I've had probably a dozen errors/issues with my 2014 F350 CCSB 6.7 since owning it... all related to the stupid DEF system. Whether its crystal growth in the tank, that gives false readings (then eventually goes away from the crystals dissolving), or whatever... its probably the worst thing about the truck.

Have they improved the quality of this system for the newer trucks? Or are you all still getting problems related to these components?

 

I don't know that there were any changes to the pump, but from what I understand the level sensor has switched over to some type of sonar based system rather than the spaced electrodes of previous trucks. I've not seen too many threads on actually DEF issues, mostly just complaints on how fast/slow it's using it or the gauge not reflecting a fill immediately.

 

About 10k on my 2017 and zero DEF issues. Have filled the tank about 2.5 times now and I tow pretty often.

 

Rodney (Karl4Cat) had an issue with his not resetting the level after he added fluid and it was close to going into limp mode. Mine takes a few minutes to recognize the change in level, but otherwise works fine. I refill mine when it goes below 50%.

 

I had 85K miles on my 2013 and am at 40K on my 2017 with no issues with DEF on either truck.

 

 

Likely a capacitance based system then.

 

 

At least on the 17 and newer ttrucks you have a 7 gal vs the 5 gal tank on the earlier years

 

7.4 gallons, actually. I've had no issues on either of my 2017's. But the DEF system is actually pretty complicated on these trucks. You have a tank with a submerged pump, plumbing over to the other side of the vehicle to a "dosing module" (injector), an ECU control unit, a tank heater, hose heater, pump heater, DEF fluid level indicator, and a function which reverse-pumps all fluid out of the line when the truck is shut down. The DEF system is a large portion of the price premium for a diesel engine.

 

If only there was an option to for-go the DEF system from the factory... to cut costs of course 😂

 

For those with delays in DEF level displays...

When filling my DEF tank I leave my truck in Full Accessory Mode (ignition on, engine off) and leave the door open with the DEF gauge displayed in the dash. While filling my gauge goes up instantly as I watch while filling.

 

 

Mine still has the issue where the distance to empty doesn't reset after a refill. The gauge shows full within 10-20 miles or so but the countdown continues. You'd think they both get their info from the same sensor reading but somehow they don't. My dealer says the Ford tech line told them it's a known bug with no cure to date. I'm not sure if that's true or just them blowing me off because they couldn't diagnose the problem. I've almost been stranded or limited to 50mph a few times with 44.5' of RV behind me. Not a good feeling watching that 500 MTE countdown continue for close to 500 miles after refilling the tank. I've been considering steps to eliminate this issue on my end. Being in MA like the OP, it's more difficult than in free states but doable just the same...

 

I have a 17' with just over 26k miles on it and no issue with the DEF system. I wait till its at a 1/4 tank and then it hold 5 gallons and does not over flow when filling and I do not get the 500 miles left message. If I drop a small bit below 1/4 tank I will get the 500 miles to go count down. I do not know how many times I have filled it in 26k miles as sometimes I tow a bunch and then other times not. I do hear the pump sucking the fluid back into the system at shutdown if the DEF was used during the trip I just took.