Excellent video. Thank you. I've had a DEF truck for eight years and always followed these procedures. Always! Never had a problem other than one time I let DEF get low because I was coming up on the summer months - A warning came on! The one time I didn't (filled the DEF tank from a fuel station) apparently my DEF pump goes bad and needed replacement. Guys, this is good information!
Just bought a new 2019 F350 Superduty with a 6.7 Powestroke- This video is by far the best I've seen- especially for a newbie like me to the diesel world. Now I am armed with the knowledge of manufacture dates and where to buy- before I buy my first gallon of DEF. You sir, may have saved me allot of money by helping me avoid a costly mistake!
Thanks David, very informative. When I take long trips pulling my car trailer, I purchase a fresh bottle of Mopar DEF fluid and take it with me. Now I know not to leave it in an area that is hot.
Hey there... thanks for a great video. A long time ago I was an ASE Master technician. Stopped working on cars for a greater passion in my life... joined the Military to defend our great nation. I want to thank you for a fantastic video. Helped me understand DEF better. I'm currently going through a DEF repair at the dealership. Thank the gods it's not like several I have heard about and it is covered under warranty. I will buy the proper detectors and test my DEF from now on before using it.
Thanks Jeff for watching. The main thing is make sure to use only new/fresh...nothing questionable and you should be okay. Thanks again and make sure to subscribe and check out my other videos.
Great video. Thank you so much! Also main reason why I googled this was cause I wanted to know the affection on health keeping some def in the cab of truck drivers
Great video! Thanks! You now have to make a video on the theory and operation of DEF and the SCR system and its components and what happens when you have bad or diluted DEF in your system including the possible repairs needed and also the costs involved. Most diesel truck owners are clueless and really need to know this stuff before they make a very costly mistake.
Very informative -thank you! I’m driving a 19 year old truck and recently ordered a new one and had never heard of this DEF stuff (thanks government!). In studying the manual before the truck arrives I find you have to be careful about filling the tank in winter or it may freeze and damage the tank, the vehicle will be disabled and then immobilized if you run low or run out, or an improper mixture is detected, etc, etc. Swell! But again, thank you for a very helpful video!
Boring Baby Boomer Goes Your welcome. For the most part most people don’t have issues. Typically I find more issues with the sensors or the def pump and not anything fluid related. Thanks for find the channel and make sure to subscribe
You could also just do the math backwards. Take the current year... say it is 2019... and subtract 1, giving 18. The 3rd and 4th digits on the Peak bottle should be at least 18, meaning it is at most one year old. If 17, you may want to pick another bottle or calculate the Julian date as you describe. So in 2020, I will just look to make sure those first numeric digits in positions 3 and 4 are 19 or higher. Thanks for an informative video, you now have a new subscriber.
Great and awesome job... I just had an issue with our 2019 Doge diesel. It cost me $270.00 to flush out the whole system. I truly will keep and eye on the date and year when the DEF was made... Thank you. Luis
Great Video. I was aware of DEF shelf life issues impacted by age and storage temp. Conditions but was not aware of methodology on interpreting the codes to come up with mfg. date for blue DEF. Can this methodology be extrapolated to all other makers who use codes instead of clearly marked dates? Its interesting that our govt. can impose requirements for “Use by….” or “Best by….” Or “Sell by…..” dates for food products but does not have the balls to make the makers of DEF fluids have clear, easy to read “made on” or “Use by” or both dates on this products and leaves the burden on the consumer. Clearly their pockets are greased by the petrochemical industry and the interest of the consumer is secondary. My hat off to the makers that print easy to understand “made on” and “Use by” dates.
Thank you for your very instructional video. I'll probably switch to MOPAR. The local Ram truck dealer is where I get my MBZ Sprinter serviced anyway. Remember, Mercedes used to own Chrysler so their dealers are very familiar with the model and have all the special tools and manuals. Manufacture training, too.
