine family and/or evaporative/refueling family be considered, the list must be submitted prior to issuance of the test order. Notwithstanding the fact that a manufacturer has submitted the above list, the Administrator may, upon making the determination that evidence exists indicating noncompliance at other than the manufacturer's preferred plant, order selection at such other plant where vehicles of the configuration specified in the test order are assembled.

(e) [Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.603-88.

(f) In the event evidence exists indicating an engine family is in noncompliance, the Administrator may, in addition to other powers provided by this section, issue a test order specifying the engine family the manufacturer is required to test.

[59 FR 16300, Apr. 6, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 31234, June 6, 1997]

§ 86.604-84 - Testing by the Administrator.

(a) The Administrator may require by test order that vehicles of a specified configuration be selected in a manner consistent with the requirements of § 86.607 and submitted to him at such place as he may designate for the purpose of conducting emission tests. These tests shall be conducted in accordance with § 86.608 of these regulations to determine whether vehicles manufactured by the manufacturer conform with the regulations with respect to which the certificate of conformity was issued.

(b)(1) Whenever the Administrator conducts a test on a test vehicle or the Administrator and manufacturer each conduct a test on the same test vehicle, the results of the Administrator's test shall comprise the official data for that vehicle.

(2) Whenever the manufacturer conducts all tests on a test vehicle, the manufacturer's test data will be accepted as the official data: Provided, That if the Administrator makes a determination based on testing under paragraph (a) of this section that there is a substantial lack of agreement between the manufacturer's test results and the Administrator's test results, no manufacturer's test data from the manufacturer's test facility will be accepted for purposes of this subpart.

(c) In the event that testing conducted under paragraph (a) of this section demonstrates a lack of agreement under paragraph (b)(2), of this section, the Administrator will:

(1) Notify the manufacturer in writing of his determination that the test facility is inappropriate for conducting the tests required by this subpart and the reasons therefor, and

(2) Reinstate any manufacturer's data upon a showing by the manufacturer that the data acquired under paragraph (a) of this section was erroneous and the manufacturer's data was correct.

(d) The manufacturer may request in writing that the Administrator reconsider his determination in paragraph (b)(2) of this section based on data or information which indicates that changes have been made to the test facility and such changes have resolved the reasons for disqualification.

[41 FR 31483, July 28, 1976, as amended at 49 FR 48481, Dec. 12, 1984. Redesignated at 54 FR 2123, Jan. 19, 1989]

§ 86.605-88 - Maintenance of records; submittal of information.

(a) The manufacturer of any new motor vehicle subject to any of the standards or procedures prescribed in this part shall establish, maintain and retain the following adequately organized and indexed records:

(1) General records. (i) A description of all equipment used to test vehicles in accordance with § 86.608 pursuant to a test order issued under this subpart, including the following information:

(A) Dynamometer. (1) Inertia loading.

(2) Road load power absorption at 50 m.p.h.

(3) Manufacturer, model and serial number.

(B) Constant volume sampler. (1) Pressure of the mixture of exhaust and dilution air entering the positive displacement pump, pressure increase across the pump, and the temperature set point of the temperature control system.

(2) Number of revolutions of the positive displacement pump accumulated while test is in progress and exhaust samples are being collected.

(3) Humidity of dilution air.

(4) Manufacturer, model, type and serial number.

(C) Instrumentation. (1) Manufacturer, model and serial number for each analyzer.

(2) Pertinent information such as tuning, gain, ranges and calibration data.

(3) Identification of zero, span, exhaust gas and dilution air sample traces.

(4) Temperature set point of heated sample line and heated hydrocarbon detector temperature control system (for diesel vehicles only).

(D) Test cell. (1) Barometric pressure, ambient temperature and humidity.

(2) Data and time of day.

(ii) In lieu of recording test equipment information, reference to a vehicle test cell number may be used, with the advance approval of the Administrator: Provided, the test cell records show the pertinent information.

(2) Individual records. These records pertain to each audit conducted pursuant to this subpart.

(i) The location where audit testing was performed, and the date and time for each emissions test.

(ii) The number of miles on the test vehicle when the test began and ended.

(iii) The names of supervisory personnel responsible for the conduct of the audit.

(iv) A record and description of any repairs performed prior to and/or subsequent to approval by the Administrator, giving the date and time of the repair, the reason for it, the person authorizing it, and the names of supervisory personnel responsible for the repair.

(v) The dates when the test vehicles were shipped from the assembly plant or the storage facility and when they were received at the testing facility.

(vi) The drive wheel tire pressure and the inertia weight class for each test vehicle, and the actual curb weight for each test vehicle required to be weighed pursuant to a test order.

(vii) A complete record of all emission tests performed pursuant to this subpart (except tests performed by EPA directly) including all individual worksheets and/or other documentation relating to each test, or exact copies thereof.

