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Old 10-19-2015, 02:41 PM   #1
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Def

How often do others add def I have 4200 mi and no light yet. Don't know if delivery driver added any. Should I keep it full?


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Old 10-19-2015, 02:45 PM   #2
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I have 7500 miles on mine and still no need to add DEF. I will worry about it when the light eventually tells me to add more. I will have a 2.5 gal jug with me when I go on the Big trip early Winter. There are Wally Worlds everywhere..
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Old 10-19-2015, 02:52 PM   #3
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On our 2012, DEF light first came on at about 4300 miles. Took just over 2 gallons. 2 1/2 gallon "standard" DEF jug will overflow. Label under hood says to add at least 2 gallons if dash light has come on. Seems to take two starts, with leaving the ignition on before starting until most indicators go out, to reset the dash warning light. I now try to avoid the dash warning light by adding one gallon 3000 miles after filling the DEF, then one gallon every 2000 miles.
Think earlier Soleras had a bigger tank not under the hood. Possible that newer units also have a larger DEF tank.
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Old 10-19-2015, 04:41 PM   #4
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Thanks! This forum is great for answers to any question one may have.


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Old 10-19-2015, 06:21 PM   #5
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I was @ 4800 miles when my light came on the first time. I now just top off on occasion in case the guy that designed our holding tank gauges is related to the DEF gauge guy, lol!
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Old 10-19-2015, 06:32 PM   #6
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I added 1.5 gallons at 2,500 miles.
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Old 10-19-2015, 06:39 PM   #7
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You did not mention vehicle brand but GM says when you change oil at 7500 miles it will be time to add at that time. LaterRJD
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Old 10-19-2015, 06:42 PM   #8
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This is the Solera sub forum, so MBS.
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Old 10-19-2015, 06:50 PM   #9
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When the light comes on, if you drive several hundred more miles (approx) an entire 2.5 gal jug of DEF will fit without overflowing. Terra Cair Ultra Pure DEF (sold at Tractor Supply and other places) has a fill spout that fits better than the Blue DEF typically sold at Wally World. DEF is mixed in at approximately 50:1 ratio to fuel being consumed, on average, so # miles before light comes on depends on a number of factors, but mainly how much fuel is being used per mile. That varies with terrain, whether towing, speed, etc.

Hope this helps,
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Old 10-19-2015, 07:32 PM   #10
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The DEF injection rate is approx. 50 parts fuel to 1 part DEF. You can figure roughly 14 mpg, that will dial you pretty close. Just sayin'
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Old 10-19-2015, 09:35 PM   #11
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I've seen the 50:1 fuel-to-DEF number several places before. Says I should be adding a gallon of DEF about every 700 miles. Actual is more like a gallon every 1750 to 2000 miles on my 2012 Solera. Measured several times. ???
On units with under hood DEF tanks, the DEF dash warning comes on at a little over 2 gallons down ... we would be getting dash light DEF warnings at about 1400 miles. Does not happen on our 2012.
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Old 10-20-2015, 08:57 AM   #12
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2015 Solera DEF Consumption after 9K miles

I maintain a fuel log and find that I'm using approximately 1 ounce of DEF per gallon of diesel. At 14 MPG, you can figure approximately 1,800 miles per gallon of DEF. This is an estimate and will vary depending on driving conditions and start/stop cycles. Think of it like this "If you can't count heads, count feet and divide by 2 ... you'll be close."

Also, if you maintain your DEF tank and take your MBS for service to a Benz dealer, BE CERTAIN to tell them not to add DEF; annotate their paperwork with your request. Our local Sprinter authorized Benz dealership zinged me for 2 gallons at double the WalMart price; the white powdery residues of which were splashed all over the engine compartment since it only needed about a pint, if that. All this despite my only authorizing "minimal service" of an oil and filter change.
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Old 10-20-2015, 09:15 AM   #13
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Look like the 50:1 isn't accurate for the MB sprinter. Both you guys figure about 128 parts fuel (gallon) to 1 part (oz) DEF @ 14 mpg. Math: 14 mpg x 128 oz DEF = 1,792 mpg of DEF.That seems to work out to the mileage calculation you both experienced. Thanks.

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Old 11-04-2015, 11:56 AM   #14
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When winterizing thought I would top off the def no light only have 4666 miles it took 2 1/2 gal and not full that I can see. Should I add more? Until it's visible in the tank? Or call it good?


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Old 11-04-2015, 12:01 PM   #15
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I would call it good since def has a shelf life and you can go a lot of miles on the def in there. You are probably almost full if you have a newer chassis with the smaller tank.
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Old 11-04-2015, 12:09 PM   #16
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Sounds like your DEF tank is different than mine (2012 Solera). After my DEF warning light illuminates, mine will only take about 2 1/4 gallons. I would have used maybe 2 3/4 to 3 gallons in 4666 miles and would have had a DEF warning illuminated on my dash.
Sounds like your system is different - you wil likely have to characterize your system (my experience - and others with similar systems - won't help).
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