EPA-AA-TEB-81-27
Final Results of the "One Week Follow-Up" With Participants
 During the FY79 and FY80 Emission Factor Testing Programs
                            by

                      Thomas C. Bejma
                        August 1981
                Test and Evaluation Branch
           Emission Control Technology Division
       Office of Mobile Source Air Pollution Control
             Office of Air and Waste Management
           U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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                                   -2-

Abstract

This paper describes  the  results of a follow-up  survey  with participants
during  the FY79  and FY80 Emission  Factor Testing Programs.   The  surveys
were conducted in  the form of a questionnaire  which  program participants
were asked to complete and return, about  one  week after  their vehicle was
tested  and returned to them.  The  questions  pertained  to  the efficiency
of the  lab  personnel and the performance of their vehicle after  it  had
been tested.

Over 70%  of  the  2500 questionnaires  were completed  and  returned.   The
results of both  surveys  show that practically  all participants  felt  they
were treated efficiently by  the  lab personnel and that  the vast majority
felt that their  vehicle  displayed either  no  change  or an  improvement  in
its  performance.     Of   those   respondents    whose   vehicles   received
maintenance,   the  percentage   that felt  that  there was an  improvement  in
performance was greater than  that of the  owners of vehicles which  did not
receive maintenance.  Of the respondents  who were not satisfied with the
present performance of their vehicles after maintenance,   both programs
indicate that most  felt  the   same before  the  maintenance and  testing  had
been performed.

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                                   -3-

Introduction

For  the  past  eleven  years,   the  EPA  has  been  conducting  surveillance
studies  of  emissions from  in-use  vehicles.  These  studies  are known  as
Emission  Factor  (EF) Programs and are  identified by  the  fiscal year  in
which  they  were funded.  The test vehicles  are  solicited  randomly  from
the  general public  and are  .tested  in as-received  condition.   In  some
cases,  the  vehicles  are  retested  after  various  maintenance  actions
ranging  from  a  simple adjustment   to a  complete  tune-up.   The  data
resulting from these studies  are used for  calculations  and projections  of
air  quality as well as  in  the development of  strategies  for control  of
air  pollution from mobile sources.

Beginning midway through the  FY79 version,  a  mechanism  was established  to
obtain  the  owner's  perception of his vehicle's performance   after  it had
been tested in the  laboratory.  This  procedure  was known as  the  "One-Week
Follow-Up".  Prior  to  this  time,  there was no formal  means of  feedback
from the  participants on their feelings about  the testing  and maintenance
actions  performed on their  vehicles.   The  purpose  of this system  was  to
gather  information  which could  be used, to  assess  the level  of  driver
satisfaction and to determine possible reasons for underhood tampering.

This report  summarizes  the  results of  studies conducted during the  past
two  Emission Factor Programs  (FY79 and  FY80).  The FY79 program included
2042 in-use passenger cars.    The testing was  performed  in  six cities  from
February, 1979 to  September,  1980.   The FY80 program included 900  in-use
vehicles (810 passenger cars  and 90 light  duty  trucks).  This testing was
performed in three cities from November  1980 to August 1981.

In four of the six cities during the  FY79  program and in all three  cities
during  the  FY80  program, each participant was asked to  complete  a  "one
week follow-up"  questionnaire.  A  copy  is  attached  as Appendix A.   This
single  sheet  and  a  pre-addressed franked envelope were given  to the
participant  as he  picked  up  his  vehicle  from the  laboratory.   He was
asked  to complete  the  form once he  had again become  familiar  with his
vehicle.  The  questions  pertained  to  efficiency of the lab  personnel and
the  performance   of  his  vehicle   after   it  had  been   tested.   The
participants were not  informed (unless  they asked) if  their  vehicles had
received maintenance.  Because of  this  fact, the responses  of the  owners
of vehicles which  did not  receive  maintenance were  used  as a  "control"
group.  Even though  nothing was  done  to their vehicles, many owners  felt
that its performance improved or deteriorated.

A  more  detailed report  on  these  results  from the  FY79  program are
contained in an EPA report  entitled "Results  of the One-Week  Follow-Up
with Participants  in  the  FY79 Emission Factors  Testing  Program".  This
report  has  been  assigned Report  No.  EPA-AA-TEB-81-14.  It was written  by
Gary T. Jones and is dated March 1981.

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                                   -4-

Design of the Questionnaire

The questionnaire consisted of  three questions and a space for  comments.
The same questionaire was used for both programs.  The  first  question was
used  as  a  lead-in  to  give  the  appearance  of  a  "check-up"  on the
performance of  the  contractor.   The  second  question dealt directly with
the difference  in performance of the  participant's  vehicle after it was
tested.  The question allowed for "no change" as  well  as two degrees  of
each  improvement  or  deterioration.   The  third   question  asked  if the
participant was satisfied with the present performance  of  the vehicle.  A
space   was  also   provided   for  additional   comments.    Although  the
questionnaire could  be  submitted anonymously,  a   space was provided for
the participant to  fill  in his  name  and  address  to request the  emission
results of his vehicle.

Conduct of the Survey

During  the FY79 program,  1620 questionaires were  distributed.   Of these,
1203 were  completed and returned.   This  high  return rate  (74%) can  be
attributed to the  simplicity  of the  questionnaire and  the fact  that the
participants could  use  the questionnaire  to request  the  results of the
emission test on  their  vehicle.  Table  1 displays  the  results  from the
FY79 sites.  Also  shown  is the  percentage of  the  returned  questionnaires
from owners  of vehicles  which   received  maintenance.  Results  from Los
Angeles (included in  the  previous report) were excluded from this report
as it was not tr^ly an Emission Factor effort.

