How to Clear Service Def System Message - 4 Methods

It’s a regular day, and you decide to go on a drive. You turn on the ignition and crank up your engine but the Service SEF system Message takes you by surprise. If it’s your first time seeing this message, you must be lost in a maze of thoughts about what it means but if you know what it means you might be wondering why is it being displayed on your control centre.

DEF is the short-form of Diesel Exhaust Fumes and the service DEF system message indicates an internally lying issue within the DEF system, which can either be low DEF fluid, disrupted sensors, cold weather, etc. Sometimes this message appears even though you resolved all the issues. In that case, it is confusing how to clear the service DEF system message so let’s get to know the possibilities.

What Does Service DEF System See Dealer Mean?

A car’s dashboard usually displays a message stating “Service DEF System, See Dealer” when the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system is having issues. These problems include low DEF fluid levels, fluid contamination, crystallization in the DEF fluid, etc.

The message suggests that the problem is severe enough for you to now visit a dealer. A dealer is a professional who will solve your car problems in a skilled manner. This message is shown by the Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC). They are signaled when the DEF fluid is not up to mark.

Sometimes, the DEF quality sensor connector corrosion or contamination can also cause this message to be displayed. If the fused battery supply circuit is open or if there is high resistance, the ‘DEF system see dealer’ message is again displayed on the car’s dashboard.

So whenever you come across the ‘see dealer’ do visit a professional and get the issue within the DEF system fixed.

Common Causes of Service DEF System Alerts

The Service DEF system alerts are useful to indicate issues in the DEF system. The function of the DEF fluid is to reduce nitrogen emissions from diesel engines. The common causes of Service DEF system alerts include:

Low DEF Levels

The DEF warning system is mainly designed to alert about low DEF levels. This helps the driver know when to refill the DEF fluid. Sometimes the diesel exhaust fluid system ends up leaking. This occurs when the system connecters are loosely fit or faulty, or when the DEF components are damaged and the fluid starts to seep out. When there is a substantial leak, the fluid levels fall critically low and the Service DEF system alert is automatically turned on.

When this happens, you need to first check the DEF system for leaks if you recently refilled the DEF fluid. Secondly, when the warning light is on, and the fluid level is low, you should immediately refill the DEF fluid to the desired level.

DEF Fluid Contamination

When the DEF fluid is dirty or contaminated, the Service DEF alerts are turned on because the efficiency of the DEF fluid decreases drastically. The fluid can either be replaced or cleaned to restore the DEF system’s efficiency.

Other Causes Of Def System Error

Some problems such as crystallization in the DEF fluid due to overdosing, low quality or diluted DEF fluid, cold weather, and using fluid other than DEF fluid for example engine oil or fuel can harm the DEF system. This inefficiency and damage in the DEF system is occasionally a cause of service DEF system alerts.

Step-by-Step Guide On How to Clear Service DEF System See Dealer Message

A DEF message constantly appearing on your car’s display can be rather annoying. However, there are ways that you can clear the service DEF message, so let’s get started.

Method 1. By Restoring The DEF Fluid Levels

If the level of DEF fluid in your car is low, the service DEF message will be displayed constantly until the requirement is fulfilled. When you refill the DEF fluid, the restoration of fluid levels will automatically press the service message to stop showing.

DEF is held independently in a completely separate tank beneath the hood, in contrast to conventional gasoline additives or cleansers that are introduced to the fuel tank. In most cars, the DEF tank is located behind the crankshaft block on the frontal passenger side. Its blue cover makes it easy to spot and distinguish among the various tanks in the vehicle.

Even though adding DEF to the tank once every 6000 miles might sound like a hassle, it’s crucial. After adding DEF ignite the car and leave it idle for about half a minute. Within the following five minutes, the message will vanish gradually.

Method 2. Using a Scan Tool to Reset

Thankfully, a diagnostic tool may assist you restore the exhaust fluid system along with eliminating the service DEF notice in only 7 easy steps.

Attach the scanner with the scan socket on the control panel.
Activate the scanner by tapping on “Module setup.”
After selecting the “Reductant” fluid, select “Tank level reset.”
Next, reset the operating system, the alert will disappear.
Go back to the “Reductant Data Reset” to press the reset button once more.
The message will appear momentarily before disappearing like the last time.
Now that all the steps are followed, the system will effectively reset.

Method 3. Through Unplugging the Battery Cables

According to some customers, unplugging both negative battery wires for 30 seconds is all it takes to get rid of service DEF alerts from their cars. By doing this, the system will undergo a prompt reset, hopefully fixing any issues. By doing this, the system will undergo a prompt reset, hopefully fixing any issues. It’s crucial to keep in mind that not every car or circumstance will benefit from this approach.

Method 4. Through the ABS/Speed Sensor Separation:

Disconnecting the ABS sensor is an alternative compared to the other options, which might assist in removing the system DEF message. You can attempt removing the speed sensor from the transfer case assuming you have already disconnected the ABS sensor but the velocity limitation is still constraining you. The alert will vanish after the ABS sensor is disconnected.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Future DEF Issues

If you want your engine to work smoothly, the DEF issues need to be avoided. DEF that is not up to mark can deteriorate the engine to harmful points, hence, making it critical to avoid problems in the DEF. For that, we need preventive measures that successfully block future DEF issues.

