Can you drive with an AdBlue system fault?
If you run out of AdBlue, your diesel vehicle will not be able to start or continue driving for long. AdBlue is a fluid used in diesel engines to reduce harmful emissions – so, if the AdBlue tank runs dry, the system detects this and triggers a warning on your dashboard. AdBlue Reset is an essential diagnostic function designed for modern diesel vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. It allows users to reset the AdBlue system after refilling or servicing, and is critical to remove warnings such as Engine will not restart in xxx miles.It’s impossible to drive without AdBlue® – your engine will not start, and you’ll see a notification noting ‘AdBlue® is empty’. A notification will also appear when your AdBlue® tank is running low. Most diesel vehicles require an AdBlue® top-up every 3,000-4,000 miles, depending on the engine.If you run out of AdBlue™, your vehicle will not re-start after you turn off the engine – this is a condition of the EU6 emissions legislation and applies to all types of vehicles. The AdBlue™ tank will need to be refilled with a minimum of approximately 3-5 litres of AdBlue™ before the vehicle will start.Even before engine damage occurs, using water instead of AdBlue® will also increase fuel consumption and cause your vehicle to break emissions reduction rules. As such, if you do mistakenly use water instead of AdBlue®, do not start your engine and contact a professional.Even before engine damage occurs, using water instead of AdBlue® will also increase fuel consumption and cause your vehicle to break emissions reduction rules. As such, if you do mistakenly use water instead of AdBlue®, do not start your engine and contact a professional.
Are AdBlue faults common?
One of the most frequent issues with AdBlue is crystallization. When exposed to air or not properly managed, AdBlue can crystallize, leading to clogged injectors and filters. This blockage can cause the system to malfunction, leading to increased emissions and potential engine damage. Different brands of AdBlue can have different chemical compositions. Mixing different brands of AdBlue can cause damage to the AdBlue system and can also cause harmful gases to be emitted from the exhaust.Is all AdBlue the same? While there are several names for AdBlue, such as Bluedef and BlueTec, the diesel exhaust fluid must contain 32. To ensure it’s of industry standard, it must feature the German Association of the Automotive Industry’s AdBlue logo.Yes, AdBlue and DEF are chemically identical. Both consist of a 32. SCR systems.It makes no difference which AdBlue® you use in the automobile industry. AdBlue®is the name of the product however customers can purchase different branded AdBlue® provided the manufacturer produced the AdBlue® following ISO 22241 standards.
What is the fault code for AdBlue?
Some common fault codes related to AdBlue include P20EE, P205C, and P20B9. P20EE indicates a malfunction in the AdBlue system, specifically a low exhaust gas sensor; P205C indicates an AdBlue fluid quality issue; and P20B9 indicates a low AdBlue line pressure. Repairing the AdBlue system can be a valid option — especially if your equipment is road-legal, under warranty, or operating in regions with strict emissions enforcement.Adblue is not physically required to run an engine, but running an engine without it will cause the vehicle emissions to exceed what’s legally permitted, so the vehicles are programmed to refuse to start if it runs out. Some will restrict performance if the adblue runs low, again to reduce emissions.The AdBlue system does not affect the running or performance of the engine itself, it purely exists for emissions control reasons. We can repair, replace or remove your vehicle’s AdBlue system at a fraction of the cost of main dealer prices. Main dealers often have big delays for parts, which mostly don’t affect us.Over time, your AdBlue® system can become clogged or less efficient, leading to issues that may affect both performance and emissions.
What is the AdBlue service fault?
If you notice any signs of AdBlue problems with sensors, or, putting it into the wrong reservoir such as the fuel tank, then you must see an AdBlue garage specialist straight away to avoid further damage to the parts of the car. Your diesel car cannot run without AdBlue if it was manufactured to take this. No, the engine will not be damaged if you run out of AdBlue™. You can proceed to the next AdBlue™ distribution point or use your emergency supply at the next safe stop if you have this on board. However, engine performance could be affected until you fill up.
How long does it take for AdBlue to reset?
After topping up AdBlue®, do not start the vehicle until its onboard computer has validated the refill. This can take a couple of minutes but once you get confirmation it’s worked, you’re good to go. Slowly refill the AdBlue® tank until it is full. Some vehicles require a dashboard reset after a top-up to remove the AdBlue® warning light. Check your owner’s manual or with your mechanic to see if this applies to your vehicle.After topping up AdBlue®, do not start the vehicle until its onboard computer has validated the refill. This can take a couple of minutes but once you get confirmation it’s worked, you’re good to go.
Can the AA reset AdBlue?
There’s no manual way of resetting your AdBlue warning light – the only thing you can do is top up. Once you’ve refilled to the minimum level, the warning light will normally disappear (though you may need to go for a short drive for the refill to register). Leave the negative battery terminal disconnected for about 15 minutes to allow the ECU to reset. This waiting period ensures that the ECU’s capacitors are fully discharged, clearing any adaptive memory. Reconnect the negative terminal. After waiting, securely reattach the negative battery cable and tighten the nut.Battery Disconnect – Hard Reset Option A hard reset via battery can clear persistent AdBlue lights—but use it carefully. Turn off the engine and remove the negative battery cable; keep it disconnected for 10–15 minutes.