Testing Protocols for Inspection/Maintenance Programs

A brief review of a variety of Inspection/Maintenance programs is provided. The costs and benefits of several of these programs are discussed. The effects of vehicle operating parameters on the performance of the catalyst in the exhaust system of the vehicle are discussed in detail. Key variables for catalyst performance are light-off performance and exhaust temperature and air/fuel ratio. The relative effects of common causes of catalyst deactivation on control of HC, CO and NO_x are also discussed.