DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) [G2782600]

WARNING:

DEF must be kept out of children's reach, to avoid serious injury or death.

WARNING:

Read the label for safety precautions when using DEF, to avoid injury.

CAUTION:

DEF must be stored in the original container, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Observe the manufacturer's storage and handling recommendations. If inappropriately stored, DEF may spill or be exposed to contamination.

CAUTION:

DEF has a strong odour and can stain clothing or upholstery. Take care not to spill the fluid when performing a top-up procedure. In the event of spillage, rinse immediately with clean water.

CAUTION:

Take care DEF does not spill on the threaded portion of the filler neck or filler cap. In the event of spillage, wipe away the excess fluid from the threads to avoid crystallisation of the DEF when dry.

CAUTION:

When refilling, make sure that the correct specification of DEF is used. Use of the incorrect fluid can result in serious damage to the vehicle. In this situation, do not start the engine, contact a retailer/authorised repairer immediately.

Vehicles with a diesel engine may have a tank containing Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is used to make sure that correct exhaust emissions are achieved. DEF is also known as AdBlue™, AUS 32, and ARLA 32. AdBlue™ is a trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA).

Dependent on the current geographical location, correct use of the DEF system may be a legal requirement. Running the vehicle without the correct specification of DEF may be a criminal offence. Always use the correct DEF specification, and the correct quantity of DEF. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS and CAPACITIES.

The consumption of DEF can vary greatly. An average consumption rate can be 800 km (500 miles) / 1 L. However, this consumption rate can be more than doubled, depending on driving style, and road and weather conditions.

The distance until the DEF tank is empty and the volume of DEF required for refill is displayed via the Touchscreen:

  1. Touch the settings icon¹ from any screen.
  2. Touch the ALL soft key.
  3. Touch the Vehicle soft key.
  4. Touch the Service soft key.
  5. The DEF range and refill volume is displayed.
  6. Touch the exit icon² to return to the previously displayed screen.

The instrument panel displays a series of messages when the DEF level becomes low. The volume of DEF required for refill also accompanies each message:

  1. The first message is accompanied by a white warning icon, indicating low DEF level, and the distance remaining until the DEF tank is empty.
  2. The second message is accompanied by a yellow warning icon, indicating low DEF level, and the distance remaining until the DEF tank is empty.
  3. The third message is accompanied by a yellow warning icon, and starts a countdown of the distance remaining until the DEF tank is empty. After the countdown, vehicle start is inhibited.
  4. The final message is accompanied by a red warning icon and is displayed when the distance remaining is zero. The message states that no further restarts are possible until DEF is added to the tank.
NOTE:

When the DEF level becomes low, a notification displays in the instrument panel. Refill the DEF tank at the earliest opportunity. Contact a retailer/authorised repairer to arrange a full DEF refill.

To perform a full DEF system refill, it is recommended to contact a retailer/authorised repairer. If required, DEF can be added to the tank by following the top-up procedure.

The volume of DEF required to top-up or restart the engine is displayed in the instrument panel. Refill bottles are available from a retailer/authorised repairer.

To perform a DEF top-up procedure, locate the DEF tank. See FLUID FILLER LOCATIONS. Then, follow the steps below:

  1. Turn the tank filler cap counter-clockwise to remove.
  2. Making sure not to exceed the required volume, top-up the tank following the instructions given on the DEF container.
    NOTE:

    Non-drip bottles are the recommended method for top-up.

  3. Replace the tank filler cap and continually turn clockwise until hand tight.

If a DEF warning lamp, or message illuminates with a red warning icon, seek qualified assistance at the earliest opportunity. The possible events for this include DEF system malfunctions, incorrect fluid, and poor fluid quality. See DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) (RED) and DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) (YELLOW).

NOTE:

In extremely low temperatures below -10°C, DEF may freeze in the tank, making refilling difficult. Move the vehicle into a warmer environment, e.g., a garage. Raise the ambient temperature, in order to thaw the DEF, before attempting to top-up. In these conditions, it may take up to 1 hour of driving before the low DEF message extinguishes.

NOTE:

When starting and stopping the engine, operation of the DEF pumps may be heard, but this is no cause for concern.

NOTE:

The check engine warning lamp may illuminate after a refill. In this event, start the engine, run for approximately 30 seconds, and then switch off the engine. Do this three times in succession. See CHECK ENGINE (YELLOW).

Settings icon.¹

Exit icon.²