Processing End-of-Life Vehicles:
A Guide for Environmental Protection,
Safety and Profit in
the United States-Mexico Border Area
V
SEMARNAT
SECRETARfA DE MEDIO
20
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°Ny erN
4>EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery
EPA530-R-15-007
epa.gov/border2020
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Contents
Introduction 1
Purpose of This Guide 1
Overview of an End-of-Life Vehicle 2
Scrap Vehicle and Metal Recovery Operations 2
1. Accepting and Storing Discarded Vehicles 2
2. Removing Hazardous Materials 3
3. Dismantling Vehicles for Usable or Recyclable Parts 4
4. Storing Vehicle Hulks 4
5. Storing Hazardous Fluids and Materials 5
6. Crushing Vehicle Hulks 5
Responsible Disposal 6
Cost Recovery 6
Health, Safety and Security 7
Worker and Public Safety 7
Environmental Health and Safety 7
Site Security 8
Industry Standards and Additional Guidance 8
For More Information 8
Appendix A
Collection, Stockpiling, and Disposal Quick-Reference Sheets 9
Appendix B
Vehicles Containing Mercury Switches 16
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Processing End-ofLife Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Introduction
Every year, vehicles that reach the end of their useful life
end up as discarded vehicles. Often these vehicles are
abandoned or stockpiled at poorly managed scrap yards.
While it is unclear how many vehicles reach the end
of their useful life annually, there are periodic regional
or country-specific reports that provide estimates of
discarded or stockpiled vehicles.These stockpiled
vehicles have reached the end of their useful lives, but
have not been properly processed for recovery of the
reusable or recyclable materials or disposal of waste
components. Without proper processing, scrapping and
recycling, the number of vehicles will only increase year
after year. Once vehicles reach the end of their useful life,
they can be a liability and owners might abandon them
on open land. Local governments are often left to deal
with these vehicles and the public health, environmental
and financial burdens associated with them.
Not only are these vehicles a liability and an eyesore in
local communities, but they often contain hazardous
materials, like antifreeze and oil, that can be harmful to
workers, residents and the environment. Fortunately,
with the proper tools, facilities and knowledge to process
discarded vehicles, hazards can be properly managed
and the vehicle components and parts can be recovered
for their scrap metal value. Properly managing discarded
vehicles reduces risks to wor kers, public health and
the environment; lowers disposal costs; saves landfill
capacity and creates opportunities to recover valuable
resources and earn revenues from dismantling and
scrapping operations.
As part of the U.S.-Mexico Border 2020 Program's goal
to reduce waste, by safely and responsibly recovering
materials and managing waste, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mexican environmental
agency, Secretaria del Medio Ambiente y Recursos
Naturales (SEMARNAT), collaborated on this guide to
help operators of vehicle dismantling facilities
Abandoned vehicles that require processing and
prepping before materials recovery and disposal
understand and practice environmentally sound
management. Border 2020 emphasizes a regional
bottom-up approach as the basis for decision-making,
priority-setting and project implementation to address
the environmental and public health problems in the
border region.
Purpose of~his Guide
This guide provides vehicle dismantling and scrapping
facilities and their operators with information on proper
removal, storage and handling of potentially hazardous
materials from discarded vehicles. Removing hazardous
materials will help ensure that vehicles can be safely
stored and processed, maximizing the recovery of
valuable resources and mitigating worker safety, public
health and environmental risks. By training staff to
properly handle and prepare vehicles for scrapping and
recycling, facilities can remove more of these vehicles
from border communities and provide environmental,
economic and aesthetic benefits.This guide provides
general guidance and best practices for your assistance -
it does not replace local laws and regulations.
1
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Processing End-ofLife Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Vehicle Ready for Dismantling
Overview of an
End-of-Life Vehicle
Regardless of its age and its weight, a vehicle is made out
of about 75 percent metal, both ferrous and non-ferrous.
The remaining 25 percent of the vehicle weight results
from tires, fluids and other materials. When vehicles
reach the end of their useful life or are discarded, they
contain different wastes that include glass, metal, plastic,
fabric and rubber components. They also include fluids
such as used oil, antifreeze, lubricants and gasoline or
diesel, and increasingly contain electronic components
with heavy and precious metals. Understanding the parts
and components of a discarded vehicle is integral to its
safe and efficient recovery. Properly processing vehicles
will prevent cross-contamination and maximize recovery
value.