                I                 Table 1
                  Response Rates From The FY79 Program

Site                St.  Louis   Wash. D.C.   Denver   Houston    Overall
Questionnaires

issued (est.):         325         325        325       645        1620


Number Returned:       175         286        233       509        1203


Return Rate:           54%         88%        72%       79%        74%


Percentage of the

total returned that
received maintenance:  39%         18%        27%       62%        41%


During the  FY80 program 879 questionnaires were distributed.   Of  these,

578  were completed  and returned  for  a  return rate  of  66%.   Table  2

displays the results of the FY80 sites.

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                                   -5-

                                 Table 2

                  Response Rates From The FY80 Program


Site                   Denver    San Antonio     Los Angeles     Overall


Questionnaires

issued (est.):         300       300             229             879


Number Returned:       214       176             188             578


Return Rate:           71%       59%             82%             66%
Percentage of the
total returned that
received maintenance:  19%       22%             14%             18%

Results of the Survey

Following is the breakdown of the responses to the individual questions:

Question  1)   "Were  you  treated  courteously  and  efficiently  by  the
personnel  at  our   contractor's   laboratory?"   Since  this  question  was
designed as merely  a "lead in" for the  questionaire  its results are  not
displayed graphically.  However,  during  the  FY79 and FY80 programs,  over
99% of the respondents answered affirmatively to this question.

Question 2)   "Do you  feel that  the  performance of your  vehicle  is  now
different  than when  it was  submitted  for  testing?  This  question  was
developed to determine  whether  the owner perceived any difference in  the
performance of his  vehicle,  and what was  the degree of this difference.
The  question was  divided into  three categories;  no change,  better or
worse.   The  latter  two categories  were  also  divided  into two  levels;
slightly better, much better,  slightly  worse,  and much worse.   In  both
programs, the responses to this question were similar.  The  difference in
the  response  rate  of  the maintenance  group  between the  programs  was
primarily due  to the  large  number of vehicles receiving  maintenance in
Houston  during  the  FY79  program.   The  maintenance  usually  performed in
Emission  Factor   programs   consists  of   the   correction   of   various
maladjustments   and  disablements  and   a   tune-up   to  manufacturer's
specifications.  In  accordance  with  the  test  plan for Houston during  the
FY79  program,  however, the majority  of  vehicles  received only a simple
idle adjustment.  These results are displayed  graphically in  Figure 1.

Question 3)   "Are  you satisfied  with  the  present performance  of  your
vehicle?  Of  the  total sample  (both  maintenance and non-maintenance) in
FY79 and in  FY80,   the  majority of respondents  indicated  that  they were
satisfied with the  present performance.

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                                   -6-

Of the vehicles that received maintenance, most  were  satisfied with their
vehicle's performance.  Although about 25% were  dissatisfied,  it  does  not
necessarily indicate that it was a  result of  the maintenance  actions that
their vehicles received.  Of the unsatisfied  group, the  majority  believed
that  there  was either no change  or that their  car  ran better after  the
maintenance actions were  performed.  This indicates  that  most owners  of
vehicles that  did receive maintenance and were  not satisfied  with their
vehicles'  performance  felt  the  same  before  their  vehicle underwent
maintenance.

Of the  vehicles which  did  not receive  maintenance,  most were satisfied
with  the present  performance  of their vehicle.  The summary  of responses
to Question #3 are shown in Figure 2.

Comments Made by the Participants

Attached as Appendix B, C, D,  and E  are  a collection of  the comments made
by the  participants  in the FY80  survey.  Comments from the  FY79  survey
are listed in  the earlier report.   They  have not been abridged or  edited
although spelling errors  have been  corrected.   Each  comment  is  labelled
with  the  test  site,   vehicle  number,   and  basic  information   on  the
vehicle.   The  comments were  first  divided  into two  basic   categories;
those respondents  whose  vehicles  received maintenance,  and  those  which
did not.  They were  further subdivided  by their response to Question  #3
(whether or not they were satisfied  with the  present performance  of their
vehicle).  As  may be  expected,  respondents  who  were  not satisfied with
their vehicle's  present  performance  were  the  most  prolific in  their
comments.  Occasionally, the comments would branch out into viewpoints  on
the  government,   EPA,   or  other  political  areas.   The  most prevalent
comments from both FY79 and  FY80 were those which dealt  with fuel  economy.

Conclusions

The results  of both surveys show  that practically all  participants felt
they  were  treated efficiently  by  the lab personnel.   Both  surveys also
indicate that  the vast majority of  respondents felt (whether or not their
vehicles  received  maintenance)  that  their  vehicle  displayed  either  no
change  or  an  improvement  in its  performance after  undergoing  testing.
Both  programs  also   show   that   owners  of  vehicles  which   received
maintenance were  more  likely to  perceive  an  improvement  in  performance
than  the owners  of  vehicles which  did  not  receive maintenance.   Of  the
respondents who were not  satisfied  with  the  present performance  of  their
vehicles after maintenance, both programs indicate  that  over half felt
the  same before  the  maintenance  and testing  had been performed.  Not
shown in  the  figures,  but  an  observation  made  during  the tabulation  of
the  data,   is  the  fact  that  the  age  of  the  vehicle  did  not   make   a
difference in the responses  dealing with  owner satisfaction.

