EVALUATION OF FMVSS 103 IDLE TEST VS. ROAD LOAD TEST

Eight vehicles with a wide range of characteristics were tested in both the idle and road load test modes of FMVSS 103 for evaluation and comparison of the test modes. Four, six and eight cylinder engine models as well as one wankel and one diesel were included. The comparison of the data taken leads to a conclusion that the two test modes are not equivalent and that all vehicles will defrost faster in the road load test mode. It is further concluded that the road load test mode leads to operation of some vehicles in a mode which would not be safe for highway operation. To correct these conditions, it is recommended that the road load test mode be deleted from FMVSS 103 and the nominal rpm of vehicles with engines of less than 100 cubic inch displacement be increased to 2000 rpm. Other changes to the test procedures are also recommended in the areas of air flow, voltage control, and soak time requirements.

• Corporate Authors:

  Ball Brothers Research Corporation

  P.O. Box 1062
  Boulder, CO  United States  80302

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Wayne, E L
  • Kabat, R J
• Publication Date: 1977-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 221 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air; Deicing; Diesel engines; Electric potential; Engine idling; Evaluation; Flow; Load tests; Melting; Passenger vehicles; Road tests; Standards; Wankel engines; Windshields
• Uncontrolled Terms: Air flow
• Old TRIS Terms: Defrosting; Idling; Modal speed
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00154806
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-HS-802-297 Final Rpt., F77-02
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-6-01380
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 17 1977 12:00AM