Overview
Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless and deadly. A properly installed diesel parking heater produces almost no CO inside the cabin, but a leaking exhaust joint can introduce it. This guide explains the risks and how to protect yourself.
How CO Enters the Cabin
A cracked exhaust joint, a loose floor grommet, or a blocked exhaust can push exhaust fumes into the cabin through floor seams. Drawing combustion air from inside the cabin also depletes oxygen and creates negative pressure that pulls fumes in.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and drowsiness. Chronic low-level exposure causes morning headaches. If you wake up with a headache in a heated vehicle, suspect CO immediately.
CO Detector Installation
Install a battery-powered CO detector near the bed, 1.5 meters above the floor. Test it monthly. Replace the batteries annually. Do not install the detector directly above the heater; false alarms.
Safe Ventilation
Keep a window cracked 1 cm when running the heater overnight. This allows fresh air exchange without losing heat. Never run the heater in a fully sealed vehicle for extended periods.
Exhaust Inspection
Check exhaust joints every season. A paper test near each joint detects leaks. Clear snow and debris from the exhaust outlet before starting.
Emergency Response
If the CO alarm sounds, turn off the heater, open all windows and get outside. Do not re-enter until the alarm clears. Have the exhaust system inspected before using the heater again.
References
[1] European Union Regulation (EU) 2015/1188 on monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissions.
[2] European Union Regulation (EU) 2015/1186 on type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and engines regarding emissions.
[3] SAE International J1455: Recommended Environmental Practices for Electronic Equipment Design in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Applications.
[4] FCC Part 15 Subpart C: Intentional Radiators.
[5] ISO 6722: Road vehicles – 60 V and 600 V single-core cables.
[6] U.S. EPA Idling Reduction Fact Sheet for Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles.
[7] ISO 8820-2: Road vehicles – Time-lapse current-limiting fuses.