Good idea for sure Bob. Over the years some of the diag equipment had gotten broken or missing and most dealers wont order new stuff because they dont see enought to justify it. I can say for sure thats how our dealership is. Those who did work on them have long since moved on and some of the tools have gone missing. Its the joy of working on older vehicles and the cost that is required to keep all the items you need with the hope that you will work on enough of them to justify the expense. Most of ours end up at Mercedes for those reasons. Thanks for watching and for the comment. Make sure to subscribe.
1- A good idea is to buy from a truck stop because their inventory is usually active and cans don't sit around for too long. 2- Best used by is like like a best before date on food. In optimum conditions, it can last for a while. 3- Got a 1 gallon bottle in the garage, which is about 4yrs old but been opened; will throw it away. 4- Pump DEF is good for commercial trucks because they don't remain in the tank for too long; and is a good deal. 5- Stocking about 5gal. which fills my truck up once; good for thousands of miles. 6- Keep DEF cool and out of sunlight, is what the dealer told me. 7- Apparently, it can be frozen to keep longer but can't substantiate that claim; DEF does freeze in winter.
I buy a 1 gallon jug only at a time. I only fill my tank to half to 3/4, depending on if its winter or summer. Lower fill level in winter,. I fill the full 1 gallon jug and do not store opened containers.
Glad I could help. Keep good clean DEF much like you would diesel fuel and you will be doing your part and not causing possible issues. Thanks for watching and feel free to subscribe
You are the best with the information you provided in this video. We have a diesel also and have had to put up with many def issues. The sensors have gone bad, the def tank would not read correctly and as you said it can be costly. The Julian calendar issue is BS. I thought it was a joke when someone told me. Thanks for making people aware Wonderful videos. Thanks. Kathy and Rich
That was super informative I hope you get a ton of views. But I do have one question is it riskier to keep the DEF tank full, constantly topping it up or run the tank lower adding fresh DEF just as necessary.
If you can keep it lower then its best. If you drive alot then keeping some on hand and adding when needed is best as well. Thanks for asking and watching. Make sure to subscribe.
Hey Peak, why not put the friggin date on the bottle and take the confusion out of it (like Mopar)? Maybe I am over thinking this, but it seems like you don't care if the customer is stuck with bad DEF, you got your money.
I agree that it should be simple.....no need in doing rocket science to figure it out. Thanks for watching and dont forget to subscribe if you havent already.
I personally DON'T agree with what he said about NOT buying DEF from a truck stop, I'm a commercial 18 wheeler with a DEF system and we go through so much DEF at the big truck stops (Pilot, Flying J, Loves, TA) that they always have fresh DEF on a weekly basis if not daily basis
What a pain. I never buy a diesel for this reason. You have to know how long its been in the tank of the truck I would think. If you don't use a lot it can go bad I guess faster if its hot outside. I see to many problems with this mess.
When researching....there is never any mention of the life of the fluid in the tank of the truck. That makes me think that its treated the same way as the def in the bottle. So its possible that it can break down overtime as well.
So what if I put some on my truck and in Texas it’s 100 degrees or higher it clearly means that if I don’t drive my truck enough my def would go bad right??
So why does Peak encrypt the expiration date? Most people will not be able to read that code. I do not carry my Julian calendar with me every day. Sounds like Peak wants the buyer not to know its expired and not good anymore.
doug drefus I have to wonder as well. They are the biggest name in the DEF market which means they have the most shelf space. So of course there will be some old stock out there. I'm sure it sits there until it gets sold. Then the consumer doesn't know it's already expired. This can only mean one of two things.....either the industry is being overly cautious about the fluid going bad and and then it doesn't matter or the bigger company is hoping the average person doesn't know and buys what ever is sitting on the shelf. Personally I would try to find fluid that has the dates clearly marked. Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe
No Julian calendar needed for a close enough guesstimate. -150 days from Jan 1st... ~30days/month... 150/30 = ~5 months. Jan 1st - ~5months = ~ August 1st. easy peasy.