(viii) A brief description of all significant audit events, commencing with the test vehicle selection process, but not described by any other subparagraph under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, including such extraordinary events as vehicle accident.

(ix) A paper copy of the driver's trace for each test.

(3) Additional required records for diesel vehicles.

(4) The manufacturer shall record test equipment description, pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section, for each test cell that is used to perform emission testing under this subpart.

(b) All records required to be maintained under this subpart shall be retained by the manufacturer for a period of one (1) year after completion of all testing in response to a test order. Records may be retained as hard copy or reduced to microfilm, punch cards, etc., depending upon the record retention procedures of the manufacturer: Provided, That in every case all the information contained in the hard copy shall be retained.

(c) The manufacturer shall, pursuant to a request made by the Administrator, submit to the Administrator the following information with regard to vehicle production:

(1) Number of vehicles, by configuration and assembly plant, scheduled for production for the time period designated in the request.

(2) Number of vehicles, by configuration and assembly plant, produced during the time period designated in the request which are complete for introduction into commerce.

(d) Nothing in this section shall limit the Administrator's discretion to require the manufacturer to retain additional records or submit information not specifically required by this section.

(e) All reports, submissions, notifications and requests for approvals made under this subpart shall be addressed to:

Director, Manufacturers Operations Division EN-340), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. [41 FR 31483, July 28, 1976, as amended at 44 FR 61962, Oct. 29, 1979; 49 FR 48481, Dec. 12, 1984. Redesignated at 54 FR 2123, Jan. 19, 1989]

§ 86.605-98 - Maintenance of records; submittal of information.

Section 86.605-98 includes text that specifies requirements that differ from § 86.605-88. Where a paragraph in § 86.605-88 is identical and applicable to § 86.605-98, this may be indicated by specifying the corresponding paragraph and the statement “[Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.605-88.” Where a corresponding paragraph of § 86.605-88 is not applicable, this is indicated by the statement “[Reserved].”.

(a) through (a)(1)(i)(D) [Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.605-88.

(E) Refueling enclosure (refueling SHED). (1) Total internal volume.

(2) Capacity of mixing blower.

(3) Location of refueling access ports.

(4) Enclosure barometric pressure and ambient temperature.

(5) Soak area temperature records.

(F) Fuel dispenser for refueling. (1) Fuel dispensing rate.

(2) Manufacturer and model of fuel nozzle.

(3) Dispensed fuel temperature.

(4) Dispensed fuel volume.

(a)(1)(ii) through (e) [Reserved]. For guidance see § 86.605-88.

(2) [Reserved]

[59 FR 16301, Apr. 6, 1994]

§ 86.606-84 - Entry and access.

(a) In order to allow the Administrator to determine whether a manufacturer is complying with the provisions of this subpart and a test order issued thereunder, EPA Enforcement Officers may enter during normal operating hours upon presentation of credentials any of the following:

(1) Any facility where any vehicle to be introduced into commerce or any emission-related component is or has been manufactured, assembled, or stored;

(2) Any facility where any tests conducted pursuant to a test order or any procedures or activities connected with such tests are or were performed;

(3) Any facility where any vehicle which is being, was, or is to be tested is present; and

(4) Any facility where any record or other document relating to any of the above is located.

(b) Upon admission to any facility referred to in paragraph (a) of this section, EPA Enforcement Officers may:

(1) Inspect and monitor any part or aspect of vehicle manufacturer, assembly, storage, testing and other procedures, and the facilities in which these procedures are conducted;

(2) Inspect and monitor any part or aspect of vehicle test procedures or activities, including, but not limited to, vehicle selection, preparation, mileage accumulation, preconditioning, emission tests, and maintenance; and verify calibration of test equipment;

(3) Inspect and make copies of any records or documents related to the assembly, storage, selection and testing of a vehicle in compliance with a test order; and

(4) Inspect and photograph any part or aspect of any vehicle and any component used in its assembly that is reasonably related to the purpose of the entry.

(c) EPA Enforcement Officers may obtain reasonable assistance without cost from those in charge of a facility to help them perform any function listed in this subpart and may request the recipient of a test order to arrange with those in charge of a facility operated for its benefit to furnish reasonable assistance without cost to EPA whether or not the recipient controls the facility.

(d) EPA Enforcement Officers may seek a warrant or court order authorizing the EPA Enforcement Officers to conduct activities related to entry and access as authorized in this section. EPA Enforcement Officers may proceed ex parte to obtain a warrant whether or not the Enforcement Officers first sought permission from the recipient of the test order or the party in charge of the facilities in question to conduct those activities related to entry and access.

