I've read many threads about this here and was hesitant to bring it up again but there seems to be some conflicting opinions on this so here we go. Background is a few months ago I traded in my 2013 6.2L for a 2014 6.7L. When I got it it has 10,200 miles on it and now has 12,800 miles. When I first got the truck I was messing around with the settings and under the information section it showed that my DEF fluid was full. Approx. once a week I will see the message flash cleaning exhaust.... today I was on that screen again and now see my DEF is under half full. So here are my questions:

- I assumed I would see a message popup when I hit that "sensor" so to speak. Did I miss it or is there none?
- I understand there's another "sensor" at 500 miles and then at 200 miles. Will I see a popup or do I have to make it a point to go check that screen every now and then?
- And finally, I've read some threads that saw to fill her up when I reach the under half full while others say to wait until it tells me to fill it up. Which is it?

Thanks!

 

first off, the DEF tank only has 2 sensors, maybe 3 (I forget). It will tell you it is full until the 1/2 full sensor is actuated. When you bought the truck, it may have only been like 5/8 full. The next message you will get is 500 miles to reduce power when the DEF gets that low.

You can add approx 2.5 gal when the message shows under half full. I would buy one of the Ford DEF nozzles. It has a vent in it that prevents over filling and splash backs. You can re-use the nozzle. Ford pn PM-27-N. Keep it in a clean baggie so it doesn't get dirty.

I would also suggest a Stant locking diesel cap to help prevent putting DEF in the fuel tank. 10510D and is about $15 on eBay.

 

third sensor is the count down till empty readings.


At about 200 miles it will come on each time you start the truck.


I get mine down to about there before I fill up.

 

I add DEF the same time I change my oil. It has never took 2.5 gallons to fill it up. I estimate my truck uses somewhere around a gallon every 3500 miles.

 

Two other points in reply to your post:
The "Cleaning Exhaust" message has nothing to do with the DEF. Two different systems. This message lets you know that the truck is dumping fuel into the exhaust to raise the temperature and clean the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). If you watch your instantaneous fuel mileage (if you have that display), you'll see a drop until it finishes.
And you did miss the "DEF Half Full" message. It only stays up about 2 seconds and since it is the same color as any other warning messages, it's easy to miss.

 

If the system is functioning properly you will not get a message until you get below a 500 mile range and there isn't any reason you would need to be aware that your tank is less than half full. Yes, you can do that system check now and then but it's not something that you've missed, messed up on, or neglected. I sense that you feel that you've failed to do something right and that you need to access that screen more often. It's all good, you've got it figured out now.

It's convenient to know when the 5 gallon tank is below half full because it means that you can empty a 2.5 gallon jug of def with nothing left over to have to store, keep clean, or save. This is the only logic behind the suggestions to know when the tank is below half full.

It's also convenient to run the tank down to the less than 200 mile range, then it will take 5 gallons with minimal waste/leftover from the two jugs you bought.

It is not convenient to run it down to the less than 200 mile range, buy 1 jug of def, pour it in so the tank is 5/8 full. This condition will eventually confuse the system or at least cause less than ideal performance from the system. (We think). It's best to empty the tank, then fill the tank.

 

In 26,000 miles I have only let mine drop below 50% one time. I keep a jug or two of DEF around the house and top it off as it crosses my mind that it's been awhile or at oil and filter change time.
If I am getting ready to head out on a longer trip or pull the RV I top it off before I leave just as I top off my fuel tanks.
I do tend to procrastinate more than I should, but when it comes to the maintenance of this truck I don't screw around. Procrastination is one thing wasted money on service or repairs is another. And as for the gauge that should tell me when I am down to 200 miles til empty. I don't ever plan to see it light up, nor would I trust it to be accurate. But then that's just me.

 

Mine comes on at 500 miles remaining. In 22,000 miles, I have seen it once.

 

Fill the DEF tank completely full when the driver information display tells you to fill it. You'll see the first notice at 500 miles to empty.

Anything else and there's the potential to "confuse" the system and send you into the dealer for a reset.

 

Thanks everyone for the info. Glad to know my "new to me" truck is behaving as it should. And thanks for the part #'s for the Ford spout. Ordered one off amazon.

 

Hey everybody Im pretty new to the site just got my 2015 6.7L back in February (my first diesel), so the info panel WILL flash DEF half full or under half full just like the cleaning exhaust filter message. I guess I keep missing it I've never seen it, I wish the message was a different color or stay up there till I push OK. I really only see the cleaning exhaust message at night btw does another message flash when the exhaust cleaning process is complete?

 

When you need to add DEF it will tell you and the message will stay up till you dismiss it.
Don't worry about the message telling you it's cleaning filter. It will do what it wants anyway.
I hardly ever see the message. Just drive the truck, you will be fine.

 

Hmm, I've never dismissed mine I've always had to actually go into system check setting to see if the level is ok or under half full I wonder for whatever reason they changed that on the 2015's?

 

You haven't gotten low enough on DEF for the message to come up then.
Like I said you will know when its time to add DEF. But probably won't catch
the cleaning DPF. message. Just do the things the owners manual tells you to do.
and the truck will do the rest.

 

Right, I just got off the phone with the dealership he just said the same thing that it hasn't gotten low enough for the message to show up. I been filling it back up at half full . Thank you for the info Iowa Ford.