I just buy a jug at Auto Zone etc. FYI on a Ford when the warning comes on you need to add 2.5 gal or more to have the alarm reset. Adding a gallon won't reset the alarm.

I just add 2 1/2 gallons, aprox $15 takes 5 min.

As easy as puttin' in windshield washer fluid.

Mark is right, nothing magic about DEF but a few things to know might be helpful.

First, it doesn’t particularly like to be hot for long periods of time.  It has a shelf life.  So it’s not a good idea to store a spare container where it can get hot.  I like to get mine at Wal-Mart because if you look on the container it will have a date when the store got it.  Pick the newest container.

I’ve seen some auto stores shelve this in the window with the hot sun on it.  Not recommended as the truck will do a test for the quality of this stuff, by law.  If the test is bad it can cause it to go into limp.  (See below about “limp mode.”)

Use will depend on the amount of fuel the engine is using.  So when towing you will use more than when running solo – quite a bit more in some cases.

As commented, purchasing at Wal-Mart or the like can be much cheaper than at a dealer – half the price in some cases.

By federal law, if you run totally out, or the DEF is “bad,” eventually your truck will go into limp mode – i.e. it will limit the truck speed and eventually it won’t start.  I won’t go into all that but it’s in your manual.  Might be worth a read.

A slight pain, but there is a lot less soot coming out the tail pipes now.  This was required of most all diesel engines beginning in 2011. Dodge’s were a bit later but now all including Dodge / RAM require DEF.

I have no ideas what you’re referring to concerning a demagnetizer as pertains to DEF. You just pour it in the filler pipe.  (But it is April 1st.)

D and M wrote:

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Thanks Bill....great information.

I was reading on the Ford forum that Love's Truck Stops have a DEF pump that requires the demagnetizer tool. I don't understand the need either....maybe it was a April Fools joke ;>)

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No joke - some DEF pumps at truck stops require a magnet (not a demagnetizer) at the tank inlet (circular with a hole in the middle) that opens a valve in the dispenser nozzle. Many truck stops carry magnets that can be slid over the dispenser nozzle for trucks without the magnet built into the DEF inlet.

Rob

 

D and M,

I don't know about a demagnetizer, but at one truck stop an attendant came out and not only put something on the end of the nozzle, but also filled my tank.  I assumed it was a reducer since this pump was meant for semis.  It took forever to dribble it in.  Any attempt to speed it up and the pump would shut off.  I usually pay less than $3 gallon at the bulk pump but it's a pain so I pay $12 for 2 1/2 gallons at Wal-Mart.

Vance

Hdrider wrote:

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Napa Auto Parts has it on sale now and again for $8.00 for 2.5 gal. In fact I just picked up two while in Hawthorne Nevada a couple days ago.

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 Great price, but keep it cool and certainly out of the sun.  It has a shelf life totally based on temperature.

We add two boxes when the DEF gets half empty - not a big deal to add.

Have you read the ingredients? 65% water and 35% urea. Really? It's pee-water? I feel like someone is playing a big joke on us to see if we'll notice

Jodee

Every time DEF is talked about on the various truck forums I visit DEF is compared to urine.

DEF is a mixture of urea, not a mixture of urine. I realize this is not science class, but it’s nice to understand what urea really is. Natural urea is waste excreted by humans and other mammals from metabolizing protein. In humans, the liver breaks down protein and ammonia that forms the waste urea. The kidneys then transfer the urea from the blood to the urine. The average person can excrete 30 grams of urea a day, mostly from urine and some through perspiration. DEF, however, is made from a synthetic urea. It is produced from a compound of ammonia and carbon dioxide manufactured for uses such as animal feed and fertilizer.

DEF is used to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxides, know as NOx. Nitrogen oxide is formed in an internal combustion engine from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen during the combustion process. The NOx causes air pollution and in bigger cities is a major contributor of greenhouse gas.

Just and FYI, I just checked on NAPA's web site and found that at least the NAPA by where I am now has the DEF on sale for the month at $8.99.

Selah wrote:

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Mark. It is not BS.... It is DEF. Please do not confuse the two and put BS in the DEF tank. Your truck will run very poorly on BS but will do just fine on DEF.
I love these little acronyms...

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 Well, since BS has been brought into the conversation, I'll have to agree that it won't work well for diesel trucks.

However, back in the olden days, those traveling west in wagon trains would fasten a sort of sling or hammock-type device below their wagons.  Then, as they traveled across the plains (where fewer trees were to be found), they picked up BS (then more like the "B" stood for "buffalo") and tossed it in their sling.  Since what they picked up was dry, it could be used for campfires and cooking.

Now, with that bit of knowledge in your thoughts, imagine how their beef and beans tasted.

Terry