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adriandunkel3

Diesel Won't Start? Empty DEF Tank Could Be The Culprit

Error message in the speedometer

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Car won't start

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Fault stored

DEF Fluid Empty, Diesel Won't Start, need Advice Got a 2013 Chevy Captiva diesel at 101,764 km showing multiple issues. Car won't start, got an error message on the dash, and system's storing fault codes. Pretty sure it's related to an empty DEF tank since the emissions control warning came up recently. Had some sketchy work done at my last mechanic visit and want to avoid another bad experience. Has anyone dealt with similar diesel exhaust system problems? What was your fix and repair cost? Looking for real experiences before taking it back to a shop. Want to know what I'm getting into this time.

4 comment(s)


berndsturm78

Had the same DEF system problem on my 2016 Chevy Cruze diesel. The service light kept flashing, and the injection system completely shut down the engine. Turned out the issue wasn't just empty DEF fluid, the dosing unit between the DEF tank and SCR catalyst was clogged. The DEF crystallized inside the lines, blocking proper flow to the diesel exhaust treatment system. Mechanics had to: Clean out the entire DEF delivery system, Replace the dosing module, Flush the SCR catalyst, Reset the emission control system It was a serious repair that took two full days. The car wouldn't even start until everything was fixed properly. These systems are designed to shut down the engine to prevent damage to the emissions components. Main tip: Don't wait when you see the first DEF warning. Low-quality DEF fluid can crystallize and cause bigger problems than just an empty tank.

adriandunkel3 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience, sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with! My dash is lighting up like a Christmas tree with those emission warnings. Starting to think I've got the same crystallization issue since just adding DEF didn't solve it. The dashboard alert is still active and I'm getting nervous about potential damage to the SCR system. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was for your fix? Also wondering if you've had any other diesel exhaust issues pop up since getting it repaired? Want to get a rough idea of costs before heading to the shop, seems like these DEF system repairs can get pretty expensive when the fuel efficiency components are involved.

berndsturm78

Just wanted to update on my previous Cruze repair situation. Finally got everything sorted with the DEF system, cost me 250 for fixing the defective AdBlue connection between the tank and dosing unit. Turns out that was the main culprit causing all those emission warnings. Since getting it fixed properly, the service light hasn't come back on and the injection system is working perfectly. The fuel efficiency actually improved a bit now that the diesel exhaust system is functioning correctly. Really glad I didn't wait longer to get it repaired, since these issues can snowball into bigger problems with the SCR catalyst. No other emission standards-related problems have popped up in the months since. The mechanic mentioned regular DEF fluid checks and using quality fluid are key to preventing future crystallization. Much cheaper to stay on top of maintenance than deal with a complete system shutdown again. If your symptoms match what I experienced, you're probably looking at a similar repair cost, assuming it's just the connection issue and nothing more serious has developed.

adriandunkel3 (Author)

So I bit the bullet and took my car to the shop yesterday. The mechanic confirmed it was exactly what you mentioned, crystallized DEF fluid clogging up the system. Total bill came to 275 for cleaning out the lines and replacing the dosing module. The dashboard alert finally cleared up after they reset the system. Car's running much better now and the fuel efficiency seems improved. Mechanic gave me a good tip about checking the tank capacity indicator regularly and only using top-grade DEF fluid to avoid future issues. Definitely learned my lesson about ignoring those initial warning lights. Could have saved some headache by dealing with it sooner, but at least it's sorted now. The service light stays off and everything's working like it should. Thanks again for helping me understand what I was dealing with. Would have been totally in the dark at the repair shop without knowing what to expect.

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