a little more on DEF -- if some of you aren't familiar with it ---
SUBJECT:
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin provides information regarding the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) vehicle
delivery fill guidelines.
MODELS:
**2013 - 2014 D2 Ram 3500 Pickup**
2011 - **2014** DD Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
**2013 - 2014 DJ Ram 2500 Pickup**
2011 - **2014** DP Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis
**2014 DS Ram 1500 Pickup**
**2014 VF Promaster
**2014 WK Grand Cherokee**
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel
Engine (sales code ETJ or ETK), 3.0L V6 Diesel Engine (Sales Code EXF), or
the 3.0L In-line 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine (Sales Code EXG) only.
DISCUSSION:
The affected vehicles are equipped with diesel engines that use 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 must be refilled
periodically as outlined in the Owners Manual Diesel Supplement. The DEF filler cap is
clearly marked “Diesel Exhaust Fluid”. On Cab Chassis vehicles, the cap is located behind
the cab on the driver’s side of the truck. **On Pickup trucks and Grand Cherokee vehicles,
the cap is located behind the fuel fill door.** 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.
**These diesel vehicles are equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
that will provide the driver with warning messages displayed by the EVIC and audible
chimes informing the driver when it is necessary to refill the DEF tank. Please refer to the
applicable Owner’s Manual Diesel Supplement for complete aftertreatment warning
message details.
The driver will be notified when the level of DEF drops below approximately 2.5 gallons.
The first level warning displays the message "Engine Will Not Restart in XXXX mi DEF
Low Refill Soon". If the vehicle is driven too long with low DEF, the message “Engine Will
Not Restart in XXXX mi Refill DEF” will be displayed. And finally, “Engine Will Not Restart
Refill DEF” will be displayed if the driver continues to operate the vehicle without refilling
the DEF tank. 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.**
NOTE: **2013/2014 Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 Trucks warning strategy is similar to
what is stated previously however, there are some differences in the wording
of the messages reported out by the EVIC. Most notably, instead of
preventing the vehicle from restarting if the DEF tank is not refilled within the
appropriate mileage, the system is designed to end with a 5 MPH maximum
vehicle speed restriction.**
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.
NOTE: **Do not prematurely fill the DEF tank. DEF has a limited shelf life based on
ambient temperatures. Vehicles that are exposed to high temperatures for
lengths of time may have their DEF urea concentration degrade to the point
that the DEF will become less effective at reducing NOx levels in the SCR
catalyst. If this occurs, the engine control system may illuminate the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and set related Diagnostic Trouble Codes
(DTC). Refer to the following chart to get a better understanding of DEF shelf
life.**
DEF has a temperature dependent 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 following chart provides the approximate shelf life of DEF versus
temperature.
Temperature Estimated Useful Life
32°F (0°C) Indefinite
50°F (10°C) 75 Years
68°F (20°C) 11 Years
86°F (30°C) 23 Months
95°F (35°C) 10 Months
104°F (40°C) 4 Months
122°F (50°C) 1 Month
140°F (60°C) 1 Week
It is recommended that dealers store DEF in a location that minimizes this degradation.
**If it is suspected that the urea concentration level has decreased too low, DEF can be
tested using a Refractometer. OTC DEF/UREA Refractometer (16-5025) is available
through Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE). DEF urea concentration should be at
32.5%.**
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.
**DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest temperatures. For example, DEF may freeze at
temperatures at or below 12° F (-11° C). The system has been designed to operate in this
environment.**
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.
**DEF can crystallize when exposed to air. However, the crystals should re-dissolve when
reintroduced to fresh DEF. Crystallization may be noticed around the DEF filler opening
and is normal.**
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 messages. If the engine fails to start due to LOW DEF, a minimum of
2.5 gallons are required to be added before the vehicle will start.
Please refer to the Service Information and/or the Owner's 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® Diesel Exhaust Fluid (API
Certified) (DEF) or equivalent that has been API Certified to the ISO 22241
standard. Use of fluids not API Certified to ISO 22241 may result in system
damage.**
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
AR 68035704AB Fluid, Diesel Exhaust - 1 gal container
AR 68056278AB Fluid, Diesel Exhaust - 2.5 gal container
AR 68035700AB Fluid, Diesel Exhaust - 55 gal drum
I'll willy bea careful wif it 
