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Check Engine - DEF problems

170K views 267 replies 86 participants last post by  John Jeep  
Okay. Adding my experience to the list here. 27,000 miles. Took delivery March 2014.

Full disclosure, I love this car. Flat out love it. Love the luxury, the uConnect, the adaptive cruise, the engine, the mileage, the comfort, love all of it. As a sports car guy, I never thought I could love an SUV, but I've bonded with the Red Bull.

Took it in for an oil change and recalls a week or so ago. Driving back from St. Louis on Sunday, check engine light comes on. Take it in for the zipties on the DEF cables this morning (planned) and diagnose the check engine light (unplanned). Dealer reported the DEF Injector was loose, triggering the light. They ziptied it up and cleared the code, sending me on my way.

I told him what I've seen here on the forum and expressed my concerns. They're very friendly. Instructed me to use any DEF I want as long as it's not expired.

We'll see how it goes.
 
UPDATE. CEL reappeared Tuesday night. Back to the dealer yesterday.

Side note here. My dealer has been terrific. Really exceeded expectations. Very thoughtful and has listened carefully to my reports from the forums. I'm grateful.

The code is related to the Catalytic Converter. They ordered one, and apparently, I'm number 500 on the waiting list. Service Manager looked at me when he heard this, and I said, "Guess I'm not the only one!" He said, "Apparently not!" The service tech inspected the rest of the emissions equipment and discovered the same corrosion around the DEF injector seen by others. He's ordered a new one.

He also tested the DEF injector pressure. Should be around 30 to 35 psi (if my memory is correct), but mine was over 40 psi. Not sure if anyone else has heard this. I've not seen it on the board before. I did not request the test. The tech did it on his own. If the pressure is running too high, then wouldn't too much Urea overwhelm the catalytic converter's ability to process it? Would this shorten the life of the cat?

Again, my dealer has been great throughout this process. I'm really pleased with how they're handling me. It's Randy Wise Jeep in Clio, MI.

So, here's my next question. I'm at 28k miles in 11 months. Warranty expires at 36k. I can extend it to 100k for just under $2k. Given some of what we've seen so far, what do you think? Cheap insurance? No-brainer? Or better to take my chances? I really like this car and plan to hold onto it for 2 more years max.

Thanks everyone.
 
New Cat and DEF injector installed today. Too soon to tell if there will be problems, but I'm hopeful. Had a front wheel bearing go out too. All replaced under warranty at no cost. Dealer has been terrific (Randy Wise Jeep Clio Michigan).

I also purchased the extended warranty today as I have 28k in one year. Extended to 100k, so I should be okay for another two years or so.

Love the car.