Check engine light for seemingly no reason

[ScorpioRam]

Hey all, I've got an '18 2500 cclb Laramie all stock and the other day the check engine light lit up on my way to work. It's not flashing just steady. Truck appears to be fine, runs just like before the light illuminated. It ran fine the rest of the 40 miles to work and 60 miles back home. I'm out of town at the moment so I can't do much with it but had the code read at an auto parts store and it was p218f. I thought the parts store guy was probably yanking my chain but he mentioned that it might be the locking tailgate recall causing the light. But after some searching on here it seems like the '15-'17 had the same recall and same symptoms. Can anyone shed some light on this? Or is it just a stupid computer issue. I just find it pretty rediculous that a recall that doesn't hurt anything mechanically should set a mil. Thanks.

 

[HookMeUp]

P218F is "Reductant no flow detected", nothing to do with the tailgate. Sounds like your DEF system needs some attention. It may go out after a few more key cycles.

 

[ScorpioRam]

I'm hoping not. Just had it freak out last month when I added def fluid and give me the 5 mph speed limit warning, but that went away too. Ive had it through maybe three or four key cycles since it came on so I guess I will see. 10k miles and I'm ready to just delete it already. Thanks for the info though. I appreciate it.

 

[ll4044]

Had the same issue last month on a 3k mile trip pulling a 12k trailer. Running all interstate and solid light came on for no reason. NAPA dealer ran OBD with no codes issued. Engine light cleared after running no trailer for 4 days. Then came back on after running hwy with trailer hooked up. Last leg of trip ran 538 miles in one day and used whole tank of DEF. Truck runs great and will have dealer look at it next week. Most likely DEF problem....will update later. Thanks for your post. 2017 Tradesman 3500 DRW 4x4 HO 3:73 CC

 

[Ozymandias]

They can not read all codes and the associated ones with their crapy readers.
You need a wiTech for proper diagnosis.
And no, deleting it isn't the solution because of a simple hiccup of the system.
Deleting gives many other problems.

 

[cerberusiam]

Considering how utterly crappy the DEF system components are on these trucks are, deleting is a valid fix. Cheap plastic parts, low bid provider, and you don't replace a component it is mostly large expensive pieces. Good luck with it.

 

[ll4044]

Had the same issue last month on a 3k mile trip pulling a 12k trailer. Running all interstate and solid light came on for no reason. NAPA dealer ran OBD with no codes issued. Engine light cleared after running no trailer for 4 days. Then came back on after running hwy with trailer hooked up. Last leg of trip ran 538 miles in one day and used whole tank of DEF. Truck runs great and will have dealer look at it next week. Most likely DEF problem....will update later. Thanks for your post. 2017 Tradesman 3500 DRW 4x4 HO 3:73 CC

Update from dealer, code P026A, restricted air flow to intercooler. Caused by aftermarket Fab Fours front bumper with solid plate across frame horns. Solution is too cut air slot across entire plate. Probably never would have installed bumper....but was concerned about running over cows, elk, deer, or moose at night in the high country.

 

[Ozymandias]

Now delete the Bumper, problem solved.

Just kidding.