Hello all,

As the title states I am looking for some help with an issue I seem to have as of this morning. I will do the best I can in describing the issue.

I have a 2015 f250 4x4 crew cab long box with the 6.7 power stroke. It has 62,000 miles.

This is morning when I came out to my truck to go to work I noticed a check engine light. I guess now looking back, I have seen the check engine light 2 maybe three times over the last month but it was intermittent. About time I got out a scanner it would be out again. Well this morning the check engine light was accompanied by a decrease in engine power. The truck just felt different so I watched the gauges and noticed the boost would not get much over 16-18 psi. I know the stock truck gauges are not the best indication but none the less it did not get to the normal psi range it frequently sees. After work I stopped to get supplies for an oil change and for the heck of it had a local parts store run the codes. The scanner revealed a p0170, and three (3) p20ba codes.

Like most normal guys guys would do I dove into the internet looking for answers. Seems to be A LOT of different options as to what’s causing my issue. I was just wondering if 1- are there any correlations between these codes, and 2- will the codes being thrown by the DEF system lead my truck to decreased power? I’ve read that it will enable a 50mph “limp” mode of you will but I can get to 80 mph+ still. Although it has less grunt and takes longer to get there than normal, I still can get there.

The fuel filters have have less than 1000 miles on them, and the air filter is about 2 months old. I’m not at all familiar with DEF systems but I have always filled the tank ASAP when the low def warning was displayed on my dash.

Please help guide me in the right direction, I’m not really even sure where to start!

Thanks all-

kolton

 

Sounds like you need a new DEF heater/sending unit. Your at the correct mileage when they typically fail.

Edit: be sure to fix all the P20B codes before attempting to fix the P0170 code.

 

Thanks for your reply!

I pretty well assumed that was the cure for the p20ba code, and I now have a couple follow up questions.

1- Does the p0170 code relate to this in any form?
2- Does the DEF fault in turn cause my boost to be lower?
3- Do you recommend fixing the heater and leaving the DEF system intact, or would I be better off putting that money towards deleting and tuning since I am now out of warranty?

Thanks again.

Kolton

 

I don't have the answers for questions 1 and 2 hopefully someone else will help with those.

#3 is a personal choice. Deleting is beneficial for the longevity of a diesel engine and it's expensive and can cause it's own problems. It's also illegal and adds pollution. I personally like the fact that my truck does not smell or blow smoke being stock. I also don't like knowing the emissions controls are shortening the lifespan of the engine.

With the mileage on your truck I personally would replace the DEF heater since it's an easy DIY fix and it's only $200-250 for a new heater.

 

The DEF issue will cause power loss, as far as it has been explained to me. I'm not an expert on the matter.

As far as deleting, I find that to be a touchy subject. A delete will cost you $1000-$2000 depending on what parts you go with and if you do it yourself. Iowa has voluntary emissions testing, so you could delete without worry about not passing. It's illegal, yes, but state agencies will likely not enforce it. Your dealer may decline to work on a deleted truck, so that would be something to consider, or even ask them, in person, not over the phone.

A clean tune doesn't blow smoke and the engine will run better and will get better fuel mileage. The smell of burnt diesel doesn't bother some, others it does. Imagine the smell of a truck stop or an old tractor.

The DEF heater looks to be a very easy fix, but I do some otherwise advanced things, so a lot of things look easy. But that one really is easy.

Bottom line, and only my opinion; if you're wanting to keep the truck for a long time, delete. If you're looking to "upgrade" into a new payment, keep it intact. Either way, keep the parts if you delete.

 

Thank you for the replies thus far. Today I hook the scanner up to the truck, checked the codes again, and then cleared them out. The truck seems to have gained back its power for now, and neither of the codes are back yet.

I know this does not mean that the issue was fixed, however, I think I should now be able to make a decision in the next week on a game plan forward. Although I do enjoy having a quiet truck, I am seriously considering doing the deletes. I love the truck and it pulls are 32 foot fifth wheel well, and I intend on having it for quite some time. Better performance and less to go wrong seem like a pretty decent trade off.

What do you guys recommend as far as a tuning device and delete kits?

 

There is a big thread right here in the 6.7l forum that's current on delete info.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lete-kits.html

 

The DEF heater might be covered under the extended warranty Ford has on the heater. Contact a Ford dealer with your VIN and check to see if you are covered.

 

EZ Lynk and a 4" straight pipe to replace the DPF. Keeps the stock down tube and stock exhaust tips in place. The 4" won't make it much louder, a little turbo whine, but that's normal. Deeper sound, no drone and sounds stock quiet on the interstate.

 

Deleting your truck may cause more problems than it solves. I personally am not a fan of deleting but its a very personal choice for you.. Trucks don't smell inside the cab its for those who follow you down the road. Keeping your truck makes it easier to diagnose problems. i have 60,000 on my truck and tow a lot with it and my truck works just fine. Just get the heater fixed and be done with it. if it cost you $200 you just saved $1,800 for something like tires and wheels

 

Ford extended the warranty on the DEF heater/sender assembly with CSP 18M01 but it does not cover the 2015 pickup model. However, since this is a $900 dealer repair and there is a labor code (18M01G) for the 2015 pickup in this CSP, it's still worth asking about your VIN. See attached.

 

What issues would deleting cause? The emissions systems are already out of warranty and starting to fail. I will agree that replacing the heater is the cheaper option, for now.

 

1 - If the truck is in a state that smog tests - delete not beneficial unless you like swapping parts annually
2 - this truck still has at least 1 year and 38,000 miles engine warranty left - if it's deleted and an engine problem occurs Ford will say "sorry you have after market products on your engine"
3 - not all tunes are "safe" and can cause engine failures. Buyer beware
4 - DEF heaters are prone to failure and are not very expensive compared the rocket ship in the exhaust system. Deleting would be more beneficial if the emissions repairs were more costly

 

As I pointed out earlier, he lives in Iowa so emissions testing is voluntary. The rest are valid points.

 

I believe the letter has a typo on the years for the 2015 F350 trucks. I received the 18M01 letter and Ford Owner and Ford Pass shows my 2015 truck covered by the 18M01