Blue DEF Inconsistancy Issues
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Spring Hill, SC
Blue DEF Inconsistancy Issues
I was at my Dealer on Thursday and while picking up some PM22A and a couple filters the parts guy asked me what DEF I was using. I told him I get it at the truck stop or Walmart. He told me to be careful the Dodges and GMs have had some issues with the Blue DEF strength inconsistencies. I immediately told him to give me a jug of the Ford brand. The cost difference is minimal since I only use about 4-5 gallons a year. I don't know how accurate this is but thought I would pass it along.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth
I use the cheap stuff from Buckee's .... $2.57/gal. no issues. There's a D.O.T cert or something ... I'd think that a long as you buy legit DEF you are OK. I have a friend who has a new Dodge and Dodge supposedly INSISTS on their DEF at $40/jug ... threats of warranty issues. I don't buy that -
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 119
From: Tallassee, ALabama
I use Wal Mart DEF and the Motorcraft DEF when the dealer changes the oil.
I recently used (Oct 2016) a 2.5 gal of DEF I had been hauling around with me the 2 plus years in the tool box. The truck sits in the sun in Alabama, ,so you can imagine how hot it gets at times. The jug was still sealed with no crystals settled on the bottom. Did not have any problems while on the road pulling the 5'r after pouring it into the DEF tank.
I think the wives tale about DEF "freshness dates" might not be true.
I recently used (Oct 2016) a 2.5 gal of DEF I had been hauling around with me the 2 plus years in the tool box. The truck sits in the sun in Alabama, ,so you can imagine how hot it gets at times. The jug was still sealed with no crystals settled on the bottom. Did not have any problems while on the road pulling the 5'r after pouring it into the DEF tank.
I think the wives tale about DEF "freshness dates" might not be true.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 6
From: Waco, Texas
There was some talk on some other forums, and maybe here, that DEF has a 2 year or so expiration. Also some have purchased DEF and it was nearly out or was out of date. I looked at my DEF that I keep in the Garage and I see no expiration. I was at Tractor Supply Yesterday and their DEF has no expiration. Any body else heard of this? Maybe what the Dodge and GM folks are talking about?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,762
Likes: 115
I've used bulk DEF that you buy at pump, BlueDEF just recently, and Ford's stuff. So far, knock on wood no issues. Supposedly on the Fords (not sure on the other brands) it monitors Nox and if the DEF isn't "as strong" it just uses more. There is a limit to how much it will use and that's why "water" won't trick the truck.
I don't know what to believe either... I will say that if I could find pay at the pump DEF up here in the last frontier I would use it, but so far all I can get is stuff in the bottle.
I don't know what to believe either... I will say that if I could find pay at the pump DEF up here in the last frontier I would use it, but so far all I can get is stuff in the bottle.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From what I've read, GM owners are having a problem with the duramax throwing a false "DEF fluid quality poor" code. It's all over the forums, and seems to be almost impossible to fix and get the truck running right. I wonder if this has been mistaken to be that GM guys are finding poor quality DEF.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 633
Likes: 2
From: So. Utah
I just bought 2 - 2 1/2 gal jugs at my dealer....$27, would have been $24 at Walmart so the little diff. is not worth whatever or if any risk is envolved. The dealership sells mostly Ford products but also sells Dodge cars and trucks. So the parts mgr. asked me if I had a Ford or Ram truck, I asked if there was a diff. in DEF for each truck, he said yes because of warranty issues but it's probably the same stuff. I don't put that many miles on the dually so I'll just keep buying the Ford DEF.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 1,190
From: Door Cty/Florida
Bruce
is a BAAAD MAN
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,738
Likes: 5
From: Winston Salem NC
I just bought 2 - 2 1/2 gal jugs at my dealer....$27, would have been $24 at Walmart so the little diff. is not worth whatever or if any risk is envolved. The dealership sells mostly Ford products but also sells Dodge cars and trucks. So the parts mgr. asked me if I had a Ford or Ram truck, I asked if there was a diff. in DEF for each truck, he said yes because of warranty issues but it's probably the same stuff. I don't put that many miles on the dually so I'll just keep buying the Ford DEF.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 200
From: southeast PA
If it meets api standards, run it. Most of the DEF distributed here in in the northeast is made by Brenntag Specialties in Reading Pa, regardless of the brand label on the jug. DEF is supposed to be right at a 32.5% urea concentration. Anything other than that will set quality codes. But quality codes are easily addressed by draining the bad stuff, refilling and clearing the codes. Not a big deal, and if it is there are other issues. I've used blue DEF and TerraCair with no issues. Never used motorcraft DEF. DEF jugs do not have expiration dates as it will vary based on the temperature it is stored at.