TSB150002-010815

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
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Technical Service Bulletin Number
TSB150002
Technical Service Bulletin
Subject
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
Issue
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) contamination is one of the primary contributors of aftertreatment
related component malfunction.
Verification
The following are indicators of DEF contamination.




Early or frequent aftertreatment diesel exhaust fluid dosing unit and aftertreatment diesel
exhaust fluid dosing unit filter replacement.
Visual inspection of the DEF tank, aftertreatment diesel exhaust fluid dosing unit, and
aftertreatment diesel exhaust fluid dosing unit filter revealing contamination.
 Signs of debris near the bottom of the DEF tank and DEF tank pick up screen.
 Petroleum based liquids will separate from the DEF and rise to the top. Check for
separation of the fluids as well as characteristic smells.
 Typically non-petroleum based liquids have coloring and will mix with DEF. If the
DEF has a color tint to it, look for other fluids used on the vehicle that may match,
such as coolant or windshield washer fluid.
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
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Figure 1, Example of Sand Debris in DEF Tank
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
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Figure 2, Example of Diesel Fuel and DEF Separation
Resolution
Perform troubleshooting as published in the corresponding Fault Code Troubleshooting
Manual.
While servicing the aftertreatment system always use the appropriate aftertreatment system
covers or plugs to keep the aftertreatment system clean.
Communicate to the customer that DEF cleanliness is important for proper operation of the
aftertreatment system. Refer the customer to Service Bulletin, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Specifications for Cummins® Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems, Bulletin 4021566,
which covers the following topics:














DEF Characteristics and Specifications
Handling, Storage, and Shelf Life of DEF
DEF Cleanliness Practices
Contamination and Incorrect Fluid
Testing
Disposal and Cleaning of DEF
First Aid
In addition, Refer to Procedure 018-026 in Section V, located in the corresponding Owners
Manual or Operation and Maintenance Manual for the SCR equipped product.
Cummins Inc. recommends the use of an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) DEF tank
fill filter rated at 200 µm. See Figures 3 and 4. If an OEM DEF tank fill filter is not installed in
the OEM DEF tank then Cummins Inc. recommends to ask the OEM if a fill filter is available.
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
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Figure 3, OEM DEF Tank Fill Filter, Top View
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
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Figure 4, OEM DEF Tank Fill Filter, Side View
Warranty Statement
The information in this document has no effect on present warranty coverage or repair
practices, nor does it authorize TRP or Campaign actions.
Document History
Date
2015-1-8
Details
Module Created
Last Modified: 10-Mar-2015
Copyright © 2000-2010 Cummins Inc. All rights reserved.
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4/1/2015