(e) A recipient of a test order shall permit EPA Enforcement Officers who present a warrant or court order as described in paragraph (d) of this section to conduct activities related to entry and access as authorized in this section and as described in the warrant or court order. A recipient of a test order shall cause those in charge of its facility or a facility operated for its benefit to permit EPA Enforcement Officers to conduct these activities related to entry and access pursuant to a warrant or court order whether or not the recipient controls the facility. In the absence of such a warrant or court order, EPA Enforcement Officers may conduct those activities related to entry and access only upon the consent of either the recipient of the test order or the party in charge of the facilities in question.

(f) It is not a violation of this part or the Clean Air Act for any person to refuse to permit EPA Enforcement Officers to conduct activities related to entry and access as authorized in this section without a warrant or court order.

(g) A manufacturer is responsible for locating its foreign testing and manufacturing facilities in jurisdictions in which local foreign law does not prohibit EPA Enforcement Officers from conducting the entry and access activities specified in this section. EPA will not attempt to make any inspections which it has been informed that local foreign law prohibits.

(h) For purposes of this section:

(1) Presentation of Credentials means display of the document designating a person as an EPA Enforcement Officer.

(2) Where vehicle storage areas or facilities are concerned, operating hours means all times during which personnel other than custodial personnel are at work in the vicinity of the area or facility and have access to it.

(3) Where facilities or areas other than those covered by paragraph (h)(2) of this section are concerned, operating hours means all times during which an assembly line is in operation, vehicle assembly is occurring, or testing, repair, mileage accumulation, production or compilation of records, or any other procedure or activity related to testing, or to vehicle manufacture or assembly, is being conducted in a facility.

(4) Reasonable assistance includes, but is not limited to, providing clerical, copying, interpreting and translating services and, at the request of an EPA Enforcement Officer, making available personnel of the facility being inspected during their working hours to provide information relevant to the Enforcement Officer's activities authorized in this section. Any employee whom a manufacturer has instructed to appear at the request of an Enforcement Officer may be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel.

[41 FR 31483, July 28, 1976, as amended at 49 FR 48481, Dec. 12, 1984. Redesignated at 54 FR 2123, Jan. 19, 1989]

§ 86.607-84 - Sample selection.

(a) Vehicles comprising a test sample which are required to be tested, pursuant to a test order issued in accordance with this subpart, will be selected at the location and in the manner specified in the test order. If a manufacturer determines that the test vehicles cannot be selected in the manner specified in the test order, an alternative selection procedure may be employed: Provided, That the manufacturer requests approval of the alternative procedure in advance of the start of test sample selection and that the Administrator approves the procedure. Special order vehicles are exempt from sample selection unless a test sample cannot be completed otherwise.

(b) The manufacturer shall have assembled the test vehicles of the configuration selected for testing using its normal mass production processes for vehicles to be distributed into commerce. During the audit, the manufacturer shall inform the Administrator of any change(s) implemented in its production processes, including quality control, which may be reasonably expected to affect the emissions of the vehicles selected, between the time the manufacturer received the test order and the time the manufacturer finished selecting test vehicles.

(c) No quality control, testing, or assembly procedures will be used on the completed test vehicles or any portion thereof, including parts and subassemblies, that has not been or will not be used during the production and assembly of all other vehicles of that configuration.

(d) The test order may specify that EPA Enforcement Officers, rather than the manufacturer, will select the test vehicles according to the method described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(e) The order in which test vehicles are selected determines the order in which test results are to be used in applying the sampling plan in accordance with § 86.610.

(f) The manufacturer shall keep on hand all untested vehicles, if any, comprising the test sample until a pass or fail decision is reached in accordance with paragraph (d) of § 86.610. The manufacturer may ship any tested vehicle which has not failed in accordance with paragraph (a) of § 86.610. However, once a manufacturer ships any vehicle from the test sample, it relinquishes the prerogative to conduct retests provided in paragraph (i) of § 86.608.

[49 FR 48482, Dec. 12, 1984. Redesignated at 54 FR 2123, Jan. 19, 1989]

§ 86.608-98 - Test procedures.

(a) The prescribed test procedures are the Federal Test Procedure, as described in subpart B of this part, and the cold temperature CO test procedure as described in subpart C of this part. For purposes of Selective Enforcement Audit testing, the manufacturer shall not be required to perform any of the test procedures in subpart B of this part relating to evaporative emission testing, other than refueling emissions testing, except as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(1) The Administrator may omit any of the testing procedures described in paragraph (a) of this section. Further, the Administrator may, on the basis of a written application by a manufacturer, approve optional test procedures other than those in subparts B and C of this part for any motor vehicle which is not susceptible to satisfactory testing using the procedures in subparts B and C of this part.

(2) The following exceptions to the test procedures in subpart B of this part are applicable to Selective Enforcement Audit testing:

(i) For mileage accumulation, the manufacturer may use test fuel meeting the specifications for mileage and service accumulation fuels of § 86.113. Otherwise, the manufacturer may use fuels other than those specified in this section only with the advance approval of the Administrator.

