Javi's Rules for DEF Usage..

[XLite28SGS]

Thanks "Javi".

I just traded my 2011 GMC 2500HD Gasser for a 2013 Chevrolet 2500HD DMax.

I need all the help I can get.

Allan

[Steve S]

This is a really great thread as I'm learning more then what the dealer tells me.
I really do think that Ford is the way to go as they really cleaned up their act from previous years.
In 2 yrs I'll be allowed to tow my trailer so gathering great information here is really helping

[vampress_me]

Thanks Javi for this thread, and everyone for responding. This gives me a few more answers to the whole DEF issue that we will be getting into. My only hope is that this system works a bunch better than the "precursor to the DEF" DPF system we have in our 2009 F-350. We didn't like it from the beginning, and is the only reason we are trading in the truck now.

[bsmith0404]

Well you still have a DPF, just now you have a 9th injector that helps to clean it out along with the use of DEF. Once the soot level gets high enough it goes into a regen mode where you will lose about 4-5 mpg for 20-25 miles. Make sure you don't have anything directly behind the exhaust because it will get very hot during the regen. People have learned the hard way with mud flaps and such.

[vampress_me]

So, with the DEF, in regen mode, do the Ford's still blow white smoke while regenning? I swear that has got to be the most embarrassing thing our truck does. I still have a hard time believing it's normal even after driving the truck for 6 years, since when I grew up with diesels, white smoke was a bad sign...

[Javi]

I haven't seen any from either of my 6.7's

[jtyphoid]

Originally Posted by vampress_me

So, with the DEF, in regen mode, do the Ford's still blow white smoke while regenning? I swear that has got to be the most embarrassing thing our truck does. I still have a hard time believing it's normal even after driving the truck for 6 years, since when I grew up with diesels, white smoke was a bad sign...

It was a regular occurrence with my 2008 6.4, but no white smoke so far with my 2015 6.7 (a bit over 10000 miles at this point)

[Whitewolf]

I let my dealer add it for me. About $8.50 for 2 1/2 gallons. There are no stations around here with it at the pumps. The dealers is always fresh. He buys it in 55 gallon barrels and keeps it in an insulated room that can be cooled if need be. He watches the dates and sends back anything that isn't dated far enough out.

[PerryB]

Originally Posted by x96mnn

Ram

Has a gas style gauge that shows full and empty lol, can't get any simpler then that!

I'd like to know why Ford can't manage to incorporate a gauge, or level lights like our water systems. I love my truck but think they dropped the ball on that one.

[notanlines]

Perry, it is in your instrument info group. It is either okay, or it is low. When it starts to register low then the tank holds about 2 1/2 gallons.

[PerryB]

Yes, if you want to go scrolling through menus you can determine if it's above or below half. When it drops below half you get a message flash on the display that lasts for a few seconds, one time only. I think it should have an easy to read level indicator thats readily available, not buried in some sub menu.

[bsmith0404]

My guess is that Ford and GM decided that since this is something that uses about 1 gallon per 1k miles that a gauge wasn't a useful item in the instrument cluster. I've seen the Dodge gauges and I think they did a good job with the layout so it doesn't detract from the rest of the gauges, but for something that has very little change and warnings well in advance, is a gauge that doesn't change from day to day, or even month to month for a lot of people really a necessary item? I don't have a gauge and don't see a need for one. Actually, I do have a gauge, the Edge CTS that I run has a DEF gauge, but I don't use it as one of my displayed gauges, just don't have a need.

[Javi]

Although my "RULES" were tongue in cheek, it is important to check the DEF level for your truck whether you have a gauge or have to push a button to check.

DEF usage is dependent on many things including axle ratio, type of driving and even driving styles. My experience with DEF has been limited to my '12 F250 and now my '15 F350. The F250 had a 3:31 rear end and even towing I didn't need to fill the DEF very often; usually getting around 2000 miles before seeing the "LESS THAN 1/2" warning. My new F350 has a 3:73 and so far it looks like I'm going to see the warning a little more frequently; maybe 1200 to 1500 miles.

From what I have found by research it is important to let the tank reach the "LESS THAN 1/2" warning before topping off as the "brain" doesn't deal with constantly full very well. It seems that eventually it will decide that you aren't using DEF at all if the level doesn't trigger one of the sensors..
This really doesn't seem plausible but stranger things can happen. That shouldn't be a problem because even after receiving the initial warning you have at least a 1000 miles before running out.

I simply have added checking the level with the button to my startup routine. After starting the motor and while I'm giving the motor a minute to wake up before putting the truck into gear.. takes all of 15 seconds, then I hook up the seat belt and head out.. If I see the warning I buy a jug or fill the tank at the next fuel stop..

[larry337]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

DEF is pretty much available anywhere now. I can't think of the last gas station I stopped at that didn't have it (if they sell diesel). I prefer the DEF at the pump, but if I had to by a 2.5 gallon jug in a pinch I would. At 5 gallons every 5k miles, I don't get that concerned about not being able to get it. For many people that is one or two fill ups per year. For me, it's about twice per month, more if I decide to run more loads. Heck, it's such big business now that Blue DEF is a NASCAR sponsor. It is still getting a bad rap by people who don't have it or by people who have problems because they ignore the warnings and let it run out, but in reality it's not much different than checking your oil or filling your windshield washer fluid.

It represents change and some people always resist change. Who remembers when catalytic converters and unleaded fuel came about, or electronic ignition, no more points and condensers, fuel injection meant no more carbs to adjust. New changes mean we have to change our own ways and habits. The systems since 2011 with SCR technology and DEF seem to be much better then the ones we saw in 2008 with just a DPF. Growing pains but they're getting it figured out. I'll admit the prices of these new trucks are getting out of hand but the performance and capability is amazing, and they don't seem to have any problem selling them.

[Desert185]

If I went against my gut feeling on new junk or fads that not too many folks would buy, I'd be a rich investor.