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Old 05-29-2019, 06:01 PM   #1
freich1
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Duramax DEF problems

I know this is a Montana forum, but so many of you tow with a Duramax I thought I might ask this question. How many of you have had your reduction heater in your DEF tank replaced? Sounds like it is a big problem nation wide. Mine needs to be replaced and the part is on nation wide back order. They have no idea when it will come in. Wonder if any of you have any suggestions? I don't know what you are suppose to do when you need your truck.
 
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Old 05-29-2019, 06:16 PM   #2
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Just had mine replaced 2 months ago on my 2016 2500 HD took 2 weeks to get the part in. The dealer said chevy had 15,000 on order Yes they have a problem But they told me to keep the tank about 1/2 full at all times if possible.
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Old 05-29-2019, 06:26 PM   #3
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That's news to me since I have a 2015 Duramax. Does this failure take place due to age, mileage or how often the auto process kicks in on you. Just had a major rebuild on my air conditioner, that seized up, snapped my belts for the tune of $3K.
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Old 05-29-2019, 06:29 PM   #4
Roadtravelers
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It was extremely cold this year in Iowa but a friend of mine has a 2015 2500 HD We park next to each other and his went out 2 days before mine he has 42000 miles on his.
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Old 05-29-2019, 08:03 PM   #5
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2015 duramax 3500. The heater went out about one year ago at 78000 miles. Since then I had the level indicator stick at 28%, had to go to dealer and have computer flashed. Tech said not to let the def level go very low or it can stick again.
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Old 05-29-2019, 08:26 PM   #6
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This all seems contrary to other threads and, I think, the Duramax manual. Seems like most recommendations are to run it down below 20% before adding DEF. I recall reading somewhere that you could mess things up if you added DEF before you got to the 20% warning.

My 2016 only reads "Ok" until you get to the 1000 mile or 20% level. Are we suppose to guess at the level and add 2.5 gal every 3000 miles regardless of indicators or recommendations to let it run low before adding?
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Old 05-29-2019, 08:33 PM   #7
Last2Die
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Mine went out a few months ago. Replaced under repair bulletin no cost less then a day to fix no waiting. No problems since. I was never told to keep it 1/2 full, full or to not let it run out. Don’t really think about it much after the repair.
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Old 05-29-2019, 09:48 PM   #8
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A couple years ago, our DEF tank had to be replaced due to the heater element embedded in the tank had developed an open in the element. A new tank and labor was over $800. The info display said I had 100 miles to go until the speed was restricted to 65 MPH, and counted down as I drove. The dealer I took the truck to had the replacement tank in stock, and that told me this was a common failure on my year. I've never had a problem adding DEF fluid at any time, but usually wait until the display indicates it is at or below 20%, and then I can add two 2 1/2 gallon boxes of fluid.
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Old 05-30-2019, 08:46 AM   #9
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I don't think it matters the mileage, year of truck, or anything, it just happens when ever it wants to. It is covered by an extended warranty, but they seem to come up with something else they can charge you for. I understand that even though they fix it ,it can happen again. I have been waiting for my repair for about 4 weeks now, and still no idea when the part will come in.
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Old 05-30-2019, 09:16 AM   #10
Mikendebbie
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DEF tank heater

The tank heater went out in my (former) 2014 Chevy 3500 SRW at 100,825 miles in early February 2019...825 miles out of warranty (DOH!). Dealer quoted $1100 for replacement. I do not remember if they had the parts or not. I kept driving it for a couple of weeks until DW and I decided to trade it in on a 2019 Chevy DRW. It was not very cold in TX at the time, and besides the "check engine" light being on all the time, I did not notice any difference.

For the 2014 Chevy, I always waited until to add DEF until the warning showed up in the DIC "985 miles to add DEF" or whatever it said - then I would add 2.5 gallons. For my new truck (2019) dealer tech told me I could fill it up with 5 gallons when the message appears. He said you can fill it up to the point where it runs out of the fill port. I have only tried a 5 gallon fill one time so far and it did not run over the fill port.
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Old 05-30-2019, 09:43 AM   #11
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I just add DEF when I think about it, sometimes only takes a gallon or so and when I get the oil change they top it off my gauge alway says OK never knew it changed. My truck is a 3500 2015 with 26K miles and I live in CA. I heard in 2020 the DEF tank was going away and if that is true I will upgrade to a 2020 3500HD dually. I did remove my fuel tank and replaced it with a 65 gal. tank makes it nice stopping where it's easy.
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Old 05-30-2019, 10:07 AM   #12
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Failed in the first year 2014, deleted last year so no more def required
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Old 05-30-2019, 10:13 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skw774 View Post
Failed in the first year 2014, deleted last year so no more def required
Lucky you I am in CA so we have smog checks every 2 years, a friend of mine live in AZ and he has a power chip and no DEF.
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Old 05-30-2019, 11:22 AM   #14
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Thumbs down 2011 LML DEF TANK Replaced 2x's , then just did the delete.

2011 LML 205K miles , DEF Tank And hEATers Replaced 2x's ( aprox $2,000$ each time ) , then just did the delete.
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Old 05-30-2019, 11:25 AM   #15
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[QUOTE For my new truck (2019) dealer tech told me I could fill it up with 5 gallons when the message appears. He said you can fill it up to the point where it runs out of the fill port. I have only tried a 5 gallon fill one time so far and it did not run over the fill port.[/QUOTE]


That's what I was told or read for my 2016 3500 GMC. And I've read where it is bad for it to add before the warning. I've only filled twice. Both times the warning came on at inconvenient times, so put on a couple hundred miles before adding DEF. 5 gallons and no problems. Just wondering if this thread is changing my mind about that approach. I may have to have a conversation with the maintenance department at the next oil change.
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Old 06-05-2019, 01:25 PM   #16
JOSEPHSTILESCCS
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2016 High Country 1 ton, Duramax Dually.
Been replaced twice in under 30K miles
Both covered under warranty.
Think they have a problem
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Old 06-05-2019, 01:29 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ridgecrest View Post
2011 LML 205K miles , DEF Tank And hEATers Replaced 2x's ( aprox $2,000$ each time ) , then just did the delete.
Wondering where you get the delete ? I have a diesel car that I put a delete on and it's worked well for a couple years. No way I would pay that kind of money to replace the heater.
I find it strange they didn't put a gauge so you can keep an eye on the level. My son's Dodge has a gauge and just seem to make sense.
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Old 06-05-2019, 01:44 PM   #18
JeffBusarow
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Had mine done last week after getting the dashboard message. Only took 3 hours. Chevy paid it all.
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Old 06-05-2019, 02:12 PM   #19
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DEF tank heater failure - Chevrolet Notice

I have a 2014 Silverado 3500HD DMax and received a letter from Chevy in late 2016 about this problem. I had no issues at the time but a few months later the check engine light came on. My mechanic said the code was" P21DD - Reductant Tank Heater" and there was a bulletin on it. Took it to the dealer and they replaced it at no cost. According to the letter from Chevy, the warranty on this item was extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from date vehicle was put in service. I've had no issues with it since then, but I only have 55k miles on a 2014.
For those who have paid to have this replaced within the 10 yr/120k miles extended warranty, you should be able to submit a Reimbursement Request Form (#29400). This is obviously a known problem as the dealer knew exactly what it was.
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Old 06-05-2019, 02:23 PM   #20
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Def Tank

Had to replace mine as well in the winter of 2017.
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