How to refill DEF in Diesel Tahoe

[100cars]

Here is my really crappy video of how to do this, but you should get the basic idea.

 

[Kpwweb]

Thanks for the information. As a non-diesel owner, that looks like a decent amount of DEF you filled. Where is the DEF tank? Doesn't seem like a lot of room underneath for a seemingly good-sized DEF tank?

 

[100cars]

Thanks for the information. As a non-diesel owner, that looks like a decent amount of DEF you filled. Where is the DEF tank? Doesn't seem like a lot of room underneath for a seemingly good-sized DEF tank?

I haven't crawled under there yet to see where it is exactly. I had to fill it because the dealer forgot to fill it during PDI. They are going to send me a check for what I paid for it.

 

[Bill 1960]

I see you covered your capless fuel filler, which is not a bad idea. As a driver who frequents dirty environments, I despise those things. It’s just an invitation to get contaminants in the fuel tank. Whenever I own one, I measure the filler and get a rubber cap from the building supply store to slip over it. Plumbers use them to cover the open ends of pipes during construction.

 

[Tonyv__]

After reading this thread I stumbled across this on Facebook lol kids are 3D printing everything now

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/960628198058192/

 

[zbad55]

I haven't crawled under there yet to see where it is exactly. I had to fill it because the dealer forgot to fill it during PDI. They are going to send me a check for what I paid for it.

The DEF tank is located on the RH side inside the frame rail, the DEF filler neck runs along the fuel filler neck then across the fuel tank to the DEF tank.

 

[100cars]

I see you covered your capless fuel filler, which is not a bad idea. As a driver who frequents dirty environments, I despise those things. It’s just an invitation to get contaminants in the fuel tank. Whenever I own one, I measure the filler and get a rubber cap from the building supply store to slip over it. Plumbers use them to cover the open ends of pipes during construction.

After reading this thread I stumbled across this on Facebook lol kids are 3D printing everything now

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/960628198058192/

Great tips! Thanks! I was just doing that while I filled the DEF, but having a cap on there all the time is a fantastic idea!

The DEF tank is located on the RH side inside the frame rail, the DEF filler neck runs along the fuel filler neck then across the fuel tank to the DEF tank.

Thanks, I will look for it.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

What is DEF. I’m not a diesel guy?

 

[BrokerThis]

Deisel exhaust fluid
Supposed to make the exhaust "cleaner" and not as polluting. Started Around 2008, and has been nothing but issues with the systems since then. And there have been studies showing DEF does not actually provide any positive results for what it is supposed to do.

 

[tom3]

Diesel Exhaust Fluid. Cow piss.

I used the cap off an Armorall tire shine can, cut about 1/2" off the height. Just doesn't make sense to have that fuel fill neck with the recess collecting water and dirt.

 

[Rocket Man]

About as interesting as watching somebody fill their gas tank.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

Do you have to put it in?
Must you use it?

I really am curious

 

[Bill 1960]

Deisel exhaust fluid
Supposed to make the exhaust "cleaner" and not as polluting. Started Around 2008, and has been nothing but issues with the systems since then. And there have been studies showing DEF does not actually provide any positive results for what it is supposed to do.

My .02 that’s mostly misinformation spread by the coal rollers that are against any form of environmental regulation. I’ve been driving diesels my whole life, and I’m sitting in a 2018 at this moment. Which has more power per cubic inch than any of it’s predecessors, is quiet, doesn’t coat what I tow in soot. And has the best fuel economy, and that includes the cost of the DEF.

It’s the same sort of nostalgia that pines for the simple days when gas engines had points and condensers, and carburetors. No thanks.

 

[Quark]

According to wiki DEF usage is 2% - 6% of diesel consumption, at least 2 gal to the 100, so filling that tank is going to be a regular exercise.

 

[petethepug]

The location of the DEF tank is correct. Food for thought … the DEF tanks on the 3/4 & 1T trucks have bigger tanks. Would it be an easy swap, dimensions allowing for it, to add a bigger factory DEF tank?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Stbentoak]

My .02 that’s mostly misinformation spread by the coal rollers that are against any form of environmental regulation. I’ve been driving diesels my whole life, and I’m sitting in a 2018 at this moment. Which has more power per cubic inch than any of it’s predecessors, is quiet, doesn’t coat what I tow in soot. And has the best fuel economy, and that includes the cost of the DEF.