Scrap Vehicle and Metal
Recovery Operations
Processing and preparing discarded vehicles for disposal
requires ample space for six different activities:
1. Accepting and storing discarded vehicles.
2. Removing hazardous materials.
3. Dismantling vehicles for usable or recyclable parts.
4. Storing vehicle hulks.
5. Storing and disposing of hazardous fluids and
materials removed from discarded vehicles.
6. Crushing or shredding vehicle hulks (deliver to
metal crushing facility if not equipped to complete
this activity).
1. Accepting and Storing
Discarded Vehicles
When accepting discarded vehicles and preparing them
for salvage, you should visually inspect the vehicle
for any leaks. Dedicate a space for inspecting vehicles
when they arrive on-site. This space should include
measures to prevent soil and water contamination if
fluids are leaking from the vehicle. Begin dismantling and
processing the discarded vehicles as soon as possible
to reduce storage time and minimize the potential for
environmental contamination from leaking fluids. Runoff
from the storage area caused by precipitation (rain,
snow, etc.) should not be contaminated. Methods to
collect and treat runoff can be used if the site is known
to have contaminated surfaces. However, doing so may
require obtaining a water discharge permit for the facility
from the local authorities. When accepting or storing
discarded vehicles:
Check discarded vehicles for leaks.
Clean up any spills.
Dispose of any contaminated soils and cleaning
materials as hazardous waste, unless materials are
determined not to be hazardous waste.
Minimize the time from when a vehicle is received
to when it is disassembled and processed.
2
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Processing End-ofLife Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
2. Removing Hazardous Materials
The first step in processing a discarded vehicle is to drain
it of all hazardous fluids, such as those from fuel tanks,
transmissions, radiators and power steering units, as well
as any parts that are leaking fluids.
You should remove the battery and fluids in the following
order to ensure the safe removal of all hazardous items:
1. Battery.
2. Refrigerants.
3. Gasoline or diesel fuel.
Next, the following fluids should also be removed in any order:
Antifreeze.
Brake fluid.
Engine oil.
Transmission fluid.
Power steering fluid.
Differential fluid (if present).
Windshield washer fluid.
The following hazardous materials should also be
removed before the vehicle hulk is crushed or shredded:
Mercury switches [found in anti-lock brakes (ABS)
brakes and convenience lighting],
Lead (battery connectors and wheel weights).
Detailed information on the collection, stockpiling, and
disposal for each of these waste streams is provided in
quick-reference sheets in Appendix A.
The amount of fluids to be removed is estimated at
around 19 liters per vehicle. The table below shows the
estimated volume of fluids in discarded vehicles by fluid
type. The space used for draining fluids and dismantling
vehicles should have a sturdy, non-permeable base, such
as concrete or durable liner, to provide an easy cleaning
surface and to prevent spilled fluids from contaminating
the environment. The space should be covered to protect
it from the weather and to prevent spilled materials from
being washed into the environment. If the space includes
an exposed concrete pad, it should be high enough off
the ground to prevent flooding during rainstorms.
Estimated Volume of
Fluids in Discarded Vehicles
Fluid Type
Liters/Vehicle
U.S. Gallons/
Vehicle
Fuel
10.2
2.7
Engine oil
3.6
1.0
Coolant
2.8
0.7
Transmission oil
1.3
0.3
Steering gear oil
0.8
0.2
Total
18.7
4.9
Mercury Switch from Vehicle Convenience Light Waste Fluids Drained from a Vehicle
3
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
An alternative option for smaller or temporary locations
is to undertake work outdoors in dry, warm weather only
upon an impermeable working surface.The constructed
temporary vehicle fluid recovery area should consist
of, for example, poly liner or plywood working surface.
Absorbent materials should be on hand at all times to
clean up any spills. All spills must be cleaned up and
any contaminated soils and cleaning materials must
be disposed of as hazardous waste unless materials are
tested and shown not to be hazardous or otherwise
determined not to be hazardous waste.
