Does running out of urea affect the vehicle?
1 Answers
"Running out of urea in a truck not only affects the vehicle's engine but also impacts fuel consumption. When a vehicle stops using urea, the SCR system ceases to function, preventing the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. This results in harmful emissions to the environment and a decrease in engine power. Prolonged absence of urea can lead to partial or complete system damage. During the production of Euro IV engines, manufacturers must input data from the urea sensor into the engine control unit (ECU). If the sensor detects no urea, the ECU will adjust the engine's operation, reducing its power output. This forces the driver to press the accelerator harder, leading to increased fuel consumption. Adding urea helps reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, lowering emissions and making the vehicle more environmentally friendly. Most modern diesel engines use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. The process involves exhaust gases exiting the turbocharger and entering the exhaust pipe, where they pass through a catalytic converter. A urea injector, controlled by the ECU, sprays a urea solution into the exhaust pipe. This solution reacts with nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, converting them into harmless nitrogen and water vapor. A truck can continue to operate without urea, but it should be replenished as soon as possible. Without urea, nitrogen oxide emissions can exceed those of Euro III vehicles. Prolonged operation without urea can cause crystallization, clogging, or heat damage to the urea pump, injector, and related piping."