(ii) The manufacturer may measure the temperature of the test fuel at other than the approximate mid-volume of the fuel tank, as specified in § 86.131-96(a) with only a single temperature sensor, and may drain the test fuel from other than the lowest point of the tank, as specified in §§ 86.131-96(b) and 86.152-98(a), provided an equivalent method is used. Equivalency documentation shall be maintained by the manufacturers and shall be made available to the Administrator upon request. Additionally, for any test vehicle that has remained under laboratory ambient temperature conditions for at least 6 hours prior to testing, the vehicle soak described in § 86.132-96(c) may be eliminated upon approval of the Administrator. In such cases, the vehicle shall be operated through the preconditioning drive described in § 86.132-96(c) immediately following the fuel drain and fill procedure described in § 86.132-96(b).

(iii) The manufacturer may perform additional preconditioning on Selective Enforcement Audit test vehicles other than the preconditioning specified in § 86.132 only if the additional preconditioning was performed on certification test vehicles of the same configuration.

(iv) [Reserved]

(v) The manufacturer may substitute slave tires for the drive wheel tires on the vehicle as specified in § 86.135-90(e): Provided, that the slave tires are the same size.

(vi) [Reserved]

(vii) In performing exhaust sample analysis under § 86.140-94.

(A) When testing diesel vehicles, or methanol-fueled Otto-cycle vehicles, the manufacturer shall allow a minimum of 20 minutes warm-up for the HC analyzer, and for diesel vehicles, a minimum of two hours warm-up for the CO, CO2 and NOX analyzers. (Power is normally left on infrared and chemiluminescent analyzers. When not in use, the chopper motors of the infrared analyzers are turned off and the phototube high voltage supply to the chemiluminescent analyzers is placed in the standby position.)

(B) The manufacturer shall exercise care to prevent moisture from condensing in the sample collection bags.

(viii) The manufacturer need not comply with § 86.142 or § 86.155, since the records required therein are provided under other provisions of this subpart G.

(ix) If a manufacturer elects to perform the background determination procedure described in paragraph (a)(2)(xi) of this section in addition to performing the refueling emissions test procedure, the elapsed time between the initial and final FID readings shall be recorded, rounded to the nearest second rather than minute as described in § 86.154-98(e)(8). In addition, the vehicle soak described in § 86.153-98(e) shall be conducted with the windows and luggage compartment of the vehicle open.

(x) The Administrator may elect to perform a seal test, described in § 86.153-98(b), of both integrated and non-integrated systems instead of the full refueling test. When testing non-integrated systems, a manufacturer may conduct the canister purge described in § 86.153-98(b)(1) directly following the preconditioning drive described in § 86.132-96(e) or directly following the exhaust emissions test described in § 86.137-96.

(xi) In addition to the refueling test, a manufacturer may elect to perform the following background emissions determination immediately prior to the refueling measurement procedure described in § 86.154, provided EPA is notified of this decision prior to the start of testing in an SEA.

(A) The SHED shall be purged for several minutes immediately prior to the background determination. Warning: If at any time the concentration of hydrocarbons, of methanol, or of methanol and hydrocarbons exceeds 15,000 ppm C, the enclosure should be immediately purged. This concentration provides a 4:1 safety factor against the lean flammability limit.

(B) The FID (or HFID) hydrocarbon analyzer shall be zeroed and spanned immediately prior to the background determination. If not already on, the enclosure mixing fan and the spilled fuel mixing blower shall be turned on at this time.

(C) Place the vehicle in the SHED. The ambient temperature level encountered by the test vehicle during the entire background emissions determination shall be 80 °F ±3 °F. The windows and luggage compartment of the vehicle must be open and the gas cap must be secured.

(D) Seal the SHED. Immediately analyze the ambient concentration of hydrocarbons in the SHED and record. This is the initial background hydrocarbon concentration.

(E) Soak the vehicle for ten minutes ±1 minute.

(F) The FID (or HFID) hydrocarbon analyzer shall be zeroed and spanned immediately prior to the end of the background determination.

(G) Analyze the ambient concentration of hydrocarbons in the SHED and record. This is the final background hydrocarbon concentration.

(H) The total hydrocarbon mass emitted during the background determination is calculated according to § 86.156. To obtain a per-minute background emission rate, divide the total hydrocarbon mass calculated in this paragraph by the duration of the soak, rounded to the nearest second, described in paragraph (a)(2)(xi)(G) of this section.

(I) The background emission rate is multiplied by the duration of the refueling measurement obtained in paragraph (a)(2)(ix) of this section. This number is then subtracted from the total grams of emissions calculated for the refueling test according to § 86.156-98(a) to obtain the adjusted value for total refueling emissions. The final results for comparison with the refueling emission standard shall be computed by dividing the adjusted value for total refueling mass emissions by the total gallons of fuel dispensed in the refueling test as described in § 86.156-98(b).

