Got my first CEL on my 2013 RAM.....I'm not the first from what I read..Code P20EE

[Bug Out]

Got my first check engine light on the new 2013 tonight, 7500 miles. Cruising down the freeway and "ding" CEL goes on. Get home, plug in code reader and it has (2) P20EE codes in memory. I had just added a gallon of new DEF fluid to the tank 1 hour before so I was thinking that had something to do with it.



I have had the gallon of Blue DEF for 3 weeks. Does that stuff go bad that quick?? My tank read 3/4 full so I figured I'd top it off.



Did a little research and it has something to do with DEF fluid and "Oxides of nitrate below threshold efficiency"... I'm sure my spelling or a word or two are off. .



Did a Google search and Chevys and ford popped up with the same code etc. .



What does this mean? I'm kinda not positive how or what exactly the DEF does other then keep the motor from having to pump diesel in the exhaust etc etc. Didn't give it much thought till 2 hours ago.



Anyhow, a little insight from those experienced with it would be great.



I have not seen a CEL light any of my Dodges since I put a ATS transmission in my 2000 CTD 2500 4x4. . WAY back in 2002... LOL

 

[Powder Extreme]

Shelf life is roughly 6 months, ford and GM both had problems with the "urea quality" sensors, which sadly need to be there to prevent some people from just dumping water in the tank.

It's possible the fluid in your tank was old from the dealer, or the "new" jug you bought had been sitting on the shelf for quite some time. It's best to buy the stuff from a high volume retailer, just like its best to buy diesel from a high volume place.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Shelf life should be a year if stored in cool climate. In a hot AZ summer, could be a lot less. Even the DEF in the truck's tank will be affected by the hot pavement it is sitting on, etc.

 

[Bug Out]

I buy all of my DEF from flying J. Usually from the big rig pumps, but keep a new fresh ( i thought anyway)gallon on hand for the "just in case".

 

[sag2]

Since you are in Arizona the most likely cause is degraded DEF, especially if you top off the tank instead of using it up. The useful life can be as low as one month in very hot climates. Life is 4 months at 104 degrees, 1 month at 122, and one week at 140. You are better off in the summer to run the tank low before adding. Most of the faults so far with DEF are caused by old/bad DEF, deposits caused by old/bad DEF, or plugged filters and screens (there are five total in the system) from old/bad DEF. There is a new flash issued last week for this code for false fault.

 

[Bug Out]

If I mixed that one gallon in the 3/4 tank of still good stuff, will it just give me CEL's or I wonder go into limp mode unless I drain it? I got a feeling , not knowing it went bad that fast, thats what happened. Had that one gallon in the bed for a 2-3 week span. .

I wonder if there is a drain valve on the tank for that reason?

 

[sag2]

It will probably just keep throwing the code. Go have the dealer flash it and ask them if they have a refractometer to check the fluid with. It was not a mandatory tool so they may not have it.
If it comes up with the code again it might be time to drain and refill it. Just don't fill it full until the weather cools down.

 

[Wertles]

I'm now I'm sure I read something wrong but I thought I read that DEF was good for over a year or two in the package. What actually degrades? I'm not sure i will be burning this stuff up very quickly. You guys now have me thinking I should put my spare 2. 5 gallons of DEF in the spare fridge. Thoughts on that?

 

[sag2]

The cooler the temp the longer it lasts. The fridge can't hurt it, only makes it last longer.

 

[SNiebaum]

I'm now I'm sure I read something wrong but I thought I read that DEF was good for over a year or two in the package. What actually degrades? I'm not sure i will be burning this stuff up very quickly. You guys now have me thinking I should put my spare 2. 5 gallons of DEF in the spare fridge. Thoughts on that?

I've thought about that myself... . but I've come to the conclusion that I don't think I'll be keeping a spare around. I'm not seeing the point in it really. I've driven over 2100 miles and the DEF gauge isn't to even 1/2 tank yet and though I know these gauges are approximations at best, I'm fairly certain I've got plenty of miles left before I need to fill the DEF tank again.

 

[Bug Out]

I had no idea it deteriorated that quickly. Summer is definitely going to be 1/2 tank or less at most filled, and not refilled till near empty while in the valley. Its average 100-110 a day... .

I had the re-flash done yesterday. Hopefully its for the better.

I guess I have given technology too much credit. The service guy at the dealer had no clue a re-flash was out and said they dont get that info unless a tech tells them about it. I thought those guys were up to snuff on that kinda thing, especially with all the communication technology out nowadays.

Is there a current on-line site one can look up new flashes and TSB's for the 2013? I would hate to miss the transmission one if it comes out.

 

[Wingate]

I have been runing a DEF equipped truck for 3 years now in some of the worst conditions... . have not had any issues with DEF being old. .

 

[Bug Out]

Wingate, if it deteriorates 1/2 as bad as sag2's info says, thats more then likely what my problem is. In the shade, the temp gauge will show 115-119 on occasion so that means the DEF tank, right next to the ground is probably getting that heat too. The gallon I had for a spare was in the bed in a tool box. No doubt it got as hot or hotter then the above. Only 3 weeks old, subject to high heat. .

All I can hope for is it does not go into limp when I got up to the hills labor day weekend, on a two lane hwy 260 enroute to Happy Jack... I cleared the codes and its not come back yet. . Got a 40 mile hwy run this w/end. I might do a test run to Sunset point Sunday with the trailer to see what happens.

Got the re-flash yesterday myself.

 

[Powder Extreme]

According to the Reflash notes, it addresses some false low def quality notification issues. Might not hurt to get the Reflash done. They did mine today.