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49 Posts
Hello all,
I am not sure how many of you are aware of this. DEF has a maximum shelf life of approximately 2 years under ideal circumstances. DEF will degrade over time and if introduced to our CTD, could cause multiple DTCs to set. So the burning questions becomes, how do I identify the manufacture date of my DEF fluid?
I can only speak to Peak Blue DEF, however, I suspect others may use the same manufacturing code process. Peak uses a standard ISO date code. Here is how to decode on the 11 digit number stamped on the container:
Digits:
1-2 = Manufacturing Facility
3-4 = Manufacturing Year + 1
5-7 = Days left in the manufacturing calendar year
8-11 = Batch Code
So here is the code stamped on a jug of DEF I purchased at my local Wally-World:
PB182443314 (found on side of container and also on the box)
PB = Manufacturing Facility
18 = 2017 (remember, 18-1=17)
244 = May 1 (244 days left in 2017)
3314 = Batch code
DEF Tips:
Always try to purchase the newest DEF you can find. DEF should never be stored in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 80 degrees for an extended period of time. If either of these conditions occur, the shelf life will be reduced.
So the next question I can hear is "I live in Phoenix", it is rarely below 80 degrees. My answer to that is simple. Only add enough DEF to your CTD to get you by (2.5 gallons) and then let it run low and add more. I would not suggest filling the tank with 4.9/4.6 gallons, especially if you do not drive in a way to consume the DEF rapidly. It took me 15K miles to go through a full tank of DEF. That was over 6 months. Because I am heading into summer, I only added 2.5 gallons. I will add more in the fall or when requested by my CTD.
Bottom line, check you DEF date codes and buyer beware! I hope this helps someone.
ccasion14:
:usa:
I am not sure how many of you are aware of this. DEF has a maximum shelf life of approximately 2 years under ideal circumstances. DEF will degrade over time and if introduced to our CTD, could cause multiple DTCs to set. So the burning questions becomes, how do I identify the manufacture date of my DEF fluid?
I can only speak to Peak Blue DEF, however, I suspect others may use the same manufacturing code process. Peak uses a standard ISO date code. Here is how to decode on the 11 digit number stamped on the container:
Digits:
1-2 = Manufacturing Facility
3-4 = Manufacturing Year + 1
5-7 = Days left in the manufacturing calendar year
8-11 = Batch Code
So here is the code stamped on a jug of DEF I purchased at my local Wally-World:
PB182443314 (found on side of container and also on the box)
PB = Manufacturing Facility
18 = 2017 (remember, 18-1=17)
244 = May 1 (244 days left in 2017)
3314 = Batch code
DEF Tips:
Always try to purchase the newest DEF you can find. DEF should never be stored in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 80 degrees for an extended period of time. If either of these conditions occur, the shelf life will be reduced.
So the next question I can hear is "I live in Phoenix", it is rarely below 80 degrees. My answer to that is simple. Only add enough DEF to your CTD to get you by (2.5 gallons) and then let it run low and add more. I would not suggest filling the tank with 4.9/4.6 gallons, especially if you do not drive in a way to consume the DEF rapidly. It took me 15K miles to go through a full tank of DEF. That was over 6 months. Because I am heading into summer, I only added 2.5 gallons. I will add more in the fall or when requested by my CTD.
Bottom line, check you DEF date codes and buyer beware! I hope this helps someone.
:usa: