Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Strategy (DEF Level)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Strategy (DEF Level)
An adequate on-board supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is critical for the reduction of exhaust Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) levels within the Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) stage. This vehicle provides the driver with an elaborate series of prompts and warnings that are initiated when the DEF level falls below a calibrated value.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the DEF level and consumption rate in order to calculate an estimated range in miles remaining until the DEF reservoir is empty. DEF levels are detected by the 3-position solid-state DEF level sensor. Typically, DEF warnings begin once the estimated mileage falls below 1,609 km (1,000 mi). Once initiated, DEF warnings grow increasingly more serious as the remaining mileage decreases without a DEF refill. The vehicle's current DEF warning level is displayed on the scan tool as Reductant Level Warning Indicator Command Level 1 through Level 14.
Warning Level 1
Warning Level 1 is triggered when the DEF level falls below the top-most position of the DEF Level Sensor and the estimated range remaining is greater than 1609 km (1000 mi). No prompts or warnings are presented to the driver.
Warning Level 2
Warning Level 2 is triggered when the estimated range remaining falls below 1,609 km (1,000 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the message Exhaust Fluid Range X MI, where X is the estimated range remaining in miles. This message remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver.
Warning Level 3
Warning Level 2 automatically advances to Warning Level 3 when the ECM detects an ignition ON to ignition OFF event. A level 3 warning remains active as long as the estimated range remaining is greater than 483 km (300 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The DIC displays the message Exhaust Fluid Range X Miles, where X is the estimated range remaining in miles.
Warning Level 4
Warning Level 4 is triggered when the estimated range remaining falls below 483 km (300 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The message Exhaust Fluid Range X MI, where X is the estimated range remaining in miles is displayed in the DIC. This message is also displayed at the beginning of each ignition cycle. This message remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver.
Warning Level 5
Warning Level 5 is triggered when the estimated range remaining is less than approximately 121 km (75 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The message Exhaust Fluid Low - Speed Limited Soon, is displayed on the DIC. This message is also displayed at the beginning of each ignition cycle or a refill of the DEF reservoir is detected. This message remains in the DIC until acknowledged by the driver.
Warning Level 6
Warning Level 6 is triggered when the estimated range remaining is less than approximately 0 km (0 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The driver will hear 4 chimes on entering Warning Level 6. The DIC displays the following messages:
* Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
* 644 km (400 miles) until 105 km/h (65 mph) Max Speed
The messages are also displayed at the beginning of each ignition cycle. The Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now message remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver. The 644 km/h (400 mph) until 105 km/h (65 mph) Max Speed mileage countdown until speed limitation will remain displayed in the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel is continuously illuminated. The vehicle remains in Warning Level 6 until the DEF reservoir is refilled or the first mileage countdown expires.
After the first mileage countdown expires, the system will advance from Warning Level 6 to Warning Level 7.
Warning Level 7
Warning Level 7 is active after the first mileage countdown expires or without a refill of the DEF reservoir. The driver will hear 4 chimes on entering Warning Level 7. The DIC displays the following messages:
* Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
* Transitioning to 105 km/h (65 mph) Max Speed
The messages are alternately displayed every 5 seconds on the DIC. Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Transitioning to 105 km/h (65 mph), remains displayed in the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel is continuously illuminated.
Vehicle speed limit is ramping down from Max Speed limit to the limit of 105 km/h (65 mph).
Warning Level 8
Warning Level 8 is triggered after the speed limit ramp-down is complete or a key cycle. The driver will hear 4 chimes on entering Warning Level 8. The DIC displays the following messages:
* Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
* Speed Limited to 105 km/h (65 mph)
* 120 km (75 miles) until 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed
The messages are alternately displayed every 5 seconds on the DIC. The Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now message remains in the DIC until acknowledged by the driver and occurs every ignition cycle or a refill of the DEF reservoir is detected. The speed limited and mileage countdown for speed limitation remain displayed in the DIC
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel is continuously illuminated. The vehicle remains in Warning Level 8 until the DEF reservoir is refilled or the second mileage countdown expires.
Vehicle speed is limited to 105 km/h (65 mph).
Warning Level 9
Warning Level 9 is triggered after the second mileage countdown expires without a refill of the DEF reservoir. The driver will hear 4 chimes on entering Warning Level 9. The DIC displays the following messages:
* Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
* Transitioning to 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed
The messages are alternately displayed every 5 seconds on the DIC. Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now remains in the DIC until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Transitioning to 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed message remains displayed in the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously.
Vehicle speed limit is ramping down from 105 km/h (65 mph) Max Speed limit to 89 km/h (55 mph).
Warning Level 10
Warning Level 10 is triggered after the speed limit ramp-down is complete or a key cycle. The driver will hear 4 chimes on entering Warning Level 10. The 4 chimes are repeated 3 more times during this ignition cycle. The DIC displays the following messages:
* Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
* Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph)
* 120 km (75 miles) to 7 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed
The messages are alternately displayed every 5 seconds in the DIC. Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now remains in the DIC until acknowledged by the driver; however, the speed limited and mileage countdown for speed limitation remain displayed in the DIC message remains displayed in the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously. The vehicle remains in Warning Level 10 until the DEF reservoir is refilled or the third mileage countdown expires.
Vehicle speed is limited to 89 km/h (55 mph).
Warning Level 11
Warning Level 11 is not used.
Warning Level 12
Warning Level 12 is not used.
Warning Level 13
Warning Level 13 is triggered after the third mileage countdown expires without a refill of the DEF reservoir. The driver will hear 4 chimes on entering Warning Level 13. The DIC displays the following messages:
* Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
* Transitioning to 7 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed
The messages are alternately displayed every 5 seconds in the DIC. Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now remains in the DIC until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Transitioning to 7 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed message remains displayed in the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously. Vehicle speed limit is ramping down from 89 km/h (55 mph) max speed limit to 7 km/h (4 mph).
Warning Level 14
Warning Level 14 is triggered after the speed limit ramp-down is complete or a key cycle. The driver will hear 4 chimes on entering Warning Level 14. The 4 chimes are repeated every 3 minutes. The DIC displays the following messages:
* Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
* Speed Limited to 7 km/h (4 mph)
The messages are alternately displayed every 5 seconds in the DIC. Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now remains in the DIC until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 7 km/h (4 mph) message remains displayed in the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously. The vehicle remains in Warning Level 14 until the DEF reservoir is refilled.
Vehicle speed is limited to 7 km/h (4 mph).