Forum Discussion

eheading's avatar
eheading
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014

DEF in the winter

My wife and I purchased a new diesel motorhome in February. While it is our 5th diesel in 22 years, it is our first that uses DEF. Although it isn't critical to me, living in Florida, I am wondering what you northerners do in the winter, and likewise what I'll have to do if I travel north in sub-freezing temperatures.

How do you keep your DEF fluid from freezing in cold temperatures, both when it is sitting unused as well as when you are traveling?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Ed Headington
  • 4X4 ORD - take a look at your warranty book - DEF tank (and heater as part of tank) should be covered under the emissions warranty which is longer than the regular vehicle warranty.
    If the dealer is still trying to not cover - get a regional Mfr warranty rep to see if they will cover.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    mpierce wrote:
    Sully2 wrote:
    That DEF flat sucks...too high a freeze point so I guess the guys that live in ND are as they say SOL...


    I live in ND. Have a '14 Dodge with DEF. NO PROBLEMS at all. You do understand from reading the material posted that heaters are installed?


    My 2011 has DEF and it just so happens that now that the warranty is up my check engine light came on indicating my first problem with the truck. The code indicates that the DEF tank heater is caput. I need to replace the entire DEF tank....I think they told me $500 for the part plus labor if I have the dealer install it. I might ignore it just to see what happens once the freezing temperatures hit.
  • Sully2 wrote:
    That DEF flat sucks...too high a freeze point so I guess the guys that live in ND are as they say SOL...


    I live in ND. Have a '14 Dodge with DEF. NO PROBLEMS at all. You do understand from reading the material posted that heaters are installed?
  • Sully2 wrote:
    That DEF flat sucks...too high a freeze point so I guess the guys that live in ND are as they say SOL...

    Guess you overlooked this statement:

    Q.
    How do I keep the DEF from freezing? What happens if the DEF freezes
    in the tank on the vehicle?
    A.
    During vehicle operation, SCR systems are designed to provide heating for the DEF tank and supply lines. If DEF freezes when the
    vehicle is shut down, start up and normal operation of the vehicle will notbe inhibited. The SCR heating system is designed to quickly return the DEF to liquid form and the operation of the vehicle will not be impacted. The freezing and unthawing of DEF will not cause
    degradation of the product.

    I guess there must not be any newer diesel trucks in N. Dakota.
  • That DEF flat sucks...too high a freeze point so I guess the guys that live in ND are as they say SOL...
  • Sure is, and I guess if anyone does, Cummins ought to know what they are talking about!:)

    Ed
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Read all about it HERE


    Thanks Old Biscuit, I never knew I had questions until I opened that link. That answered everything!

    MM.
  • Thank you. That answered all of my questions. I should have gone to Cummins myself. Duh!!:B

    Thanks again,
    Ed Headington