DEF won't reset

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 30, 2013 | 12:13 PM

lundman

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 331

Likes: 0

DEF won't reset

So I am at the dealership getting my front hubs put on and asked them to top up my DEF as it was below 1/2 full. I am still 2,500 kms from my oil change. The guy filled the tank, and gave me the little bit left over in the jug. (9.48 litres I believe) When I went to my truck, and started it up I checked and the DEF screen was still showing less than 1/2 full. I waited, drove the truck around the block and went back to the dealership. Guy came out, couldn't figure it out and said drive it a bit and see if it will reset. (Note: never before has this happened. Previously after I put DEF in, the 1/2 full screen resets to full) What I am worried about is since it hasn't reset will it countdown and eventually end up in limp mode? I even tried to put the rest of the DEF in the tank but it was full already. (PS - I noticed the guy spilled the DEF on my paint so headed off to the car wash to spray it off)

Now I am worried why it didn't reset as it is obviously full? If it doesn't fix itself I am going back to the dealership tomorrow morning.

Has something similar happened to you and what is the remedy?

Dec 30, 2013 | 12:26 PM

vloney

Postmaster

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 3,201

Likes: 4

From: waynesville, mo.

Tell your dealership about the new special service message about inaccurate def tank gauge readings because of overfilling (front page of the PTS website). The gauge will actually work backward. Have to drain the tank and refill.

Dec 31, 2013 | 11:52 AM

rob17

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 576

Likes: 4

From: Graham, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by lundman

Now I am worried why it didn't reset as it is obviously full? If it doesn't fix itself I am going back to the dealership tomorrow morning.

Has something similar happened to you and what is the remedy?

Last year, while traveling home from Wisconsin pulling our fifth-wheel, I had less than 400 miles of DEF message when we arrived in Fargo. After putting in 2.5 gallons I still showed less than 400 miles. Once we got back to the campground I checked it again and still less than 400 miles. I bought another 2.5 gallon jug to top-off the tank with no change. Our next stop was going to be in Bismarck, about 200 miles away, and if there was still no change I would take to a Ford dealer in Bismarck. About half to Bismarck I checked again and now it was showing OK.

Since then I wait until I get the 800 mile message then add a 2.5 gallon jug. I have not had a problem since.

Rob

Dec 31, 2013 | 01:15 PM

BigF350

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 18,787

Likes: 30

From: Melbourne, Aus

In addition to vloney's comment, the DEF gauge level works like a gas tank gauge. Unless you fill it 100% it will take some time (up to 30mins of run time) to adjust to the right level (it does this to account for sloshing in the tank).

I am guessing whoever filled it up, didn't fill it up enough to trip the "100%" mark.