2016 3500 near Shippensburg, PA with P20E8

[RudolphBescherer]

My relatively new-to-me 2016 3500 (purchased in May, 32k miles) just popped a series of DEF OBD codes (reductant low flow, low pressure, etc.) during a drive between NJ and WI. I stopped at the rest area, scanned it, and even though the DEF tank was half-full I thought maybe topping it off would help and, at worst, it wouldn't hurt. I topped it off with Blue DEF (always use the same DEF), reset the errors, and in driving a short distance off the turnpike to a hotel I am left with only P20E8, which makes me think the DEF pump has died.

Now I am too far from the dealer I had used in NJ (incidentally, whom had serviced the vehicle on Friday and did not seem to even look at the DEF system during the 45k service since, as stated, it was only half full despite my request to top it off) and way too far from the dealer in WI. Unfortunately, the error popped after 1700 hours, so everyone's maintenance shops are closed and I need to find a dealer who can fix this tomorrow within a very limited range (I think I burned roughly 30 miles of the 150 getting off the turnpike and to the hotel). I work in the emergency department and really need to get myself back to WI ASAP for my shifts. It is a small rural hospital with a small medical staff in the ED, so it would be severely problematic if I am stuck here for days. If anyone knows a good local diesel mechanic I would appreciate it greatly!

Thanks for any input.

 

[sag2]

Can you pop the line off the injector and fire it up for a second to see if it pumps any DEF on the ground?

Next, the truck will go into derate after the miles count down when the engine is shut off, it is idled for one hour, or is refueled. If you need to get home I would fill it completely before the 150 miles is up. Not sure if you can make it home on one tank, but you could try to get as far as you can. It might also be worth a try to pick up a 5 gallon can for fuel and see if you could nurse it home by adding 5 gal at a time, as long as you don't exceed the one hour idle time. Whatever you do, do NOT shut it off after the countdown.
The other thing you could do is cut the sending unit wire which will set another code, but might fool the derate on fuel up. Have never proved any of this out, so try at your own risk.

 

[RudolphBescherer]

Next, the truck will go into derate after the miles count down when the engine is shut off, it is idled for one hour, or is refueled.

Any idea if the one hour of idling is cumulative, or how they define refueling? The vehicle is still under warranty, and I have no tools with me, so cutting wires is out. Not sure if I can remove the injector without tools. I have not crawled underneath yet to see.

 

[Timd32]

There were a bunch of threads a little while back that discussed the buildup of crud on the injector, hopefully its something simple and they have someone available to assist you.

For sure explain why you need to get back home.

Good luck with your repair.

Looks like this local dealer has decent ratings.
Opens at 6:45AM on their service page.

(717) 850-0872

https://www.shivelymotorsofshippensburg.com/service-department/

 

[RudolphBescherer]

There were a bunch of threads a little while back that discussed the buildup of crud on the injector, hopefully its something simple and they have someone available to assist you.

I was at the dealership you had suggested shortly after they opened. It appears that crud was the case. They re-primed the DEF system and it seems to be working now. Hopefully no more issues for now.

After I get back home where I have tools it sounds like I should clean the injector.

 

[Ozymandias]

Can you pop the line off the injector and fire it up for a second to see if it pumps any DEF on the ground?

Next, the truck will go into derate after the miles count down when the engine is shut off, it is idled for one hour, or is refueled. If you need to get home I would fill it completely before the 150 miles is up. Not sure if you can make it home on one tank, but you could try to get as far as you can. It might also be worth a try to pick up a 5 gallon can for fuel and see if you could nurse it home by adding 5 gal at a time, as long as you don't exceed the one hour idle time. Whatever you do, do NOT shut it off after the countdown.
The other thing you could do is cut the sending unit wire which will set another code, but might fool the derate on fuel up. Have never proved any of this out, so try at your own risk.

This should be a sticky Note on top of the Gen4/5 Forums for every owner to know about what to do and not to do in Case of a DEF related issue.
Very very important information.

 

[Timd32]

I was at the dealership you had suggested shortly after they opened. It appears that crud was the case. They re-primed the DEF system and it seems to be working now. Hopefully no more issues for now.

After I get back home where I have tools it sounds like I should clean the injector.

Glad you got fixed up and back on the road.