Def fluid

[SDM]

Have a 2011 Duramax. Have had a sensor problem. Dealer says the def from Walmart is giving some problems. Any thoughts.

[FishOnOne]

Rancher Will wrote:
I own a small trucking company, two cattle ranches and I pull our Montana 5thWheel with a diesel RAM truck. On average I pay for over 150 gallons of DEF per week. I learned that I save over $2.00 per 2-1/2 gallon jug by my employees buying at WalMart rather than at truck stops and other sources. We have had no problem with WalMart DEF in the Blue jugs plus it is cheaper than even bulk supply.

Interesting... We been purchasing Travelers 5 gallon DEF containers from Tractor Supply Co. for our farm equipment.

[Rancher_Will]

I own a small trucking company, two cattle ranches and I pull our Montana 5thWheel with a diesel RAM truck. On average I pay for over 150 gallons of DEF per week. I learned that I save over $2.00 per 2-1/2 gallon jug by my employees buying at WalMart rather than at truck stops and other sources. We have had no problem with WalMart DEF in the Blue jugs plus it is cheaper than even bulk supply.

[AZ_T_T]

I’ve got a 2011 had a DEF pump go out, a sensor go out and a tank leak all in the first year. No problems since. The dealership told me to buy my DEF at places where they sell a lot of it. You don’t want to use old stock that has been sitting on the shelves for a long time.

[IdaD]

Manual just calls for API certified, which it all is whether it's Peak, Super Tech or from the pump. I generally get it at the pump but have used the cheap Wally World stuff with no issues. Paying more for a name brand doesn't amount to a lot more money but it also isn't any better, imo - so why pay more? The nicest thing about getting it at the pump is you get to top it off accurately.

[Bipeflier]

Got the same BS on my '11 at first. Asked them to prove to me that the non GM DEF was the issue. The tech brought out the GM refractometer to run the test. At the end of the test it said bad DEF. I then asked him to run it on their DEF right out of the container. It failed also. They had no idea how to run the test. When I had them do it step, by, step, according to the instructions both samples passed.

Once they finally agreed to replace both sensors in the exhaust, no more issues. The original sensors are known to be bad and are replaced under warranty.

[REWahoo]

joebedford wrote:

REWahoo wrote:

joebedford wrote:
I have a 2011 Duramax. The DEF tank was replaced TODAY because of sensor or heater or sender problem.

Was it replaced under warranty?

My dealer said the sender was bad in my 2011, it wasn't covered by warranty (less than 70,000 miles, still under warranty) and wanted $1,100 to replace the tank.

I added more DEF, the warning light went out and I'm still driving it.

Yes. I believe the special warranty is 10 years and/or 120000 miles.

Yes, that's also how I understand the special warranty. Unfortunately the dealer said my problem was due to a faulty sender which was NOT included in the special warranty - only covers a faulty heater.

Fortunately the problem (warning light) went out after I added some DEF and it hasn't come on again in the six weeks since.

[joebedford]

REWahoo wrote:

joebedford wrote:
I have a 2011 Duramax. The DEF tank was replaced TODAY because of sensor or heater or sender problem.

Was it replaced under warranty?

My dealer said the sender was bad in my 2011, it wasn't covered by warranty (less than 70,000 miles, still under warranty) and wanted $1,100 to replace the tank.

I added more DEF, the warning light went out and I'm still driving it.

Yes. I believe the special warranty is 10 years and/or 120000 miles.

[bucky]

Stored temps are also an issue, not just expiration date.

[REWahoo]

joebedford wrote:
I have a 2011 Duramax. The DEF tank was replaced TODAY because of sensor or heater or sender problem.

Was it replaced under warranty?

My dealer said the sender was bad in my 2011, it wasn't covered by warranty (less than 70,000 miles, still under warranty) and wanted $1,100 to replace the tank.

I added more DEF, the warning light went out and I'm still driving it.

[joebedford]

I have a 2011 Duramax. The DEF tank was replaced TODAY because of sensor or heater or sender problem.

Last DEF tank fillup was Walmart brand. I usually use Blue DEF from Flying J.

Probably no connection.

[FishOnOne]

SDM wrote:
Have a 2011 Duramax. Have had a sensor problem. Dealer says the def from Walmart is giving some problems. Any thoughts.

Tell your service advisor to take a hike... Your issue is a common problem with the 2011 GM's.

[FishOnOne]

Me Again wrote:
In 40 thousand miles I have only used Peak Blue DEF in 2.5 gal boxes. All but one from WM. When it get to 1/2 on the gauge I drop by a WM and put in a box, and let them recycle the box.

I always check the date code. Here is a sample of how it works.

This is from a Dec 6th 2016 post on another forum.

The code on the box is "12170412431 A"
Doesn't look any different other then the "A" at the end

12 = where made

17= year made plus one

041 = days remaining in the year that is was made

2431 = Actual Batch code

DEF made today by Peak would have

xx19284yyyy code.

That is, it was made 284 days before Jan 1st 2019.

Chris

Actually the year minus one. So your example was manufactured in '16 so your way off.

Marion Blair does a good job of explaining this topic.

Link

[SidecarFlip]

Wild Card wrote:
They make a DEF refractometer. You can buy one at most auto stores. Take your own sample then you'll know.

Just don't get it on your hands...it stinks.

[Wild_Card]

They make a DEF refractometer. You can buy one at most auto stores. Take your own sample then you'll know.

[TXiceman]

The Chebbie dealer is blowing smoke. Sensor have had problems from all of the big 3.

Ken