Javi's Rules for DEF Usage..
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Senior User
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From: Waco, Tx
That was pretty much the root of my post..
I can't see all the nonsense about DEF, run it dry, run it till you get this or that warning... Me; I got other trivial things to do than to be constantly worried that I might not make it to a jug or pump or hauling around a jug or two..
so I fill it when I think about it or see the 1/2 warning or as part of my getting ready for a trip just like checking the tires, oil, wiper fluid, brake fluid etc. and filling the fuel tank... I fill the DEF
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From: Alabama
This will confirm I'm a newbie. How do I check the level? Does it have a dipstick? Or an electronic reading hidden somewhere on the dash?
Also, my Ford service manager told me only Motocraft and Blue Def were warranted if there was a problem. He claims they can easily enough test to see if alternative brands were used. True or false?
Just to be safe I purchased a jug of this stuff (and the hose) while there.
Special price Def $13.54, hose $5.93
Also, my Ford service manager told me only Motocraft and Blue Def were warranted if there was a problem. He claims they can easily enough test to see if alternative brands were used. True or false?
Just to be safe I purchased a jug of this stuff (and the hose) while there.
Special price Def $13.54, hose $5.93
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Western MA
You check it on the multifunction display in the center of your dash. Use any brand that meets Ford specs. Your warranty can not be voided for using another brand as long as it meets specs. I use the Peak 2.5 gallon jug they sell at Wally World for $12...
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From: Alabama
Thanks for the reply, but I don't know what specs to look for. Also (I plead guilty of not yet reading the operators manual) I've not stumbled across this screen yet.
Price wise, where should this Cheap Charlie purchase this properly spec'd stuff?
Price wise, where should this Cheap Charlie purchase this properly spec'd stuff?
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Post Fiend
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From: Parker, CO
As far as I can see the owner's manual says nothing about the interval of filling the DEF tank or danger warnings of frequent topping off , IF you have seen such information please post it or a link to the information..
As a note... I've followed my own rules for more than a 100K in each of three trucks and I've never had a single issue with DEF, so I reckon I'll just keep on doing it till you prove me wrong... and you haven't seen me crying on the side of the road out of DEF either..
As a note... I've followed my own rules for more than a 100K in each of three trucks and I've never had a single issue with DEF, so I reckon I'll just keep on doing it till you prove me wrong... and you haven't seen me crying on the side of the road out of DEF either..
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...US_02_2014.pdf
I've seen quite a few fleets and individuals try the same thing you suggest, only to see their trucks in for service with a full DEF tank and in limp mode with miles to empty at zero. Ask about their maintenance, and some top their DEF off as often as every fuel fill up.
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From: Waco, Tx
Obviously you haven't read the owner's manual. Go to page 21 and continue reading on. There's even a chart that will tell you when to leave it alone, and when to refill:
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...US_02_2014.pdf
I've seen quite a few fleets and individuals try the same thing you suggest, only to see their trucks in for service with a full DEF tank and in limp mode with miles to empty at zero. Ask about their maintenance, and some top their DEF off as often as every fuel fill up.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...US_02_2014.pdf
I've seen quite a few fleets and individuals try the same thing you suggest, only to see their trucks in for service with a full DEF tank and in limp mode with miles to empty at zero. Ask about their maintenance, and some top their DEF off as often as every fuel fill up.
The engine control unit will monitor the amount of fluid available in the DEF tank.
Running a system check in the information display will indicate whether the DEF level is ok or if it is less than 1/2 full. A message will display in the information display when the DEF level is low and needs to be refilled. When you see this message, you should refill your tank.
I see nothing about the above statement that indicates waiting until the tank is empty or nearly so before refilling or that damage will occur if one fills more often.
Again, as I said above... nothing in my facetious original post indicates that I advocate filling at every fuel stop, although there is no indication anywhere in the supplied documentation that doing so will potentially cause damage to the DEF system .
I personally refill the DEF shortly after I get the "LESS THAN 1/2" warning and I top off before a trip of any real distance towing my 5'er... I do not fill at each fuel stop...
But I do see a lot of folks who either forget or refuse to refill as directed in the manual who have gone into limp mode or even into idle only as my neighbor in the campground did a couple of weeks ago. And yes even after pouring DEF into the tank it took a tow to the dealer to reset the computer.
From your posts I would guess that you are a tech at a dealership and feel somehow compelled to correct me... You might also correct the technical writer at Ford as well as their engineers. But maybe your time would be better spent educating the new diesel buyers at your dealership on how to check the DEF level so they don't have problems..
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From: Waco, Tx
I have the XL...
Posting Guru
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From: Alabama
I cycled thru my (XLT) info screen again this morning but didn't see any ref. to the DEF. Perhaps its hidden in a sub-directory?
Off topic but screen related, I did find one that asks MPG and shows an up and down arrow, with some graphic bars following. What are they talking about?
Off topic but screen related, I did find one that asks MPG and shows an up and down arrow, with some graphic bars following. What are they talking about?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Waco, Tx
I cycled thru my (XLT) info screen again this morning but didn't see any ref. to the DEF. Perhaps its hidden in a sub-directory?
Of topic but screen related, I did find one that asks MPG and shows an up and down button, with some graphic bars following. What are they talking about?
Of topic but screen related, I did find one that asks MPG and shows an up and down button, with some graphic bars following. What are they talking about?
For the information on DEF, fuel, brakes, keys and such push the setup button once and then the reset button once.. sit back and it will scroll through the pages and then in a few seconds it will return to the standard view..