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                              Figure 1.
  Response Breakdown of Question !t2: "Do you feel that the performance
of your vehicle is now different than when it was submitted for testing?"
                            FY79 Program
       100 i
                                  175 Vehicles tested in St. Louis
01
CO
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o
o.
Percent Res]
80-



60 -
40 -
20 •
n




1 	 TO


^

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RMuch Better
Better










Y///////A
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No „ Much
_. Worse ,,
Change Worse
      100 i
                                  286 Vehicles tested in Washington D.C.
51 30-
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3 6° •
OS
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£ 20 -
0 .







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i






I
rrs r-^
Much „ No ,, Much
Better „, Worse ,,
Better Change Worse
     Vehicles that did not receive maintenance.
     Vehicles that did receive maintenance.

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                                Figure  1.  - (continued)
                                    FY79 Program
Percent Response ^
to *~ O> 00 C
o o o o o c
Mucli
Better
-

fc

Better
2:
>3 Vehicles tested in 1
££22^
No
Change
CXI ^^
„ Much
Worse ..
Worse
              100 -

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                                     10
                            Figure 1.  - (continued)

                               FY80 Program
100 ~

80 -
10
C
g. 60 -
w
V
Percent R
to *-
500
1 1 1








r
I

\j 	 	 1
Much









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^


188 Vehicles in Los Ang







—







X 1 — Hn ^J\^
Ko Much
                  Better
Change
                                                      Worse
          100 -i
Percent Response
to *- tr> m ..
o o o o o •
1 l 1 1 i
Much j
Better

I

•^^

^
Setter No
Change
                                      578 Vehicles - All Sites
                                              Worse
                   Much
                  Worse
|   I = Vehicles that did not receive maintenance.

    = Vehicles that did receive maintenance.

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                                             11
                                       Figure 2.


       Response Breakdown of Question /'2 by Participants that were not  satisfied


      with the  present performance of their vehicle that had undergone  maintenance.


                                     FY79  Program


    100.
o
o.
CO

                         c
                         o
                         Q.
                         c
                         
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                                         12
                               Figure  2  -  (continued)
                                    FY80  Program
   lOO-i
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    50-
               5 Denver Vehicles
                                                    100-,
                                                 to
                                                 e
                                                 o
                                                 C.
                                                 n
                                                 OJ
                                                 u
                                                 h
                                                 OJ
                                                 OH
                                                     50-
                                                      0-1
                                                               6 San Antonio Vehicles
         Better   Same  Worse
                                                           Better  Same   Worse
   100-1
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I   SO'

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               5 Los Angeles Vehicles
                                                 c
                                                 o
                                                 o.
                                                 c
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                                                 o
                                                 M
                                                 CJ
                                                 p.
                                                     50-
                                                                23 Vehicles - All Sites
         Better   Same  Worse
                                                          Better   Same  Worse

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                                     13
4)
n

O
o.
n
u
C
u
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   100 -\
    80
60
    40
    20
                                     Figure  3.


              Response Breakdown of Question  ** &> 00
3 O O O O



1
233 Dei
rl
                              Yes
                                        No
   100 •
o   80 -
 «   60 -
    20

                    509  Houston  Vehicles
Percent Response
ro x> c^ co O
> O O O O O



i
1203 Vehicles - All Sites
rl
            Yes      No
                                                             Yes      No
 " Vehicles  tli.it JiJ  not  rcccivo  ir..iinccnani.-o.

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                                            14
                            Figure  3 -  (continued)
                                FY80 Program
  100 -I
   80  -

v
a

o  60
a.
o)
at

«  40
u
B
ii

u  20
v
04

    o  -J
                 188 Los Angeles Vehicles
    i
     Yes      No


Percent Response

100 -|
t
80 -
60 -
40 -
20 -

i 	 1 176 Sa


V//////////A
d
0_
Yes No
H-
o
O
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a.
to
u
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oo
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<^
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 B
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 U
 M
 01
0-,
i-
O
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                 214  Denver Vehicles
                                       a
                                       in
                                       c
                                       o
                                       o.

                                       01
                                       IX.
100-
80-
60-
40-
20-
n-



1
578 Vehic
\\
^
           Yes       No
                                                         Yes       No
D-
Vehicles that  did  not receive maintenance.
       Vehicles  Chat  did receive maintenance.

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                                         15
                                    Appendix A


I  
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                             16
                        Appendix B
   "Comments From Participants Satisfied With the Present
Performance of Their Vehicle After it Received Maintenance"

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                                      17
                                Section 1
                 Comments Related to Vehicle Performance

San Antonio                        030        1981  Oldsmobile  231 CID

"First tank  of gas after EG&G  Auto Engr. worked  on car was  20.1  mpg -
outstanding.   As  you can  tell  from  record this  increased  mileage from
16.5 mpg - or a 20% increase.  My many thanks to all  involved."

San Antonio                        178        1980  Oldsmobile  - 350 CID

"This was a  very efficiently run program  &  I'm^glad  that I was chosen as
a participant.  The office  personnel  were super 1  I had  taken my car to
the dealer to  find a  "miss etc." in  it & each  time  it  came back worse.
Your personnel  found  it  &  corrected it.  They  even  washed & vacuumed my
car.  It looks terrific.   Thank you &  your employees."

San Antonio                        203        1980  Mercury  - 200 CID

"I was treated beautifully.   I  did fill out the card & mail it after 5 or
6 fill ups.  I  had been  getting 16+,  just made  a  trip to Corpus  &  all 5
added to 13+."

San Antonio                        254        1979  Chevrolet - 250 CID

"There is a.difference in  the  performance of my car, thus when I  get it
started it idles very  low And tends to die until warmed up a bit,  also at
a stop sign or light it has\to  be put  in neutural to  keep  from dying out."

