Emissions Warning on 2015 Duramax Diesel? Help!

[Calvincrowe]

SusanO- The DEF containers we buy here have a “funnel” mouth on it so no need for an additional purchase. My husband usually fills it for me and said it’s no big deal. I’m sorry you had that experience. I’m just so bummed because I love this truck to pieces, works so well.

Fingers crossed that it’s one of the simpler fixes and we can be one and done. I’m also looking into the EPA Emissions Warranty that applies to states that require emissions checks to license vehicles. Oregon is one still and the truck is purchased and serviced there…so maybe I can squeak it in under that if needed. They cover problems with emissions systems that would deny passing.

I don’t think I’ll be modifying my truck by removing the system at this point.

[De]

Coming in late on this discussion. Now it’s my turn to deal with the dreaded “Poor Quality DEF” (diesel exhaust fluid) warning light. I’m seriously considering trading in my 2011 with only 20,000 miles because of this.

Calvincrowe, did you resolve the problem with your 2015 Chevy? Anyone else still dealing with this problem?

[endlessclimb]

@fanfayre

Have you changed the fuel filter recently? It’s probably time to change it, at 15k miles if it hasn’t been done, even with the DEF.
I had a check engine light come on in the spring ('01 Duramax), along with the limp mode (Uh-Oh), and a full injector diagnostic and check up and all it seemed to be was the fuel filter needing changing. So far, 6000km later with diesel conditioner, so good.
Anyway, a fuel filter change is never a bad thing, and could be a very cheap fix.

I’ll chime in late too. The DEF doesn’t have anything to do with the fuel filter, because the DEF does not get added to the fuel. It is injected into the exhaust system. It just happens to be filled up right next to the fuel. Totally different systems.

The fuel filter should not have to be changed at 15k unless you’ve been filling up at sketchy places. The OEM fuel filter typically is garbage, but should last longer than that.

[endlessclimb]

@De

Coming in late on this discussion. Now it’s my turn to deal with the dreaded “Poor Quality DEF” (diesel exhaust fluid) warning light. I’m seriously considering trading in my 2011 with only 20,000 miles because of this.

Calvincrowe, did you resolve the problem with your 2015 Chevy? Anyone else still dealing with this problem?

And for you, where did you get your DEF? The sensor is trying to measure the urea content. The light can also come on if the NOx sensor is fouled.

When is the last time your truck regened? Do you typically city drive it (stop go)?

[The_Shadow]

@De

Coming in late on this discussion. Now it’s my turn to deal with the dreaded “Poor Quality DEF” (diesel exhaust fluid) warning light. I’m seriously considering trading in my 2011 with only 20,000 miles because of this.

Calvincrowe, did you resolve the problem with your 2015 Chevy? Anyone else still dealing with this problem?

I just had this (service engine light P21DD code) happen on my 2015 Duramax. There is a service bulletin out on it so luckily there was no cost for the repair.

https://gm.oemdtc.com/6957/special-c…-chevrolet-gmc

[Calvincrowe]

Sorry if I didn’t update. Turns out the issue was chewed wiring to the emission control system courtesy of ground squirrels!! $1k later, I have new wiring and a clean air ducts/filters too. The system checked out fine and Chevy dealer did discuss the potential issues with me but so far, so good.

[endlessclimb]

@Calvincrowe

Sorry if I didn’t update. Turns out the issue was chewed wiring to the emission control system courtesy of ground squirrels!! $1k later, I have new wiring and a clean air ducts/filters too. The system checked out fine and Chevy dealer did discuss the potential issues with me but so far, so good.

Awesome that it wasn’t the system itself! I know diesel repair bills get scary big scary quick… at some point you almost numb to the cost of parts. Glad it was an easy fix!

[SusanO]

Gah!!! I just had the check engine light come on in my 2014 Ford. I had just refilled the DEF tank but had driven it once before the light came on. I don’t need to drive it again until mid February which is good since I can’t take it right now due to my work schedule.

I don’t think it is squirrels or chipmunks though. Gremlin ate all those around here.

[Sasaki]

And who knows which one is better for oil for duramax?