

However, exposure to sunlight or sustained high temperatures can compromise it. HOW LONG DOES DIESEL FLUID LAST?ĭiesel exhaust fluid normally has a shelf life of about two years. Fuel and DEF ports are differentiated in size to reduce the risk of accidentally putting one into the other. To add more DEF, simply locate the fill port - it is usually found under the hood, next to the fuel port or in the trunk - and top it off manually. It is a non-toxic liquid that can be handled without any special protective clothing or tools. DEF can be found in all truck stops and auto parts stores. Replacing DEF is fast and easy - even if a level check doesn’t indicate that you’re running low, it’s always best to fill up before a long haul and avoid the risk of a problem. The storage tank can typically be found next to the diesel fuel saddle tank on a truck, or in the spare tire area of a passenger vehicle.

When DEF runs out entirely, the light turns red, and the truck is electronically limited from going more than five mph.ĭEF levels can also be checked manually. At 5%, the light starts flashing, and when levels drop below 2.5%, it turns solid. These systems feature an amber warning light that goes off when levels drop below 10%.
2011 DODGE SERVICE DEF SYSTEM HOW TO
HOW TO FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FORĪll truck engines meeting 2010 or later EPA guidelines are required to have a dashboard warning system that alerts you when DEF levels start running low. This means that a truck getting six mpg will require between three to five gallons of DEF for every 1,000 miles it travels. Typically, dose rates for a well-maintained heavy- or medium-duty truck engine will be between 2-3%.

Less efficient engines produce more exhaust gases, which require more DEF to treat. Replacement intervals are tied to the fuel efficiency of your engine. There, the gases mix with DEF, which turns hazardous NOx emissions into a harmless mixture of nitrogen and water.ĭiesel exhaust fluid has to be replaced on a regular basis. SCR works by diverting exhaust gases through a filter and then into a catalyst. Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know.ĭiesel exhaust fluid is required for a process called selective catalytic reduction (SCR). While checking diesel exhaust fluid levels isn’t a difficult job, there are factors that can complicate the issue. As with any type of vehicle fluid, regular monitoring of DEF levels is an important part of ongoing maintenance. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) plays an important role in moderating truck emissions and meeting EPA guidelines.