San Antonio                        264        1979  Dodge -  105 CID

"My car  idled  rough when it was new.  I  took it  to several dealers in
town to correct it but none  of  the  Chrysler  Dealers  ever  could  fix  it to
my  satisfaction.   Now my  car  is  finally  idling  smoothly  and  I  can't
believe the  difference.   I  had  a noise & vibration at 40 MPH also,  and
now the engine  runs so smooth,  there's  no noise and almost no vibration.
It's better than a new car  now  thanks  to EG&G.   Thank you for your help."

Los Angeles                        009        1981  Chevrolet - 151 CID

"I am very appreciative  of  what you people are  doing.  A  valve  leak was
found & my car runs much  better now."

Los Angeles                        153        1980  Chevrolet - 98 CID

"The automatic  shut off  for  the choke doesn't work  now.,  It  still  makes
the 'click' , but the engine speed doesn't drop  down.  I  have  to  kick off
the choke using the gas pedal."

Los Angeles                        185        1980  Buick - 231 CID

"I sure am happy with  the performance  of my  carl  It now is much better."

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                                       18
Los Angeles                        283         1978 Buick - 305 CID

"Car starts much better from cold In a.m."

Los Angeles                        288         1978 Ford - 302 CID

"Would like to know your recommendations to  keep my vehicle in best run-
ning condition.  Thank you."

Los Angeles                        604         1980 Buick - 231 CID

"May car has  never  run as  good as  it  does since it was  returned  to me.
Too bad  that  Bauer  Buick in  Costa,  Gal.  doesn't have men  that  can tune
this well.  Mrs. Christine  Thompson  at  A.E.S.I,  was very  efficient & yet
very friendly."

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                                  19
                                Section 2
                Comments Unrelated to Vehicle  Performance

Denver                             001           1981 Chevrolet - 98 CID

"The only thing I was upset about  was  that  they said  they would put only
50 miles on my car = they put 110 on it.  I should charge them 50.00 more
for it.  They  shouldn't lie about how many miles they would  use  my car
for."

Denver                             002           1981 Chevrolet - 98 CID

"It makes me feel good to know my car is not polluting  the air."

Denver                             177           1980 Oldsmobile - 350 CID

"The leaner car drove like a truck, the shocks may need to be changed."

Denver                             212           1980 Volkswagen - 97 CID

"The replacement of the loaner car was very  fast and efficient."

San Antonio                        063           1981 Cadillac - 368 CID

"The folks at EG&G Auto Research were very nice  and most helpful."

San Antonio                        104           1981 Toyota - 108 CID

"Personnel at  contractor's  laboratory were very courteous  and explained
every paper  &  procedure to me.   I felt very comfortable leaving  my car
there to be tested."

San Antonio                        152           1980 Chevrolet - 98 CID

"Appreciated the  opportunity  to help.  All relations  with  Co.  were very
good.

San Antonio                        229           1980 Honda - 107 CID

"They washed  the  car which  was unexpected.  They  set the  clock  to  DST
which had not been done (little things but pleasing)."

San Antonio                        253           1979 Chevrolet - 267 CID

"My question is 'Would I have received this good  service at any Chevrolet
Dealers?"

San Antonio                        289           1978 Ford - 250 CID

"A  typical  Federal "Boondoggle" at  taxpayers expense.  I've  written  my
Congressman  &  the  Office  of  the  President  in an effort  to  stop  such
waste."

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                                   20
Los Angeles                        177           1980 Oldsmobile - 350 CID

"It was a pleasure to participate I am not only happy to aid in any way I
can  but  do appreciate  the use  of a  "rental  car", full  tank of  gas  &
savings bond as well.   We  also have a 1973 Olds  "98"  should  you  wish to
test it as well."

Los Angeles                        260           1979 Ford - 171 CID

"Contractor extremely  courteous &  pleasant.   Original letter  should be
reworded to stress that request is a valid,  U.S.  Gov't Agency request."

Los Angeles                        267           1979 Datsun - 119 CID

"Seems like a very good program."

Los Angeles                        276           1978 Chevrolet - 98 CID

"The  vehicle  was at  the  testing  facility  a  long  time,  but  finally
passed.  We are interested in knowing why it would not pass."

Los Angeles '                      294           1978 Datsun - 119 CID

"Outstanding public relations."

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                     Appendix C

"Participants Not Satisfied With Present Performance
of Their Vehicles After it had Received Maintenance"

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                                    22
                                Section 1
             Comments Related to Performance of the Vehicle

Denver                             056           1981 Pontiac - 231 CID

"After car was returned car was  cutting out."

Denver                             071           1981 Ford - 200 CID

"My mileage is down to around 13 mpg."

Denver                             289           1978 Ford - 250 CID

"I would like to know if anything was done to my car (such as oil change,
tune-up, etc)."

San Antonio                        048           1981 Buick - 265 CID

"Now my automatic choke is too fast but hesitation  is gone."

San Antonio                        209           1980 Chrysler - 318 CID

"Yes-my car  had less  than  2,000  miles  of  driving after  oil  &  filter
change & inspection - change to  pass test - oil & filter was change again
- no reason why???"

San Antonio                        211           1980 Dodge - 225 CID

"The mileage of this car is awful."

Los Angeles                        024           1981 Chevrolet - 231 CID

"I would like the EPA fuel economy results before and after AESi repaired
the emissions control system."

Los Angeles                        214           1980 AMC - 258 CID

"Engine seems  to  cut  out when  slowing for a  turn &  then stepping  on
accelerator.  Also does  it  on  straightaway.  In  both cases  it  happens
only periodically.   Can this condition be remedied?  This developed after
testing."

