What is recharging the diesel emissions fluid all about?

Modern so-called clean diesel vehicles use a solution containing urea and ionized water to help control exhaust emissions. The solution is injected into the exhaust stream, where it reacts with the vehicle’s catalyst to reduce harmful emissions in the exhaust stream.

The diesel emissions fluid is carried onboard in its own reservoir. They are typically quite large, allowing very extensive mileages before requiring replenishment. The tanks are usually fitted with a special spout connector to ease refills, but they can be located in places that require the removal of other parts.

Keep in mind:

• Most cars will provide a warning that the diesel emissions fluid is running low, but many will prevent the vehicle from being restarted once a certain low level has been reached.
• If the car is switched off after the critically low level of diesel emissions fluid has been achieved, it may be inoperable and require a refill/reset before it will start again.
• Refills are few and far between, so it’s well worth staying ahead of this situation.

How it's done:

• The diesel emission fluid is verified to see if it needs to be serviced
• The fuel door is located and opened
• The DEF cap, blue in color and normally located next to the gas cap under the fuel door, is removed
• The manufactured recommend fluid is poured in slowly until it has reached the manufactures recommend capacity
• The cap is replaced and twisted tight until it “clicks” (similar to a gas cap)

Our recommendation:

With every routine maintenance service, have our mechanic check the diesel emissions fluid levels on your car, and refill as needed.

What are the common symptoms indicating you need to recharge the diesel emissions fluid?

• A warning light will illuminate to indicate the diesel emissions fluid is low
• On heavy trucks, power will be reduced in stages.

How important is this service?

Since the car will not start or restart once it runs out of diesel emissions fluid, it’s critical to maintain adequate levels.