(xii) In addition to the requirements of subpart B of this part, the manufacturer shall prepare gasoline-fueled and methanol-fueled vehicles as follows prior to emission testing:

(A) The manufacturer shall inspect the fuel system to ensure the absence of any leaks of liquid or vapor to the atmosphere by applying a pressure of 14.5±0.5 inches of water (3.6±0.1 kPa) to the fuel system, allowing the pressure to stabilize, and isolating the fuel system from the pressure source. Following isolation of the fuel system, pressure must not drop more than 2.0 inches of water (0.5 kPa) in five minutes. If required, the manufacturer shall perform corrective action in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section and report this action in accordance with § 86.609-98(d).

(B) When performing this pressure check, the manufacturer shall exercise care to neither purge nor load the evaporative or refueling emission control systems.

(C) The manufacturer may not modify the test vehicle's evaporative or refueling emission control systems by component addition, deletion, or substitution, except to comply with paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section if approved in advance by the Administrator.

(3) The following exceptions to the test procedures in subpart C of this part are applicable to Selective Enforcement Audit testing:

(i) The manufacturer may measure the temperature of the test fuel at other than the approximate mid-volume of the fuel tank, as specified in § 86.107-96(e), and may drain the test fuel from other than the lowest point of the fuel tank, provided an equivalent method is used. Equivalency documentation shall be maintained by the manufacturer and shall be made available to the Administrator upon request.

(ii) In performing exhaust sample analysis under § 86.140, the manufacturer shall exercise care to prevent moisture from condensing in the sample collection bags.

(iii) The manufacturer need not comply with § 86.142 since the records required therein are provided under other provisions of this subpart G.

(iv) In addition to the requirements of subpart C of this part, the manufacturer shall prepare gasoline-fueled vehicles as follows prior to exhaust emission testing:

(A) The manufacturer shall inspect the fuel system to ensure the absence of any leaks of liquid or vapor to the atmosphere by applying a pressure of 14.5±0.5 inches of water (3.6±0.1 kPa) to the fuel system allowing the pressure to stabilize and isolating the fuel system from the pressure source. Following isolation of the fuel system, pressure must not drop more than 2.0 inches of water (0.5 kPa) in five minutes. If required, the manufacturer shall perform corrective action in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section and report this action in accordance with § 86.609-98(d).

(B) When performing this pressure check, the manufacturer shall exercise care to neither purge nor load the evaporative or refueling emission control system.

(C) The manufacturer shall not modify the test vehicle's evaporative or refueling emission control system by component addition, deletion, or substitution, except if approved in advance by the Administrator, to comply with paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section.

(b)(1) The manufacturer shall not adjust, repair, prepare, or modify the vehicles selected for testing and shall not perform any emission tests on vehicles selected for testing pursuant to the test order unless this adjustment repair, preparation, modification, and/or tests are documented in the manufacturer's vehicle assembly and inspection procedures and are actually performed or unless these adjustments and/or tests are required or permitted under this subpart or are approved in advance by the Administrator.

(2) For 1981 and later model years the Administrator may adjust or cause to be adjusted any engine or vehicle parameter which the Administrator has determined to be subject to adjustment for new vehicle compliance testing (e.g., for certification or Selective Enforcement Audit testing) in accordance with § 86.081-22(c)(1), to any setting within the physically adjustable range of that parameter, as determined by the Administrator in accordance with § 86.081-22(e)(3)(ii), prior to the performance of any tests. However, if the idle speed parameter is one which the Administrator has determined to be subject to adjustment, the Administrator shall not adjust it to a setting which causes a lower engine idle speed than will be possible within the physically adjustable range of the idle speed parameter on the vehicle when it has accumulated 4,000 miles, all other parameters being adjusted identically for the purpose of comparison. The Administrator, in making or specifying such adjustments, will consider the effect of the deviation from the manufacturer's recommended setting on emissions performance characteristics as well as the likelihood that similar settings will occur on in-use light-duty vehicles or light-duty trucks. In determining likelihood, the Administrator will consider factors such as, but not limited to, the effect of the adjustment on vehicle performance characteristics and surveillance information from similar in-use vehicles.

(c) Prior to performing emission testing pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section on an SEA test vehicle, the manufacturer may accumulate on each vehicle a number of miles equal to the greater of 4,000 miles, or the number of miles the manufacturer accumulated during certification on the emission-data vehicle corresponding to the configuration specified in the test order.

(1) Mileage accumulation must be performed in any manner using good engineering judgment to obtain emission results representative of normal production vehicles. This mileage accumulation must be consistent with the new vehicle break-in instructions contained in the applicable vehicle owner's manual, if any.

(2) The manufacturer shall accumulate mileage at a minimum rate of 300 miles per vehicle during each 24-hour period, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator.

(i) The first 24-hour period for mileage accumulation shall begin as soon as authorized vehicle checks, inspections and preparations are completed on each vehicle.

