Service DEF system

[Ruby Mike]

This morning I got the "Service DEF system, contact dealership" message. When I called the service department was told to drive it unless some other code showed. I have an appointment in a week but was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

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[Capricorn]

Was it a transient message and now gone or does it persist?

Here is something interesting I found from 2016 for JGC.

https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/service-def-system-see-dealer.100512/

Anyway, if your issue was transient, as mine was, then now you've cleared the DTC and the problem hasn't immediately recurred. So, the "Service DEF" message pops up, but no CEL is on. If so, then all you need to do is drive around a bit. If my hazy memory serves, the vehicle will be convinced the problem is gone if it hasnt recurred after three engine restarts plus some minimal driving (I think I drove about 20 miles). At that point the historical DTC regarding the DEF will no longer be visible in Torque, no "Service DEF" message will display in EVIC, and your EPA masters will allow you to continue to drive your vehicle... for now.

 

[Ruby Mike]

Was it a transient message and now gone or does it persist?

Here is something interesting I found from 2016 for JGC.

https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/service-def-system-see-dealer.100512/

I just started the jeep and got the service DEF system warning and the check engine light. I am going to drop off the jeep in a little over a week. Hopefully this is a minor problem.

 

[Capricorn]

I just started the jeep and got the service DEF system warning and the check engine light. I am going to drop off the jeep in a little over a week. Hopefully this is a minor problem.

Yeah. What is the DEF level?

 

[Ruby Mike]

Yeah. What is the DEF level?

Full. I topped it off about a week ago. The DEF was clear.

 

[Gorilla57]

Did you drive it 3 on/off cycles since filling the DEF? What code did you get? I posted how utterly stupid the sensor system is in the new diesels from FCA. It’s probably just overfull and you are fine.

 

[Ruby Mike]

Did you drive it 3 on/off cycles since filling the DEF? What code did you get? I posted how utterly stupid the sensor system is in the new diesels from FCA. It’s probably just overfull and you are fine.

Yes, I have have done the 3 on/off. But the indicator is at the full mark. Very possible to be over full. Thanks

 

[Compression-Ignition]

Full. I topped it off about a week ago. The DEF was clear.

Define 'I topped it off'.

Filled to the neck and called it good?
Or filled to the neck, let it bleed air and repeat?

 

[Ruby Mike]

Define 'I topped it off'.

Filled to the neck and called it good?
Or filled to the neck, let it bleed air and repeat?

I filled the tank to the neck. The code popped after about 200 miles. I opened the DEF tank cap a couple of times. I have filled the tank before and never had any problems.

 

[MARSHMELLA]

When mine did that a while back it was because the DEF fluid crystallizes in the tank and/or hose system.
The dealer technician told me that all DEF tanks do this eventually. There’s nothing you can do to prevent it. The longer the fluid stays in the tank, the more likely it is to crystallize. The new generation EcoDiesel can go even longer than the older ones with its DEF. so common sense would say that this is going to be more of an issue now.
I had my EcoDiesel for about 2 years and 50,000 miles when this happened.
The entire DEF system had to be replaced. My extended warranty covered it and I think it was somewhere north of $3,000 for everything.

 

[Ruby Mike]

When mine did that a while back it was because the DEF fluid crystallizes in the tank and/or hose system.
The dealer technician told me that all DEF tanks do this eventually. There’s nothing you can do to prevent it. The longer the fluid stays in the tank, the more likely it is to crystallize. The new generation EcoDiesel can go even longer than the older ones with its DEF. so common sense would say that this is going to be more of an issue now.
I had my EcoDiesel for about 2 years and 50,000 miles when this happened.
The entire DEF system had to be replaced. My extended warranty covered it and I think it was somewhere north of $3,000 for everything.

Ouch. The jeep is a 2020 and only has 11900 miles on it. Well within the warranty. The jeep goes to the shop the 18th.

 

[MARSHMELLA]

Ouch. The jeep is a 2020 and only has 11900 miles on it. Well within the warranty. The jeep goes to the shop the 18th.

No worries then. Warranty will do it’s thing all you’ll be back on the road in no time.

 

[Ruby Mike]

No worries then. Warranty will do it’s thing all you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Many thanks for the info.

 

[Ruby Mike]

I opened the DEF cap and let it sit for a while. The service DEF system code is gone, but the check engine light is on. No error codes. When I take the jeep in Monday for the tailgate reinforcement and big tire kit, the engine light should be reset.

 

[Jteakus]

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