Truck brand question

[rickbecker]

I have been a GMC person all my life. Current rig is 2013 Denali with the Duramax. Only problems with the truck have been emission control related. Have just started getting "Low quality Def fluid" warning on the panel and if I don't get it fixed the truck will go to limp mode (4mph). The def that I use is Blue Ice so doubt that quality is the real issue. I check born on dates on every box. Checking the internet this is no small problem to fix and pretty much requires dealer intervention. Don't even get a check engine code that can be cleared.


Can some of you chime in here and tell me how Ford and Dodge deal with emissions and do they even have "limp mode"?


Time for a new truck!!

[BritBox]

My 2016 Ram has pulled the same code twice about a year apart. In both cases I was travelling in the SW desert in 110 temps. Fortunately I made it to a dealer each time. The immediate problem was fixed by a computer reflash and no parts were needed. I was out about $400 each time. Ram has just released an emissions recall for a number of years of their diesel trucks. Cummins. I believe was also subject to a $1b+ fine for emission violations. I drive, when towing, with fingers crossed.

[Richard Blackwell]

My 2014 F350 dually only has a "limp" mode if the def fluid level gets down to less than 1 gallon remaining. It's a 5 gal tank which is usually good for around 1500+- miles before I get "low def" warning.

[Carl n Susan]

My 2015 Ford F350 holds 5 gallons of DEF. When the display says it is under 1/2 full, I go another 150 miles (it lies about being 1/2 full) and then I dump in a 2 1/2 gallon box of DEF. I get 2,000 to 2,500 miles on a box using the method. I find it hard to believe Richard Blackwell is only getting 1500+ miles on a full tank.

I have only hit the Ford 500 miles to "limp" mode twice and both were sensor errors that self corrected by adding a gallon or less of DEF.

[bshgto]

The brand to buy is the one YOU like and the opinions of others mean absolutely nothing. They all have issues of one kind or another. Although Dodge has just been busted for fudging the emissions tests to save money and will cost them 1.18 billion dollars in fines and will be forced to correct the issue on a million or so trucks with the diesel. At a cost of who knows what. Not sure it was worth it. So I wouldn`t own a truck with a converted farm tractor engine from the 1940`s and is not an American company anymore, but that`s just me. The others I would look at. LOL

[Rondo]

We had a 2012 Chevy 3500 with a Duramax and almost day one we had emission problems. It was the first year they came out with the use of DEF and I don't think GM had it together totally. Six months after purchasing the truck we had it in with the warning on the dash of emission problem. They changed sensors and it ran fine for a year or so then back into the dealer again for same problem. This went on for four years. and in 2016 we were down in AZ and it happened again and luckily we were close to a dealer and able to take it in again. This time we weren't so lucky. They had the truck for three or four weeks and still could not find the problem. They finally called the GM engineers and were told to change out the whole exhaust system. That cost us about four grand and yes I tried to fight it but to no avail. I went into my dealer and they tried to get some of my money back also but that didn't work. I was told by the top diesel mechanic at my dealer that to use ONLY Blue DEF. He said they are suppose to be all the same BUT they aren't. They all meet the government standards but the Blue DEF is special and he would not recommend or use anything but it. Anyway, we traded that 2012 for a 2018 with a 7 gallon DEF tank and use only Blue DEF and have had no problems what so ever. So I am sold on it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[twindman]

I have a 2012 Duramax. Right at 30K miles and I think maybe 2016 I got a DEF low or warning light. Limped to a dealer about 50 miles away. My 2012 had 2011 emission parts in it - that was the first year of DEF usage. There were sensors in the exhaust that were bad and the whole DEF tank and sensors were also suspect. GM had a recall and I got a 100,000 mile warranty on this part of the emissions stuff. No cost to me. I suppose you are way past any help from GM tho.

By the way, at the dealer it took them something like 4 hours of forced regen to get the exhaust cleaned out!!
Have also replaced a $2000 circuit board causing almost constant re-genning. Seems like I had one other episode of problems too. I HATE THE EMISSION STUFF!!!!!!!!!!