Makes no sense to hide the dates like that. If I had the choice between the Peak and one that clearly marks their bottles.....the Peak would be left on the shelf. Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe
Julian dating is commonly used in production to make knowing the how old a given product is simpler by not having to know if the preceding months had 28, 29, 30 or 31 days. If you feel this is an attempt to "screw you" maybe you should boycott eggs and beer as well.
MotorCity Mechanic I subscribed a while back. Love the videos. Also commented on another video about the water pump replacement. I have a 2016 3500 HD MEGA CAB DRW that is haven't some cooling issues when towing heavy in long grades. I've explained it a little more in detail in the comment. Please take a look if you get a chance
This all makes sense for buying new DEF and adding it to your tank. But your tank is just another storage container. Similarly to not leaving an unopened retail container of DEF around, how is it a better situation to add that DEF to your truck and just store it there instead? Also, unless you run your DEF tank dry each time, aren't you always adding new DEF on top of old DEF like they do at truck stops and service stations? I'm just trying to figure out a best practice for adding DEF to my truck, especially considering the storage time at 100 degrees (which it gets close to very often in the summer where I live) is only 2 months. It seems like I better not ever have more than 2 months worth of DEF in my truck during the summer months.
I personally think that they are being overly cautious because if it made an issue.....there would be trucks everywhere with a failed DEF system. But thats not happening so it seems its okay in the end. When they add something new to the market they have warning after warning. We eventually over time find out what really happens and if issues come up.
This is from Ford dated March/2018 VEHICLES CONTAINING DEF DEF in a vehicle is still acceptable for vehicle consumption even if the vehicle has been exposed to temperatures above 86 o F (30o C). For the same reasons stated above, at these temperatures, urea concentration will remain reasonably stable. • DEF in vehicles is susceptible to the same degradation as in containers. • The SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system has been calibrated to function properly with urea concentrations different than 32%. The only consequence of operating with a urea concentration less than 32% is faster consumption. • DEF that has degraded beyond the point for the calibration to compensate will set off a warning on the instrument panel (refer to the owner guide). • Unless there is a warning light on the instrument panel there is no reason to consider draining the DEF from the tank simply due to age of the DEF. However, it is highly unlikely the warning would be caused by aged DEF and normal diagnostics should be followed. • DEF freezing in the vehicle tank will not cause any problems as long as the tank is not over filled. The vehicle is equipped with a heater to thaw frozen DEF when the vehicle is started and then the system will function normally.
Howdy David, thanks for the good video. I have been using DEF from the trucks stops without issues so far but I have never tested it either. With regard to life of DEF and high temps. What would you recommend w/ regard to maintenance tips with DEF in a truck's DEF tank for a truck that is not driven all that much and the environment is Arizona with its high air temps? I have 1/2 tank of DEF in my 2016 Ram Cummins 2500 Tradesman truck for >than 3 months and temps frequently about 80, 90, 100 degrees. I think according to the video, I should drain the tank and add new DEF? Can the DEF tank be easily drained? Thanks and happy trails, Mike
I mentioned to another viewer that in all my research......there is never any mention of the tank DEF. So I have to surmise that it gets treated the same way so the DEF in the bottle. It can over time break down and it might eventually cause a check engine light. I personally would wait until that happened before doing any thing. For the most part.....you have control over the fluid that goes into the tank so make sure its good fluid.....once its in the tank than its out of your control as far as what happens from that point forward. If not driven much then I wouldnt keep the tank full......I would keep 1/4 to 1/2 tank. That way you will be adding good fluid as needed instead of waiting on a full tank to run down and the fluid being allowed to break down from not being used. For now....as mentioned, I wouldnt worry unless you get a related check engine light code.
Good Video. I was the victim of some very expensive Adblue from Mercedes but the seller is giving me a refund as I caught it just yesterday. Going to just get some 2019 BlueDef as I don't see any difference in some over priced DEF fluid in an originally overpriced car. Pumping out 5 gallons made in October 2016.
