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Old 09-02-2016, 07:33 AM   #1
Rich and Kat
 
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DEF question - 2016 RAM 2500/3500 Owners With 6.7L Cummins Diesel

Hello folks. What are you using for DEF and have you had any problems in the past?

I was at Home Depot last night and saw 2.5 Gals of Peak Blue DEF for $11.99. Having just seen the same box for $37 at an auto parts store, it got my attention but I refrained from the impulse purchase.

I've since been reading about the Peak branded Blue DEF problems in various vehicles (sensors are indicating poor quality DEF, crystallized urea requiring expensive draining/cleaning, etc.). I've also learned that the fluid expires 2 years after date of manufacture if stored below 86*F. Reading Peak date codes is somewhat cryptic ... Do check out the following:
http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/ind...?topic=73092.0
So, my question to you all is what are you using for DEF? Have you had any problems? Recommendations? I'd prefer not to buy MOPAR DEF from the dealership ...

I'm also reading on ram1500diesel.com that a great many folks prefer to fill-up via a DEF pump at the truck stops ... Right now, about $2.80/gallon and it's always fresh. Can't wait to hear from you all...

I hope everyone in the aftermath of Hermine is well, and those in its path are ready for the forthcoming rain and potential for flooding. Have a fun/safe holiday weekend and try to stay dry...

Thanks,
Rich
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Old 09-02-2016, 08:14 AM   #2
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Most of the PEAK Blue DEF I have found in the stores have a very recent date on them. I have used it several times in my RAM 2500 without any trouble. I fill mine when it gets down to 1/2 tank and have not had crystallization problems. I usually find it at Walmart for about the same price as you quoted for Home Depot.
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Old 09-02-2016, 08:29 AM   #3
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Rich, I buy my def at a truck stop. $1.99/gal. locally. I either pull in, sometimes the wrong way and fill direct or use a container with spout and magnetic ring (if required as some pump nozzles have magnetic valves) and fill later.
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Old 09-11-2016, 08:01 AM   #4
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I often get my DEF from FORD. If I happen to be there I will pick up a case to have handy ( 2 x 2.5g). I have also picked it up from an auto parts store. Recently while traveling through northern Canada I went to Ford to get some and they carried the Blue stuff not the Motorcraft product. They said that's what Ford sends to them. I recently read about some complaining about Walmart saying people re-fill the container with water then seal and return the box to the store. Not sure if this is for real or not. " But if it's on the internet it MUST be true".
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Old 09-11-2016, 08:16 AM   #5
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I use the Blue, no problems to report. I have noticed the DEF sold at Walmart is smaller I guess it explains the low price.
My Ford dealer recommends to fill the DEF tank. The gauge is not a typical float type and the tank needs to be filled to the top to reset.
This may be the cause of reported DEF issues.
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Old 09-11-2016, 08:23 AM   #6
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I work on DEF equipped trucks every day and despite all the talk about expired def and or bad brands etc I have yet to be able to prove a single case of it.What I have seen in the ram and eco diesel is design flaws in the equipment and software.I use a quality refractometer and test,not guess.One can not take a dtc's definition lead to an inacurate diagnosis.
Every brand def will cristalize when exposed to the air.The worst threat is hydrocarbon contamination to the def system
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Old 09-11-2016, 08:23 AM   #7
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2015 Ram 2500 diesel w/15K miles ---

If I can find truck stops, I buy DEF there; if not, I buy the 2.5 gal cartons, typically at WalMart. No problems so far.
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Old 09-11-2016, 08:28 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rgentum View Post
2015 Ram 2500 diesel w/15K miles ---

If I can find truck stops, I buy DEF there; if not, I buy the 2.5 gal cartons, typically at WalMart. No problems so far.

You might want to stop by your dealer and ask for the latest software updates,all module updates are free in the 3/36 and powertrain modules(engine/trans) are free as long as your powertrain coverage is in effect
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Old 09-11-2016, 04:38 PM   #9
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I buy the Blue whenever and wherever I need it. I wait till it says I need to replenish and dump the 2.5 gallons in. Never had a problem.


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Old 09-12-2016, 05:02 PM   #10
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I purchased some Peak on the way back from Glacier National Park in Caspar, Wy. No issues. I'm going to try bulk DEF from truck stops next. I don't like the plastic container that you have to dispose of plus its more than double the price per gallon. Towing uses more DEF than solo. I was topped off a week before we left by the dealer during a oil change. I'm now back to 1/2 full after returning and towing another 450 miles.

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Old 09-30-2016, 11:46 AM   #11
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DEF tank gauge showing just below half full. I've had the dealer replenish and have tried retail DEF. I found a truck stop just up the road from where I work and filled up about 3.1 gallons for $8.91. Much better pricing per gallon than retail boxes and no plastic bottle to dispose. Hopefully no issues.

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Old 09-30-2016, 01:20 PM   #12
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I only use Mopar DEF from a RAM dealer for my 2016 2500.

I routinely travel further than 150 miles from a RAM dealer. So don't want to get caught beyond the 150 mile limp home mode limit and not have my truck re-start because of a DEF issue.

