DEF filter? 2020 2500

[Marp]

After throwing a perform service code, I got a read out saying it was "P203F reductant level too low". After waiting a week and having to rent a car, dealer cleared it and didn't find anything. Less than 3 hours later, "perform service" came back. They got me in again and just told me that it is a service code for a def filter which needs to be changed every 15k at a cost of $500. Anybody know anything about this. This is my 7th RAM 2500 with a cummins and may be my last

 

[tjfdesmo]

I think you need a new dealer.

 

[KKBB]

^^^^ Yep. Never heard of a DEF filter. Find a new dealer that doesn't suck

 

[StNick]

I am pretty familiar with DEF systems (I went through the growth of the DEF systems since I was a big truck driver for 20 years, and I never heard of a DEF filter. However, there is an exhaust carbon filter required since around 2007 on just about all diesels, that periodically has to be replaced (it clogs up mainly with carbon that the regenerate system has not removed. Maybe this is what they are talking about. I have heard about this replacement costing over $1000 and cannot be done by the vehicle owner. This is why when I bought my truck I looked for a 97 or older. California is now doing some checks on diesels 98 and newer.

 

[StNick]

Oh by the way, is it possible you let the def get too low? That could be what the message Redactant level too low means? On most big trucks if the def gets too low the computer limits your speed to 55. If the driver ignores that, the next level is a limit of 25 and if you shut the key off, it will not restart. These are EPA requirements and not the truck manufacturer.

 

[crash68]

If there was a DEF filter, what's the dealership list the part number as?

is it possible you let the def get too low? That could be what the message Redactant level too low means?

If the DEF level is too low there is usually a mileage countdown on the dash. My EcoDiesel actually warns me ahead of time, I've filled the tank when a 500 miles to Empty notice appeared on the dash.
Interesting thing about the level sensors used with DEF, they're not a physical float like the fuel but an ultrasonic/radar that measures the DEF level by the difference between the fluid and the air in the tank. If you overfill the tank sometimes the sensor can read the tank level correctly.

 

[tjfdesmo]

When the DEF level gets to a certain point, I think(?) two gallons remaining, it will give a message to fill DEF soon, no code. Then, at the next point it will give a countdown *** miles to derate. I regularly wait until the first warning, and sometimes until the countdown before adding a jug of DEF. Never threw a code. The DEF level works by sonar, and can be problematic, especially where the temp gets low enough for DEF to freeze, 12'F. They also do fail.

Big trucks generally do have a DEF filter, BTW.

 

[Np2mr]

I have a 2022 2500CTD, under 500 miles. Last week I was driving to work and got a message that the DEF required service, then the limp mode warning….

Took it to the dealership yesterday. P203E code. I was told that the DFE was frozen and the sensor could not read the fluid. They drained the factory DEF, “thawed the tank”, refilled and flashed the PCM.

Service writer told me that they see this sometimes in the newer designed DEF tanks (?). I was told that prior to them doing the flash they would see some trucks come back, but not recently.

I am confused though. The day that I pulled the warning was about 40 degrees. There is supposed to be a heater for the DEF tank that should thaw it out and prevent this.

Not sure if this exact ally relates to your situation….

 

[tjfdesmo]

The DEF level sensor went from ultrasonoc to sonar. The DEF tank heater only works when the truck is running, and if it is cold enough it may stay frozen long enough to throw a code. DEF freezes at 12 degrees. Overfilling can also prevent the sonar from being able to read the ping, and can cause a code. The tank is designed to maintain an air gap at the top to leave room for expansion/freezing, and to allow the level sensor to work properly. Overfilling is not a good idea.

 

[Timsdually]

After throwing a perform service code, I got a read out saying it was "P203F reductant level too low". After waiting a week and having to rent a car, dealer cleared it and didn't find anything. Less than 3 hours later, "perform service" came back. They got me in again and just told me that it is a service code for a def filter which needs to be changed every 15k at a cost of $500. Anybody know anything about this. This is my 7th RAM 2500 with a cummins and may be my last

Have you changed your fuel filters yet?
15,000 miles is quite a bit if you haven't.

Maybe they were thinking DPF??