Thanks David, I use a lot of super tec def and cannot determine when it was made. I only buy when I get t 1/2 a tank and put the whole 2.5 gal in. I’m going to try the platinum def to see if it is any better. What are your thoughts on the platinum def. Thanks again..
Another Video contributor said his repair bill was 320$ when he put out of date DEF in his vehicle. They had to remove the tank....wash it out...and reinstall. The only indication he had was a check engine line and he could only drive the vehicle for a little over 200 miles more before he would be limited to 5 miles per hour. This DEF fluid could become a nightmare if all the precautions you suggest aren't followed.
Yeah the date is important and I cant believe that companies hide the date on the container. You just never know how long it has sat on a shelf somewhere.
Hey man I got that dreaded see dealer in 148 mile code. He was throwing the P20 8D. I know the d e f fluid had to have been bad that was put in. What do I need to do take the tank off clean and is there a way to clean the pump? I clean the injector. And left fluid line off and let it hang and drove down the road and back with no fluid coming out of the line then later on I laid under the truck and feel something wet and there was liquid that have drained back out of the line while the truck was sitting there. I have a scanner from O'Reilly's and clear the codes but that dreaded message came on and here I am. 2015 Ram Mega.6.7 turbo
Thanks for your previous responses. MANY thanks. Just one more question? How can we guarantee...using DEF from a bottle we buy at a store...OR...DEF from a dispenser at a Diesel station at a Truck stop..that we don't overfill the DEF tank in cold weather? Since it's my understanding that DEF freezes at 12 deg F....and locally we have many days WAY BELOW that temperature..it can crack the DEF container if the container is filled to the top. Do the spouts on the containers and the dispensing hose on a diesel station guarantee we can't fill the DEF tank beyond the freezing limit?
Your the Scotty Kilmer of diesel...lol (that’s a good thing, btw) I guess you could mark the bottle to show how much is left. Then later if some of the distilled water evaporates, you can just add enough to get back to your mark.
I have recently bought the blue platinum DEF. I noticed that the Date code format is completely different than what it has been in the past,, have you noticed the date code format different than the past years. It is not what you are showing here,
Very informative but you didn’t mention at all what happens when the def is expired or old. Is it weaker? Stronger? Even if still sealed? Does the distilled water evaporate from the tank? How will it affect the truck? Performance or emissions? More information please.
Great vid. Thank you! Quick question... I mistakenly filled by def tank from 1/2 to full tank right before an Arizona trip. Spent 7 days in 100+ heat. Normally, I use 1/2 tank in about 3 months. Should I be worried and drain the def tank, adding fresh def?
David, I got a service def warning with a 150 mile count down to take to the dealer. Scanned it and I got codes p2202 and u0001. Any idea what it could be? Thanks in advance for any input
Hey David , great video. I own an 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500hd duramax. Have used AC delco def , expensive. Which def product do you recommend less expensive but good.
From what I can see they are all pretty good. I dont like how some the dates on the container but that doesnt mean its not good. The Blue Def is the most common you will find. I just recommend buying it from somewhere that goes through it alot like at a truck stop. Just make sure its in the box and not bulk out a pump.
Great job! You covered all the bases! But one question: I've heard the DEF can freeze at low temperatures. I've also heard that the DEF lines are close to the engine so the heat will keep the DEF lines open by melting any DEF that has frozen inside the hoses. Is that pretty much the case? In other words, I don't have to worry about DEF not being usable in below freezing weather?
Thanks. The older DEF systems actually use coolant lines from the engine to warm up the DEF when needed to make sure it isnt frozen and on the newer DEF systems the DEF pump has a heater pad made on to it to unfreeze and frozen DEF.
In regards to the storage temperature of def, so i just bought a new ram 2500 turbo diesel, the def was low they added more fluid but im in florida and im concerned about the def container in the truck, if the outside temp is averaging 80 degrees or if it goes into the 90 degreees should i be concerned. Is the truck holding container insulated incase i drive in hot temperatures like to Nevada in the desert?????