3. Dismantling Vehicles for Usable or
Recyclable Parts
Once all of the hazardous components are removed,
you should identify and remove all usable or
recyclable components. Reusable or recyclable parts
of a discarded vehicle often hold value even after the
end of the car's useful life. If in good condition, many
engine components and body parts can be salvaged,
reconditioned and sold to automotive repair shops or to
individuals performing auto restoration projects. Some
metal recycling companies also require that most, if not
all, plastic and upholstered components be removed
before shredding or crushing the vehicle hulk.
4. Storing Vehicle Hulks
Once all of the hazardous materials and usable or
recyclable parts have been completely removed from a
discarded vehicle, it is commonly referred to as a "hulk."
Hulks are defined as the shells of large usable items,
usually vehicles or vessels. Vehicle hulks can be hard to
move and take up a large amount of dedicated space.
When storing vehicle hulks, remember:
Vehicle hulks should only be stored once all
hazardous materials have been removed.
Clean up any lingering spills or leaks seen around
hulks immediately.
Salvage hulks for usable or recyclable parts.
Send hulk to a metal crusher or crush and ship
hulks with no more "salvage" value to a scrapper
for scrap metal recycling.
Recommended Equipment
for a Vehicle Dismantling
Facility
Secured building with garage-bay-style door,
concrete floor, adequate roof and no drains
leading to a sewer, sewage tank or stormwater
collection system.
Forklift or other heavy machinery to move
vehicles from receiving area to dismantling area
and then from dismantling area to vehicle hulk
storage area.
Gasoline evacuation pump with filter.
Small wheel hoists to lift car high enough to
drain fluids.
Small hand pumps for removal of engine oil,
transmission fluid, gear oil, coolants and
brake fluid.
Containers for storage of oils, antifreeze,
windshield washer fluid, etc.
Portable refrigerant removal device with
separate storage tanks for each type of
refrigerant.
Dedicated drip pans to catch fluids.
Spill kit to clean up spills.
4
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Processing End-ofLife Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Example of Fuel Collection and Storage Container
5. Storing arid Disposing of
Hazardous Fluids and Materials
Hazardous fluids and other hazardous materials
should be stored in sealable containers and separated
appropriately.These containers should be kept in the
vehicle dismantling area, stored on the concrete pad.
This will provide easy access to the containers when
draining fluids from vehicles. Once these containers
are full, the hazardous materials must be sent to an
appropriate hazardous waste disposal facility. Hazardous
materials and fluids of the type found in discarded
vehicles should never be released into the environment
or sent to a municipal waste landfill.
Other best practices for storage include:
The storage area should be covered to provide
protection from the weather.
Containers of hazardous materials should be on a
non-permeable surface.
Fuels should be stored in a weii-ventilated area of
a building or outdoors protected from the weather.
Refer to the quick-reference sheets in Appendix
A for proper handling and storage techniques for
each hazardous material.
6. Crushing Vehicle Hulks
Once all of the salvageable parts and hazardous
materials are removed, the vehicle hulk can be crushed
to reduce its volume for shipping. However, removing
the nonhazardous, non-metallic components reduces
the volume of material to be crushed and could increase
the scrap value of the vehicle hulk. Crushing consists of
flattening a hulk or logging itthat is, compressing it
into a rectangular cube.
When you have stored enough hulks, you may hire
a third-party to bring a mobile crusher and operate it
at your site. The crushing area must be large enough
to accommodate the crusher and also have a space
designated for the storage of crushed vehicles. The
following steps should be completed in conjunction with
crushing operations:
All hazardous fluids and materials should be
removed from the vehicles prior to crushing.
Vehicle Crusher in Operation
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Processing End-ofLife Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Example of "Logged" Metal
Any spills should be cleaned up immediately and
all contaminated soil and cleaning materials should
be disposed of as hazardous waste (unless tested or
shown otherwise).
Any fluids resulting from the crushing operations
should be collected and disposed of as hazardous
waste (unless tested or shown otherwise).
Once the crusher has been removed from site, the
site should be cleaned and debris removed to a
permitted landfill.
The proper handling of these waste streams is discussed
in Appendix A's quick-reference sheets on collection,
stockpiling and disposal.
