The storage tank is usually found either next to the diesel fuel tank on a truck, or near the area of the spare tire on a car. All vehicles with diesel engines meeting 2010 or later EPA guidelines have a dashboard warning system that alerts you when the DEF level is low.
The DEF tank needs to be filled once for every 3 to 4 times that you refuel with diesel fuel.
How do you know if your DEF fluid is low?
The light bar indicates the level of fluid in the DEF tank. Low DEF levels will trigger a decrease in engine performance. The use of improper fluid will trigger a decrease in engine performance. In the empty and ignored state, vehicle speed will be limited to 5 mph until DEF is detected in the tank.
How do you check a DEF fluid level? – Related Questions
How much DEF does a 6.7 Powerstroke use?
Capacities and Specifications – 6.7L Diesel
Item
Capacity
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
8 gal (30.2 L)
Fuel tank (Dual)(Left side)
61 gal (230.9 L) (Usable capacity)3
65 gal (246 L) (Liquid capacity)
Fuel tank (Dual)(Right side)
47 gal (177.9 L) (Usable capacity)3
Where is the DEF gauge?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Making sure you do not run out of DEF in a SCR equipped truck is simple – watch the DEF gauge, which is part of the diesel fuel gauge, for when it is time to refill. DEF is stored in a dedicated tank next to the fuel tank on the driver’s side.
What does the DEF indicator light look like?
Before your DEF tank ends up empty, you will see an alert on your dash in the form of the DEF light. If your DEF drops below 2.5%, the light will be a solid amber. If you decide to ignore it, at the point where you run out of DEF, the light will glow solid red. It gets worse.
How long does DEF fluid last?
Because it doesn’t include any preservatives, DEF does come with a shelf life. The good news is, it’s a fairly long shelf life; DEF can usually be stored up to one year without any issues.
How often do you add DEF fluid?
DEF is consumed at a rate of about 2-3% relative to the amount of fuel you are using. This means between 1.2 and 2.0 gallons of DEF will be required for a vehicle with a 65-gallon gas tank. If you have a five-gallon DEF tank, DEF should be replaced every third or fourth time you fill up.
Exhaust is injected with DEF before entering the SCR catalyst, where it is then transformed into clean air that exits the tailpipe. If you let the DEF tank run dry, you could experience days, weeks or even months of downtime — along with thousands of dollars in potential repairs.
Can I use water instead of DEF?
What is a substitute for DEF fluid?
DEF is urea or otherwise known as aqueous ammonia. Windshield washer fluid that contains ammonia will do in a pinch.
Can you run a diesel truck without DEF?
If you ignore the DEF warning the truck will cease to work. Some diesel engine manufacturers allow the engine to go into reduced power mode so the truck can “limp home” or limit the number of times you can turn the engine over. At some point though the diesel engine will not start.
Is DEF delete illegal?
There is no way around this; it is 100% illegal to tamper with or modify the emission system on your truck in any way. It isn’t a state or local law (although those exist, as well), but Federal law.
How long does DEF fluid last in powerstroke?
HOW LONG DOES DIESEL FLUID LAST? Diesel exhaust fluid normally has a shelf life of about two years. However, exposure to sunlight or sustained high temperatures can compromise it.
Is Blue DEF Platinum better?
As far as what the fluid is used for, which is the actual DEF, there is no difference. The difference is in the proprietary ingredients that was put into Platinum that they say keeps the DEF from crystalizing in the exhaust over time.
Best DEF Fluids: Most Pure. BlueDEF DEF003 by BlueDEF.
Best DEF Fluids: Most Versatile. Prestone HD 1001 Command DEF.
Best DEF Fluid for Duramax Engines. Genuine GM Fluid 88862659 by ACDelco.
Best DEF Fluid for a Cummins. Sinopec DEF by Sinopec, Two 2.5 Gallon Jugs.
Best DEF Fluid for Ford PowerStroke.
Should you top off your DEF tank?
It’s good practice to top off the DEF tank at the end of day. DEF tanks can build condensation, and that water can lead to contamination.
Does DEF freeze?
Whether in storage tanks or in equipment, DEF can freeze and possibly cause issues. As temperatures drop below 12°F, DEF will begin to solidify and not work as intended.
How do I stop my truck from freezing in DEF?
Storing your truck in a heated or insulated garage during cold periods can help prevent your DEF from freezing. Likewise, an insulated tote blanket can help prevent freezing.