S2025000001

STAR ONLINE PUBLICATION
Case Number: S2025000001
Release Date:
3/11/2020
Symptom/Vehicle Issue: Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination (MIL). Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) P203E – Reductant Level Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent-Erratic
Set.
Discussion: Some customers may experience a MIL illumination. Upon further
investigation, a technician may find DTC P203E set in the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) memory.
If you receive a vehicle with this DTC, check to see if the DEF tank was just recently
filled prior to the DTC setting. P203E will set if the tank is overfilled resulting in no air
space above the DEF Fluid in the tank.
The DEF level sensors on these applications are integrated into the tank assembly,
and use an ultrasonic frequency signal to detect fluid level. The air space above the
fluid is crucial to bounce back the UF signals back to the new sensor for proper level
detection.
If you suspect that the tank might be overfilled, drain 2-3 gallons of fluid from the tank.
Once drained, you will need to perform a specific drive cycle to clear the message, and
ensure the vehicle is repaired.
This document does not authorize warranty repairs. This communication documents a record of past experiences. STAR Online does
not provide any conclusions about what is wrong with the vehicle. Rather, it captures all previous cases known that appear to be
similar or related to the vehicle symptom / condition. You are the expert, and you are responsible for deciding on the appropriate
course of action.
Contact STAR Center, or your Technical Assistance Center Via TechCONNECT or eCONTACT ticket if no
solution is found
FCA US LLC
Version 4.2 02/06/2017
STAR ONLINE PUBLICATION
NOTE: When performing the drive cycle to clear the message, please drive as
steadily as possible at highway speeds. Avoid excessive stop and go, large
bumps, or excessive curves in the road to keep fluid slosh in the DEF tank at a
minimum. Excessive fluid slosh in the tank will delay the monitor from passing
leading to inability to clear the message.
To clear the “Service DEF” message, and ensure the vehicle is repaired, please drive
the vehicle under the following operating conditions.
 Steady state driving at highway speeds for a minimum of 15 minutes with
minimal stopping and starting to reduce DEF Tank sloshing.
 Ambient Temperature Greater Than 39°F (4°C)
 DEF Tank Temperature (as reported by the temperature sensor) Greater Than
39°F (4°C)
 DEF Tank Temperature (as reported by the Urea Quality Sensor) 39°F (4°C).
If the DTC goes stored, and the “Service DEF” message on the EVIC no longer
appears, top off the DEF tank to the proper level, and release it back to the customer.
DO NOT replace the DEF tank assembly if this DTC was caused by overfilling of the
tank.
This document does not authorize warranty repairs. This communication documents a record of past experiences. STAR Online does
not provide any conclusions about what is wrong with the vehicle. Rather, it captures all previous cases known that appear to be
similar or related to the vehicle symptom / condition. You are the expert, and you are responsible for deciding on the appropriate
course of action.
Contact STAR Center, or your Technical Assistance Center Via TechCONNECT or eCONTACT ticket if no
solution is found
FCA US LLC
Version 4.2 02/06/2017