Responsible Disposal
The types of hazardous fluids and materials found
in discarded vehicles must never be sent to a typical
municipal landfill. Hazardous materials require special
handing, transportation, recordkeeping and disposal
facilities in accordance with the local, state and federal
laws and regulations. Some hazardous materials, such as
lead components and waste batteries, can be recycled
rather than discarded. Contact the appropriate facility,
such as a secondary lead smelter or a waste battery
recycler to arrange the delivery of hazardous materials
that retain value. Other hazardous waste streams, such
as mercury switches, require a specific facility that can
accept mercury wastes. Remember to:
Contact a recycling/hazardous waste facility
permitted by SEMARNAT to accept the specific
waste stream to arrange the delivery of hazardous
materials.
Contact the appropriate transport authority
(marine, rail or road) before the shipping and
transportation instructions of waste to ensure
proper handling.
Keep manifests and transportation records on -site.
Cost Recovery
The long-distance transportation of vehicle hulks and the
proper disposal of hazardous materials to a permitted
recycling and disposal facilities can be costly. However, in
advance of crushing, many items can be salvaged from
vehicles that can be sold to recvclers to help cover some
of the related disposal costs. Recovery costs of these
items will depend on the market value of the materials at
the time of sale. These items may include:
Usable or recyclable parts.
Catalytic converters (high-value items that contain
several precious metals).
Batteries.
Aluminum wheels.
Fuel (gasoline/diesel).
Antifreeze.
Used oil.
The most valuable item recovered from a discarded
vehicle is the crushed or logged vehicle hulk, sold
as scrap metal. Removing the hazardous liquids and
materials from the discarded vehicle allows a facility to
sell the vehicle hulk for profit. As noted above, removing
the nonhazardous, non-metallic components reduces
the volume of material to be crushed and could increase
the scrap value of the vehicle hulk.
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Ensuring a Safe
Dismantling Area
The dismantling area must have an adequate roof
and concrete floor pad for easy cleanup of spills
and to prevent soil contamination.
Smaller or temporary locations can dismantle
vehicles outdoors in dry, warm weather, but only
on an impermeable working surface, such as
plywood over a protective sand layer or liner.
Health, Safety and Security
Worker and Public Safety
Dismantling operations can involve a number of
hazardous substances posing worker and public safety
concerns. Consequently, employers should ensure
that their workers are trained in safe work practices
for the facility. Among these are special handling and
storage requirements for hazardous materials, first aid
and emergency procedures. Employers should also
provide workers with the necessary personal protective
equipment (PPE) to complete their jobs in a safe manner.
PPE and safety items that should be kept on-site include:
Approved safety boots (steel toe).
Eye goggles.
Gloves.
Eye wash station.
First aid kit.
Fire extinguisher.
Work coveralls.
Workers should remove items from vehicles in the
following order to prevent injury and environmental
damage:
1. Remove the battery to de-energize the vehicle.
2. Remove refrigerants to prevent accidental release
into the environment.
3. Remove gasoline in a well-ventilated area to
prevent the buildup of fumes and decrease the risk
of fire or explosion.
4. Remove other hazardous materials.
Public safety must also be taken into consideration
during dismantling operations. Common hazards include:
Exposure to hazardous waste.
Trips, slips and falls.
Fires and explosives.
Keep the dismantling operation's location secure from
public access during normal working hours. At the end of
each day, secure the site to prevent public access.
Environmental Health and Safety
Collecting and storing hazardous materials on-site
creates the potential for environmental contamination.
The following best practices should be used in order to
prevent potential spills and contamination:1
Store all hazardous materials in approved
containers with securely fitting lids.
Place all containers holding hazardous materials
in an area with no drains and include measures to
prevent soil and water contamination if fluids are
leaking from the containers.
Properly label all containers with their contents to
prevent cross-contamination of recovered fluids.
Remove gasoline outside the dismantling area in a
well-ventilated area.
Remove refrigerants after the battery has been
removed, but before any other fluids or parts, to
prevent accidental leakage to the environment.
Use drip pans at all times to catch fluids dripping
from vehicles.
Ensure that areas where hazardous wastes are
stored are not susceptible to water runoff or
flooding.
Make sure spill kits are available on-site.
1. National Code of Practice, 2008, and British Columbia Ministry of
Environment, 2008
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Keep lime or bicarbonate of soda on hand to
neutralize spilled battery acid.
