The Ram diesel pickup trucks are known for their rugged power and durability.
However, in my experience as a mechanic, the Cummins diesel models often have a pesky issue , the “Service DEF System See Dealer” warning popping up.
When connected to an OBD scanner, it shows trouble codes like P203E or P203F (Depending on the model).
This same DEF system problem also affects Jeep models like the Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee equipped with Cummins diesels.
In this article, I’ll use my expertise to explain what the “Service DEF System” message really means, outline the common causes, and detail how to fix them.
The culprits and solutions apply to both Ram and Jeep vehicles with Cummins diesel engines.
Without wasting any more time, Let’s get started!
What Does the “Service DEF System See Dealer” Alert Mean?
In layman’s terms, DEF stands for Diesel Exhaust Fluid. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid System is a mechanism designed to reduce harmful emissions from your engine.
It does so by injecting a small amount of DEF into the exhaust stream, Which converts nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
When the “Service DEF System See Dealer” message comes up on your dashboard, it means the vehicle has detected an issue with the DEF tank or system.
This can be caused by a variety of issues (covered in detail below)
Service DEF System See Dealer Causes:
1. Overfilled DEF Tank
The most common cause is overfilling the DEF tank.
The tank is designed with an air gap at the top for the fluid level sensor to work properly.
Overfilling of your Diesel Exhaust Fuel tank can create issues with the DEF level sensor, a piece of tech introduced in the 2019 model.
An overfilled tank means there’s no air space for the Ultrasonic Frequency (UF) signal to bounce back to the sensor.
In simple terms? It’s like trying to get a cell phone signal in a tunnel; it just won’t work.
Here is an addition explaining dirty DEF injectors as another potential cause:
2. Dirty DEF Injectors
The diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system uses a special injector to spray DEF into the exhaust stream to reduce emissions.
Over time, this injector can get clogged with deposits and debris. This restricts DEF flow and hurts system performance.
Contaminants like dirt, minerals, and carbon buildup can foul the injector tip. The reduced flow can trick the system into thinking the DEF tank level is low.
This triggers warning lights and codes, prompting drivers to refill the tank. However, replenishing the DEF may not solve the root issue if the injectors are still dirty.
Cleaning the DEF injectors and clearing any blockages is needed to fully rectify the problem.
3. Residual Ice Buildup
The second common cause of the “Service DEF System” alert is ice build up.
In very cold climates, ice can build up in the DEF tank and components when temperatures are below 12°F.
As a result, the Diesel Exhaust Fluid can freeze, and sometimes it doesn’t thaw out properly when it warms up.
If there’s still a layer of ice in your tank when it’s trying to measure the DEF level, it can cause the sensor to give that alarming error message.
4. DEF Crystallization on Sensor
If you live in a very cold climate, then this
Long periods of cold exposure can also cause DEF fluid to crystallize on tank components like the level sensor.
Think of it as the frosty layer inside your freezer, but in this case, it’s messing with your truck’s ability to measure DEF.
Crystals obstruct the sensor and affect the level of accuracy.
As a result, the computer will pick up on this and display the ” Service DEF System See Dealer” warning message.
5. Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid
The fourth and final reason for the “Service DEF System See Dealer” warning is that the fluid level has dropped too low.
Low DEF Fluid The diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank needs to remain sufficiently filled for the system to operate properly.
This typically happens when the fluid is not topped up per the recommended maintenance schedule.
DEF breaks down over time and needs replenishing. The interval can vary based on driving habits and conditions.
- Aggressive driving,
- Frequent towing,
- Heavy Load Towing
- Extreme temperatures
can accelerate DEF consumption. If ignored long enough, the tank can run nearly empty.
This drastically skews the sensor readings.
Once the DEF reaches a critically low threshold, the warning light turns on.
How to Fix and Reset the Service DEF System See Dealer Message
Now that you know the leading causes of this alert, let’s go into more detail on how to fix and reset this message.
Depending on the main cause, here is what I recommend that you do.
- Overfilled DEF Tank: Drain excess fluid until the proper fill level is reached. This restores the air gap for the sensor.
- Dirty DEF injector: Remove the Injector and make sure that you clean it thoroughly
- Residual Ice Buildup: You’ll need to make sure your DEF tank is completely thawed. Ideally, let your truck sit in a warm garage or space overnight. If there’s stubborn ice, you might need to drain the fluid and remove all traces of it.
- DEF Crystallization: Flush the tank and components with new DEF or distilled water to dissolve crystals.
- Low DEF Fluid: Add enough DEF to reach proper fill level.
Resetting and Clearing the service DEF system message:
After identifying and addressing the cause, drive your truck under these conditions to reset the message:
Maintain highway speeds for at least 15 minutes, minimizing stops to reduce fluid movement in the DEF tank. Ensure both the ambient temperature and the DEF tank temperature are above 4°C (39°F).
Additional Sources:
https://www.gilbarco.com/us/blog/diesel-exhaust-fluid
https://www.ramtruck.ca/en_dir/pdf/RAMFact_3_EN.pdf
https://www.ram1500diesel.com/threads/question-for-those-who-have-cleaned-their-def-injector.9626/
your information has been more than helpful, but when it comes to restting it by driving it what if it only will go five miles per hour?