How To Manage the DEF In Your Diesel Sprinter Van | Outside Van

Did you know your diesel exhaust fluid needs to be monitored on a regular basis, just like your oil or windshield fluid? Check out our handy How-To video to learn how to manage your DEF fluid, where to buy it, and more.
If you have any questions about the procedures covered in this video, please reach out to our service and warranty department at [e-mail].
Outside Van is not responsible for damage resulting from improper winterization. This serves only as a guide to basic procedures.

[@OutsideVan]

To add more DEF: 1. Turn off your van. 2. Pull the hood release latch located to the left of your brake pedal. 3. Close all vehicle doors so ammonia vapors can't enter the vehicle. 4. Press the lever under your hood to gain access to your engine. 5. Locate the fill port. A majority of the time the cap is marked. Turn the cap counter-clockwise to remove. 6. Fill the tank via the filler neck until the DEF level can be seen in the filler neck. Use a funnel for best results. 7. Once finished, replace the filler cap and turn clockwise. You will hear a click when the tank filler cap is fully closed.

[@buckeyeranger6438]

How do you drain, flush, tdef tank?

[@OutsideVan]

@@buckeyeranger6438 It depends on what year and model of Sprinter you have. There is a great forum over at sprinter-source going over the process and reasons to do this, check it out! sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/51467/

[@rickc9873]

DEFinitely an informative video. Thanks

[@MarkDouglasOutside]

I don’t have a diesel vehicle, so this was educational and entertaining 👍

[@Sharpbevel]

Sounds as easy as filling windshield wiper fluid. Thanks.

[@adameverett7882]

Thank you for this video

[@Milner_THX]

Please look at the camera guys!.. this off camera gaze is silly - looks like listening in to a private conversation.. brilliant vans btw 😬👍🏻

[@Sammy1970]

We call it ad blue here in the UK I believe

[@mustaphan9006]

Thank you for sharing. How many miles i can drive a sprinter after the light is on?

[@wcor8344]

Sweet

[@davidk9478]

I have a question, why is the oil missing when traveling? I don't have smuggling or fumigation. I have a van 2021

[@mikeb4708]

DEF is much cheaper at the pump than it is in the containers. I would always try and use a truck stop where they use high volume in order to ensure freshness

[@SharpeJennifer]

Hi, At truck stops You will likely find contaminates in the DEF fluid. As petrol stations (I’m in CA) don’t not clean out their tanks. I run a Sprinter DEF engine for my business and using the clean/regulated Plastic store purchased or petrol stations bottles of this stuff will keep you from ruining your engine. Clean DEF=A clean System.

[@vintagesportscards8265]

How about draining? Looking at a 2017 with only 4000 miles. Probably original def in that tank. How do I flush or drain it

[@OutsideVan]

You might have to siphon the old DEF out of the fill pipe, or in some cases there is a drain or pinch tube at the bottom of the tank. If you need to flush the system, make sure to used deionized water or clean DEF.

[@changanga2566]

I bought a used 2008 model and it is diesel But i dont see where the DEF is !!! May be this 2008 year don't have one..

[@tztz1949]

Don’t ever trust the level indicator in dash.

[@jpmackin]

I hear not to use def older than six months…?

[@firpofutbol]

Kinda weird when the guy doesnt even look at the camera.

[@JanSlavik-mt2rt]

Why would anybody want to mess with an extra cost and extra maintenance it sounds like a nonsense to me . is that why they are so cheap compared to other vans?

[@jaysonbird3975]

8 starts remain.. am I looking down a money pit? Terrible system

[@duartepaintinghandymanservices]

My advice, stay away from a sprinter, I have one and only had it for about 5 months it only has 63k miles and been at the shop 3 times and each time it was over $1k, should have went with a ford or dodge

[@bikesbeersbeats]

What year? Seems to be a trend with Sprinters that as cool as they look the maintenance costs are extremely high compared to a normal vehicle.

[@duartepaintinghandymanservices]

@@bikesbeersbeats 2012

[@juxhinmeminaj3446]

They are still the best vans out there, you have to know what to look for and maintain them. Their exhaust system is a bit complicated due to regulations. Old sprinters use to be more reliable. No def and all these filters and sensors they have today

[@rgl4665]

Go to a tuner shop. Delete EGR ,dpf and deff fluid. And will never need to fix this thing again. Can drive 1 million kilometers. Just change your oil.

[@JanSlavik-mt2rt]

So is this why they are cheaper than a Ford because of this nonsense def ? the way I see this extra 80 bucks a month????

[@Thesocialgarage]

Not "Potential" It WILL go into limp mode!! Amazon, FedEx etc all found out how awful the Mercedes DEF system is.

[@JogBird]

harmless.. lmao, gtfo

[@jesualdotavares4378]

Buy electric or gas engine vans. About DEF. Here is what you do. Buy a can of gas , throw it in the van and light up a cigarette 🚬

[@bobdrake7611]

FakeFill on your vid, DEF is nasty and should be sold in a better size and type of dispenser. The cost should be included in actual cost per mile