DEF

[joemccormack7tor]

So, i see my DEF is down to 1/4, I've been good, never get it down below that do I put 4 literally in, drive around for a week and notice it's back down to 1/4.
I go to put another 4 literally in but it tops out.
Gauge still shows 1/4, any ideas?
2016 Outdoorsman

 

[BoostN]

Could be the sending unit, or the entire tank. Perhaps just keep filling the tank on a routine/schedule so you don't run out. Especially if you're out of warranty as that entire replacement would be costly.

 

[jcj1576]

I was told by the dealer to never keep the DEF tank more than 1/2 full in the winter as there is a heater that keeps the tank warm that stresses out if more than 1/2 full. I'm not sure if this is sound advice or not... My gauge seems to be a little squirelly too. I have been running at 1/4 forever now, but when I put in 2 jugs it usually bounces to 1/2 and then somewhat quickly retracts to 1/4 over several thousand miles.

Along these lines, is there really any difference in DEF fluid brands or is this really a matter of personal preference? I have been using the cheap Wally World blue jugs and haven't seen any issues. Thoughts?

 

[cs in Alabama]

Seeing as it is part of the Emissions Control System, I would make the dealer fix it. The Walmart supertech brand is best because it sells fast and gets rotated out fast. The Peak stuff sits and sits. You can also get a mag ring and buy it at the pump. https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-DE...teway&sprefix=Def+mag,aps,150&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

 

[TC Diesel]

I was told by the dealer to never keep the DEF tank more than 1/2 full in the winter as there is a heater that keeps the tank warm that stresses out if more than 1/2 full. I'm not sure if this is sound advice or not... My gauge seems to be a little squirelly too. I have been running at 1/4 forever now, but when I put in 2 jugs it usually bounces to 1/2 and then somewhat quickly retracts to 1/4 over several thousand miles.

Along these lines, is there really any difference in DEF fluid brands or is this really a matter of personal preference? I have been using the cheap Wally World blue jugs and haven't seen any issues. Thoughts?

This is incorrect and in many cases damaging. The heating element gets hot to melt the DEF (Freezes at 12F) the DEF around the element will separate (Urea) and plugs the DEF Injector..... Keep your DEF tank full when convenient, when it gets down to 2/3 Full 2.5 Gallons fills it.

Owners that practice keeping DEF tank full have been DEF problems free for 10+ years.

One of My DEF trucks (2013) sits outside during winter month and only see the Hwy for trips to our cabin in MT its full all winter long, it has been DEF error free for 6 Years,,, We manufacture DEF, its 67% Deionized water and 33% Urea. DEF is DEF.

Tip: in Summer months I only add Deionized Water, In OCT I start adding DEF at the rate of 67/33 just to lower the Freeze point.

 

[jcj1576]

This is incorrect and in many cases damaging. The heating element gets hot to melt the DEF (Freezes at 12F) the DEF around the element will separate (Urea) and plugs the DEF Injector..... Keep your DEF tank full when convenient, when it gets down to 2/3 Full 2.5 Gallons fills it.

Owners that practice keeping DEF tank full have been DEF problems free for 10+ years.

One of My DEF trucks (2013) sits outside during winter month and only see the Hwy for trips to our cabin in MT its full all winter long, it has been DEF error free for 6 Years,,, We manufacture DEF, its 67% Deionized water and 33% Urea. DEF is DEF.

Tip: in Summer months I only add Deionized Water, In OCT I start adding DEF at the rate of 67/33 just to lower the Freeze point.

Thank you for the head's up TC. You rock my friend and I will keep it full from now on! Also, thank you for clarifying the DEF preference question.

 

[TC Diesel]

Also The DEF gauge is somewhat funny in Rams, but just keep a memory of when and How far you drive and guessing works pretty good the ED uses about 1GP 400 miles normal use , pulling it can drop down to 1GP 150-200 miles.... I reset My DEF gauge with WItech often, several Key cycles work also.