Warning Level Strategy
Warning Level StrategyThe following information describes the warning level strategy.
An adequate on-board supply of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is critical for the reduction of exhaust oxides of nitrogen (NOx) levels within the selective catalyst reduction (SCR) stage. This vehicle provides the driver with an elaborate series of prompts and warnings that are initiated when the DEF level falls below a calibrated value to insure the vehicle remains compliant to emissions regulations.
The engine control module (ECM) monitors the DEF level and consumption rate in order to calculate an estimated range in miles remaining until the DEF reservoir is empty. DEF levels are detected by the position solid-state DEF level sensor. Typically, DEF warnings begin once the estimated mileage falls below 1,609 km (1,000 mi). Once initiated, DEF warnings grow increasingly more serious as the remaining mileage decreases without a DEF refill. The vehicle's current DEF warning level is displayed on the scan tool as Reductant Level Warning Indicator Command Level 1 through Level 9. If the vehicle is not in any warning strategy, it will be displayed as "None."
Warning Level 1
Warning Level 1 is triggered when the DEF level falls below the top-most position of the DEF Level Sensor and the estimated range remaining is greater than 1609 km (1000 mi). No prompts or warnings are presented to the driver.
Warning Level 2
Warning Level 2 is triggered when the estimated range remaining falls below 1,609 km (1,000 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The driver information center (DIC) displays the message Exhaust Fluid Range X MI, where X is the estimated range remaining in miles. This message remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver.
Warning Level 3
Warning Level 2 automatically advances to Warning Level 3 when the ECM detects an ignition ON to ignition OFF event. A level 3 warning remains active as long as the estimated range remaining is greater than 644 km (400 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. No prompts or warnings are presented to the driver.
Warning Level 4
Warning Level 4 is triggered when the estimated range remaining falls below 644 km (400 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The message Exhaust Fluid Range X MI, where X is the estimated range remaining in miles is displayed on the DIC. This message is also displayed at the beginning of each ignition cycle. This message remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver.
Warning Level 5
Warning Level 5 is triggered when the estimated range remaining is less than approximately 121 km (75 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The message Exhaust Fluid Low - Speed Limited Soon, is displayed on the DIC. This message is also displayed at the beginning of each ignition cycle. This message remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver.
Warning Level 6
Warning Level 6 is triggered when the estimated range remaining is less than approximately 0 km (0 mi) based on current DEF consumption rates. The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 6. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed upon Restart
The messages are also displayed at the beginning of each ignition cycle. The Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now message remains on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver. The 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed Upon Restart message is not acknowledgeable.
At the next ignition ON event, the system will advance from Warning Level 6 to Warning Level 7. If fuel is added to the vehicle without an ignition cycle the system will advance to Warning Level 8.
In the event of a refill, the scan tool may show that fluid has been added, but the vehicle may not release from the warning level unless it is driven for greater than 10 km/h (6 mph) for approximately five minutes.
If the vehicle speed has been limited and DEF has been added, it may take up to 30 seconds after engine start with the vehicle stopped for the EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY message to clear. If the vehicle is driven prior to the DIC message clearing, the vehicle speed will still be limited. If the DIC message clears while driving, the vehicle must be completely stopped to remove the speed limitation.
If DEF is added under freezing conditions, additional time may be required to remove speed limitations.
Warning Level 7
Warning Level 7 is active at the next ignition ON event. The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 7. The four chimes are repeated three more times during this ignition cycle. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
- Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph)
The messages are alternately displayed every five seconds on the DIC. Both messages remain on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph), remains locked on the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously. Warning Level 7 remains active until a refueling event is detected.
Vehicle speed is now limited to 89 km/h (55 mph) maximum.
In the event of a refill, the scan tool may show that fluid has been added, but the vehicle may not release from the warning level unless it is driven for greater than 10 km/h (6 mph) for approximately five minutes.
If the vehicle speed has been limited and DEF has been added, it may take up to 30 seconds after engine start with the vehicle stopped for the EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY message to clear. If the vehicle is driven prior to the DIC message clearing, the vehicle speed will still be limited. If the DIC message clears while driving, the vehicle must be completely stopped to remove the speed limitation.