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                                     23
                                Section 2
            Comments Unrelated to Performance of the Vehicle

Denver                             032           1981 Oldsmobile - 260 CID

"Was promised the vehicle on Tuesday -  did  not  get it  until Friday.  The
car given to us to use was  so  dirty that  I  had  to wash it before I would
drive it."

Denver                             160           1980 Chevrolet - 173 CID

"Testing lab did not clean car after testing of finger prints, grease and
dirt.  Loan car had a headlight  out.   Didn't  even bother to remove signs
on windshield after testing."

Denver                             265           1979 Plymouth - 105 CID

"Great program."

San Antonio                        263           1979 Mercury - 250 CID

"People @ the agency were extremely nice and courteous."

Los Angeles                        230           1980 Mazda  - 86 CID

"Wasn't particularly satisfied  before taking it  in."

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                            24
                    Appendix D

"Participants Satisfied With Present Performance of
    Vehicles Which Did Not Receive Maintenance''

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                                         25
                                Section 1
                 Comments Related to Vehicle  Performance

Denver                             005           1981 Chevrolet - 98 CID

"Smell from catalytic converter  much improved.   When  will I know results
of test?"

Denver                             125           1981 Mazda - 91 CID

"Just one thing:  wouldn't  start once (for the  1st time),  may have been
vapor lock or flooding.  Nothing else.  Started up a little later.  Thank
you for the bond."

Denver                             180           1980 Buick - 151 CID

"The first  9  months I  owned  this  car  I traveled 6064.1 miles  and used
841.6 liter  (222.33 gal) of gas.   That  comes to 27.27 mpg.   It  was all
city, residential driving.  The present gas mileage apears to be less.  I
do not know to  what I  should attribute the  loss  of gas  mileage.   If you
do know please inform me."

Denver                             211           1980 Dodge - 225 CID

"They forgot  to put a hose on & clamp it.   Other  than  that,  everything
was great1"

Denver                             226           1980 Honda - 91 CID

"The mechanics  did  a very poor  job.   They left one of  the intake hoses
off.  And the car has a strong smell of gas at times."

Denver                             260           1979 Ford - 200 CID

"Don't know  if  there were any adjustments on our car but we  seem to be
getting better gas mileage."

Denver                             270           1979 VW - 89 CID

"Except  throttle sticking  open.   The  throttle  problem  is chronic  and
related to the E.P.A. "warmup  idle"."

San Antonio                        004           1981 Chevrolet - 98 CID

"It  does   not   appear   mileage  is  any   different.    Motor  stumbles
occasionally on straight-away  almost like a miss."

San Antonio                        028           1981 Oldsmobile - 231 CID

"The car loses  a lot of  power  when  going  uphill  or when  factory  - A/C is
in full use."

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                                 26
San Antonio                        033           1981 Oldsmobile  -  260  CID

"Car seems to get much better gas mileage now."

San Antonio                        080           1981 Ford  -  140  CID

"Have recently  discovered  2.3 gal. of  gas  will not  suck.   Once tank  is
empty it  will  not  hold more than  13.5 gal.  capacity is  16  gal./will
return to Dealer."

San Antonio                        117           1981 Datsun  -  119  CID

"I am not satisfied with the MPG sometimes its  28;  30;  32;  25 and 32 MPG."

San Antonio                        223           1980 Datsun  -  85 CID

"I have driven  the  car 606 miles since  the  test and my mileage is 32.9,
down from 33.4  for  9100 miles.  Don't  know if testers adjusted anything
or not.   I am now down 0.5  mpg."

San Antonio                        226           1980 Honda - 81  CID

"The Plymouth Volare I  drove  while  my Honda was being  examined, although
it was  in  good shape,  was  a  PIG.  Poor  workmanship throughout  the car,
terrible gas mileage.   Radio  was a  poor resemblance  of  stereo, and  2nd
gear was terribly sluggish.

The car ran fine, but when driving 55-60 mph,  it would  sometimes falter &
ping although I had put super unleaded (Gulf) gas in it.

It is no wonder  to me  that  the American auto manufacturers are having  so
much trouble selling their cars.  Driving a  fuel efficient,  quality built
Honda has really spoiled me.  I can forsee no  instance  in  the  future when
I would by an American car.  GADS!

The people at test location #11  were  very professional and a pleasure  to
work with.  My comments about  the Volare in no way  should be  interpreted
as a  complaint  against them  &  their  car and  maintenance  of the Volare.
The car was well maintained, clean, etc.  If this car  (Volare) is typical
of Detroit's quality engineering, perhaps  it's time to contract our auto
building completely to the  Japanese!!"

Los Angeles                        040           1981 Oldsmobile  - 173 CID

"I feel the gas mileage they advertise is false."

Los Angeles                       047          1981 Buick - 231 CID

"The odor seems to be gone  & performance & mileage appear better."

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                                    27
Los Angeles                        070           1981 Ford -  225 CID

"Early records indicate slightly reduced MPG but it  is early.  I'll  delay
mailing  until I've  re-fueled  two more  times.   Mileage  is  the  same or
better."

Los Angeles                        158           1980 Chevrolet -  151 CID

"Sure like my Chevrolet  better than the Datsun  for  3  days I had however
it was real nice car and OK.  Was glad to try one out."

Los Angeles                        165           1980 Chevrolet -  231 CID

"Less knock on acceleration."

Los Angeles                        186           1980 Pontiac - 151 CID

"Before the car was  tested  it  had problems in getting started whenever I
started  it  up.  Like  it  would  stall  at  least  twice before you got it
moving and then it was dragging.  I always said  if someone was chasing me
the car would not be the place  to run to and get away  in cause  it  took
too long to get it to move.

