What is an AdBlue system fault?
AdBlue Injector Problems: Blockages or malfunctioning injectors affecting the flow of AdBlue into the exhaust system. Sensor Failures: Issues with the AdBlue quality or level sensors that trigger warning lights or system shutdowns. 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.AdBlue is primarily made of urea and water, and it can crystallize over time, leading to blockages in the injection system. If this happens, your car may not be able to properly inject AdBlue into the exhaust, causing performance issues and triggering warning lights.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.If AdBlue runs out while you’re driving, you’ll be able to continue your journey. But once you turn the engine off, it won’t start again until AdBlue is topped up. This is a built-in fail-safe by manufacturers to ensure emission standards are met. It’s inconvenient – but entirely avoidable.
Can I drive with an AdBlue system fault?
Considering the possibility of the car becoming inoperable and the engine warning light, it’s usually safer to refrain from driving the vehicle until a mechanic can diagnose the AdBlue system problem. Drive the car only when absolutely necessary and for short distances. 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.If you continue to drive with a low AdBlue level, you risk damaging your engine and other components of your vehicle. Driving with a low AdBlue level can also cause your vehicle to have higher emissions, which could result in a fine from environmental authorities.Running out of AdBlue may trigger a reduction in engine power and efficiency, affecting the overall performance of the vehicle. Warning Indicators and Reduced Speed: Most vehicles with AdBlue systems are designed to display warning indicators when the fluid level is low.Using water instead of AdBlue – In short, you mustn’t use water instead of AdBlue, or water down the AdBlue in anyway. AdBlue is a mixture of urea and 67. Where as tap water contains a lot of minerals and ions that is harmful to the vehicle exhaust treatment system.
What does AdBlue system failure mean?
AdBlue faults can occur when the AdBlue system is not functioning properly, resulting in engine power loss, warning lights on the dashboard, and reduced fuel economy. Common AdBlue faults include low AdBlue fluid levels, faulty AdBlue injectors, or a malfunctioning AdBlue pump. Using water instead of AdBlue – In short, you mustn’t use water instead of AdBlue, or water down the AdBlue in anyway. AdBlue is a mixture of urea and 67. Where as tap water contains a lot of minerals and ions that is harmful to the vehicle exhaust treatment system.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.As AdBlue is not compatible with any engine materials it can very quickly corrode all components and pipework within the engine. If this happens the entire fuel system will need to be replaced. You must contact a professional to drain the tank immediately and dispose of all contaminated fluid.
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. AdBlue Crystallization AdBlue is primarily made of urea and water, and it can crystallize over time, leading to blockages in the injection system. If this happens, your car may not be able to properly inject AdBlue into the exhaust, causing performance issues and triggering warning lights.How to use our products to remove AdBlue® crystals. We recommend using Forté Advanced Diesel Fuel Conditioner to clean the fuel system at regular intervals and maintain fuel system cleanliness, efficiency and restore fuel injector spray patterns and operation.This leaves unused AdBlue in the catalytic converter which then evaporates and crystallises in the system. These crystals cause blockages which can damage the catalytic converter and other exhaust components in your vehicle. You can avoid the crystallisation problem by using one of the additives now on the market.
Can I still drive without AdBlue?
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. Your Audi will warn you when you’re within 1,500 miles of needing to top up your AdBlue, and it’s vital that this is done – either by you or your Audi Centre – to ensure your engine keeps working as normal.Typically, you’ll have a range of a few hundred kilometers after the initial warning, giving you time to find a refill location. Regular Maintenance: If your vehicle has high mileage or is used for heavy-duty purposes, check AdBlue® levels more frequently. A routine check during every oil change is a good practice.You will get a warning on most Audi cars if your AdBlue is running low, starting at the last 1500 miles. With AdBlue, you’ll notice that the car does achieve a higher level of efficiency on the roads and that your car lasts for a lot longer than the typical vehicle.Most vehicles which require adblue will give you a warning when there’s about 2-3 litres left. Depending on the vehicle and how you drive it, this will give you about 1,200 to 1,500 mile range.
Is it illegal to turn off AdBlue?
Yes, removing or bypassing the AdBlue system is illegal in the UK. It violates UK and EU emissions regulations, making it unlawful to drive on public roads with an AdBlue delete. AdBlue removal is illegal for on-road vehicles in the UK under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. The most significant risk is that it can damage your engine and cause it to fail. The AdBlue system is designed to reduce harmful emissions and keep your engine running efficiently. By removing it, you may be exposing your engine to excessive pollution levels.Adblue delete is normally completed by reprogramming the engine management system (ECU), however some vehicles will require a small electronic unit to be hardwired into the vehicle.