[bshgto]

Originally Posted by Rondo

We had a 2012 Chevy 3500 with a Duramax and almost day one we had emission problems. It was the first year they came out with the use of DEF and I don't think GM had it together totally. Six months after purchasing the truck we had it in with the warning on the dash of emission problem. They changed sensors and it ran fine for a year or so then back into the dealer again for same problem. This went on for four years. and in 2016 we were down in AZ and it happened again and luckily we were close to a dealer and able to take it in again. This time we weren't so lucky. They had the truck for three or four weeks and still could not find the problem. They finally called the GM engineers and were told to change out the whole exhaust system. That cost us about four grand and yes I tried to fight it but to no avail. I went into my dealer and they tried to get some of my money back also but that didn't work. I was told by the top diesel mechanic at my dealer that to use ONLY Blue DEF. He said they are suppose to be all the same BUT they aren't. They all meet the government standards but the Blue DEF is special and he would not recommend or use anything but it. Anyway, we traded that 2012 for a 2018 with a 7 gallon DEF tank and use only Blue DEF and have had no problems what so ever. So I am sold on it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Def is made by a only few companies and is rebranded for use by many. I use the Rual King $8.50 a container from day one, they sell skid loads of the stuff to bring in the farmers for other items. If there was a problem with the quality of the stuff they wouldn`t be in the business of selling items to the public and farmers. The blue box is all marketing and a play on the "I only use the best in my truck" type of guy and uses a well-designed box to attract people. Def is made to a government standard, that formula can`t be changed, modified, or deviated from in any form or fashion or face massive fines. I`s all the same. I know, I was told by my ......
To each his own.

[rickbecker]

$4400 for the repairs - new def tank, new def injector, new nox sensors , regen cycle on and on.


Any of you Ford folks have a $4400 repair for emission control stuff??

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by rickbecker

$4400 for the repairs - new def tank, new def injector, new nox sensors , regen cycle on and on.


Any of you Ford folks have a $4400 repair for emission control stuff??

Much less expensive than a new rig.

[LeftOverParts]

10 or 11 years is pretty young for a diesel truck. If it’s in good shape otherwise, I’m usually in the fix it camp.

Sounds like you’ve researched the issue in-depth. In case you hadn’t come across this post, guy states he replaced the NOx sensors, reset the codes, and eventually the poor def message went away (posts 1-16). Might be worth a try, esp if you have or can find a reliable indy truck shop near you.

https://www.duramaxforum.com/threads...reset.1011050/

[Jay & Bobbie]

thedieseldudes.com
bankspower.com
My go to places for power, mileage, and overall performance.

[mhs4771]

Early Duramax with DEF were known for bad NOx sensors. I don't think there was any recall, but if you had issues GM would replace them. Had both replaced on my 2011 and never had another problem. Traded in with 115K and still going strong.

[Ernie B]

Never any problems pulling 41 1/2 ft Montana w any of my RAMS

[jrsemrad]

I think it was Cummins that was fined.

[Majorpolk]

I don’t have that problem with my Duramax any more. Enough said.

[lewy64]

a little off the subject, but right now many people with chevy and gmc diesal trucks are having problems with transmission control modules failing, mine was sidelined 3 months. I recommend you put in an order for a new one. You don't want the experience some have had. some have been waiting 2 years for the part. the part centers around the years of 2011 and 3-4 years before and after. They seem to be pumping them out at a good pace now. I got gm to pay me half my vehicle payment for 3 months but had to go through complaint through the bbb. if your you don't have problems, they recommend moving the module from the radiator to on top of the fusebox with velcro.

[rohrmann]

We just passed 300,000 miles on our truck. Had the DEF tank replaced almost 150,000 miles ago due to the heater coil failed. Had a NOX sensor fail at 243,000 miles, so had both of them replaced. Had all the oxygen sensors replaced at various times. Had an injector fail while still under warranty. The turbo failed at about 161,000 miles. The truck still runs great and dread having to replace it with one of the new ones with even more electronic garbage that will fail more often.

[dvines]

It's possible to remove all the emission-related parts. Illegal? Yes, but it will permanently solve the problem. If you live in a state with emission testing, probably not practical. Lots of YouTube videos that describes the process. Good luck

[MichiganBill]

I had similar issue with a Cummins, 200 miles from nearest dealer and he was backed up 2 weeks. Talked to friend that is an Engineering manager at Cummins. Short story: very hot day, long hot pull, on bottom 1/4 tank of DEF. Sensors don't always get it right in those conditions. Filled DEF tank, disconnected batteries to reset sensors. Cleared issue. Now I try to run on top half of DEF tank, no further issues.