The car  runs  a lot  better  and  whatever  changes were done  I  sure  would
like to know  so if the car  should ever act up again  I would  know what to
have done to it.  Thank you very much."

Los Angeles                        192           1980 Ford -  140 CID

"Car runs better,  runs smoother, automatic shift  moves better."

Los Angeles                        218           1980 Toyota  - 89 CID

"#2 your  tank of  gas didn't get good  performance  at all.  Recommend you
use a different brand  of  gas.   #3 after 1st tank  of gas. Avg.  30  mpg's
1st tank."

Los Angeles                        229           1980 Honda - 107 CID

"Very  courteous  treatment.   Vehicle  seems  to  respond   to  acceleration
better."

Los Angeles                        238           1980 Volvo - 130 CID

"I was  very  dissatisfied  with  the  performance  of  the   1981 Datsun 210
Rental car.   It was much  poorer than the  1975  Datsun B210 that I   once
owned."

Los Angeles                        262           1979 Ford -  351 CID

"The loan car was a Toyota - our car is a  Thunderbird Heritage.   The  fact
that the  car  is a more luxurious  one could be  the  reason that  it  seems
smoother, but I  feel  that  it  is smoother.  I  haven't   yet noticed any
dieseling."

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                                     28
Los Angeles                        282           1978 Oldsmobile - 350 CID

"No  detectable  difference  in actual  performance of  engine,  etc.   But
experiencing lower overall mileage on tank of  gas furnished by AESI."

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                                        29
                                Section 2
                Comments Unrelated to Vehicle Performance

Denver                             031           1981 Oldsmobile -  231  CID

"Reducing lead  emissions has been desirable and  effective  however,  the
dangers of hydrogen sulfide (which I smell) are equally undesirable."

Denver                             100           1981 AMC - 258  CID

"The personnel at  the  lab were  very courteous, but  I  had to make a trip
back there because  they left a  part out of  my  car and forgot to  check a
few things,  very inconvenient for me."

Denver                             111           1981 Denver  - 91 CID

"The personnel  took the time to totally explain  the  complete   test that
was to be done to our  car.   We  appreciated knowing exactly what the test
would be."

Denver                             128           1981 Subaru  - 109  CID

"Appreciate the opportunity."

Denver                             163           1980 Chevrolet  - 267 CID

"I appreciate the opportunity to have my car checked out.   Thank you."

Denver                             214           1980 AMC  - 258  CID

"Thank you for testing my car."

Denver                             231           1980 Mazda - 120 CID

"I was glad to participate in this program.  Thank you."

Denver                             235           1980 VW - 97 CID

"My windshield  wiper  motor was  burned out  - but my  warranty  covered
replacement."

Denver                             241           1980 Chevrolet  - 350 CID

"The S02  smell  is worse  than air pollution prior  to  cat. converter use
in my opinion.  If  you stand on a corner during rush hour the rotten egg
smell burns your nose."

Denver                             254           1979 Chevrolet  - 350 CID

"I appreciate getting  a nice leaner  car.   I was under the impression the
loaner car  would be  a  late  model.   I  received  a  1981  model.   I  also
appreciated the advise from the  mechanic."

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                                 30
Denver                             295           1978  Toyota -  97  CID

"Everyone I dealt with was extremely courteous."

Denver                             298           1978  Honda  - 98 CID

"I think you have a great program'.  Count on my support I"

San Antonio                        010           1981  Chevrolet -  151 CID

"We enjoyed participating - everyone was so nice  - especially Gwen Brownl"

San Antonio                        Oil           1981  Chevrolet -  151 CID

"I  feel the  people  at  EG&G  were  very  professional.   You  are  to  be
congratulated for choosing them as contractors.  Ms.  Brown who dealt with
(me) was a super person.  Thank you."

San Antonio                        035           1981  Oldsmobile - 307 CID

"The personnel at the laboratory are 'tops'."

San Antonio                        037           1981  Oldsmobile - 307 CID

"My husband and I were  both  impressed with  the courteous  treatment and
efficient manner in which this survey was conducted."
                                    ,\
San Antonio                        038           1981  Oldsmobile - 131 CID

"I was  very impressed by the  courteous personnel  I dealt  with during my
participation."

San Antonio                        039           1981  Oldsmobile - 151 CID

"Very excellent program."

San Antonio                        049           1981  Buick  - 265  CID

"Very smooth operation, glad I participated."

San Antonio                        066           1981  Ford - 98 CID

"Car that was lent to me broke down and had to be towed in.   I had to sit
on side of road till another one was brought  to me."

San Antonio                        070           1981  Ford - 200 CID

"I would like  to especially thank Gwen Brown  for  her exceptional job of
helping us and keeping us informed of  all  that was being  done from start
to finish of the test on our car."

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                                   31
San Antonio                        084            1981 Mercury - 200 CID

"Orientation  of  emission   testing  program  by   contractor   was  well
presented."

San Antonio                        105            1981 Toyota - 89 CID

"Could not have been more satisfied with courtesy of EG&G people."

San Antonio                        107            1981 Toyota - 89 CID

"Thank  you for  the  bond and  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  your
research project."

San Antonio                        119            1981 Honda - 81 CID

"I appreciate the chance to have my car  tested."

San Antonio                        123            1981 Honda - 107 CID

"Receptionist  extraordinarily  efficient  and  pleasant.  (Name  was  Gwen
Brown) ."

San Antonio                        159            1981 Chevrolet - 151 CID

"The treatment I received at the laboratory was  superb.  It couldn't have
been better."

