Emissions - Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fill Guidelines
NUMBER: 25=001=10GROUP: Emissions
DATE: July 9, 2010
SUBJECT:
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin provides information regarding the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) vehicle delivery till guidelines.
MODELS:
2011 DD Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2011 DP Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis
NOTE:
This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine (sales code ETJ) only.
DISCUSSION:
2011 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine are equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust emissions aftertreatment system. This technology is used to reduce the Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions of the engine so that it meets current U.S. EPA and California exhaust emission requirements. In order to function properly and ensure the vehicle meets applicable emission standards, the SCR system injects Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust upstream of the SCR catalyst. The DEF reacts with the exhaust gas inside the catalyst to convert NOx to harmless gasses prior to release into the atmosphere.
Since DEF is consumed during operation of the vehicle, the DEF tank (8 gallon capacity) must be refilled periodically as outlined in the Owners Manual Diesel Supplement. The blue filler cap located behind the cab on the driver's side of the truck is clearly marked "Diesel Exhaust Fluid". The tank is pre-filled with approximately 3 gallons of DEF from the manufacturing assembly plant. This factory fill should be adequate to perform the vehicle's Pre-Delivery Inspection and other in-dealership operations.
The vehicle is equipped with a "Low DEF" warning system that notifies the driver when the level of DEF drops below approximately 2.5 gallons. The warning system includes warning messages displayed by the EVIC and audible chimes. The first level warning displays the message Refill DEF Engine Will Not Restart In XXX Miles". If the vehicle is driven too long with low DEF, the message "Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start" will be displayed. At that point, the engine will no longer restart if it is shut off. A minimum of 2.5 gallons of DEF will need to be added in order to be able to restart the engine.
As indicated on the "New Vehicle Preparation Form," dealers are requested to fill the DEF tank just prior to delivering the vehicle to the owner Labor Operation 25-08-01-40 can be used to reimburse dealers for this DEF fill This Labor Operation can only be used prior to resale delivery and is not intended to be used for any warranty repair
DEF has a temperature dependant shelf life that shortens when exposed to elevated temperatures As temperatures increase, the Urea in the DEF degrades As the concentration degrades, the urea will become less effective at reducing NOx levels in the SCR catalyst. The chart provides the approximate shelf life of DEF versus temperature.
It is recommended that dealers store DEF in a location that minimizes this degradation.
The DEF tank has been designed with an air space that accommodates the expansion of DEF Never 'top-off' the DEF tank after a normal fill, as that will allow DEF to fill the expansion space, which can cause damage to the tank.
Containers, pumps or plumbing containing iron, non-stainless steel, aluminum or brass will rapidly corrode if used to store or transfer DEF. This corrosion can result in plugging of the onboard DEF filter, or other emission system damage.
If DEF is spilled, it should be cleaned up with mild soap and water to avoid corrosion or damage to components and finished surfaces.
The following Diagnostic Trouble Code may be displayed on a Diagnostic Scan Tool if the level of DEF was low.
^ P203F - (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Reductant Level Too Low
When this code is set, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) initiates a countdown that will inhibit an engine restart if the DEF system is not serviced within 500 miles (805 km) of the fault being detected. It also commands the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) to display the "Low DEF Refill Soon" message.
^ P1C70 - 5CR Error Detected - Engine Disabled
When this code is set, the PCM commands the EVIC to display the "Refill DEF Engine Will Not Start" message. The message will continuously display when the counter reaches zero, and will be accompanied by a periodic chime. The engine will not start after it has been turned off unless up to 2.5 gallons (9.5 Liters) of DEF is added to the tank.
Please refer to the Service Information and/or the Owners Manual for additional information.
NOTE:
Improper diluted or contaminated DEF may lead to MILs and no start conditions so it is important to use MOPAR DEF or equivalent
PARTS REQUIRED:
POLICY:
Information Only
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.