I have a 2022 ram 3500 with 11,000 miles. Went to dealer with check engine light on and I was told I had bad def fluid and repair cost would be $8,000 dollars out of pocket. I believe the def fluid went bad because the truck sits a lot and is only used for towing. Dealer is no help. Anybody have any thoughts on this. Thanks
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def fluid
- Thread starter Cobalt99
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Last edited:
wrvond
Active Member
Unless ambient temperatures exceeded 96° F consistently, it's unlikely your DEF went bad sitting in the tank of the truck. Below 86° F still allows a 2 year shelf life. I think your dealership is trying to hoodwink you.
Probably about 6 months ago truck is mostly used for towing a goose neck horse trailer and not used much
I do have a warm summer in NC and I find it hard to believe the dealership. will do nothing for me
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That’s likely not too old. Even if it’s not used much 11K miles of mostly towing should have used 3-4 tanks of DEF.
Where did you buy the last DEF? If it was in a box did you look at the date code?
wrvond
Active Member
DEF can gel at 12° F, but otherwise it's not going to "gum up". Crystallization is the common issue with DEF that has been exposed to high temperatures. The white crystals that you can find on bulk dispensers are the result of evaporation of the fluid on the outside of the nozzle.
def fluid came from northern tool and I did not look at the date This is my first truck with def and was not aware of the date
RVTRKN
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Northern Tool should have a high turn over for DEF, no mater the brand, more likely the date was not that old. You’re not the first of that phenomenon, as far as the dealer goes. They are looking for profit where they can find it. I had my 3500 serviced by the dealer over the 30K miles I owned it, the costs are minimal to me for them to change oil on a CTD. So I took my new to me 1500 to the same dealer and they used DuraMax oil and a Carquest oil filter, needless to say I now change my own oil on the Hemi. My point is they are tightening their belts. Demand a sample to see if you don’t have an enemy in your your neighborhood. Buy a locking cap and document your service. I did that because of the dreaded CP4.2 HPFP, in case it failed.
Good luck with your truck.
On edit, I recorded all fuel purchase miles and Def fill ups.
Good luck with your truck.
On edit, I recorded all fuel purchase miles and Def fill ups.
Riddick
Well-Known Member
Another scum bag dealer trying to take advantage of you. I would request they test a sample in front of you and also request a sample to have tested outside of your dealership.
Do not pay to have this fixed. While you are waiting for your test sample results drain your tank and clean it with distilled water. Remove your DEF injector and clean the nozzle with distilled water too. By flushing the system you might be able to save it.
Do not pay to have this fixed. While you are waiting for your test sample results drain your tank and clean it with distilled water. Remove your DEF injector and clean the nozzle with distilled water too. By flushing the system you might be able to save it.
4FishLimit
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Blue as in BlueDEF brand or as in color?
If it’s the latter then I have bad news for you.
"windshield wiper fluid can damage the def system and cause the check engine light to come on. It can also affect the performance and emissions of your vehicle. it is important to remove the windshield wiper fluid from the def tank as soon as possible."