San Antonio                        174            1980 Oldsmobile - 231 CID

"They were very courteous."

San Antonio                        180            1980 Buick - 173 CID

"I was  elated to  find my  car cleaner than when  I  loaned  it to  your
contractor.   Contractor  personnel  more  than courteous.   Your  choice  of
contractors is a wise one, in my view."

San Antonio                        184            1980 Buick - 301 CID

"The  people  at  E.G.G.  should be complimented  on  their  courtesy  &
efficiency."

San Antonio                        192            1980 Ford - 140 CID

"Your  personnel  (particularly  Ms.  Gwen  Brown)  is   an  asset  to  your
organization.   Extremely helpful."

San Antonio                        256            1979 Oldsmobile - 350 CID

"I  was  treated  very  nicely  and  everyone  was  extremely  helpful  &
courteous."

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                                      32
San Antonio                        266           1979 Datsun - 85  CID

"Car was  taken  in on a  rainy  day very dirty  &  was returned  very  clean.
Was furnished practically new leaner car.  I was  treated very courteous  &
my car is still in perfect shape.  I was very satisfied."

San Antonio                        258           1979 Toyota - 97  CID

"It's good to know that there are those concerned with the  welfare  of  our
country.  Gracias."

San Antonio                        272           1979 Mazda  - 70 CID

"This appears to be an excellent program.   Keep up the good  work!"

San Antonio                        296           1978 Toyota - 134 CID

"I am very  glad to be able to  participate in  this testing  program.   All
the personnel  at EG&G Automotive  Research whom  I had talked with were
very courteous and helpful."

Los Angeles                        013           1981 Chevrolet -  173 CID

"I was pleased to cooperate with you for the  good of us all."

Los Angeles                        019.           1981 Chevrolet -  213 CID

"We are pleased to have had the priviledge to  take part  in  this  test  and
hope it will be of some value to all of us.   Thank you."

Los Angeles                        038           1981 Oldsmobile - 151  CID

"'Good Work' will send the fuel economy survey at a later date."

Los Angeles                        071           1981 Ford - 200 CID

"We were  pleased  to participate  in  your  program.   Thank you  for   the
savings bond."

Los Angeles                        076           1981 Ford 200 CID

"The personal treatment was outstanding."

Los Angeles                        154           1980 Chevrolet -  98 CID

"I will  recommend for anyone  to have  their  car tested by your  Agency.
Every part of the operation was perfect."

Los Angeles                        166           1980 Chevrolet -  231 CID

"I felt  everyone I  spoke  with was  extremely  courteous  and  congratulate
you  on the  staff  in this  area.   Thanks  for   the  bond.   Chris  is  a
delightful person."

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                                        33
Los Angeles                        169           1980 Chevrolet - 231 CID

"1.  Felt it took too long to complete the check.
 2.   Did not call me  as soon  as  test completed  so I could  pick up my
car.  I had to call them twice (long dist.)."

Los Angeles                        174           1980 Oldsmobile -  231 CID

"I was surprised that it took 16 days to evaluate my  car."

Los Angeles                        175           1980 Oldsmobile -  231 CID

"Your  personnel  that  I  dealt  with  were  very   efficient,  extremely
courteous and a pleasure  to  work with.   A very pleasant experience.and I
thank you."

Los Angeles                        183           1980 Buick - 305 CID

"This  was  a  very  pleasant,   informative  experience   for me.   I  am very
pleased to have been selected and that  I accepted the  invitation.  I will
send in the fuel economy card in when full, it might  be a few months."

Los Angeles                        189           1980 Pontiac - 231 CID

"A  friend  of  mine  was  annoyed at the  fact the  loan  car I  was given was
fore ign-made (Dat sun)."

Los Angeles          .              200           1980 Ford - 302 CID

"Just some nicks & chipped paint was found after the  test."

Los Angeles                        221           1980 Datsun - 85 CID

"The  carpeting  and floor mats,  in my  car were left  filthy  dirty, from
this experiment."

Los Angeles                        256           1979 Oldsmobile -  403 CID

"Definitely impressed with personnel at your contractor."

Los Angeles                        263           1979 Mercury - 250 CID

"The  hood   of  my  car  was  damaged  (estimated   repairs  $235.00)   through
negligence.  Any mechanic should know how to  close  the hood  of  any type
of  car.The bar that  holds  up  the  hood was placed in the wrong position
before closing and subsequently damaged the hood when it was closed.

Now I  will be without  a car  for 2  or 3 days which  doesn't make  me very
happy.  One hubcap was  also badly damaged (est.  $45.00)."

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                                  34
Los Angeles                        280           1978 Chevrolet - 305 CID

"I understand that  there  is  an E.P.A. bulletin available which describes
what recourse is available to auto owners  in  the  event of failure of the
emissions  system.   1  would  appreciate  receiving this  bulletin.   Thank
you."

Los Angeles                        295           1978 Toyota - 134 CID

"Very pleased with  the way  I was treated.  If  you need any information,
please ask."

Los Angeles                        502           1981 Chrysler - 318 CID

"Obnoxious,  sickening  cigarette smell  in car  and impregnated  into  air
conditioning."

Los Angeles                        603           1980 Mazda - 86 CID

"Thanks for the savings bond."

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                               35
                          Appendix E

     "Participants That Were Not Satisfied With The Present
Performance of Their Vehicle Which Did Not Receive Maintenance"

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                                      36
                                Section 1
                 Comments Related to Vehicle Performance

Denver                             102           1981 Toyota -  108  CID

"Do not feel  the  gas mileage comes  anywhere near the anticipated.  Cum.
avg . over 4,000 miles is 21.07 and has been  basically that  since 1 bought
it.   The  Toyota  people  say it  should  show a quantum  leap after  5,000
miles.  We are both anxiously awaiting same."