(ii) The minimum mileage accumulation rate does not apply on weekends or holidays.

(iii) If the manufacturer's mileage accumulation target is less than the minimum rate specified (300 miles per day), then the minimum daily accumulation rate shall be equal to the manufacturer's mileage accumulation target.

(3) Mileage accumulation shall be completed on a sufficient number of test vehicles during consecutive 24-hour periods to assure that the number of vehicles tested per day fulfills the requirements of paragraph (g) of this section.

(d) The manufacturer shall not perform any maintenance on test vehicles after selection for testing nor shall the Administrator allow deletion of any test vehicle from the test sequence, unless requested by the manufacturer and approved by the Administrator before any test vehicle maintenance of deletion.

(e) The manufacturer will be allowed 24 hours to ship test vehicles from the assembly plant or storage facility to the test facility if the test facility is not located at the plant or storage facility or in close proximity to the plant or storage facility: Except, that the Administrator may approve more time based upon a request by the manufacturer accompanied by a satisfactory justification.

(f) If a vehicle cannot complete the mileage accumulation or emission tests because of vehicle malfunction, the manufacturer may request the Administrator to authorize the repair of that vehicle or its deletion from the test sequence.

(g) Whenever the manufacturer conducts testing pursuant to a test order issued under this subpart, the manufacturer shall notify the Administrator within one working day of receipt of the test order, which test facility will be used to comply with the test order and the number of available test cells at that facility. If no test cells are available at the desired facility, the manufacturer must provide alternate testing capability satisfactory to the Administrator.

(1) The manufacturer shall perform a combination of tests pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section so that a minimum of four tests are performed per 24 hour period, including voided tests, for each available test cell.

(2) The Administrator may approve a longer period based upon a request by a manufacturer accompanied by satisfactory justification.

(h) The manufacturer shall perform test vehicle selection, preparation, mileage accumulation, shipping, and testing in such a manner as to assure that the audit is performed in an expeditious manner.

(i) The manufacturer may retest any test vehicle after a fail decision has been reached in accordance with § 86.610-98(d) based on the first test on each vehicle; except that the Administrator may approve retests at other times during the audit based upon a request by the manufacturer accompanied by a satisfactory justification. The manufacturer may test each vehicle a total of three times. The manufacturer shall test each vehicle the same number of times. The manufacturer may accumulate additional mileage on test vehicles before conducting retests, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section.

[59 FR 16301, Apr. 6, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 43898, Aug. 23, 1995; 62 FR 31235, June 6, 1997; 79 FR 23700, Apr. 28, 2014]

§ 86.609-98 - Calculation and reporting of test results.

(a) Initial test results are calculated following the test procedures specified in § 86.608-98(a). Round the initial test results to the number of decimal places contained in the applicable emission standard expressed to one additional significant figure.

(b) Final test results for each test vehicle are calculated by summing the initial test results derived in paragraph (a) of this section for each test vehicle, dividing by the number of times that specific test has been conducted on the vehicle, and rounding to the same number of decimal places contained in the applicable standard expressed to one additional significant figure.

(c) Final deteriorated test results. (1) For each test vehicle. The final deteriorated test results for each light-duty vehicle tested for exhaust emissions and/or refueling emissions according to subpart B, subpart C, or subpart R of this part are calculated by first multiplying or adding, as appropriate, the final test results by or to the appropriate deterioration factor derived from the certification process for the engine or evaporative/refueling family and model year to which the selected configuration belongs, and then by multiplying by the appropriate reactivity adjustment factor, if applicable, and rounding to the same number of decimal places contained in the applicable emission standard. For the purpose of this paragraph (c), if a multiplicative deterioration factor as computed during the certification process is less than one, that deterioration factor is one. If an additive deterioration factor as computed during the certification process is less than zero, that deterioration factor will be zero.

(2) Exceptions. There are no deterioration factors for light-duty vehicle emissions obtained during spitback testing in accordance with § 86.146. Accordingly, for the fuel dispensing spitback test, the term “final deteriorated test results” means the final test results derived in paragraph (b) of this section for each test vehicle, rounded to the same number of decimal places contained in the applicable emission standard.

(d) Within five working days after completion of testing of all vehicles pursuant to a test order, the manufacturer shall submit to the Administrator a report which includes the following information:

(1) The location and description of the manufacturer's emission test facilities which were utilized to conduct testing reported pursuant to this section.

(2) The applicable standards against which the vehicles were tested.

(3) Deterioration factors for the selected configuration.

(4) A description of the vehicle selection method used.

(5) For each test conducted.

(i) Test vehicle description including:

(A) Configuration, engine family, and refueling family identification.

(B) Year, make, build date, and model of vehicle.

(C) Vehicle Identification Number.

(D) Miles accumulated on vehicle.

(ii) Location where mileage accumulation was conducted and description of accumulation schedule.

