dyno test responsibility

I have to post some thoughts about this. Sorry if this sounds harsh, not trying to be that way.

OK here is what I am seeing - you didn't order the test so the dealer isn't responsible to you, the dealer only responsible to the seller for that information AT that time. The disclosure laws for the dealer end with the person who ordered and paid for the test, not a buyer four months after a test. Sorry to be harsh but you can try to sue and if a lawyer is really smart they would tell you the same thing and not take the case. I venture to say you would lose in Small Claims Court against the dealer seeing you didn't order the test but provided as a courtesy by the seller. The seller may be on the hook but there is another issue here with that which is mentioned below about engine build years.

OK did you confirm the engine serial number on the report with the actual number on the engine?

This is what I asked, but got to tell you it really doesn't matter for another reason which was mentioned - this is a 2000 model year truck and has a 95 model year engine which a 95 model year engine is complaint with CARB and the feds for the model year. The 2000 engine year is the same as my 1999 and I have to add crap to it to travel in the state (that's another issue altogether). The other thing is that truck model years do not matter for CARB according to a conversation with a CARB representative, the engine model year is what matters so if you have a 2000 FL with a 2010 Cummins in it, it is all that matters for compliance.

It is like any other dealer, you will get a different answers from different dealers and even asking different people in the dealership - this isn't a science. But ... They are right, they don't have to check the engine unless there is a question with compliance under CARB rules, the feds do not count. In this case, the 95 engine is the same as the 2000 engine and hence complaint in a 2000 modle year truck.

Eat the costs, sell the truck outside of California.

 

I can't say I blame them for not saying anything.

One slip up and they are guys out there that would sue them..........

 

Unless I'm missing something, this statement pretty much sums it up rendering the question and this whole thread moot.

 

How is it that you don't understand that even if this truck had the original engine in it that it would still not be any more compliant than it is with the 95 model engine. Until you comprehend this, you won't see that no matter what you bought a truck that was non compliant period, it's not just because of the 95 era engine.

 

Glad you said that, I was thinking I was being mean.

OK I would think the service manager is full of it, because there is no compliance with the EPA due to the truck model year. Your issue is a CARB issue, the EPA has nothing to do with it. However that said, the serial number and emissions placard is missing which can present a problem for you and any future buyer.

BUT here is my advice at this point (and knowing DD people where these things are made), take the serial number you have and order a placard or serial number/emissions plate. Cover your butt with CARB by getting this fixed - just driving the thing to get it out of state may cause you a problem. You can order this though the dealer if they pull the number from the ECM and can't see anyone else ordered it.

ALSO just an FYI about your truck, go to Freightliner with the truck's serial number and ask for the build sheet, every truck they built has one. This will have all the component model and some of the serial numbers with it plus the engine data on it (Order date, build number for DD, HP and so on) and they can even pull the actual order info for that engine if the dealer is willing to do so - or capable. This will give you an idea what is supposed to be in there which if you want, you can go back to DD and ask for a serial number and emissions placard based on that engine if they can prove it is the correct one.

There are two options for you.

Oh by the way, that serial number/emissions placard is a plate, not a sticker and has been for a while. They may not be cheap, the one for a Cummins I had was $75.