Denver                             113           1981 Datsun -  91 CID

"Automatic choke sticks,  transmission jumps at about  50 mph."

Denver                             175           1980 Oldsmobile -  260 CID

"I think a tune-up is warranted after this kind of test."

Denver                             202           1980 Mercury - 140 CID

"Unhappy only with the excessive fuel consumption."

Denver                             272           1979 Mazda  - 70 CID

"Car  seemed  to have more  pickup before the  testing,  no noticeable fuel
economy change."

Denver                             296           1978 Toyota -  134  CID

"There  now  seems  to  be  a  very  noticeable  fall-off  in  highway  fuel-
economy.  A  recent  trip  to  Kansas  City (approx. 1260 miles)  yielded an
average of  only 23  mpg.   The  trip  was about  95%  highway  dring  in 5th
gear.  Previous  trips  of this  nature  yielded about  30-31  mpg.    I  would
like  to know what kind  of  adjustments were made by EPA that  would have
such deleterious affect on highway fuel consumption."

San Antonio                        009           1981 Chevrolet - 173 CID

"My steering column or wheel shakes if I go over 40 MPHlI"

San Antonio                        059           1981 Pontiac - 231 CID

"I have never liked the way it performs since the  day I bought  it."

San Antonio                        086           1981 Mercury - 302 CID

"It's never tested or run properly."

San Antonio                        126           1981 Dodge  - 98 CID

"Would have  liked  to have  some maintenance  performed on carburetor, etc,
but was told everything checked out O.K."

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                                        37
San Antonio                        128           1981  Subaru - 109 CID

"Speedometer needle now wavers."

San Antonio                        146           1980  Dodge - 225 CID

"Before testing  I  was getting 19  MPG.   After testing I  am  getting 17.8
MPG."

San Antonio                        158           1980  Chevrolet - 173 CID

"I think the gas mileage should be better."

San Antonio                        195           1980  Ford - 140 CID

"I  feel  like I  could  spend  less gas/mile  then I do  since the  car is
small.  I was treated very well by all your  personnel."

San Antonio                        202           1980  Mercury - 200 CID

"With respect to gas mileage;  otherwise it's ok."                   : .,

San Antonio                        206           1980  Plymouth - 105 CID

"The  'no1  answer to  #3 has nothing  to do  with anything that  may have
happened to the vehicle while  your agent had it."

San Antonio                        252           1979  Chevrolet - 196;CID

"My  car  would not  idle  at all when  I got it  back.   I had  to  get  a
complete tune-up -  But this was  happening  some before I took  it  in.   I
really do not blame the testing."

Los Angeles                        017           1981  Chevrolet - 231 CID

"The  motor idles too  fast.   The  car  lurches  when shifting.  I  have to
keep  foot  on brake when shifting  to drive or to reverse  to  keep car from
lurching."

Los Angeles                        050           1981  Buick - 252 CID

"My gas mileage isn't as good."

Los Angeles                        167           1980  Chevrolet - 231 CID

"On  trip to  Oregon last week  check engine  light  came on  in mountains at
3,000  ft.  and would  go off when  foot taken off  gas.   Also on  trip  to
Oregon air conditioner froze  up both  comming  and going.   It will  go in
for repairs under waranty 4-27-81."

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                                  38
Los Angeles                        252           1979  Chevrolet - 231 CID

"I had a faulty EGR valve replaced two days prior to taking my car in for
testing.   I  had  been  very  unhappy  with  the  car  until  that  time.
Performance  is  better  since  the  EGR  valve  was   replaced  but  I  am
disappointed in gas mileage."

Los Angeles                        261           1979  Ford - 302 CID

"My car doesn't  seem to sound as noisy as  it  use  to.  I'm not satisfied
with the mileage according to EPA."

Los Angeles                        289           1978  Ford - 302 CID

"The car now  idles very rough &  has extremely slow acceleration.   These
conditions  were  not  present before  the  test.   We  had  asked  that  the
carburetion  not  be  tampered  with  but   it   appears  this  request  was
disregarded."

Los Angeles                        403           1981  Datsun - 133 CID

"Runaway engine when  starting, will  not idle  traveling 20 miles per hour
in first gear at idle."

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                                    39
                                Section 2
                Comments Unrelated to Vehicle Performance

Denver                             046           1981  Buick -  231 CID

"Lab could use more training on contacting customer  if car is  not ready."

Denver                             117           1981  Datsun - 119 CID

"The  man  in  charge  of  quality  control at  the  testing  facility  was
super'. I  Very courteous and informative.  Could not  have been  better."

Denver                             250           1980  Datsun - 119 CID

"I would  like  the  name of a Dealer  or  someone in our area around Arvada
that is  a dependable  mechanic.   If you have any  idea on  who   to contact.
I would appreciate your help."

Denver                             273           1979  Chevrolet - 250 CID

"A very nice experience."

Denver                             280           1978  Chevrolet - 200 CID

"Thank-you for  this opportunity,  I am all for clean  air, if  ...  that is
what we're getting 1"

San Antonio                        064           1981  Cadillac - 368 CID

"Why can't we  have this  done  on  Govt  vehicles and  save  the expense of
outside contracts and the extra expense of the program?  Another waste of
taxpayers' money program the way it is conducted."

Los Angeles                        297           1978  VW - 89  CID

"We are glad we could help.  Also we would be willing  to participate in a
similar program in the future I"

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