Ford Exhaust Fluid System Fault Reset: Most Easy Method

The Ford exhaust fluid system fault reset is easy to perform and, most of the time, can be done by yourself. The good news is that there are a few easy fixes for this problem, which are quite easy to learn.

The exhaust fluid system issue on a Ford diesel vehicle can be reset using the step-by-step instructions in this article. You can quickly put your truck back on the road by paying attention to our guidelines below.

How to Reset the Exhaust Fluid System Fault on a Ford Diesel Truck

To reset the exhaust fluid system fault on a ford diesel truck, you have to perform a stationary reset, reset the engine computer, and clear fault codes. After that, you need to check for the exhaust fluid system fault reset and then check the DEF fluid level.

1. Perform a Stationary Reset

The negative battery wire must be taken out of the battery and left unconnected for 10 minutes to perform a stationary reset. Resetting the onboard computer of the car in this way can assist in erasing any error codes that may have been previously saved.

Locate the negative battery cable first, then switch off the engine. Disconnecting the positive wire might harm the vehicle’s electrical system. Thus, it’s necessary to only do it using the negative cable. Wait 10 minutes before re-connecting the negative wire once it has been detached.

The onboard computer of the car may then be reset cleanly because any remaining power will have dissipated by this time. A quick and efficient method to fix the exhaust fluid system error is to perform a stationary reset.
It’s important to keep in mind that this approach might not be effective for all cars because some Ford diesel trucks need a more involved reset procedure. Before using more sophisticated techniques, it is usually a good idea to try a stationary reset.

Start the engine once the battery connection has been reconnected to see if the exhaust fluid system issue has been corrected. If it hasn’t, repeating the stationary reset procedure may be necessary, or you can continue to the following step in the instruction manual. To guarantee a successful reset, it is necessary to adhere to each step precisely and completely.

2. Reset the Engine Computer

When the engine computer has to be reset, the electrical connector for the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump must be unplugged for a while before being reconnected. By performing this procedure, you may reset the engine computer and erase any error codes linked to the fluid exhaust system that may have been saved.

Start by locating the DEF pump, which is normally found on the frame rail on the car’s driver’s side. When you have found the DEF pump, detach the electrical connector by drawing it away from the pump while pressing the release tab.

The connector might be sensitive, so take care while handling it. Let some time pass after detaching the connector before re-connecting it. Any remaining power in the engine computer will evaporate during this period, enabling a clean reset.

Start the engine after reconnecting the connector to see if the exhaust fluid system issue has been corrected. It might be essential to go through the engine computer reset procedure again if the exhaust fluid system issue has not been corrected.

It’s necessary to keep in mind that this approach might not function for all Ford trucks because some of them need a more involved reset procedure. Nevertheless, erasing any error codes linked to the exhaust fluid system that has been saved in the engine computer is a quick and easy process.

3. Clear Fault Codes

In order to fix the exhaust fluid system malfunction on a Ford diesel vehicle, clearing fault codes is a necessary step. At this stage, any exhaust fluid system-related fault codes that have been saved must be cleared using a diagnostic instrument. The engine computer may be reset, and the exhaust fluid system issue can be fixed by erasing these codes.

Start by connecting a diagnostic instrument to the truck’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) port. On the driver’s side of a car, the OBD port is normally found under the dashboard. To access the truck’s problem codes after connecting the tool, go to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Next, search for any error codes pertaining to the exhaust fluid system. The letters “P20XX” or “P21XX” will often be the first characters in these codes. Use the diagnostic tool to erase the codes after you have located them. Some diagnostic programs could ask you to choose “clear codes” or “erase codes,” while others might do it automatically after the codes have been found.

Start the engine and check to see whether the exhaust fluid system problem has been resolved after clearing the codes. It is essential to remember that erasing fault codes without addressing the root cause could only offer a temporary fix.

4. Check for Exhaust Fluid System Fault Reset

It’s necessary to verify that the exhaust fluid system issue has been resolved following a stationary reset, engine computer reset, and clearing of any error codes connected to the system’s exhaust fluid before moving on.

Starting the engine and looking for any error messages or fault codes pertaining to the exhaust fluid system are the first two steps in this process. After starting the engine, let it idle for a while so the exhaust fluid system can warm up.

During this time, look for any alerts or error codes pertaining to the exhaust fluid system on the truck’s instrument panel. These alerts and error codes need to be erased if the exhaust fluid system fault has been properly reset.

The preceding procedures may need to be repeated in order to reset the fluid exhaust system fault, or you may need to seek expert assistance in order to identify and fix the problem. The failure to treat an unresolved exhaust fluid system issue might eventually result in more severe engine issues, so this is a necessary point to remember.

After doing these actions, the exhaust fluid system problem might not always be promptly reset. This can be the result of a systemic problem or a component that isn’t working properly. To identify and fix the problem, if this is the case, it could be essential to speak with a mechanic or dealership.

5. Regularly Check DEF Fluid Level

Maintaining the required amount of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is important to the system’s optimal operation. As a result, monitoring the DEF fluid level should be a regular part of your maintenance regimen.

Find the DEF tank beneath the hood of your Ford diesel vehicle to check the DEF fluid level. Typically, the DEF tank is a blue cap with a nozzle for replenishing the DEF fluid. The placement of your Ford diesel truck’s DEF tank may vary depending on the model.

However, it is usually near the engine or the fuel tank. Make sure the truck is parked on a level area, and the engine is switched off before checking the DEF fluid level. The DEF dipstick, which is often connected to the cap, can be used to check the fluid level after removing the DEF cap.

The DEF fluid level should be displayed on the dipstick, and it should be between the minimum and maximum markings. Add DEF fluid to the tank to raise the level if it is below the minimum line. To prevent any possible harm to the DEF system components, it is essential to utilize high-quality DEF fluid.

Avoid overfilling the DEF tank because doing so might lead to fluid overflow and possible system damage. You may prevent unexpected DEF system problems and ensure the system is functioning properly by routinely monitoring the DEF fluid level. It is advised to check the DEF fluid level every time you refuel or at least every 3,000 miles.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to reset the exhaust fluid system fault on a ford diesel truck, you will no longer have to face this problem.

Here is a quick summary of what you need to do:

• The engine should be turned off, and the key should be left out of the ignition for at least 30 seconds to perform a stationary reset.
• By unplugging the battery wires and keeping them coiled for at least a minute, you can reset the engine computer.
• Use an OBD-II scanner to erase problem codes or take the truck to a repair to reset them.
• Start the engine, and while it is running, scan the dashboard for any alerts to see whether the exhaust fluid system needs to be reset.
• To check the DEF fluid level, open the hood, find the DEF tank, and use the dipstick or visual indicator to determine the level.

All in all, we hope this article will help you get your truck up and running quickly so you can get back on the road.