[dougc905]

Just noticed that my dic is saying that the diesel exhaust fluid is down to 35%. Problem is, I just poured in a big jug last month. So it should be about 80% full as the def normally lasts me 5-6 months.

Is it possible that the def tank is frozen and the only fluid available is in the centre reservoir where the heater is? it could be reporting on a diminishing supply with a frozen block of fluid. With our really cold temps, I wonder if the def tank heater is up to the job...

An online search reveals that def freezes at -11 ˚C or 12 F˚. It also says that the heaters should be able to handle it.

My driving has changed to mainly around-town trips. Could I be using more def than highway driving?

 

[dougc905]

Update:

The next morning the doc reported that the fluid level was ok. So sometime overnight, or maybe at the end of the drive before the dic was updated, the fluid thawed.

 

[dougc905]

When you say you poured in a big jug, did you actually see the level up at the top of the tank or just pour in what you had? Usually when I fill mine up it takes almost 5 gallons from empty.

Just to go back to reply... I usually top up the tank with a big jug (9.5 litres or 2.5 gal) when I see the fluid level go from saying “ok” to showing a number like 35%. Since the tank holds about twice the jug capacity, I figure that my fluid level varies between 35 and 80% full.

 

[dougc905]

Also in my experience if the def is frozen it will jump to around 33% or so,

That’s about what I saw.����

 

[dougc905]

With the temps below zero around here all last week, every station with DEF at the pump had frozen pumps. Some tried to thaw out, but they were fighting a losing battle. They even put insulated sleeves around the pumps, but it didn't seem to help much.

Wow. I bet the station designer never thought of that!