2011 "Contaminated Exhaust Fluid" error
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New User
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2011 "Contaminated Exhaust Fluid" error
Just a heads up for new/prospective owners:
My 2011 F350KR has been out of service for a week while my Ford dealer diagnoses a false "Contaminated Exhaust Fluid" error (limits truck to 55mph).
Apparently the has been an issue with shipping damage to the juice lines that can cause this error on some trucks, but that's not the case with my truck.
I'm still on the first tank of fuel, and haven't even touched the exhaust fluid cap yet.
The shop has talked to to Ford Engineering, and apparently this error can come from a recently-discovered issue with a sensor [not sure if he said knock-sensor or nox-sensor], but the part isn't available through normal parts warehousing and distribution channels. They're "working on getting one".
Anyone else having this problem?
So, anyhow I'm driving a $5000 loaner while my $83000 (Canadian) truck sits with them... yes, I'm looking for your sympathy!
My 2011 F350KR has been out of service for a week while my Ford dealer diagnoses a false "Contaminated Exhaust Fluid" error (limits truck to 55mph).
Apparently the has been an issue with shipping damage to the juice lines that can cause this error on some trucks, but that's not the case with my truck.
I'm still on the first tank of fuel, and haven't even touched the exhaust fluid cap yet.
The shop has talked to to Ford Engineering, and apparently this error can come from a recently-discovered issue with a sensor [not sure if he said knock-sensor or nox-sensor], but the part isn't available through normal parts warehousing and distribution channels. They're "working on getting one".
Anyone else having this problem?
So, anyhow I'm driving a $5000 loaner while my $83000 (Canadian) truck sits with them... yes, I'm looking for your sympathy!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 365
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From: Round Rock, TX
You don't get any sympathy as far as having a truck fixed under warranty on the first model year. You do get sympathy points for ford giving you an economy loaner car.
People buy these trucks to work and it's BS that they give you something that isn't as capable. I remember reading on The Diesel Stop about some guy who's 6.0 was down for head gaskets (back when the 6.0's were new, and techs didn't know how to service them). He was a cattle rancher and they gave him a Ford Taurus as a loaner and he coudln't feed his cattle. Thats BS IMO.
Good luck with the repair though!
People buy these trucks to work and it's BS that they give you something that isn't as capable. I remember reading on The Diesel Stop about some guy who's 6.0 was down for head gaskets (back when the 6.0's were new, and techs didn't know how to service them). He was a cattle rancher and they gave him a Ford Taurus as a loaner and he coudln't feed his cattle. Thats BS IMO.
Good luck with the repair though!
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(@MikeMcCasland: LOL, somebody's gotta be first take the plunge with the new stuff! I was banking that after the embarassing 6.0 and 6.4 engine launches, the 6.7 would be perfect...)
I should say, though, that other than this little glitch, the truck kicks ***. It seems better in EVERY way over my 2008 6.4, except for that they've gone back to the giant, goofy lever for the tilt steering. I much prefer the little 'paddle' mechanism on the 08.
I should say, though, that other than this little glitch, the truck kicks ***. It seems better in EVERY way over my 2008 6.4, except for that they've gone back to the giant, goofy lever for the tilt steering. I much prefer the little 'paddle' mechanism on the 08.
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I guess someone could have put something in it; but the dealer didn't report any evidence of anything in it. I live out in the sticks, not much traffic. Only owned the truck for a few days, and I'm not saying it's impossible, but I don't think it was likely tampered with.
I imagine the "contaminated fluid" error may be based on either
a) poor performance of the fluid in doing it's job as measured by NOx sensor
-or-
b) differential pressure across a filter / orifice (that's what the warning light kind of looked like)
I imagine the "contaminated fluid" error may be based on either
a) poor performance of the fluid in doing it's job as measured by NOx sensor
-or-
b) differential pressure across a filter / orifice (that's what the warning light kind of looked like)
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From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
I thought a DPF was bad. Now they add urine and distilled water to make ammonia that converts to nitrogen in the cat? I wonder if they'll make an attractant in the future for hunters. An estrus scent for the bucks perhaps?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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You didn't put a tiger in your DEF tank? Did you? 
Funny, I was specifically complaining to Chris Brewer about the whole DEF deactivation system.
I pointed out that to kill off the motor because of a sensor / wiring / etc. fault is got to be not so bright.
Almost exactly the problem you mentioned.
Funny, I was specifically complaining to Chris Brewer about the whole DEF deactivation system.
I pointed out that to kill off the motor because of a sensor / wiring / etc. fault is got to be not so bright.
Almost exactly the problem you mentioned.
Software programmed engine shutdowns:
As I understand it, if the vehicle runs out of DEF, it gradually programs for a shutdown of the entire engine.
I understand the need for EPA compliance and so on. But how about a emergency manual override for these "software shutdowns"?
Routinely, problems occur in sensors, wiring, etc. that have nothing to do with a properly functioning system.
When that happens, often, faults are so elusive that fixes cannot be readily had --- a manual override --- with safeguards makes sense.
Wiring / Corrosion Issues
On my 05 vehicles, one major issue is corrosion of wiring and connectors.