When push comes to shove and you have to argue warranty coverage for a limp home mode incident, your Mopar DEF receipts will most likely convince the regional RAM rep that you were following the RAM dealer's recommendation that you use only Mopar DEF. Otherwise you may face a very sizable bill.

Make sure that you check the expiration date on the Mopar DEF container. The dealer is supposed to follow Chrysler's recommendation that it be stored below 85 degrees. Be careful that store your DEF on a cool place.

I always add DEF when the gauge is at around half full.

Fords, Chevys, GMCs etc may react differently to "bad DEF" that do RAMs. My cautions are based on what I've heard of RAM incidents.
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Old 09-30-2016, 02:16 PM   #13
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I use Peak DEF - no problems. Normal price is $11-15 for 2.5 gal. FCA cannot legally insist on using their DEF. The few times I have read about a dealer claiming bad DEF because of non-MOPAR fluid, the owner insisted on a refractometer test that he witnessed and that was the end of the problem. The Ram manual says any DEF with an API certification, which Peak has.
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Old 09-30-2016, 02:28 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by khollister View Post
I use Peak DEF - no problems. Normal price is $11-15 for 2.5 gal. FCA cannot legally insist on using their DEF. The few times I have read about a dealer claiming bad DEF because of non-MOPAR fluid, the owner insisted on a refractometer test that he witnessed and that was the end of the problem. The Ram manual says any DEF with an API certification, which Peak has.
That is good info.

I guess that I'd rather be doing my best to avoid even getting to the "refractometer test" phase. My time is better spent and worth more than having to deal with breakdowns and arguing with dealers and RAM reps.
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Old 09-30-2016, 03:59 PM   #15
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I also use the Peak Blue DEF. The one time my wife brought home another brand I got the dreaded X miles to limp mode message. It took a software update at the dealer to fix the problem.
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Old 09-30-2016, 04:27 PM   #16
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I should probably explain why I don't use the Mopar stuff (aside from cost). DEF, as you may or may not know, has a shelf life that is dependent on temperature and exposure to sunlight. For this reason I do not completely fill the DEF tank (since the rate of usage is low and I do not want the DEF to age out sitting in the tank) and wait until the gauge either gets in the red or I get the warning message on the display. At that point I go to an auto parts store or a truck stop if I'm on the road towing and buy a jug after checking the date code on the box to make sure I'm getting fresh product.

The problem with the MOPAR stuff from a dealer is there is almost never a dealer handy when I need DEF, but I can always easily find a Pilot/Flying J, Tractor Supply, auto parts store or Walmart.

And as far as a dealer giving you a hard time about warranty work, Just tell him you used MOPAR DEF - there is no way for them to tell since the stuff is all the same. Usually, a shady dealer will claim your DEF is out of date and charge you for draining and "repair" regardless of where you claim to have bought it. Actually using MOPAR DEF will likely not prevent this scam from occurring, however unlikely it is.

Buying and storing MOPAR DEF will actually increase your odds of having a problem due to aging compared to just-in-time resupply with Peak (or another ISO/API certified brand).

Be careful buying from stores that store it outside or sell a brand in clear containers exposed to sunlight (Autozone's house brand)
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Old 10-15-2016, 07:45 PM   #17
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2016 2500 with 35k miles. I only buy Peak in 2.5 gal jugs or fill at truck stops. Prefer truck stops but I have bought Peak when needed.
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Old 10-15-2016, 08:15 PM   #18
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Thanks all. I have 6500mi on my Cummins TD and filled up the DEF at a truck stop ... thanks to all who posted ... got 4 gals at $2.89/gal ... much cheaper than the boxed stuff. Anyway, you made me more comfortable with trying the truck stop DEF. Thanks for sharing! - Rich
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Old 10-16-2016, 05:11 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AIRHEDS View Post
Thanks all. I have 6500mi on my Cummins TD and filled up the DEF at a truck stop ... thanks to all who posted ... got 4 gals at $2.89/gal ... much cheaper than the boxed stuff. Anyway, you made me more comfortable with trying the truck stop DEF. Thanks for sharing! - Rich


My only comment on truck stop DEF is to make sure and rinse the side of your truck if you spill any. They say that stuff will rust your truck in a heartbeat.
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Old 10-16-2016, 06:35 AM   #20
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Don't care for DEF. I've been told many times the only thing that goes wrong with today's diesels is the pollution stuff. I carry and only buy the FORD brand. Still had an issue on our trip this past summer. Pulled out of lunch stop, got the dreaded message "In 50 miles you will not be able to exceed 50 MPH". After that idle speed. Fortunately it was Monday about lunch time, local Ford dealer in Kalispell MT, Valley Ford took us in and fixed it in two hours including all kinds of testing. A sensor went bad along with the injector for the DEF into the system as it had crystallized. Known problem, not a recall as it's very random with 2014 and 2015 super duties. Thing I got a kick out of is the top Diesel Mechanic is a 30 something who has a computer degree and a diesel degree, almost everything he did in diagnostic and after fix tests was on a laptop sitting on our console, even speed and shifting.

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