Dispose of all used spill cleanup material as
hazardous waste.
In order to follow the above best practices, the following
safety equipment should be kept on hand:2
Fire extinguishers in all facility buildings.
Safety equipment, such as rubber or latex gloves
and safety goggles.
Absorbent materials, such as rags, towels and
sawdust.
Containers to hold spilled waste and used
absorbent materials.
Shovels and/or scoops.
Industrial spill cleanup products tailored for the
cleanup of oils and solvents, depending on the
facility operations.
Site Security
Site security is very important. Facilities that process
discarded vehicles can become targets for vandalism
and theft, and the materials and equipment kept on
site can present hazards to intruders. Therefore, it is
extremely important to keep all equipment locked and
inaccessible to the public. Store all hazardous materials
and vehicle dismantling equipment in a secured
location. Lock any machinery, such as the crushing
equipment, in a secured location at the end of each day
to prevent injury.
Industry Standards and
Additional Guidance
This guide provides basic guidance and general best
practices for your assistance. If you would like to strive for
a higher standard of recovery, you can consult additional
industry guidance and standards, such as those
established by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
and their associated standards, including the Recycling
Industry Operating Standard. There may also be
standards for specific vehicle componentsfor example,
the Responsible Recycling standard and the e-Stewards
certification for the recovery of used electronic devices,
as well as the Rubber Manufacturing Association's
guidance on the recovery of scrap tires.
For More Information
This guide was produced by the U.S. EPA and SEMARNAT
under the U.S.-Mexico Border 2020 Program. The
mission of the Border 2020 Program is to protect the
environment and public health in the U.S.-Mexico border
region, consistent with the principles of sustainable
development. For assistance with use of this guide, or for
more information about ongoing efforts of the Border
2020 program, please visit www.epa.aov/border2020.
2. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2002
8
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Appendix A. Collection, Stockpiling and Disposal Quick-
Reference Sheets
The quick-reference sheets in this appendix summarize the proper collection, stockpiling and disposal of waste streams
associated with discarded vehicles. Keep these sheets in a place where they can be easily reviewed by dismantlers
when dealing with these types of wastes.
Quick-reference sheets are provided for the following waste streams:
Waste fuel.
Refrigerants.
Waste batteries.
Lead.
Mercury switches.
Waste fluids.
9
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Waste Fuel
<§> <$>
Worker Hazard: Waste fuels are flammable Environmental Hazard: Waste
and may catch on fire or explode from a Fuel is toxic to fish and wildlife.
spark or ignition source.
COLLECTION
STOCKPILING
Remove fuel in a well-ventilated area
using a suction system specifically
designed for this purpose.
Do not use plastic hand pumps as they
can build up a static electrical charge
and cause a fire or explosion.
Do not put holes in a tank to drain.
Store waste fuel separately in
containers designed only for this
purpose.
Make sure waste fuel storage
containers are clearly marked.
m
W/lSj-r
mi
4>EPA
EPA530-R-15-007
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Refrigerants
COLLECTION
Worker Hazard: Refrigerants are
gasses under pressure and may
be flammable.
STOCKPILING
Environmental Hazard: Refrigerants may
contain ozone-depleting substances and
should not be vented into the air.
Remove refrigerants after the
battery has been removed but
before removing any other fluids
or items from the vehicle.
Only trained technicians should
remove refrigerants.
Record the amount of refrigerant
removed per vehicle.
Store refrigerants in labeled,
refillable storage containers.
Test the containers for leaks every
five years and replace if damaged.
Refrigerants are recovered using
a portable pump and tank. Pumps
come in all shapes and sizes, but
the hoses connecting the vehicle
are usually color-coded, according
to the following legend.
Hose connecting refrigerants pump to tank
Outlet hose connected to refrigerants pump
Inlet hose connected to refrigerants pump
Refrigerants Pump
OO
0
Outlet
&EPA
EPA530-R-15-007
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Waste Batteries
Environmental Hazard: Waste batteries
contain corrosive fluid that can cause
burns to the skin and eyes.
Environmental Hazard: Waste batteries
contain heavy metals that can
contaminate the environment.
COLLECTION
STOCKPILING
Removing batteries first makes
vehicles safe for handling other
materials.
Keep waste batteries protected from
moisture.
