DEF is a mixture of (typically) 2/3 deionized water and 1/3 urea. It’s carefully regulated by the American Petroleum Institute. Technically, urea is derived from one of the byproducts of urine. But it’s synthetically made, so no cats are ever harmed in the production of the fluid.
Is DEF fluid made from cow urine?
Contrary to popular myth, cow and bat urine and DEF are not a thing. The urea used in the manufacture of DEF is synthetically derived from ammonia and carbon dioxide, and urea production plants are often adjacent to other sites where ammonia is produced, such as coal and natural gas refineries.
Is DEF made from pig urine?
Urea is an organic compound produced when a body metabolizes protein. (And yes, we expel it as urine.) But despite DEF earning the nickname “pig urine,” Diesel Exhaust Fluid is actually made of commercial-grade urea—synthetic ammonia and carbon.
What does exhaust fluid system fault mean?
If you receive messages that end with “…for exhaust system fault”, that means this warning has nothing to do with the amount of exhaust fuel there is. There are other issues with the system or component you should take care of as soon as possible. Contaminated DEF fuel plays the biggest role here.
What happens when DEF runs out?
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.
Is DEF going away?
If the DEF is stored at ambient temperatures of 75 F with no major periods of exposure to heat over 86 F then the batch of DEF will last roughly two years. If a package of DEF is exposed to periods of heating the fluid will last approximately one year.
Is there a substitute for DEF fluid?
DEF is urea or otherwise known as aqueous ammonia. Windshield washer fluid that contains ammonia will do in a pinch. It contains less AA than needed but will get you to a town where you can get DEF.
What happens if I put water in my DEF tank?
If you put water in an EMPTY DEF tank, there will be no urea injected into the exhaust to convert to ammonia. Ammonia is an essential requirement to eliminate NOX (Oxides of Nitrogen) via the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reducer).
Why does DEF smell like pee?
Diesel exhaust fluid is mostly deionized water, but a small amount of urea is present, often mistaken for urine. Urea is an important component of DEF.
Can you buy a diesel truck without DEF?
There is no way modern trucks will run without DEF. Drivers of diesel trucks therefore need to check their fluid levels frequently in order to make sure they’re as good as possible. It is everyone’s responsibility to reduce emissions. You should also keep your vehicle clean to reduce emission and consumption of DEF.
Will there be a DEF shortage?
While DEF markets will likely remain constrained for most of 2022, there are some things you can do to stay in control. Increase Storage Capacity. With logistics challenges causing issues, having more supply at your site can reduce supply chain strain and provide more time between replenishments.
What causes a DEF pump to fail?
Dirt / Metal Contamination: Contaminated DEF can cause abrasion of the DEF pump. Dirt, rust or tank scale can occur with improper of DEF storage or handling (e.g. res-using disposable DEF containers). UREA Concentration (Dilution): Diluted DEF (too much water) reduces its NOx neutralization effectiveness.
How do you reset poor exhaust fluid quality?
Do a manual regeneration clean it up. Then it has to pass a DEF fluid quality test. If you can keep driving it, the ECM will run the tests and either clear the message or turn the light back on. It has to see the system working normal for the message to clear.
How long can I drive without DEF?
That reservoir’s fill cap is under the hood atop the left fender. According to the owner’s manual, a full DEF tank should last 6300 miles, but, as everyone knows by now, your mileage will vary.
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.
What does Blue def?
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.
