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Failed DEF Tank Level Sensor

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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 07:59 AM
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U235Fishin''s Avatar
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Failed DEF Tank Level Sensor

I usually check the DEF tank level every week or so, and when towing every other day. So I checked and it was greater than half full. The next day while towing a display warning .... DEF tank low 500 mile countdown. So I added DEF and it would not take a complete 2.5 gallon container. Restarted the engine and the warning did not clear. UGH!! First system failure on my '12 F250.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 08:17 AM
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Yes it could be possible the DEF level/heater module failed, but there's also some calibration updates that address this very issue and those exact symptoms.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 12:12 PM
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I live 50 miles from the Ford dealer, so I called them and explained the symptoms. He said first try filling the DEF tank absolutely full and then drive it .... it might take 40-50 miles to reset. Well, it took about 10 miles and the 500 mile countdown warning cleared. PFM (Pure Friendly Magic)!!! Now I'll see if it holds. I'll get that update done soon.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 12:36 PM
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My 2016 does the same thing. Now I let it go all the way down to the 500 Countdown and then refill to the top. The system isn't that smart
 
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Old Jul 22, 2018 | 07:47 AM
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Mine did the same thing. I filled the tank but the clock wouldnt go away. I was towing my 5th wheel at the time. I was going crazy because you cant just unhook the battery. i had to go to my next camp site and would take it to a dealer there. However after about 100 miles left on the countdown clock it went away. Now I dont check at all. I have checked in the past and when it says its below 1/2 I get a jug but it never seems to take a full one so I just wait till the clock comes on.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2018 | 02:23 PM
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Been awhile since I have been on the forum and my 2015 did the same think with the clock countdown. First time have seen in 63000 miles. Tried to fill, would not take full 21/2 gallon. Still counting down. Guess need to wait like others. Someone mentioned a update? Thanks.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2018 | 08:56 AM
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check the ford owner website with your vin. There is a FSA out there.

Other options here are to keep track of your refills. I get about 4500-4700 miles off of a tank. So if it starts asking for it sooner I'd be questioning that and not get to fast on the refill for a bit. See what it does.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2018 | 01:52 PM
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Dave here again, after posting, later in day it seems mine did reset. When there is a TSB do they do the up-date for free? I do have the extended warranty but hate to pay the deductible just for that.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2018 | 01:55 PM
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All depends on your dealer. Some will do it for free when you have other service or not, some will charge you.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2018 | 09:37 AM
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Customer Satisfaction Program 18M01

I received a letter from Ford yesterday dealing with 18M01, which talks about the "reductant heater and sender assembly." Any one know if this could be the cause of the problem mentioned in my initial thread entry? A sudden change of indicated DEF level from something greater than 1/2 full to the "500 mile countdown." Filling the tank completely full (overflow) cleared the signal.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2018 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by U235Fishin'
I received a letter from Ford yesterday dealing with 18M01, which talks about the "reductant heater and sender assembly." Any one know if this could be the cause of the problem mentioned in my initial thread entry? A sudden change of indicated DEF level from something greater than 1/2 full to the "500 mile countdown." Filling the tank completely full (overflow) cleared the signal.
I also got that letter yesterday. Wished I would of got it years ago when my pickup went out of warranty. That sensor failure is why I deleted it.
 
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