Stack no more than two batteries high.
Place cardboard or plywood between
stacks to keep batteries from shorting
and causing an electrical fire.
Secure batteries by wrapping in a
leak-proof polyethylene liner and
secure to pallet using nylon straps.
XJFH
v>EPA
TIP:
3 careful not to
crack the battery
casing! Many
recyclers will not
accept leaking
batteries!
Waste batteries
have value!
You can sell them to
a battery recycler.
EPA530-R-15-007
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Lead
<$>
Worker Hazard: Lead is toxic to Environmental Hazard: Lead is
people and can lead to serious and toxic to fish and wildlife.
long-term health problems.
COLLECTION
STOCKPILING
Remove lead wheel weights Store lead wheel weights and
and battery cable ends before battery cable ends in separate,
crushing the vehicle. heavy-duty containers.
Lead parts have value!
You can sell lead parts
to a smelter who
recycles the material.
&EPA
EPA530-R-15-007
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Mercury Switches
Worker Hazard: Mercury is toxic to
people and can lead to serious and
long-term health problems.
COLLECTION
Environmental Hazard: Mercury is
toxic to fish and wildlife.
STOCKPILING & DISPOSAL
Locate all mercury switches found in vehicle. Appendix BVehicles
Containing Mercury Switches can help you locate them for various vehicle models.
Convenience Lights
Find the lighting assembly under the
vehicle trunk and/or hood and remove
from vehicle.
Open the lighting assembly to expose
the mercury switch (a sealed metal
pellet).
Remove the switch and place it in the
collection container.
&EPA
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
Find the ABS G-Force sensor. It can be
located in the drive tunnel, below the
rear seat on the floor pan, on the right
front wheel apron, or on the left frame
rail below the driver.
Remove the s ABS G-Force sensor
and place it entirely in the collection
container. Do not remove the switches.
EPA530-R-15-007
J
Store mercury switches in
a plastic container with a
securely fitting lid.
When the container is full,
send the switches to a
mercury management facility
for safe disposal.
1
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Waste Fluids
COLLECTION
Environmental Hazard: Waste fluids
may be toxic to fish and wildlife.
STOCKPILING
Use hand pump or drain from
components before crushing vehicle.
Waste Oils (including engine,
transmission, power steering,
differential, and brake fluid) can be
combined and stored together in a
labeled metal or plastic container
with a secure lid.
Antifreeze and windshield washer
fluid must be stored separately in
a clearly labeled metal or plastic
container with a secure lid.
Store container in a secondary
containment area with no drains to
prevent fluids from leaking.
&EPA
Washer Fluid
Antifreeze
Waste Oil
EPA530-R-15-007
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Appendix B. Vehicles Containing Mercury
Switches
Table 1 .Vehicles Containing Mercury Convenience Switches
SWITCH LOCATION
MAKE / MODEL MODEL YEAR
Hood
Trunk
Vanity Mirror
AUDI
Audi 100
1977-1988
V
Audi 200
1980-1988
CHRYSLER GROUP
Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Plymouth, Eagle
All
1998 and prior
~
FORD
Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Merkur, Volvo
Ford Mustang
2000 and prior
V
>/
Ford Crown Victoria
2000 and prior
Mercury Grand Marquis
2000 and prior
Lincoln Town Car
2000 and prior
Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and
MerkurCars
1996 and prior
Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury
Trucks, SUV's, and Vans
2001 and prior
* Excludes: 1999 and newer model year Ford Econoline, Ford Windstar, Ford Ranger, and Mercury Villager
Mazda Navajo
1993-1997
Mazda B-Series Pick-Up
1995-1999
* Ranger/B-Series phased out of mercury switches with 1999 model year.
Volvo (hood & trunk switches)
1991 and prior
V
Volvo (vanity mirror switch) --
Excludes Volvo 240
1986-1991
* Volvo convenience switches may contain glass mercury capsules. Use care when removing convenience
switches from these vehicles.