Its a topic that comes up alot. I personally feel that the manufacturs/engineers are overly cautious about the DEF fluid storage age/temp. We both know that people live in the high temp areas and might not drive their trucks that much. That would mean they all have bad DEF fluid but its not the case. If it was then there would be big changes. I state the info that they listed but personally I wouldnt be worried about the DEF in the truck. I work in Georgia so I know the heat for sure.
I dont recommend it.....its not going to help and will make matters worse. When ever the check engine light is on I recommend checking to see what is causing it. It might not have anything to do with the DEF system. Thanks for the question and make sure to subscribe.
David, are you seeing issues with the DEF injector nozzle clogging/Urea crystalization ? Is the nozzle difficult to remove from the SCR and clean ? I guessing you'll get some blowback on your comment to avoid truck stop DEF as many seem to think that DEF from those places is actually fresher due to a potential larger turnover of product. BTW, great information in both Part 1 and 2 of these videos.
I haven't seen any clogged injectors so far. Each one I unbolt from the SCR always show some signs of chrystalizing either on the tip or the port on the SCR. It's simple to remove from the SCR if need be....some have 2 10mm bolts and some older have 3 8mm bolts to remove. Thanks for watching and for the question
@@Shahska1 Personally I see no reasons for them....at least not where I am in Georgia. In the winter the colder areas of the country they might help with the jelling of the fuel but for the most part I see no real benefit. Thanks for asking Curtis
Thanks for your videos, I have only bought the Mopar brand from the dealership, it's expensive but my hope is to stay out of trouble by using it. My question is if you only buy and use DEF from the dealership within the allowable date's, will the dealership have your back concerning the DEF fluid if something fails in the DEF system?
Should it be assumed that the storage life of the DEF includes the time it is in your truck? Living in one of those areas where the temperature exceeds 100 both outdoors and in the garage where the truck is parked, it seems like trying to control the life span of the DEF once it is in the truck is impossible. Especially if one doesn't drive a lot.
Thanks and great video My question is What if I use Mopar DEF and fill my tank to 3/4 and not use my truck very much. I'm on Vancouver Island Canada not real cold winters and not crazy hot summers. What is happening with the DEF in my truck tank? Anyway to test? Hope you can answer my question.
We have talked about it in the comments below. I feel that they are overly cautious about the fluid and the temp warnings. If it was soooo then there would be issues everywhere and really there isnt. It seems to do okay unlike the fear they seem to cause people.
It will eventually set a code due to the sensors not seeing the desired affect of the DEF being sprayed into the exhaust. It might take a bit of time before it happens but it will eventually see an issue and set a check engine light and possible a count down message where it wont go over 5mph in "x" number of miles. Thanks for the question. Make sure to subscribe
Interesting. I assume that the DEF in the onboard consumption container gets hot, especially on hot days and being driven over blacktop. What happens if a truck isn't used much, exposed to higher temperatures and is in the truck over 2 months or even over a year? Also you mention not buying at a pump because new DEF gets mixed with old. Doesn't the exact same thing happen in our trucks when we add new DEF over old? I just purchased a new Dodge Cummins and after reading the owners manual it doesn't address this other than to say DEF stored in temps below 90 degrees will last a minimum of one year. They make mention of consequence of using old DEF What happens if onboard DEF is consumed after it is prematurely heat aged?
One thing about DEF is that they give us sooo many warnings and steps to follow. I too have the same question about the DEF in the tank and no one can give me an answer. So are they being overly cautious....possibly.....are the manufacturers covering that rear just incase....possibly as well. I have seen bad DEF recently and on that truck.....they had 3 different bottles in the bed of the truck....all half used and one open. I assume their issue was with the DEF they used that was in the bed. Drained and added fresh DEF and everything checked okay afterwards. All I can say is to try to the freshest batch of DEF and stick to the bottles. I rather add new to whats in the tank of the truck that would mix new and old then already mixed new and old at the pumps and then add it to my already old DEF fluid. I hope that makes sense.
