PO20EE Dpf efficiency code

[WHITE06]

I have a 2021 with 24510 miles that is in Texas with check engine light on and it needs to get back to Phoenix, will it drive home without going into limp mode or shutdown? I have been using blue def , but it sits a lot in the heat at home, possible dpf fluid going bad ? haven’t had any issues with it before this , really like this Truck , had 8 different CTD before this, just didn’t need the pulling capability now as I sold my large travel trailer, but I am a diehard diesel guy,
don’t care for all the emissions crap but do like 28 to 30 mpg even at 80 mph

 

[06 Dodge]

oooops

 

[Topzide]

Heat and time will degrade the DEF. You'll need a DEF tester to confirm if this is indeed the issue to the code. Check with your local NAPA store as they may have one in stock. Do you have AlfaOBD to help you with codes and other issues? You should be able to pull a hose on DEF tank to drain or if no lower hose to drain, HF sells a great little hand pump you could use to pump out tank. Since you say it sits a lot, may only want to keep enough in to do the driving necessary. You don't want to go into limp mode! I had DEF pump failure on my 3500 a few weeks back. The sender part of the gauge failed so truck thought there was no DEF and gave me 200 miles to 5 MPH de-rate. Good luck with the issue.

 

[sag2]

The diagnostic for the code does not indicate a derate. I would try two simple things first. If you have a 10mm wrench pull the DEF injector and check for deposits. Pick up a spray bottle and fill it with water and spray the injector and as much of the tube inside the SCR CAT to dissolve any deposits. Then pull the fill tube off the tank and drain as much as will come out to the fill tube level. There is a flapper valve in the tank that you must open to get the DEF to drain out. A stiff plastic SMALL hose like a rigid fuel line or small diameter (1/4: or less) line similar to PEX tubing will work. Add 2 1/2 gallons of DEF and head home. Don't waste money on premium DEF, or brand name for that matter, its all the same. As mentioned, pick up a refractometer and check the DEF, or at least save a small sample to test when you get home. Amazon has them for $30. I carry one under the back seat after I had DEF code a couple years ago.

 

[WHITE06]

Thank for your advise, I have a refractometer at home , not much help now, when I get home it will go in the truck, I bought some generic dpf a month ago in Nebraska, I normally use blue but was in a hurry, not a good excuse, I did read about others having the problem and they all said exactly what you had posted. Thanks Again !

 

[Diesel85]

It's likely your DEF injector got the case of the crystals. Easy to remove with a 10mm wrench.

As far as DEF, only use as much as you'll drive, and keep any extra sealed up in a cool, dark environment like a basement.

Once opened DEF usually lasts about a year, to a year and a half.

I'm new to the whole DEF thing, but from all the research I've done, for my purposes, I keep mine at a half tank and then use it till it gets to the last normal line, then fill it to half again. If I'm going on a road trip, well, then I'll consider filling it all the way or at least 3/4 of the way.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[Ozymandias]

Again here, ANY DEF is exact same, 1000% same, as the specs are so thight that no one can legally alter the recipe. Just none.

It's not like oil or fuel or any other product in your truck that can be made in different ways. DEF is one recipe and that's it.

Freshest DEF you get is at the pump from the big truck stops. Much better then jugs that sit on the shelf forever.

 

[06 Dodge]

DEF at the pump is great but for those who don't have that a station near by that sells it that way you can always get DEF at Walmart, if you buy Wally brand it has an easy to read production date so you can see your not getting 6 month or older DEF like you could if you buy Blue DEF that uses a stupid date code that takes time to decode....

 

[sag2]

The Wal-Mart DEF should always be pretty fresh. They sell tons of it and many times they are low or out if you shop later in the day.

 

[Diesel85]

The Wal-Mart DEF should always be pretty fresh. They sell tons of it and many times they are low or out if you shop later in the day.

That is where I buy my DEF.

Sometimes they have inventory labels on the containers that have a bunch of random info, and one key piece is date of manufacture. Last week I was really curious, and I spent the time to find a jug that had it on the shelf, and the DOM was like the previous week. Can't get no fresher than that.

 

[WHITE06]

Updating post: went to an auto parts store to get the code read and talked them into letting me clear the code before returning to Phoenix, add 2.5 gallon of blue def that had been delivered to the store that morning and was still on the pallet in the back , drove home with no further CE light and no other issues, my son will take it to the shop he works at , put it on he lift and clean the injector and the tube mentioned earlier with water as suggested, Again thanks for all the help and advise ! It’s nice to know help is always available for the TDR family ! As a side note I was one of the first subscribers to the TDR magazine stated my script in 1996 , Robert verified this a few years back when I talked to him at the Cummins plant tour .

 

[Ozymandias]

Your still under warranty right?
I wouldn't touch it with a Wrench, if they see there was someone on it they can refuse warranty later on.
Many places I wouldn't care about it but all that emissions stuff is unbelievable expensive that you want to make sure they pay for it without hesitation.
Do you have MaxCare already? If not - do it, it will pay for itself the first time using it.