This system is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and can be found on 2010 and later model year trucks and many diesel pickups and SUVs. DEF is not a fuel additive and never comes into contact with diesel. It is stored in a separate tank, typically with a blue filler cap.

What is blue for diesel engines?

AdBlue is a non-toxic diesel exhaust fluid, made up of high purity urea and deionized water used to treat exhausts on diesel engines to reduce harmful emissions. Although it's odorless and non-toxic, it can corrode metallic surfaces.

What is the DEF cap on a diesel?

Gates DEF hoses, components and assemblies are specially designed and manufactured for DEF system conveying, with DEF caps engineered to keep your emission fluids inside the tank without leaks, contamination, or cracks. ...

What is blue def used for?

BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a mixture of high purity synthetic urea and deionized water that is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems in diesel vehicles. DEF is used to help convert NOx to harmless nitrogen and water.

Is AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) also known as AdBlue^®, is a non-toxic, colourless, odourless and non-flammable fluid. Stored in a dedicated tank in your car, it is injected into the exhaust system to clean exhaust gases. ... In addition to a new generation of catalytic converter, SCR Technology requires the use of DEF.

All you need to know about AdBlue ® [UREA]⛽

26 related questions found

Can I refill AdBlue myself?

Yes, you can top up with AdBlue^® yourself. Every TotalEnergies service station sells standard 5L and 10L cans of AdBlue^®. TotalEnergies is also gradually deploying special pumps for light vehicles. Never top up with a pump for heavy goods vehicles.

Can you pee in your DEF tank?

But sadly, the answer is "no". A modern clean diesel car will recognize that your pee is not the right stuff. AdBlue solution has a far higher concentration of urea--32.5%--mixed into deionized water.

How much blue DEF does a truck use?

2. How much DEF will my truck use? One gallon of BlueDEF™ is used approximately every 300 miles. A truck with a 20 gallon DEF tank can go up to 6,000 miles between fill-ups.

Is DEF bad for diesel engines?

While it's good for the environment, the water and urea mixture can result in the formation of crystals that can plug up fuel filters, damage aircraft engines, and result in engine failure. DEF should never be used as an additive for any fuel, diesel or aircraft, and is sprayed directly into exhaust systems.

Do all diesels use DEF?

A: Because almost all diesel-powered passenger cars and trucks built since 2010 are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), it is readily available at most fueling stations and automotive parts retail stores. Truck stops often have a DEF pump right on the fuel island.

How do you know when DEF tank is full?

When DEF runs out entirely, the light turns red, and the truck is electronically limited from going more than five mph. DEF levels can also be checked manually. 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.

What does Blue def?

DEF, also known as AdBlue or Blue DEF, is an elixir that's necessary to make sure that what exits a diesel vehicle's tailpipe is as sweet as an Alpine breeze. ... Those two compounds then react with oxygen and detrimental nitrogen oxides inside the vehicle's selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst.

Does DEF go bad in the tank?

Because it doesn't include any preservatives, DEF does come with a shelf life. The good news is, it's a fairly long shelf life; DEF can usually be stored up to one year without any issues.

What happens if I run out of AdBlue?

What happens if your car runs out of AdBlue? If you run out of AdBlue while you're driving, then the engine's power and performance will be reduced to 'limp home' mode to limit its emissions and once the engine has stopped, it won't re-start until the AdBlue tank is refilled.

Where does AdBlue go?

AdBlue is an exhaust fluid, not a fuel additive. It's stored in a separate reservoir and is topped up via a (usually) blue filler cap located either next to your fuel filler, in the boot or under the bonnet.

Is AdBlue made from urine?

AdBlue® is a synthetic, highly purified solution of urea and demineralized water NOT pigs urine. Whilst the chemical urea is in pigs' urine, it is found in much lower concentration alongside many other elements.

Does DEF increase mpg?

Because the manufacturer is able to tune the engine any way it wants to, and then allow the SCR and DEF to take care of the pollutants, most manufacturers have discovered better fuel mileage (compared to other smog-reduction systems). Truckmakers claim it improves fuel mileage by as much as 5 percent. 8.

Can you use water instead of DEF fluid?

Subject: RE: Anyone replace DEF with water? Water won't hurt the system but it will de-rate you pretty quick. ECM compares NOx values pre/post, if conversion is low it will start throwing codes and will eventually derate.

Is there a DEF filter?

The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Filter offers a convenient, effective way to deliver clean DEF into your equipment. ... The Donaldson Clean DEF Filter removes harmful particulate, preventing plugged dosing valves and enabling the SCR to do the important job of reducing harmful NOx emissions.

What happens if you run out of DEF?

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.

Will DEF freeze in my truck?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF Fluid

Whether in storage tanks or in equipment, DEF can freeze and possibly cause issues. As temperatures drop below 12°F, DEF will begin to solidify and not work as intended.

Is it illegal to remove DEF system?

It isn't a state or local law (although those exist, as well), but Federal law. ... Yes, you can legally have your emission system removed from your vehicle, but it requires recertification by the manufacturer and a new emission label and certification issued.

Does Blue DEF freeze?

Does DEF Freeze? Yes. DEF is two-thirds water and will freeze in lower temperatures. So you could have frozen def fluid.

Does DEF smell?

DEF is non flammable and non hazardous. It smells like ammonia. The vehicle has a separate DEF tank which is distinguished by a unique blue colored cap. The opening is 19mm to prevent a standard 22mm diesel pump nozzle from going in.

Can you drive a diesel without DEF?

SCR Systems

Modern trucks will not run without the DEF. Hence the need for diesel truck owners to check their fluid levels frequently. Reducing emissions should be everyone's goal. Maintaining your vehicle would also reduce emissions and DEF consumption.