Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Strategy (DEF Quality): Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 GMC Savana 3500, 2019 GMC Savana 2500, 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500, and 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A supply of clean, fresh Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is critical for optimum Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) efficiency. SCR efficiency is determined by monitoring the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) sensors located upstream and downstream of the SCR. This vehicle provides the driver with an elaborate series of prompts and warnings that are initiated when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects a drop in the SCR NOx reduction efficiency suggesting a diluted or contaminated DEF supply.

When contaminated or diluted DEF is suspected, the ECM initiates the DEF Quality warning process. Once initiated, DEF quality warnings grow increasingly more serious as the vehicle continues to be driven. The vehicle's current DEF quality warning status is displayed on the scan tool. When a drop in SCR efficiency is detected, the normally Off Reductant Field Quality Warning Indicator Command will display Warning Level 1 through Warning Level 11 depending on the number of miles driven. The series of DEF Quality Warnings alert the driver that DEF system service is urgently needed.

In order to clear the Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor warning, the reductant tank must be drained and refilled with fresh reductant. Refer to Contaminants-in-Diesel Exhaust Fluid Diagnosis . The Reductant System Tamper Service Bay Test must be preformed to verify proper operation of the reductant system and clear the Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor warning after the condition causing the warning has been repaired. Refer to Reductant System Malfunction Service Bay Test.