How much DEF?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Austin
How much DEF?
I just had to add my first DEF to my 2016-F-250, and added one gallon. I have looked in my owners manual and no-where does it tell me the quantity that the DEF tank holds. My truck now tells me that the level is Okay.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,039
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From: NC
Do you have the DEF nozzle yet? If not, buy it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 2,510
From: West Michigan
Capacity is about 5 gallons. If you got a message, what was it? Depending on the answer will dictate how much to put in. 1/2 will take approx. 2.5 gallons, 500 miles to go will take almost 5 gallons. Putting just a gallon in, unless that was all it would take is not enough to reset the sensors in the tank. If you got the "erroneous" 500 miles to E message, but the tank only took 1 gallon until full, that's a known issue where occasionally the computer gets confused on how much DEF is in the tank. I've had that a couple times on my 2016, not sure if anyone has seen that in the 2017's yet. that condition usually resets itself after a few trips out and about.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, WA
I have noticed running B20 will also trip the DEF sensor if you were already a little low. I think the truck just sprays more when running that stuff as even with the 500 indicator coming on I never put more than about 2.5 gallons in, vs the one time I did run it down to about 200 miles to go under normal diesel fuel and it took 4.2 gallons.
I'd 2nd that Ford DEF nozzle, it's a must have. I know many of the different brands include their own nozzle, but the Ford one works much better and doesn't spill. That way it doesn't look like someone whizzed down the side of your truck.
I'd 2nd that Ford DEF nozzle, it's a must have. I know many of the different brands include their own nozzle, but the Ford one works much better and doesn't spill. That way it doesn't look like someone whizzed down the side of your truck.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13
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From: Austin
Thanks Guys. This is my very first Diesel so I am a bit of a "Consciences Ignoramous" when it comes to my new truck. I was given a "DEF 1/2 full" notice by the truck and being one of those that likes to keep things topped off decided to put in a gallon. I used a funnel to put in the DEF and seemed to work just fine. I will certainly make a point of getting a spout however. This is the reason I joined this site, appreciate your help greatly.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: NC
Thanks Guys. This is my very first Diesel so I am a bit of a "Consciences Ignoramous" when it comes to my new truck. I was given a "DEF 1/2 full" notice by the truck and being one of those that likes to keep things topped off decided to put in a gallon. I used a funnel to put in the DEF and seemed to work just fine. I will certainly make a point of getting a spout however. This is the reason I joined this site, appreciate your help greatly.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: BA, OK
You only added 1 gallon? Did you not purchase a 2.5 gallon box of DEF? If you got a warning that the DEF was low it might take more than a gallon to top it off. I had to fill my DEF after a 500 miles to empty warning at 2500 miles on the truck and it only took 2.4 gallons before it spilled out all over the side of the bed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 4,266
From: Kaysville Utah
I have not bought a jug of DEF in almost a year. So many stations that now offer it at the pump. It's cheaper than buying in a jug, and I get the exact amount I need. Never have a jug with 2 quarts left in it.
I top off when ever I am at a station with DEF at the pump and I'm below 1/2 tank. Never had any problems with tank errors.
I top off when ever I am at a station with DEF at the pump and I'm below 1/2 tank. Never had any problems with tank errors.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 889
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After numerous DEF jugs I had something strange happen when adding some this last time. My dash reading said I was under 1/2 full but not sure how much under. I got my jug of Blue DEF and starting filling the tank. With the jug almost empty the DEF tank overflowed. After checking a couple times to make sure I wasn't doing something wrong I reinserted the tube to empty the jug and found that the DEF tank was full.
Not sure how that happened if the dash reading told me I was under half in a 5 gal tank and I used a 2.5 gal jug.
Not sure how that happened if the dash reading told me I was under half in a 5 gal tank and I used a 2.5 gal jug.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 175
From: Central Texas
Thanks Guys. This is my very first Diesel so I am a bit of a "Consciences Ignoramous" when it comes to my new truck. I was given a "DEF 1/2 full" notice by the truck and being one of those that likes to keep things topped off decided to put in a gallon. I used a funnel to put in the DEF and seemed to work just fine. I will certainly make a point of getting a spout however. This is the reason I joined this site, appreciate your help greatly.
Mine says it's under 1/2 and I have never added any since I bought it last month, so this is great info.
New User
Joined: Oct 2020
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I have owned a 2013 F-250 with 6.7 since new. Under normal driving condition I don’t have to add DEF till my oil change light comes on between 7,500-8k miles Which at this time I would top it off. I have bought the Motorcraft DEF in the 1 gal and the 2.5gal and use the Funnel from ford. No problems! I currently have 116k mile and works as it should. It’s been the best truck I have ever owned!
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