How To Reset DEF Message - Dodge Cummins

How to reset DEF message on a Dodge Ram (2016) with a Cummins Diesel Engine. The Service DEF System Message or P202e Code is a genuine game stopper and will put you in limp mode, but it doesn't NEED to be. I show you how I reset the DEF Limp mode code on my 2016 Dodge Cummins Diesel Engine to get home.
This may not FIX your problem... It is probably the DEF Injector that is giving you grief... BUT, it should get you home and to the repair shop WITHOUT a tow truck.
Good Luck, and as always, it didn't harm my truck but you are an adult now and need to take responsibility for your own decisions if you do this too.
-Shane

[@clintvogt3545]

This video was a life/$ saver I was able to make it from Denver to San Antonio 1,000 miles on a road trip with the whole family.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Clint!! THAT IS EXCELLENT brother! Makes me very happy that I made the video when people are able to keep on moving! Thanks for the comment! Happy New Years! -Shane

[@gregernst4483]

I had a code reader and got the code P203C which could not be erased except from a dealer. My miles left were 125 and I was 200 miles from a dealer. Outrageous design to leave you stranded in desert areas without phone service especially pulling a 45 foot gooseneck. After truck made it to dealer it took two weeks to diagnose and repair, fortunately under warrenty. We made it to the dealer because we parked the truck overnight and somehow it reset itself and gave us enough additional miles to drive all the way to the dealer. 2017 2500 with 29,000 miles on it. This has left me just shaking my head. The repair time and also being stranded are both outrageous. It was the DEF indicator in the pump that went bad requiring a new DEF pump.

[@elliottshurepa3074]

You could have replaced it yourself and cleared yourself. Also an 8 ohm resistor plugged into the def injector harness would signal it is fine to the computer to temporarily drive. However be careful because your DPF will fill fast if no def fluid getting in to do it’s job.

[@gregernst4483]

@@elliottshurepa3074 I was looking all over the internet for any fix to get us to our city destination but nothing came up. Some folks said that as long as you don't shut the engine off it won't go into limp mode. I called a dealer the next morning after we stayed in a town overnight and he said that he has seen people drive after the def ran out and the mileage warning exceeded and also folks that went into limp mode. This was a code not able to be cleared other that with a serious dealer or diesel service shop scan tool. I had cleared the code but there was always this one code that said - permanent. I wasn't about to buy a new def pump and put it in myself with all the cost and the uncertainty, especially in the small remote Cold town we were in. Thanks for the 8 ohm tip, maybe I will try to fashion a plug for if it happens again. Any links? We should be able to go get the truck and trailer next week, what a PITA.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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[@gregernst4483]

@@elliottshurepa3074 This is good advice, thank you for this tip. I did not know about the 8 ohm resistor. Also it took some time for me to learn that a "permanent" code only meant it would stay there until the fault was fixed. So I now am thinking that the 8 ohm and the clearing of the code would have got me the 180 miles to the nearest dealer. It turned out to take three weeks for them to replace the DEF pump assembly even though it was just the def tank level indicator. And yes thanks for the heads up that the resistor is just temp and the DPF would plug pretty quickly.

[@walterk1221]

@@elliottshurepa3074 DEF goes into the SCR, not the DPF. The DPF is before the DEF injector. DEF has absolutely NOTHING to do with DPF or regen.

[@FelipeMota94]

You saved me and my wife after 3 days on this gas station working on my truck. It did exactly what you said! We are jumping happy lol

[@AHandleOnThings]

Felipe! EXCELENT to hear !!! I cant tell you how happy I am to hear that! Have a super day! -Shane

[@mojohauling2716]

Thanks for sharing, new to Ram, 17k miles with no trouble but I’m getting that scan tool for cheap insurance!

[@rochitalocoful]

It worked For me. It was giving me a P207F CODE. 5 miles per hour in 150 miles to Go to dealership. Thank you very much.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Engel, Keep that tool handy, I understand DEF may become hard to obtain soon brother, this may be the only way to get home! Stay safe! -Shane

[@wordisright]

What year

[@juilenechilton6294]

Ok, I’ve watched this video 8 times, I’m going to try this out and I’ll let you know!

