Dash message - Incorrect DEF fluid

[cricha]

Came back from a vacation last night, got a message on the dash saying Incorrect DEF fluid see dealer. I have only used Blue DEF since I purchased the truck, so the message doesnt make sense. I have heard some horror stories about taking a truck to the dealer because of a DEF issue, so I'm a little concerned. A couple questions, is this a dealer only problem? What diagnosis might I expect to hear from a dealer? how far can I drive before it goes into limp mode? would draining the DEF tank and clearing codes help? ANY insight to this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[AH64ID]

When was the last time you added DEF?

 

[cricha]

on the way back, about 260 mi from home. Blu DEF purchased at Mammoth Lakes Chevron. I still have the box. Pretty sure its not out of date, but need to get the code deciphered to make sure. the drive coming back was HOT. coolant was in the 220-228 range a lot. dont know if that would affect DEF. was pulling a 9K trailer.

 

[AH64ID]

How full is the tank?

 

[cricha]

currently, tank is between 3/4 and full. I add DEF when the tank gauge reads 1/2. Truck has 89k miles, engine stock. I have never serviced the DEF nozzle. Wondering if a partially clogged nozzle would affect DEF performance and cause the message?

 

[cricha]

code on the box is GA233430052. if I figured correctly, this DEF was manufactured on Jan 22. 2022

 

[cricha]

Cleaning the DEF nozzle - use anything special, or just warm water to dissolve the built up urea crust?

 

[SnoKing]

code on the box is GA233430052. if I figured correctly, this DEF was manufactured on Jan 22. 2022

DEF is 8 months old and may have been exposed to high heat all summer. Drain it all and replace it with fresh DEF.

 

[cricha]

DEF is 8 months old and may have been exposed to high heat all summer. Drain it all and replace it with fresh DEF.

I'll try that, do I need to drop the tank to do that?

 

[AH64ID]

I agree, I’d try to siphon all the old DEF out and add new DEF.

I’d also consider running your DEF lower than a 1/2 tank so that you get rid of all the old DEF.

 

[sag2]

It does not mean the DEF is bad. The code is because the NOx is not being converted, so the most logical thing is bad DEF. You need to read the codes and see what comes up. Your truck has a DEF quality sensor so it might be going bad. First thing to try is drain the DEF tank and add a minimum of 2 gallons. Don't fill it because you may have to replace the tank if the sensor is bad. You can not just clear the code, the monitor has to run and pass and the code will go stored. Take a look at issue 115, pages 98 and 99. Also all DEF is exactly the same, so no need to find any specific brand.

 

[sag2]

Also since you have Alfa OBD you should be able to see the DEF concentration on the tool.

 

[cricha]

Also since you have Alfa OBD you should be able to see the DEF concentration on the tool.

Got the alfa app going, cant find anything concerning the DEF system. how can I find it?

 

[Lordsman]

Marion Blair has a good you tube video in his to drain DEF fluid.

 

[cricha]

draining DEF...Thanks for posting the vid Lordsman, appreciate it!
Found the DEF % on Alfa. was 32%, i guess spec is 32.5%. don't know if thats enough of a difference to trigger anything. got some fresh def, see what that does to the reading.
gonna throw this out there, just because I would like to understand the system better. What Sag2 says that the DEF might not be bad, the dash message was generated because the NoX wasnt being converted correctly. OK, I'll go with that. So if the DEF is good, but the injector nozzle was crusted over or partially clogged, it wouldn't spray evenly and wouldn't combine with the exhaust gas completely and not give full conversion, creating the dash message. so if new DEF doesnt do the trick, my next move would be to remove the injector nozzle and check that?
If I'm not pulling my trailer, a tank of DEF lasts me about 2 months minimum. I was told by the dealer when I bought the truck to keep the DEF tank between 1/2 and full, which I have done. Right now, air temps are 111F, so Keeping the DEF level 1/2 or below might be better?
Appreciate all the input from the folks here!

 

[Signal73]

I have been running my def down until the warning comes on and then add another 2.5 gallon jug. I’ve never had my tank above 3/4.

If you pull the def injector I hear the gasket needs to be replaced. Maybe others that have done it can confirm that.

 

[Cummins2014]

I have been running my def down until the warning comes on and then add another 2.5 gallon jug. I’ve never had my tank above 3/4.

If you pull the def injector I hear the gasket needs to be replaced. Maybe others that have done it can confirm that.

I do the same from advice from a forum member , run till near empty ,and add just the 2.5 gals . Filling apparently does a systems check, and I had a touchy system . Got the P207 twice ,and the countdown , twice to the dealer on warranty ,checked the DEF ,was okay ,cleared the codes ,and CEL sent me on my way . Shortly after the SCR recall, no issues since .

 

[SnoKing]

On the other side of the coin, I had my 2015 for 5.5 years and 86k on the clock. I would run DEF down the half on the gauge and add a box of Peak. Had one reduction code that I had a dealer in Twin Falls, Id reset it because they were a week out to work on it. I continued without issues. Shortly after l had the SCR recall. Only code the truck ever threw.

 

[sag2]

If the truck says 32% the DEF is fine. The real problem is NOx conversion. Still would be helpful to know the code(s) it has. Then you can diagnose based on the code.

 

[cricha]

If it gives me a dash message, there should be a code, I would think. none showing on alfaobd that I can find. where are the codes shown on alfa?
The dash message has not come back since I drained and replaced the DEF. Maybe it will later? I will look more in alfa for the errror codes, any help here is appreciated.