If DEF is added under freezing conditions, additional time may be required to remove speed limitations.
Warning Level 8
Warning Level 8 is triggered when the ECM detects that additional fuel was added without a refill of the DEF reservoir. The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 8. The four chimes will repeat three more times during this ignition cycle. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
- Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph)
- 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed at Next Fuel Fill
The messages are alternately displayed every five seconds on the DIC. The three messages remain on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver. Once acknowledged, the Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph), and 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed at Next Fuel Fill, remain locked on the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously. The vehicle remains in Warning Level 8 until the DEF reservoir is refilled or a second refueling event is detected.
Vehicle speed is limited to 89 km/h (55 mph) maximum.
In the event of a refill, the scan tool may show that fluid has been added, but the vehicle may not release from the warning level unless it is driven for greater than 10 km/h (6 mph) for approximately five minutes.
If the vehicle speed has been limited and DEF has been added, it may take up to 30 seconds after engine start with the vehicle stopped for the EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY message to clear. If the vehicle is driven prior to the DIC message clearing, the vehicle speed will still be limited. If the DIC message clears while driving, the vehicle must be completely stopped to remove the speed limitation.
If DEF is added under freezing conditions, additional time may be required to remove speed limitations.
Warning Level 9
Warning Level 9 is triggered on the next ignition cycle following a second refueling event without a refill of the DEF reservoir. The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 9. The four chimes will repeat every three minutes until the DEF reservoir is refilled. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Empty Refill Now
- Speed Limited to 6 km/h (4 mph)
The messages are alternately displayed every five seconds on the DIC. Both messages remain on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 6 km/h (4 mph) Max, message remains locked on the DIC.
The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously. The vehicle remains in Warning Level 9 until the DEF reservoir is refilled.
Vehicle speed is limited to 6 km/h (4 mph) maximum.
If the vehicle speed has been limited and DEF has been added, it may take up to 30 seconds after engine start with the vehicle stopped for the EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY message to clear. If the vehicle is driven prior to the DIC message clearing, the vehicle speed will still be limited. If the DIC message clears while driving, the vehicle must be completely stopped to remove the speed limitation. For this condition, it is highly recommended to allow the message to clear prior to driving the vehicle.
If DEF is added under freezing conditions, additional time may be required to remove speed limitations.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Strategy (DEF Quality)
A supply of clean, fresh diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is critical for optimum selective catalyst reduction (SCR) efficiency. Selective catalyst reduction (SCR) efficiency is determined by monitoring the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensors located upstream and downstream of the SCR. This vehicle provides the driver with an elaborate series of prompts and warnings that are initiated when the engine control module (ECM) detects a drop in the SCR NOx reduction efficiency suggesting a diluted or contaminated DEF supply.
When contaminated or diluted DEF is suspected, the ECM initiates the DEF Quality warning process. Once initiated, DEF quality warnings grow increasingly more serious as the vehicle continues to be driven. The vehicle's current DEF quality warning status is displayed on the scan tool. When a drop in SCR efficiency is detected, the normally OFF Reductant Field Quality Warning Indicator Command will display Warning Level 1 through Warning Level 5 depending on the number of miles driven, the number of ignition cycles, and if a refueling event was detected. The series of DEF Quality Warnings alert the driver that DEF system service is urgently needed.
Warning Level 1
Warning Level 1 is triggered when the ECM first detects the SCR efficiency is below a calibrated value. The driver information center (DIC) displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart
The messages remain on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel is illuminated
Warning Level 2
Warning Level 2 is triggered when the distance driven since receiving the first DEF poor quality message exceeds approximately 805 km/h (500 mi). The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 2. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart
The messages alternate every five seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart, remains displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel is illuminated.
Warning Level 3
Warning level 2 automatically advances to warning level 3 at the next ignition cycle. The driver will hear four chimes on entering warning level 3. The series of chimes is repeated three times during each ignition cycle. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart
The messages alternate every 5 seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph), remains displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously.
Vehicle speed is limited to 89 km/h (55 mph).
