What happens if you run out of DEF fluid while driving?
If the truck is allowed to run out of DEF the engine’s power is reduced, a solid red warning will be displayed and the vehicle speed will be limited to 5 mph until the DEF tank is refilled.
What happens if DEF fluid is low?
Emissions regulations in the U.S. don’t allow diesel vehicles to operate in the absence of DEF if it’s required by their exhaust design. If the light is ignored for too long, the vehicle will likely go into a reduced power mode. If the DEF level falls too low, the engine will not start until fluid is added.
Can I put water instead of DEF fluid?
If you remove the urea from the DEF — that is, if you run water through the injectors instead — it probably won’t hurt anything, since you’re reducing the level and quantity of corrosive reactants inside the stainless steel SCR system.
What is a substitute for DEF?
Windshield washer fluid that contains ammonia will do in a pinch. It contains less AA than needed but will get you to a town where you can get DEF.
What happens if I don’t put DEF in my truck?
If you ignore the DEF warning the truck will cease to work. Some diesel engine manufacturers allow the engine to go into reduced power mode so the truck can “limp home” or limit the number of times you can turn the engine over. At some point though the diesel engine will not start.
When to add 5 gallons to the Def Guage?
Drive your truck until the 200 mile warning comes on, then add 5 gallons. The gauge is notoriously inaccurate, even in the best of conditions. It isn’t actually a gauge, so much as a wild guess… just like the oil pressure gauge isn’t a gauge, its a guess based upon operating conditions.
What should I do if my Def gauge is not working?
I too like to leave the DEF tank at less than 1/2 full when it gets cold to give the heater a fighting chance to do its thing. That’s assuming, of course, that the DEF gauge is actually working. If it’s in the shop, drain the tank out completely to see if it changes.
Can you put Two Gals of Def in a truck?
Adding two Gal of DEF with the system registering 1/4 full should not have overfilled the system, especially if its a chassis cab (9 Gal). Or is the truck a crew cab? No matter, those tanks are 5.5 Gal and two Gal added to a quarter full system should not have overflowed.
How does Def Guage work on a Dodge Ram?
The thing with DEF is it’s not like fuel, it’s not constantly being used. It’s only injected into the exhaust when required. We’ve had people come in with the same concern but once it’s explained to them how it works, it makes sense.