2014 Ram DEF question

[Toby]

The DEF gauge in my truck used to register correctly, coming down gradually as the fluid was used. After topping off tank prior to last trip pulling a 5th trailer, the gauge read full and never moved. After nearly 3000 miles I added a 2and 1/2 gallon jug of fluid and it could of used more. Ram service techs say the fluid level has to go 60% below full before the gauge will read correctly. Why did it read correctly the first several thousand miles correctly? Would Dodge use a gauge that is 40 - 60% I accurately?

 

[MattandLana]

The DEF gauge uses a non-contact sensor that gives non-linear feedback. If you do a search on this or another forum you'll see lots of posts saying that it tends to sit on full for a long time, then falls away rapidly. It could be that the apparent linear operation you got from new, was that your tank was not in fact full when you bought the truck, but was rather at the point where the gauge starts moving. But consumption is so slow (typically folk say in the order of 1000 mpg) that you'll usually have time to fill up anyway, once the gauge starts moving.

 

[sag2]

The gauge is made that way because the DEF will freeze and that would render a typical level sender inoperative. Under most conditions the DEF should last at least 5k, so not sure why you would need a gauge with pinpoint accuracy anyway. You would have plenty of time to get DEF even if it did run low. And unless you are in a cool climate you really do not want to keep it full all the time as it degrades rapidly with increased temperatures.

 

[gsbrockman]

You'll never be able to accurately calculate your DEF consumption by adding in 2.5 gallon jugs periodically. The only true way would be to fill completely, run it all out, then refill with bulk DEF at the pump.

In any event......you'll have plenty of warning as to when it's getting low....
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[Wingate]

must be the same people who wrote the software for the 8.4AN

 

[Newsa]

Previous trucks (ford & chevy/gmc -the first def consuming pickups).I think did not have def gauge? Only the warning on the EVIC that ded was low.

Could be wrong on that, but think I read it somewhere. We are lucky to have a non-linear gauge. As well as EVIC warnings.

 

[Newsa]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GF5Oggb7gUk

 

[MSicotte]

GM doesn't have a gauge, and the level sensor only reads the last 4 litres (1 gallon) of fluid. They hold 21 litres (approx. 5.5 gallons) of fluid as well. The reason is when the warning comes on, you can add 2 10 litres jugs and not spill any.

 

[Toby]

Thanks to all for explaining the workings of the DEF guage system.

 

[rscurtis]

One error in the video is that the EPA mandated the use of DEF. That is incorrect, they permitted it. Earlier Rams and VW's do not use DEF.

International also tried the non-DEF strategy and it cost the president his job.

 

[JPalachuk]

john in wa. state

3000 miles of hard pulling up hill and down mtn passes

24000# combined weight 2014 slt dually 3.73 gears 850 f/lbs torque aisin trany

used 5 gallons of def so far 10.2 to 10.8 miles/ gal fuel love the truck

no problems so far

 

[Brocky]

I have a 2014 3500 C&C (flatbed) 6 speed AISIN, 3.73.rear with 6000 miles (2000 towing at 23,000 gross) on it and so far I have had to add five(5) 2 1/2 gal jugs of DEF!!!
This is less than 300 mile to the gallon!! Something does not sound right?????
Any comments from others??

Brocky

 

[CBari]

Brockyl, I agree it doesn't sound right I have had periods of time with mine that it also has drank the DEF excessively. I haven't been able to get a straight answer as to why either. If you figure it out please pass it on.

 

[AlFischer]

Wouldn't it use more if you are towing? With 7500 on my 2014 I have used aprx 8 gals. Mostly towing a 10k TT.

My new Passat TDI does NOT have a gauge. Just a warning message when it need filling. Think it is with 500 miles left.

What is the max shelf life of DEF. I have seen as short as 90 days but in a sealed container why would it matter?

 

[MattandLana]

What is the max shelf life of DEF. ... in a sealed container why would it matter?

Seems it has more to do with ambient temp and exposure to sunlight, than to whether the container is sealed.

Cummins says: "The shelf life of DEF is a function of ambient storage temperature. DEF will degrade over time depending on temperature and exposure to sun light. Expectations for shelf life as defined by ISO Spec 22241-3 are the minimum expectations for shelf life when stored at constant temperatures. If stored between 10 and 90 deg F, shelf life will easily be one year. If the maximum temperature does not exceed approximately 75 deg F for an extended period of time, the shelf life will be two years."

You can find this, and anything else you ever wanted to know about DEF, and a whole bunch more than that, too, in this Cummins brochure.

 

[AlFischer]

Great! The Cummins Brochure is what I needed. There are no truck stops near where I live that have bulk DEF. So I bought 2 2.5 gal containers and when used I refilled them about 100 miles away. I will keep them in the basement where it rarely goes above 80 degrees. Here in Clovis my garage feel like 80 degrees CELCIUS in the summer!

 

[Ronny]

Hello all I'm new to this so be easy on me. I have purchased a 2014 6.7 cummins duallie and for the first time I am hearing a rattling noise on decel and this truck pings like no tomorrow. I have owned a 2012 cummins duallie as well as a 2011 2500 cummins never heard these noises. Being a retired mechanic Ping is not good over long haul and this rattling noise under decel has stumped me? Any answers. Thanks in advance.

 

[Brocky]

Is the rattle the exhaust brake?? It is more of a deep rumble.. Not the loud rap of a JAKE on a larger Cummins. If it is brand new could the ping be the pump installed one tooth off???

 

[Ronny]

Interesting ! As usual the dealer sells the truck but too much of a truck for them to work on. I will take this info and see what we can find. Thanks for response.

 

[Ronny]

It for sure doesn't sound like a brake rattle. Brake isn't on its just decel without new brake system on.