False DEF fluid message - 500 miles to empty

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 7, 2014 | 06:57 AM

#16

grampscamper

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 784

Likes: 27

From: Toronto

Quote:

Originally Posted by senix

It is suppose to be enough to go between oil changes. It is not when towing heavy. It goes just about 5K when towing.

I add def when it is needed, not with the oil change.

You should get a under 1/2 warning and then when you get the count down. 2013-present only has the 500 mile to empty then I think a 200 miles and then it counts down from there.

I'd recommend not filling it till you get down to 200 miles then do a complete fillup.

I think keeps it from being confused.

I will do this from now on. We have done some long trips and never liked carrying it because of the heat. I know it's hard to obtain in some remote areas. When at home it's not a problem. I always keep some on hand and keep it stored at room temperature.
I never thought that topping it off would cause a problem.

Thanks

Sep 7, 2014 | 07:24 AM

#17

senix

Super Moderator

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 37,379

Likes: 1,863

From: Frederick, MD

I do the same, keep it in the store room in the basement. Then when traveling I take 5 gallons with me.

I put it in the tool box. I figure it will be all right for the time it is in there. Seems to be ok as I have never had an issue.

Sep 7, 2014 | 10:07 AM

#18

Pocket

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 9,293

Likes: 10

From: Parker, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by grampscamper

I'm trying to get a better understanding of how this works. I assumed warnings were based on the level of tank only and the computer countdown started at 500 miles to empty. I decided to get the manual out last night and read about filling the DEF. It said no action is required until 500 miles (800 km) to empty. It looks like it is designed to go from oil change to oil change. I know when I tow our 5th wheel this isn't possible. How does the countdown to empty start? Does it start when oil is set to new, mileage, level of the tank or a combination? I assumed when you topped it off at 1/2 full it would reset to full and restart the counter.
My dealer normally fills it when I get an oil change. I have topped it off since the last oil change to use up the remainder of the jug. The first time it happened I topped off the tank because we were taking a long trip out west. Pocket, it looks like I may have caused this problem. I will see what my dealer has to say tomorrow.
Can someone please explain exactly how it works so I have a better understanding. If necessary I will carry a spare jug when we travel and not fill it until I get the message 500 miles to empty.
Thanks for the replies.

The counter runs based on tank level, not oil changes. But your first level rod is at the halfway mark. So if the tank never gets below that first rod, eventually the computer gets confused and just starts counting down mileage. There's been some calibration updates to try and correct this, but it still happens from time to time.

At the very least don't fill it until it's below the halfway point. That will give you plenty of miles for just about any trip.

Sep 7, 2014 | 10:27 AM

#19

grampscamper

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 784

Likes: 27

From: Toronto

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pocket

Thanks Pocket, I think you explained why it happened to me. Both times it occurred I didn't wait for the 1/2 full message. I didn't think it would cause a problem. In the future I will at least wait for the 1/2 full message before I add any.

Sep 8, 2014 | 01:22 PM

#20

grampscamper

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 784

Likes: 27

From: Toronto

I had it in to the dealer today for an oil change. I had them check the DEF warning problem while I was there. They said they hooked it up to the computer and had to do a reset for the sending unit.
I will keep track of it now and only fill it when I'm down to below 1/2 full. Thanks everyone for your assistance.

Sep 9, 2014 | 04:14 PM

#21

Dakster

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 9,762

Likes: 115

My 2011 I kept topped off and it never was an issue... I think once I accidentally let it get to 1/2 full message, so maybe that was the "Reset" it needed.

Any trip I take I always have some on hand and I rotate stock to keep it from going bad. FWIW, if you have access to distilled water you can get powdered DEF. Basically just add water when you need it. It has a much longer shelf life of 5 years. The only problem is that it is expensive - but powder takes up a lot less room and weighs less than the already mixed stuff.

For now, I have no need for the powder... I just keep the jugs around.

Sep 9, 2014 | 06:23 PM

#22

Iowa Ford

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 5,929

Likes: 287

From: EC Iowa

I have not seen the 1/2 warning on my 12 truck. And I do check it occasionally.
I guess I must fill it too often LOL
Summer months I fill at truck stops 2.79 a gal.
Winter months I use the ford fill tube and jug I got when I bought the truck.
I take that jug to the truck stop and fill from bulk when ever it gets empty.
No problems for me, I seriously doubt that the miles till empty count down has anything to do with how many miles you drive. As long as you never let it get below the second bar in the sender.

Sep 9, 2014 | 06:51 PM

#23

Dakster

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 9,762

Likes: 115

Iowa you and I are on the same page there... I just accidentally waited too long to hit the bulk tank at a truck stop. and noticed I was at 1/2 full. Filling up my two Ford jugs and teh truck I used about 5 gals. that one time...

Now - I haven't found a bulk DEF place in the state of Alaska. SO if someone here knows of one, please let me know!