Ford Explorer Quiz
Engine Emission Control

Emissions Law

In this manual: Engine Emission Control
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~2min read

United States federal law and the laws of some states prohibit removing or rendering inoperative emissions control system components. Similar federal or provincial laws may apply in Canada. We do not approve any vehicle modifications without first determining the applicable laws.

Tampering with emissions control systems, including related sensors or the diesel exhaust fluid system, may result in reduced engine power and the Check Engine light illuminating soon.

Tampering with the Noise Control System

Federal law prohibits the following acts:

  • Removal or rendering inoperative by any person, other than for the purpose of maintenance.
  • Repair or replacement of any noise control device or design element on a new vehicle before its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use.
  • Use of the vehicle after any person has removed or rendered inoperative any device or design element.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may consider the following to be tampering:

  • Removal of the hood insulator, fender apron shields, fender apron barriers, underbody shields, or sound-absorbing material.
  • Tampering with or disabling the engine speed governor to allow engine speed to exceed the manufacturer's specifications.

If the engine does not start, runs roughly, loses power, has excessive fuel consumption, or produces excessive exhaust emissions, check the following:

  • Clogged or disconnected air intake hose.
  • Clogged engine air filter element.
  • Water in the fuel filter and water separator.
  • Clogged fuel filter.
  • Contaminated fuel.
  • Air in the fuel system due to loose connections.
  • Open or pinched sensor hose.
  • Incorrect engine oil level.
  • Fuel unsuitable for climatic conditions.
  • Incorrect engine oil viscosity for climate conditions.

Noise Emission Warranty, Prohibited Tampering Acts, and Maintenance

On January 1, 1978, the Federal noise emission regulation for trucks with a GVWR over 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) became effective. The previous statements regarding prohibited acts of tampering and maintenance, and the noise emission warranty in the Warranty Guide, apply to complete chassis-cab vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 lb (4,536 kg).

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