COLD WEATHER
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
COLD WEATHER
Ok, I live in North Eastern Utah and it was -17 this morning. I had my truck plugged in and got in this morning and it started rite up. BUT, there was a warning light on, in the dash. The light that looks like a engine block. So, I drive by the dealer and ask him what it is. Hes tells me that the Def is frozen and when it thaws out the warning light will go off. So, I drive around pretty much all day today, but the temps didnt get above 5 degrees all day. Got home and the warning lights was still on.
Another thing, when I went to put her into reverse the buzzer came on and stayed on. Guess it frozen too.
You colder area guys have this same problem? Ive read a bunch of threads but no-one mentioned these problems in the threads I read.
Another thing, when I went to put her into reverse the buzzer came on and stayed on. Guess it frozen too.
You colder area guys have this same problem? Ive read a bunch of threads but no-one mentioned these problems in the threads I read.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 726
From: Calgary Canada
The rear park assist can have a lot of trouble in cold weather. If it's clean and dry, it should work fine in any temps, but any ice or snow on it, or frozen road spray, and it throws a fit. I haven't noticed any long term effects though, once it thaws, it works just fine.
New User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Peoria,Il
I have noticed a similar issue with the backup system and have wiped the sensors with a paper towel and seemed to go away. Anything but clean and dry seems right.
I had a def system fault problem recently and made a couple calls to see if def fluid does in fact freeze and was told no. I am in central Illinois and we have only seen about +5 so far.
I wonder is there an anti-gel for def
Steve
I had a def system fault problem recently and made a couple calls to see if def fluid does in fact freeze and was told no. I am in central Illinois and we have only seen about +5 so far.
I wonder is there an anti-gel for def
Steve
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
Did they check codes to determine that?
Ford built in a period of time for the DEF to be frozen.
They expected that so you shouldn't have a CEL (the engine block light).
If they didn't check for codes, try to visit them again and have them do so.
Maybe it's exactly as they say but that light needs to be taken seriously and you don't know until IDS reports what the issue is.
Seventyseven250 is correct, most have issue with reverse sensors on more than just our trucks.
Mine does it too.
Ford built in a period of time for the DEF to be frozen.
They expected that so you shouldn't have a CEL (the engine block light).
If they didn't check for codes, try to visit them again and have them do so.
Maybe it's exactly as they say but that light needs to be taken seriously and you don't know until IDS reports what the issue is.
Seventyseven250 is correct, most have issue with reverse sensors on more than just our trucks.
Mine does it too.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
Im gonna take it back in tomorrow and have them put it on the computer. The CEL was on all day today. I didnt drive any different, the light was just on. Gonna see what they say after they check codes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,227
Likes: 4,242
From: Kaysville Utah
The DEF tank has a heater in it and should thaw with some driving. I don't know how long it takes, But it will thaw the tank. Don't over fill the tank, Any DEF in the filler neck will freeze and can burst the filler neck hose.
DEF freezes at 12°F
I had my truck in -25° a lot last winter and my check engine light never came on,. So I doubt your light was for frozen DEF.
DEF freezes at 12°F
I had my truck in -25° a lot last winter and my check engine light never came on,. So I doubt your light was for frozen DEF.
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 365
Likes: 2
From: Silverthorne, Colorado
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
Its been almost a month since I have put any DEF in the tank, I know its not low or anything, because I have onlyh drove it about 600 miles since my last fill up of DEF. Im going by the dealer tomorrow. Now Im kinda worried. I havent had any problems out of it, but it barely has 3k miles on it. So, we will see. I will update tomorrow, if they get me in the shop to check it out.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 5
From: Northwestern Ontario
When the 2011s came out there was alot of people with the CEL (check engin Light) coming on. It will be one of your sensors.
As for the frozen DEF...I'm afraid it does freeze. I live in the Canadian north where its -20 from November to March and I don't use any DEF all winter in about 5000 miles. When I go to top it up in the spring it will take only about a quart.
This past winter it was rather warm so I used DEF at that time.
You would think they would have a winter DEF....
--
Gordon
As for the frozen DEF...I'm afraid it does freeze. I live in the Canadian north where its -20 from November to March and I don't use any DEF all winter in about 5000 miles. When I go to top it up in the spring it will take only about a quart.
This past winter it was rather warm so I used DEF at that time.
You would think they would have a winter DEF....
--
Gordon
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
The tank will eventually thaw it enough where the SCR system can begin to use it.
But yes, it can be frozen for a period of time.
DEF consumption is lower because EGT's aren't always as high in cold weather.
That's what I see anyways.
But yes, it can be frozen for a period of time.
DEF consumption is lower because EGT's aren't always as high in cold weather.
That's what I see anyways.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1,153
From: Edmonton Alberta
When it got cold is when I started having problems.
That is why mine came off Dec 2010
Let us know what they find D
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
Welll..... just got back from the dealer and they kept the truck. Gonna have it over night, to do a Glow plug download, and to let it thaw out and De-Gel. I had 4 codes that came up. Didnt get to write them down, but they started with something like Code E-203 or something like that.. The guy talked so damn fast I could barely understand him. But they all had to do with Gelling issues, supposedly. I use the Pm-22, so I dont understand how it could Gel. Also, said I needed the Plug Download. I havent heard of that one yet so?.?.?.?
So, Im ditching the PM-22 if it doesnt prevent gelling in Negative Degree Temps. So, thanks to GSXR for the heads up on DieselFuelLube.com specials that they are running, so I went ahead and ordered a gallon of the Optilube XPD. Paid $50 for a gallon with 2 extra little bottles and a pump. Not a bad deal, so thanks GSXR.
So, Im ditching the PM-22 if it doesnt prevent gelling in Negative Degree Temps. So, thanks to GSXR for the heads up on DieselFuelLube.com specials that they are running, so I went ahead and ordered a gallon of the Optilube XPD. Paid $50 for a gallon with 2 extra little bottles and a pump. Not a bad deal, so thanks GSXR.
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
how about this??
Hey, might have nothing to do with it but keeping the tanks near full in the winter prevents moisture from forming in the tanks and that may help. I am in a cold climate, northern Ontario, this is the 3rd winter for the truck and have never added any PM stuff or additive to the tanks. I do keep them near full all the time though. And we get really cold temperatures but never have had a problem with the DEF acting up. Usually get about 10 000 kms for 1/2 tank of DEF being used. That is about 6 200 miles for 1/2 tank of DEF. In the winter the DEF never gets below 1/2 and the diesel is topped up every day.