DEF notification makes no sense
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
DEF notification makes no sense
2016 f-350, 70K miles. Ordinary truck. Sometimes it pulls a small-ish 5th wheel.
I found some topics about DEF notification, but the "solution" always seemed to be to let it go down to 200 miles to empty or less. Not practical when traveling, and it gets tiresome having the stupid notification show up every time someone starts the truck.
DEF notification makes no sense.
DEF notification says 500 miles to empty. Dump in the 2.5 gallons and it doesn't take anywhere NEAR 2.5 gallons, spills out, makes a mess gets on clothes and shoes. Stopped doing that after the FIRST time.
Wait 'til it gets down to 350 miles. Dump in the 2.5 gallon jug and it's fine. EXCEPT THE #$*(&^%$# notification WON'T GO OFF. So at 500 miles it takes less than 2.5 gallons but at 300 miles it takes so much MORE that the notification won't go off? And no, there aren't any local fuel stations that have DEF.
It's done this regularly since buying the truck. It's a guessing game EVERY TIME I have to add DEF to this thing.
Anybody have a reasonable fix for this stupid thing?
I found some topics about DEF notification, but the "solution" always seemed to be to let it go down to 200 miles to empty or less. Not practical when traveling, and it gets tiresome having the stupid notification show up every time someone starts the truck.
DEF notification makes no sense.
DEF notification says 500 miles to empty. Dump in the 2.5 gallons and it doesn't take anywhere NEAR 2.5 gallons, spills out, makes a mess gets on clothes and shoes. Stopped doing that after the FIRST time.
Wait 'til it gets down to 350 miles. Dump in the 2.5 gallon jug and it's fine. EXCEPT THE #$*(&^%$# notification WON'T GO OFF. So at 500 miles it takes less than 2.5 gallons but at 300 miles it takes so much MORE that the notification won't go off? And no, there aren't any local fuel stations that have DEF.
It's done this regularly since buying the truck. It's a guessing game EVERY TIME I have to add DEF to this thing.
Anybody have a reasonable fix for this stupid thing?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
If you use the Ford DEF nozzle, PM-27-N, which screws onto most DEF jugs, will prevent the overflow if fill takes less than 2.5 gallons. When plugged into the DEF fill neck, you can turn up the jug and pour.. Once it stops, tilt jug down, remove nozzle from DEF fill neck and then remove from jug. Very little, if any is spilled.
I could fill my 2015 at any level, from one gallon to over 2.5 gallons and it would reset with no problems. It reset almost immediately. Never got the count down unless I intentionally ran it down low waiting to stop to fuel the truck.
Here is a link to the nozzle on eBay. You can buy it at some dealers for less than $8.00.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/303324505060
I could fill my 2015 at any level, from one gallon to over 2.5 gallons and it would reset with no problems. It reset almost immediately. Never got the count down unless I intentionally ran it down low waiting to stop to fuel the truck.
Here is a link to the nozzle on eBay. You can buy it at some dealers for less than $8.00.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/303324505060
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 66
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Good grief! I didn't know Ford even MADE a nozzle. It won't solve the problem, but at least it'll keep me from making a mess every time I have to fill this thing.
This still seems like one of those things Ford could have designed a LOT better - just don't start complaining 'til there's room for at least 2.5 gallons, and once you get it, shut up...
This still seems like one of those things Ford could have designed a LOT better - just don't start complaining 'til there's room for at least 2.5 gallons, and once you get it, shut up...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 113
I've learned to let it go to at least 200 miles before refilling is I used to keep it full. I would top it off long before the level would get down. I ended up in reduced power mode due to the computer thinking the def wasn't being consumed. So, now I let it get to 200 miles or so and only add 2 1/2 gallons. That normally puts the level over half and I let it run back down from there. Seems to be working for me. FWIW, I have had the reset go both ways. Even if it doesn't reset right after the refill it will reset after a couple of run cycles.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
let it go down to less the 200 to empty, then a complete fill. It is not an issue when traveling.
If you are pulling, for your model year a complete fill should last around 4500 miles with heavy pulling.
At truck stops you can use the def pump in the truck lanes if you are towing, it will cut off when full.
Or take a couple of jugs with you if you want. All Walmarts, truck stops, auto parts stores have def. This really is a non issue if you let it get down, then do the fill.
Issue is the metering sensors. It has to get down to the lowest one for the system to reset.
If you are pulling, for your model year a complete fill should last around 4500 miles with heavy pulling.
At truck stops you can use the def pump in the truck lanes if you are towing, it will cut off when full.
Or take a couple of jugs with you if you want. All Walmarts, truck stops, auto parts stores have def. This really is a non issue if you let it get down, then do the fill.
Issue is the metering sensors. It has to get down to the lowest one for the system to reset.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
In 49k miles, filling when ever, from a gallon to over 2,.5 gallons, never had any issues with reduce power or the ECU thinking there was no DEF usage. My def indicator always reset to full without any issues.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
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Unfortunately, no, it DIDN'T reset. We spent 4 days, with the mileage remaining slowly declining, starting the truck dozens of times as I was out photographing wildlife and starting and stopping. I never reset. Finally, at about 300 miles I bought a GALLON of DEF (for only slightly more than I normally pay for the 2.5 gallon jug) and dumped it in. It reset.
Obviously, your experience varies, but to me, it's a poorly engineered component (I was going to describe it more colorfully and accurately, but I figured the extended string of vulgarities would get me in trouble).
Obviously, your experience varies, but to me, it's a poorly engineered component (I was going to describe it more colorfully and accurately, but I figured the extended string of vulgarities would get me in trouble).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
You might have the dealer check for any ECU/PCM updates or emission updates needed for your truck.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
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I THINK I have some recall, but I wasn't about to allow the local dealer to touch the truck 'til we get back in several weeks... The last time I stopped in and talked to the service writer/assistant/whatever about getting the recall done, he told me, "We're booked up into next month - (get ready) We ONLY HAVE ONE FORD MECHANIC AT THE MOMENT AND HE ONLY COMES IN ON WEDNESDAYS." "Oh."
Sounds like a good time to try finding a DIFFERENT dealer!
Sounds like a good time to try finding a DIFFERENT dealer!
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
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In Montrose, CO. Called the local Ford dealer and they have the Ford DEF jug snout for $8. I'll pick one up tomorrow. Went to the local Walmart - not some tiny mom&pop taxidermy shop that also sells DEF - WALMART... Looked all over the DEF. Finally walked into the auto Service area and asked the guy at the register - "Where's the DEF?" "Um, I think we're out." "DEF, the diesel additive?" "Oh, yeah, we're all out of that. I can look and see when we'll have some... OH, the system doesn't KNOW when we'll get any." "Oh."
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