GENERAL MOTORS
Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, Saab
All Vehicles
1999 and prior
V
* Excludes: 1999 model year Chevrolet Astro, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Safari, GMC Sierra
16
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Vehicles Containing Mercury Convenience Switches (cont'd)
MAKE/MODEL
MODEL YEAR
SWITCH LOCATION
Hood
Trunk
Vanity Mirror
Cadillac Escalade
2000
V
Chevrolet Blazer
2000, 2001,2002
V
Chevrolet Cavalier
2000, 2001
Chevrolet Corvette
2000
V
Chevrolet Express
2000, 2001,2002
V
Chevrolet S-10 Crew cab
2002
GMC Denali
2000
s
GMC Envoy
2000, 2001
V
GMC Jimmy
2000, 2001
V
GMC Savana
2000, 2001,2002
V
GMC Sonoma Crew cab
2002
s
Luxury G-Van
2001,2002
Oldsmobile Bravada
2000, 2001,2002
Pontiac Sunfire
2000, 2001
V
PORSCHE
924
1976-1985
924 S
1986-1988
944
1982-1988
944 S
1987-1988
s
944 S2
1989-1991
V
944 Turbo
1986-1991
928
1978-1983
V
928 S
1980-1983
928 S/S4
1984-1990
ELV Solutions. Mercury Convenience Light Switches.
See the following page for Mercury ABSG-force switch locations. BMW, MITSUBISHI, NISSAN, SUBARU,
VOLKSWAGEN, and TOYOTA vehicles DO NOT contain mercury convenience switches.
Vehicles manufactured 2003 Model Year and beyond DO NOT contain mercury convenience switches.
Vehicles without trunks including SUVs, station wagons, and hatchbacks DO NOT contain a mercury convenience
switch in the"Trunk"or rear of the vehicle.
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Table 2. Vehicles Containing Mercury ABS G-Force Switches
MAKE/MODEL
MODEL YEAR
SWITCH LOCATION
Rear Seat
Rear Center
Driver Seat
Right Front
AUDI
Audi
Audi 80/ 90
1987 - 1993
V
Audi 100/Avant
1987 - 1993
V
Audi V8
1989 - 1995
V
Audi 200
1987-1991
V
Audi Coupe quattro
1987 - 1992
V
CHRYSLER LLC
Dodge, Jeep
4WD Dodge Stealth
1992 - 1996
Jeep Cherokee
1992-2001
V
Jeep Grand Cherokee
1993-2001
Jeep Wrangler
1992 - 2003
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford, Mazda, Mercury
Ford Bronco
1993 - 1997
V
Ford Explorer
1993 - 2002
V
Mazda Navajo
1993 - 2002
V
4x4 Ford Ranger
1995-2001
>/
Mazda B-Series Pick-up
1995-2001
AWD Mercury Mountaineer
1997 - 2002
V
MITSUBISHI
3000 GT4WD
1991 - 1994
Galant4WD
1990 - 1992
Expo 4WD
1991 - 1993
V
Expo LVR 4WD
1991 - 1993
V
Eclipse 4WD
1991 - 1993
NISSAN
Pathfinder 4x4
1996
SUBARU
Subaru Legacy w/ 5MT AWD
1990 - 1995
>/
Subaru Impreza w/ 5MT AWD
1993 - 1996
ELV Solutions. Vehicles containing Mercury ABS G-Force Sensors.
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
Table 3. Vehicles Containing Air Bag Crash Sensor Modules with Mercury Switches
MAKE/MODEL
MODEL YEAR
SWITCH LOCATION
Console
Driver's Seat
TOYOTA
Celica
1990 - 1993
MR2
1991 - 1993
Supra
1990 - 1993
LEXUS
ES 250
1990-1991
LS 400
1990 - 1992
VOLVO
All Models Except 240
1987
V
All Models
1988 - 1992
240
1993
AUDI
Audi 80/90
1989 - 1993
Coupe
1990-1991
V
Audi 100/200
1989 - 1993
V
S4
1992
Audi V8
1990-1991
MERCEDES-BENZ
Model 190
1986 - 1990
E-Class
1986 - 1990
V
S-Class
1984 -1990
ELV Solutions. Air Baa Crash Sensor Module Information.
NOTE: In the above applications only the air bag crash sensor modules contain mercury switches. Air bag inflation
units (steering wheel, instrument or dash panel, seat, side curtain, etc.) do not contain mercury switches and
should not be removed.
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Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Environmental
Protection, Safety and Profit in the United States-Mexico Border
Area
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