TSB150002

2/6/23, 7:33 PM
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
Technical Service Bulletin
Technical Service Bulletin: TSB150002
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
Released Date: 10-Jan-2023
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
Core Issue
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) contamination is one of the primary contributors of aftertreatment
related component malfunction.
Confirmation
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.
If petroleum-based substances are not able to be visually identified, DEF contamination
test kit, Part Number 5298935, is available. Check for test strip color change caused by
the presence of petroleum-based substances.
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
Figure 1, Example of Sand Debris in DEF Tank
Figure 2, Example of Diesel Fuel and DEF Separation
Resolution
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
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
(/qs3/pubsys2/xml/en/bulletin/4021566.html), 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 (/qs3/pubsys2/xml/en/procedures/99/99-018026.html), 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.
Figure 3, OEM DEF Tank Fill Filter, Top View
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Cleanliness
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
Details
2015-1-8
Module Created
2023-1-5
Added statement about Part Number 5298935.
Last Modified: 10-Jan-2023
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