Warning Level 4
Warning Level 4 is triggered when the distance driven since receiving the first DEF Quality Warning message exceeds approximately 1,609 km (1,000 mi). The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 4. The series of four chimes will repeat three times during each ignition cycle. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart
- 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed Next Fuel Fill
The messages alternate every five seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph), and 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed Next Fuel Fill, remain alternately displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously.
Vehicle speed is limited to 89 km/h (55 mph).
Warning Level 5
Warning Level 5 is triggered when the distance traveled is greater than 1,609 km (1,000 mi) and the ECM detects a fuel fill event. The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 4. The series of four chimes will repeat every three minutes. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed Next Fuel Fill
The messages alternate every five seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 6 km/h (4 mph), remains displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously.
Vehicle speed is limited to 6 km/h (4 mph) maximum.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Strategy (Anti-Tampering)
The reductant system supplies the selective catalyst reduction (SCR) stage of the vehicle's exhaust after treatment system with the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) required to reduce exhaust oxides of nitrogen (NOx) levels. The engine control module (ECM) continuously monitors the performance of the reductant system during operation.
When the conditions associated with an attempt to disable reductant system operation are detected, the ECM activates the anti-tampering feature and presents the driver with a series of prompts and warnings.
Once initiated, anti-tampering warnings grow increasingly more serious as the vehicle continues to be driven. The vehicle's current warning status is displayed on the scan tool. When tampering is suspected, the normally OFF Reductant System Malfunction Warning Indicator Command will display Warning Level 1 through Warning Level 5 depending on the number of miles driven, the number of ignition cycles, and if a refueling event was detected. The series anti-tampering warnings alert the driver that reductant system service is urgently needed.
Warning Level 1
Warning level 1 is triggered when the ECM first detects an abnormal value on a reductant system circuit. The driver information center (DIC) displays the following messages:
- Service Exhaust Fluid System
- See Owner's Manual Now
The messages remain on the DIC until acknowledged by the driver. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel is illuminated.
Warning Level 2
Warning level 2 is triggered when the distance driven since receiving the first Service Exhaust Fluid System, message exceeds approximately 805 km (500 mi). The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 2. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Service Exhaust Fluid System
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart
The messages alternate every five seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart, remains displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel is illuminated.
The system will advance from Warning Level 2 to either Warning Level 3 or Warning Level 4 depending on whether the ECM detects that additional fuel was added. The system advances to Warning Level 3 at the next ignition cycle if no fueling event was detected or to Warning Level 4 if additional fuel was added during the current ignition cycle.
Warning Level 3
Warning Level 2 automatically advances to Warning Level 3 at the next ignition cycle. The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 3. The series of four chimes is repeated three times during each successive ignition cycle. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Service Exhaust Fluid System
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart
The messages alternate every five seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph), remains displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously.
Vehicle speed is limited to 89 km/h (55 mph).
Warning Level 4
Warning Level 4 is triggered when the distance driven since receiving the first warning message exceeds 3,218 km (2,000 mi). The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 4. The series of four chimes will repeat three times during each successive ignition cycle. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Service Exhaust Fluid System
- See Owner's Manual Now
- 89 km/h (55 mph) Max Speed on Restart
- 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed Next Fuel Fill
The messages alternate every five seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 89 km/h (55 mph), and 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed Next Fuel Fill, remain alternately displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously.
Vehicle speed is limited to 89 km/h (55 mph).
Warning Level 5
Warning Level 4 automatically advances to Warning Level 5 when ECM detects a fuel fill event. The driver will hear four chimes on entering Warning Level 5. The series of four chimes will repeat every three minutes until the vehicle is serviced. The DIC displays the following messages:
- Service Exhaust Fluid System
- See Owners Manual Now
- 6 km/h (4 mph) Max Speed Next Fuel Fill
The messages alternate every five seconds until acknowledged by the driver; however, the Speed Limited to 6 km/h (4 mph), remains displayed on the DIC. The DEF Indicator in the instrument panel flashes continuously.
Vehicle speed is limited to 6 km/h (4 mph) maximum.