Can a China V Vehicle Still Run Without Urea?
4 Answers
China V vehicles can continue to operate without urea, but doing so may lead to the following consequences: 1. Failing Annual Inspection: If inspectors find that the vehicle lacks urea during the annual check, it will not pass the inspection, and the owner may face penalties. 2. Vehicle Damage: Prolonged absence of urea solution circulation can cause nozzle clogging, dry burning damage to the urea pump, crystallization in the pipes, and ultimately lead to the complete failure of the SCR system. 3. Environmental Pollution: The vehicle's exhaust emissions will not meet standards, contributing to environmental pollution. 4. Loss of Power: The ECU will detect the absence of urea and limit the engine's torque, resulting in reduced vehicle performance.
After driving a China V diesel vehicle for many years, I’ve also experienced forgetting to refill the urea. To be honest, the car could still start and run without urea, but problems arose quickly. Once the system detects insufficient urea, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, and the vehicle will be forced into a speed-limiting mode, restricting the speed to a very low level, such as 30-40 km/h—barely enough to crawl slowly in the city. This is because the SCR system requires urea to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Continuing to drive without it may cause the aftertreatment device to freeze or accumulate carbon deposits, leading to damage. Repairs can cost at least several thousand yuan. I recommend keeping a bottle of urea solution at home and refilling it promptly when the warning light comes on—don’t delay. Safety first, to avoid breakdowns and unnecessary delays on the road.
From a technical perspective, the China V emission standard requires diesel vehicles to be equipped with SCR systems, with urea serving as the core reducing agent. Without it, nitrogen oxides in the exhaust cannot be effectively converted, leading to excessive emissions. Moreover, the vehicle's computer will activate a protection mechanism to limit power output, preventing damage to the catalytic converter. This speed-limiting mode allows the vehicle to operate only at low speeds, which may suffice for short-term emergencies but is unsuitable for long-distance travel. Prolonged operation in this state could lead to more severe issues, such as DPF clogging, outweighing any temporary benefits. To ensure system health and peace of mind, it's advisable to develop the habit of checking urea levels monthly.
My China V standard pickup truck once ran out of urea and could barely manage short trips, but after the system alarm activated, the speed limitation made it quite dangerous, especially on highways – it's best not to push it. Low urea levels can cause excessive emissions and accelerate the aging of aftertreatment components. It's recommended to replenish it promptly, as repair costs can be high. It's much better to routinely add a bottle costing just over ten yuan to prevent issues.