(iii) Test number, date initial test results, final results and final deteriorated test results for all valid and invalid exhaust emission tests, and the reason for invalidation.

(iv) A complete description of any modification, repair, preparation, maintenance and/or testing which was performed on the test vehicle and:

(A) Has not been reported pursuant to any other paragraph of this subpart; and

(B) Will not be performed on all other production vehicles.

(v) Carbon dioxide emission values for all valid and invalid exhaust emission tests.

(vi) Where a vehicle was deleted from the test sequence by authorization of the Administrator, the reason for the deletion.

(vii) Any other information the Administrator may request relevant to the determination as to whether the new motor vehicles being manufactured by the manufacturer do in fact conform with the regulations with respect to which the certificate of conformity was issued.

(6) The following statement and endorsement:

This report is submitted pursuant to sections 206 and 208 of the Clean Air Act. This Selective Enforcement Audit was conducted in complete conformance with all applicable regulations under 40 CFR part 86 and the conditions of the test order. No emission related change(s) to production processes or quality control procedures for the vehicle configuration tested have been made between receipt of this test order and conclusion of the audit. All data and information reported herein is, to the best of

(Company Name) knowledge, true and accurate. I am aware of the penalties associated with violations of the Clean Air Act and the regulations thereunder. (Authorized Company Representative)
[59 FR 16303, Apr. 6, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 31236, June 6, 1997; 79 FR 23701, Apr. 28, 2014]

§ 86.610-98 - Compliance with acceptable quality level and passing and failing criteria for Selective Enforcement Audits.

(a) The prescribed acceptable quality level is 40 percent.

(b) A failed vehicle is one whose final deteriorated test results pursuant to § 86.609-98(c) exceed at least one of the applicable emission standards associated with the test procedures pursuant to § 86.608-98(a).

(c)(1) Pass/fail criteria. The manufacturer shall test vehicles comprising the test sample until a pass decision is reached for all of the pollutants associated with all of the test procedures pursuant to § 86.608-98(a) or a fail decision is reached for one of these pollutants. A pass decision is reached when the cumulative number of failed vehicles, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, for each pollutant is less than or equal to the fail decision number appropriate to the cumulative number of vehicles tested. A fail decision is reached when the cumulative number of failed vehicles for one pollutant is greater than or equal to the fail decision number appropriate to the cumulative number of vehicles tested. The pass and fail decision numbers associated with the cumulative number of vehicles tested are determined by use of the tables in appendix XI of this part appropriate for the annual projected sales as made by the manufacturer in its report submitted under § 600.207-80(a)(2) of this chapter (Automobile Fuel Economy Regulations). In the tables in appendix XI of this part, sampling plan “stage” refers to the cumulative number of vehicles tested. Once a pass decision has been made for a particular pollutant associated with a particular test procedure pursuant to § 86.608-98(a), the number of vehicles whose final deteriorated test results exceed the emission standard for that pollutant may not be considered any further for purposes of the audit.

(2) [Reserved]

(d) Passing or failing of an SEA audit occurs when the decision is made on the last vehicle required to make a decision under paragraph (c) of this section.

(e) The Administrator may terminate testing earlier than required in paragraph (c) of this section.

[59 FR 16304, Apr. 6, 1994, as amended at 79 FR 23702, Apr. 28, 2014]

§ 86.612-97 - Suspension and revocation of certificates of conformity.

(a) The certificate of conformity is immediately suspended with respect to any vehicle failing pursuant to § 86.610-98(b) effective from the time that testing of that vehicle is completed.

(b) The Administrator may suspend the certificate of conformity for a configuration that does not pass a selective enforcement audit pursuant to § 86.610-98(c) based on the first test, or all tests, conducted on each vehicle. This suspension will not occur before ten days after failure to pass the audit.

(c) If the results of vehicle testing pursuant to the requirements of this subpart indicate the vehicles of a particular configuration produced at more than one plant do not conform to the regulations with respect to which the certificate of conformity was issued, the Administrator may suspend the certificate of conformity with respect to that configuration for vehicles manufactured by the manufacturer in other plants of the manufacturer.

(d) The Administrator will notify the manufacturer in writing of any suspension or revocation of a certificate of conformity in whole or in part: Except, that the certificate of conformity is immediately suspended with respect to any vehicle failing pursuant to § 86.610-98(b) and as provided for in paragraph (a) of this section.

(e) The Administrator may revoke a certificate of conformity for a configuration when the certificate has been suspended pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this section if the proposed remedy for the nonconformity, as reported by the manufacturer to the Administrator, is one requiring a design change(s) to the engine and/or emission control system as described in the Application for Certification of the affected configuration.

(f) Once a certificate has been suspended for a failed vehicle as provided for in paragraph (a) of this section, the manufacturer must take the following actions:

(1) Before the certificate is reinstated for that failed vehicle—

(i) Remedy the nonconformity; and

(ii) Demonstrate that the vehicle's final deteriorated test results conform to the applicable emission standards or family particulate emission limits, as defined in this part 86 by retesting the vehicle in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.