Is there any thought to improving the durability of the wiring / connectors --- especially interior wiring that is exposed to road salt from the passengers?
As I understand it, if the vehicle runs out of DEF, it gradually programs for a shutdown of the entire engine.
I understand the need for EPA compliance and so on. But how about a emergency manual override for these "software shutdowns"?
Routinely, problems occur in sensors, wiring, etc. that have nothing to do with a properly functioning system.
When that happens, often, faults are so elusive that fixes cannot be readily had --- a manual override --- with safeguards makes sense.
Wiring / Corrosion Issues
On my 05 vehicles, one major issue is corrosion of wiring and connectors.
Is there any thought to improving the durability of the wiring / connectors --- especially interior wiring that is exposed to road salt from the passengers?
We have had extensive communication with EPA and California Air Resources Board to come up with the warning strategy that we employ to meet the 2010 CY emissions requirements. Bottom-line, we are employing a warning strategy that gradually makes the vehicle less driveable as the urea is depleted without refill per agreement with both government agencies. Our goal is to never strand a customer but still provide sufficient inducement that the customer fixes their truck if it is not compliant with the new emissions standards.
Relative to wiring/connectors, we are always working to improve our standards over time based on customer feedback like yours. We do use waterproof connectors and shielded/wrapped wiring in high water exposure areas, including the lower portion of the passenger compartment where one might expect to see muddy/wet feet and equipment.
Relative to wiring/connectors, we are always working to improve our standards over time based on customer feedback like yours. We do use waterproof connectors and shielded/wrapped wiring in high water exposure areas, including the lower portion of the passenger compartment where one might expect to see muddy/wet feet and equipment.
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gearloose1
I am currently having exactly the same issue....brand new F350 with 450 miles. Picked truck up from dealer and on first drive "Contaminated Exhaust Fluid" warning came on and truck derated to 55 mph. Took to dealer and they said they needed to get new Nox sensor, but there was no part number for the new sensor....go figure!
Thank goodness I did not trade my 2006 SuperDuty when I bought the new piece of junk.....
I am currently having exactly the same issue....brand new F350 with 450 miles. Picked truck up from dealer and on first drive "Contaminated Exhaust Fluid" warning came on and truck derated to 55 mph. Took to dealer and they said they needed to get new Nox sensor, but there was no part number for the new sensor....go figure!
Thank goodness I did not trade my 2006 SuperDuty when I bought the new piece of junk.....
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Sorry to hear you don't like your truck... Mine isn't perfect, but still the best machine I've ever owned. As for my NOx sensor, the my dealer just stole one from one of the other new trucks on the lot, and replacing it became his problem.
Here's my gripe list with the 2011 (not a very long list), after almost a year driving:
-seems to get stuck easily in deep snow (like a driveway). Not sure why, tires are good, seems like traction control kicks in when you don't expect it and fights against the way we learned to drive
-for a King Ranch, you'd expect better sunvisors than the crappy hard plastic ones. It's a step down from my '08 Lariat cloth ones
-no climate control on steering wheel (another step down from '08 Lariat)
-still HATE the steering column tilt mechanism. It's a big giant lever underneath, reminds me of the crappy one I had on an 07 Sport Trac. Again, the 08 was superior.
-The wheel doesn't tilt down as far as the 08. I like it right on my lap
Here's my gripe list with the 2011 (not a very long list), after almost a year driving:
-seems to get stuck easily in deep snow (like a driveway). Not sure why, tires are good, seems like traction control kicks in when you don't expect it and fights against the way we learned to drive
-for a King Ranch, you'd expect better sunvisors than the crappy hard plastic ones. It's a step down from my '08 Lariat cloth ones
-no climate control on steering wheel (another step down from '08 Lariat)
-still HATE the steering column tilt mechanism. It's a big giant lever underneath, reminds me of the crappy one I had on an 07 Sport Trac. Again, the 08 was superior.
-The wheel doesn't tilt down as far as the 08. I like it right on my lap
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Contaminated DEF
Just had this problem on my '11 F250 King Ranch. Only 400 miles since the first service -- had used 4 gals of DEF and then the check engine and warning. Dealer could not find a cause and I'm now waiting for delivery of a new NOX sensor. Estimated delivery is 1 May!
I'm not a happy camper to say the least.
I'm not a happy camper to say the least.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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Contaminated Exhaust Fluid
I too am truckless again! This is the second time within 3 months - first time for the steering pump/hose issue (2.5 weeks stay over ). The 2011 F450 has only 10,000km on it and I can not keep it out of the garage.
My biggest beef is parts availability. If Ford has been finding out about these issues why don't they make parts more available.
Duramax is getting more attractive.
I agree with the comments on the troubles with the introduction of the 6.0 and 6.4. You gotta love being a part of Ford's R&D department!
Maybe Chev was is financial trouble a little while ago because they paid their engineers more - you get what you pay for!!!!
My biggest beef is parts availability. If Ford has been finding out about these issues why don't they make parts more available.
Duramax is getting more attractive.
I agree with the comments on the troubles with the introduction of the 6.0 and 6.4. You gotta love being a part of Ford's R&D department!
Maybe Chev was is financial trouble a little while ago because they paid their engineers more - you get what you pay for!!!!