How many miles before adding DEF
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New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 19
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From: Texas
How many miles before adding DEF
I've got around 5,000 miles on my new truck and haven't added any yet.
I have a couple questions for y'all.
1. Is there any kind of warning before the truck starts running in the reduced power mode (don't know the technical term)?
2. How many miles do you average between adding DEF?
Thanks,
David
I have a couple questions for y'all.
1. Is there any kind of warning before the truck starts running in the reduced power mode (don't know the technical term)?
2. How many miles do you average between adding DEF?
Thanks,
David
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,247
Likes: 4,267
From: Kaysville Utah
I check my once a week and when I see it under half full, I add a 2.5 gallon jug.
On average, 5 gallons = 5000 miles, So you are probably getting close to empty. As stated. You will get an 800 miles to empty message that will count down to the reduced power. You should be able to find DEF somewhere in that 800 miles.
Don't be surprised to learn that it takes more than 2.5 gallons to get that 800 miles to empty count down to shut off. You need to get something well above 1/2 full.
On average, 5 gallons = 5000 miles, So you are probably getting close to empty. As stated. You will get an 800 miles to empty message that will count down to the reduced power. You should be able to find DEF somewhere in that 800 miles.
Don't be surprised to learn that it takes more than 2.5 gallons to get that 800 miles to empty count down to shut off. You need to get something well above 1/2 full.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 97
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I've got around 5,000 miles on my new truck and haven't added any yet.
I have a couple questions for y'all.
1. Is there any kind of warning before the truck starts running in the reduced power mode (don't know the technical term)?
2. How many miles do you average between adding DEF?
Thanks,
David
I have a couple questions for y'all.
1. Is there any kind of warning before the truck starts running in the reduced power mode (don't know the technical term)?
2. How many miles do you average between adding DEF?
Thanks,
David
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon, SK, CA
If you live in cold climate you save on DEF in he winter. Topped mine up over 12,000 miles ago in October and still showing under half full. When she's frozen, you don't use much!! Now summer and towing season coming - that will change. Don't worry, you'll be warned several times before you have to worry about the truck going into limp mode. DEF use seems to totally depend on loaded vs. unloaded miles with my truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 20,168
Likes: 15,997
From: Wisconsin
If you live in cold climate you save on DEF in he winter. Topped mine up over 12,000 miles ago in October and still showing under half full. When she's frozen, you don't use much!! Now summer and towing season coming - that will change. Don't worry, you'll be warned several times before you have to worry about the truck going into limp mode. DEF use seems to totally depend on loaded vs. unloaded miles with my truck.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Texas
Hi David and welcome to the forum. Those are both good questions and answered well by the responses. There is a lot of good information in the Diesel Supplement manual on this and other essential topics. It can be downloaded in PDF format from the Ford site. Happy truckin'
Last edited by wing_96; Mar 26, 2013 at 08:18 AM. Reason: typo
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New User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Texas
I had heard horror stories of people being stuck because they ran out of fluid and had the truck shutdown.
I bought a 2.5 gallon jug that I have in the truck "just in case", but I am glad to know that it will take more than 2.5 to get the level back above the warning stage.
Thanks all!
I bought a 2.5 gallon jug that I have in the truck "just in case", but I am glad to know that it will take more than 2.5 to get the level back above the warning stage.
Thanks all!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2010
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I used to carry the 2 1/2 gl jug when I fist got my new truck as I was afraid to get caught running out on a trip. Now like everyone said you will have plenty of warning to refill. Mine will usually will say I have 800 miles left on def. so I know I need to get it filled. I do try to top off after it says under half full and keep trucking. The truck stops are getting more DEF fill stations at the pump so it makes it even easier to keep it full.
Happy trucking
Welcome to the forum
Happy trucking
Welcome to the forum
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 93
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I used to carry the 2 1/2 gl jug when I fist got my new truck as I was afraid to get caught running out on a trip. Now like everyone said you will have plenty of warning to refill. Mine will usually will say I have 800 miles left on def. so I know I need to get it filled. I do try to top off after it says under half full and keep trucking. The truck stops are getting more DEF fill stations at the pump so it makes it even easier to keep it full.
Happy trucking
Welcome to the forum
Happy trucking
Welcome to the forum
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 331
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DEF
My 2011 can go about 10 000 kms (6 200 miles) and it is just showing under 1/2 full. So for you mileage of 5 000 I would think you may be about 5/8 full of DEF. I too worried at the beginning but I just get it topped up every oil change.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Texas
I used to carry the 2 1/2 gl jug when I fist got my new truck as I was afraid to get caught running out on a trip. Now like everyone said you will have plenty of warning to refill. Mine will usually will say I have 800 miles left on def. so I know I need to get it filled. I do try to top off after it says under half full and keep trucking. The truck stops are getting more DEF fill stations at the pump so it makes it even easier to keep it full.
Happy trucking
Welcome to the forum
Happy trucking
Welcome to the forum
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,232
Likes: 6,665
From: Great Falls, Montana
Welcome aboard........
My experience has been:
- The more I work the Truck....the more I use.
- The DEF will freeze in the winter, however my owners manual (Diesel Supplement) informs me there is a DEF Heater, so the fluid is used in my truck during the Montana winters.
- It is 1/4th the cost at a DEF Pump at a truck stop compared to the Ford Dealer
- It is 1/2 the Ford dealer cost at Sam's Club or Wal-Mart.
- The Diesel Supplement that came with the Truck has a bunch of very important information.
Enjoy a Great Truck........
My experience has been:
- The more I work the Truck....the more I use.
- The DEF will freeze in the winter, however my owners manual (Diesel Supplement) informs me there is a DEF Heater, so the fluid is used in my truck during the Montana winters.
- It is 1/4th the cost at a DEF Pump at a truck stop compared to the Ford Dealer
- It is 1/2 the Ford dealer cost at Sam's Club or Wal-Mart.
- The Diesel Supplement that came with the Truck has a bunch of very important information.
Enjoy a Great Truck........