Replace DEF Fluid Regularly: Just like other fluids in an engine system, your DEF fluid also has a set shelf life. If you fail to replace it regularly with new and good-quality fluid, the old expired DEF will start to damage your engine system. The DEF is mainly made up of 32.5% urea plus water. With the expiration of these major ingredients, DEF becomes useless, hence, making it necessary for it to be replaced regularly, i.e. yearly if it hasn’t been corrupted before then.
Prevent Contamination: Preventing contamination of the DEF fluid is one of the major measures you can take to avoid future DEF issues. DEF fluid only works best if it is pure and uncorrupted. Any contamination of chemicals or metal particles can make it lose its purpose. A visual inspection that shows a color change or cloudy look can help you determine if it is contaminated. You can prevent this contamination by using an unused funnel for pouring DEF fluid into its container. It is also important to clean the nozzles for this fluid as this helps obstruct contamination.
Store at the Recommended Temperature: It is important to keep the DEF fluid away from heat and sunlight as it can deteriorate the fluid readily. The DEF fluid stays undamaged when the temperature is cold but has a negative impact in the opposite case. For this reason, it needs to be stored in a cool and covered container where it is protected from heat, sunlight, and contamination.

5 mph Max service DEF system reset

When your system shows the 5 mph Max service message, the system needs a DEF system reset. For that, you need to follow the following steps.

Check the code using an OBDII scanner. This helps access the car’s diagnostic system.
Your scanner either says ‘Reductant Pump A Control Circuit/Open’ or ‘Injector’, both indicating an issue within the DEF system.
Now address the faults within the DEF system by replacing or refilling the DEF fluid, changing or tightening the plugs and batteries, etc.
Now use the OBD-II scanner to clear the fault codes.
Turn your car off and wait for some time.
Restart the car to check if the message disappeared. The message won’t be present of the issue is resolved.

What Are the Consequences of Ignoring a Service DEF Message?

The computer in your car carefully monitors emissions, making sure that it complies with all safety and regulatory requirements. It keeps an eye on the levels of diesel exhaust fluid and turns on the DEF light as soon as it senses a low level. This automatic mechanism acts as a preventative measure by alerting drivers to any DEF shortage and fixing it, which helps to make the car run more smoothly and sustainably.

The computer switches to reduced power mode when the DEF level falls below a critical point, maintaining legal emission limits but degrading the car’s efficiency. If you are on a long drive, and your car turns off due to low DEF levels, you will need to get it towed unless a refill is available immediately.

A DEF service message is provided solely for the reason that you don’t end up stranded with your car shutting down unexpectedly. If you ignore a service DEF message, you will end up in an even more problematic situation where not only your car isn’t going to turn on but the other components might also get damaged.

If you decide to ignore the service DEF message, do it at your own risk, and be ready to face the consequences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we now understand the Service DEF System messages comprehensively, including their definitions, causes, and detailed advice for resolving and resetting them. It is significant to take precautions to avoid DEF problems in the future. Disregarding these alerts may result in decreased efficiency of the entire engine system. If you want a smoother driving experience, a longer vehicle lifespan, and to be environmentally responsible, preventive and resolving measures for a DEF alert are compulsory.

Faqs:

Your vehicle shows a DEF system message when there is an issue in the emission control system. This can be low DEF fluid, loose plugs, or contaminated fluid. The message indicates that the issue requires immediate attention, and ignoring it could lead to potential damage to the engine.

To check the DEF level you first need to locate the DEF tank which has a cap blue in color. Next, you measure the DEF level using a dipstick if no electronic gauge is available. Simply dip the stick in the fluid and read the marking to check the DEF level. However, if you have an electronic gauge, installed in your car, the DEF level can automatically be visible.

Yes, you can refill the DEF tank yourself. Simply locate the DEF tank, open its blue cap, and pour the DEF fluid into the tank using a funnel. Use a funnel that is clean and unused to avoid fluid contamination. Vehicles have a sensor that alerts you when your DEF fluid is low, don’t ignore it.

You should check the fluid for contamination and also consider any possible leaks in the system components if the DEF message doesn’t clear even after refill. You can even perform a system reset or check for fault codes that possibly need to be addressed. If you try all troubleshooting options and still fail, visit a professional.

You should service your vehicle’s DEF system every 1 to 2 years, depending on how much you run your vehicle. The service needs to be done each time you change your DEF fluid which should be done every 30000 miles. This allows the fluid to function efficiently and also avoids contamination.

Yes, the weather can affect your DEF system as it affects the DEF fluid. In extreme heat or if exposed to sunlight the DEF fluid disintegrates causing it to lose its efficiency, consequently becoming harmful to the engine. For this reason, it is best to keep the DEF fluid in a covered tank that does not let the heat and sunlight enter the DEF system. The DEF system runs fine in cold weather since DEF fluid is not affected by cold.

How to Clear Service Def System Message – 4 Methods

What Does Service DEF System See Dealer Mean?