(2) Submit a written report to the Administrator within thirty days after successful completion of testing on the failed vehicle, which contains a description of the remedy and test results for the vehicle in addition to other information that may be required by this subpart.

(g) Once a certificate has been suspended pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, the manufacturer must take the following actions before the Administrator will consider reinstating such certificate:

(1) Submit a written report to the Administrator which identifies the reason for the noncompliance of the vehicles, describes the proposed remedy, including a description of any proposed quality control and/or quality assurance measures to be taken by the manufacturer to prevent the future occurrence of the problem, and states the date on which the remedies will be implemented.

(2) Demonstrate that the engine family or configuration for which the certificate of conformity has been suspended does in fact comply with the requirements of this subpart by testing vehicles selected from normal production runs of that engine family or configuration at the plant(s) or the facilities specified by the Administrator, in accordance with: the conditions specified in the initial test order pursuant to § 86.603 for a configuration suspended pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this section.

(3) If the Administrator has not revoked the certificate pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section and if the manufacturer elects to continue testing individual vehicles after suspension of a certificate, the certificate is reinstated for any vehicle actually determined to have its final deteriorated test results in conformance with the applicable standards through testing in accordance with the applicable test procedures.

(h) Once a certificate for a failed engine family or configuration has been revoked under paragraph (e) of this section and the manufacturer desires to introduce into commerce a modified version of that engine family or configuration, the following actions will be taken before the Administrator may issue a certificate for the new engine family or configuration:

(1) If the Administrator determines that the proposed change(s) in vehicle design may have an effect on emission performance deterioration and/or fuel economy, he/she shall notify the manufacturer within five working days after receipt of the report in paragraph (g)(1) of this section whether subsequent testing under this subpart will be sufficient to evaluate the proposed change(s) or whether additional testing will be required.

(2) After implementing the change(s) intended to remedy the nonconformity, the manufacturer shall demonstrate, if the certificate was revoked pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, that the modified vehicle configuration does in fact conform with the requirements of this subpart by testing vehicles selected from normal production runs of that modified vehicle configuration in accordance with the conditions specified in the initial test order pursuant to § 86.603. The Administrator shall consider this testing to satisfy the testing requirements of § 86.079-32 or § 86.079-33 if the Administrator had so notified the manufacturer. If the subsequent testing results in a pass decision pursuant to the criteria in § 86.610-98(c), the Administrator shall reissue or amend the certificate, if necessary, to include that configuration: Provided, that the manufacturer has satisfied the testing requirements specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section. If the subsequent audit results in a fail decision pursuant to the criteria in § 86.610-98(c), the revocation remains in effect. Any design change approvals under this subpart are limited to the modification of the configuration specified by the test order.

(i) A manufacturer may at any time subsequent to an initial suspension of a certificate of conformity with respect to a test vehicle pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, but not later than fifteen (15) days or such other period as may be allowed by the Administrator after notification of the Administrator's decision to suspend or revoke a certificate of conformity in whole or in part pursuant to paragraph (b), (c) or (e) of this section, request that the Administrator grant such manufacturer a hearing as to whether the tests have been properly conducted or any sampling methods have been properly applied.

(j) After the Administrator suspends or revokes a certificate of conformity pursuant to this section or notifies a manufacturer of his intent to suspend, revoke or void a certificate of conformity under § 86.007-30(e) or § 86.1850, and prior to the commencement of a hearing under § 86.614, if the manufacturer demonstrates to the Administrator's satisfaction that the decision to suspend, revoke or void the certificate was based on erroneous information, the Administrator shall reinstate the certificate.

(k) To permit a manufacturer to avoid storing non-test vehicles when conducting testing of an engine family or configuration subsequent to suspension or revocation of the certificate of conformity for that engine family or configuration pursuant to paragraph (b), (c), or (e) of this section, the manufacturer may request that the Administrator conditionally reinstate the certificate for that engine family or configuration. The Administrator may reinstate the certificate subject to the condition that the manufacturer consents to recall all vehicles of that engine family or configuration produced from the time the certificate is conditionally reinstated if the engine family or configuration fails the subsequent testing and to remedy any nonconformity at no expense to the owner.

[79 FR 23702, Apr. 28, 2014]

§ 86.614-84 - Hearings on suspension, revocation, and voiding of certificates of conformity.

The provisions of 40 CFR part 1068, subpart G, apply if a manufacturer requests a hearing regarding suspension, revocation or voiding of certificates of conformity.

[81 FR 73980, Oct. 25, 2016]

§ 86.615-84 - Treatment of confidential information.

The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.10 apply for information you consider confidential.

[81 FR 73980, Oct. 25, 2016]