With modified software, Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel trucks from the 2017 model year finally have been approved for sale by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California’s Air Resources Board (CARB). Still unknown, however, is the fate of some 104,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel trucks from the 2014–2016 model years that have been accused of using defeat devices.
In January, the EPA and CARB alleged the 2014 to 2016 model-year trucks had at least eight undisclosed auxiliary emission-control devices, or AECDs, that reduced the effectiveness of emission controls at high speeds or during extended driving. That means the vehicles emit what the EPA defines as a harmful level of nitrogen oxides, or NOx. And in May, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit against FCA for using a defeat device. The DOJ lawsuit was announced days after the automaker said it was seeking permission from the EPA and CARB to install modified software on the vehicles that could appease the regulators.
FCA has repeatedly denied trying to purposely cheat on emissions. A company spokesman declined to comment on the status of the 2014–2016 model-year trucks beyond what’s in Friday’s press release. “The approvals announced today represent a significant step toward resolving the issues raised by EPA and ARB,” company CEO Sergio Marchionne said in the release. “We appreciate the efforts of the agencies in working with us to achieve this milestone. We are anxious to build on this progress to make appropriate updates to the emissions control software in our earlier model-year vehicles.”
For the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel trucks, the modified emissions software calibrations are not expected to have an effect on the stated fuel economy or performance of the trucks, FCA said. No hardware upgrade is needed.
In both trucks, FCA’s 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel delivers 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. FCA estimates the 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel’s fuel economy at 21 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the same engine is rated at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
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