It’s the same sort of nostalgia that pines for the simple days when gas engines had points and condensers, and carburetors. No thanks.

Same here... I'm on my 4th one, they've had a few quirks, sure... But by and large they have whipped the snot out of any of the petrol engines that were other options. Mileage and range is far superior, and when stations are out of gas... they are never out of Diesel....
Also @Quark , you fill your mower every few times you use it don't you? What's your point? Filling your DEF is basically done every time you change your oil. Takes a whole 90 seconds to dump 2.5 gal and 7.00$ in from Wal mart and move on with your life. A total non issue.
DMax bonus points: No lifter issues....

 

[Quark]

Same here... I'm on my 4th one, they've had a few quirks, sure... But by and large they have whipped the snot out of any of the petrol engines that were other options. Mileage and range is far superior, and when stations are out of gas... they are never out of Diesel....
Also @Quark , you fill your mower every few times you use it don't you? What's your point? Filling your DEF is basically done every time you change your oil. Takes a whole 90 seconds to dump 2.5 gal and 7.00$ in from Wal mart and move on with your life. A total non issue.
DMax bonus points: No lifter issues....

No offense but I don't change my oil every 100 gallons of fuel usage. I have no experience so what am I missing?

 

[MajorJakkov]

Respectfully disagree with those that think the emissions systems are good. You'll never convince me that riding around in my duramax getting 10 mpg because it is constantly regenerating my DPF is any better for the environment than blowing a little smoke/NOx while getting over 20 mpg. Particulates in the air causing lung diseases was one of the main drivers for the exhaust systems, which is only a problem if you're constantly driving around in a metropolitan area. For 97% of America, particulates dissipate in the open air and there's zero issue.

For those that need DEF, I've found that using truck fuel stations is helpful. They have DEF at the pump and the inventory seems to turn over frequently since big rigs fill larger tanks. Those 2.5 gallon cans you buy at the store frequently have leaks around the filler tube that will end up running down the side of your vehicle. Also, I've seen more than 1 instance of stored 2.5 gallon DEF cans going bad which will lead to your dash lighting up like a Christmas tree and a nice dealership visit.

 

[100cars]

Do you have to put it in?
Must you use it?

I really am curious

Yes - If you don't put it in there the car will limit your speed. First it's like 65 MPH, then 55, then like 3 MPH.

Respectfully disagree with those that think the emissions systems are good. You'll never convince me that riding around in my duramax getting 10 mpg because it is constantly regenerating my DPF is any better for the environment than blowing a little smoke/NOx while getting over 20 mpg. Particulates in the air causing lung diseases was one of the main drivers for the exhaust systems, which is only a problem if you're constantly driving around in a metropolitan area. For 97% of America, particulates dissipate in the open air and there's zero issue.

For those that need DEF, I've found that using truck fuel stations is helpful. They have DEF at the pump and the inventory seems to turn over frequently since big rigs fill larger tanks. Those 2.5 gallon cans you buy at the store frequently have leaks around the filler tube that will end up running down the side of your vehicle. Also, I've seen more than 1 instance of stored 2.5 gallon DEF cans going bad which will lead to your dash lighting up like a Christmas tree and a nice dealership visit.

Can you use the same pump the truckers use, or are there high pressure nozzles like the diesel pumps?

 

[MajorJakkov]

Yes - If you don't put it in there the car will limit your speed. First it's like 65 MPH, then 55, then like 3 MPH.



Can you use the same pump the truckers use, or are there high pressure nozzles like the diesel pumps?

At the stations I've used, yes the DEF nozzle is the same across the board. The pump typically has a separate blue or black handle on the side that is much more narrow than a fueling nozzle (possibly a 3/8" tube). You might be thinking of the diesel pump nozzle size vs a truck stop's pump nozzle size? The truck stop diesel nozzle is usually larger and may not fit in your vehicle.