[@AHandleOnThings]

EXCELLENT! -Shane

[@nosty502006]

Just a lil tip. Drive as long as you want with the rear abs sensors unplugged. I have been on 33 miles til 5mph. For about 9 months. But mine is a 14 with a manual trans. So I pulled entire exhaust of just to test run it. Tows my 34’ enclosed with two race cars with ease. Now every warning light in the world is in. But runs perfect.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Nosty, EXCELLENT ! Thanks! -Shane

[@vancouverheavyduty]

Deadly tip. Works great!!

[@lorindakappel8303]

It dont work done that

[@smithbf36832]

I was 10 miles from home last night with a Ram 3500 diesel when the miles ran out on the DEF warning. GOOD NEWS! It DOES NOT shut you down to 5mph immediately. You can still drive at speed as long as you do not shut the engine off or engage in "prolonged idle". However, as soon as you shut it off... you're in crawl mode. I need to try this fix.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Smith, GREAT INFO! Thanks for taking the time to post it! Have a SUPER weekend! -Shane

[@smithbf36832]

I forgot to update the fix. First, it was a borrowed truck :( and the owner was not happy that their truck was essentially dead, as in can't even drive it in for service. - the friend tried the code analyzer. The code was "permanent" and could not be reset. - the friend tried the turn it on and off several times method. No joy there either. - lastly, the friend sat in the truck, idling, scrolling through Facebook when... "PING" the code reset by itself. To clarify on the circumstances. The fuel and DEF were both on fumes when I refilled both when I borrowed the truck for a 180 mile round trip to pick up a trailer. The DEF warning came on about 20 miles after I started. We think it was either from the DEF getting too low, or perhaps I filled it too much.

[@AHandleOnThings]

When I called the dealer they told me that I would have to drop my truck off and that they could get to it in about 12 days! Now I don't know about you, but that stinks in my opinion. The dealer is busy so it isn't their fault but an EPA device putting me out of my truck for 12 days isn't acceptable. This work-around (used intelligently) will help to make this fault code a little easier to swallow. Or don't... the choice is ALWAYS yours! -Shane

[@flyfishingalvideos]

thank you for sharing this video. I’m working in the Grand Tetons for the summer and the light comes on. I found your video and it did the trick. We have a 2016 ram 2500. I was freaking out cause I am 1000 miles from home. There is no dodge dealer for 300 miles. I’m hoping I can get myself and my 32’ 5th wheel toy hauler home in October.

[@jamesphillips1778]

We all want to know did you make it home? I pray you did, this method seems to have worked for several people.

[@Pillin123]

I had this same issue and all because the DEF injector was faulty, took the truck to the dealership and they replaced it for a new one and problem fixed, I'm glad my truck is still under warranty so I didn't have to pay for it.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Sandro, I hear ya! The WORST part about the whole ordeal in my opinion is the helpless position it puts you in... all for an EPA regulation. It wouldn't be quite so miserable if there was a shop that is able to address it immediately, but that isn't the case either. A LOT of perturbed folks out there encountering the same situation. And FREQUENTLY! Pretty tough to stomach. Thanks for the comment and have a super evening! -Shane

[@Pillin123]

@@AHandleOnThings Yeah mate and I completely understand your point, a night before taking my truck to the dealer I tried to do my own research and used my scanning tool which immediately told me what was wrong with it, so when I got to the dealership at the next morning they didn't charge me for an inspection and that saved me some money and time, just sharing my experience. Thanks for your input Shane and have a great night as well!

[@MiCKEYDiAMONDSS]

“10 other codes and performs service pop up” “My codes are cleared” 😂😂

[@elliottshurepa3074]

Yeah kinda, I mean you can clear it, but it also depends on the issue. I have cleared this myself before, but once it would not go away. It’s because there was no resistance from a faulty DEF injector. Replaced it, cleared code. Gone for since. This might get you off the road, but pay attention to what the code is.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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[@billmacnab7904]

My question would be why is there not a class action lawsuit against dodge for this bullshit. My friend spent 68,000 dollars for her truck and now she can't drive it. Such bullshit.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Bill, Im with you on that 100% Merry Christmas! -Shane

[@mekphiri]

Spent $95k on mine just to get the message at 20k miles

[@SC-bg2lv]

@@mekphiri it’s fucking bullshit and we all should get something together to sue the fuck out of them.

[@ernierodgers3470]

And they wonder why so many people are putting delete kits on their trucks

[@pjwroblewski]

It's not just Rams GM and Ford do th same.

[@adamsonbarbecue9577]

Power cycling the truck (off/accessory, without starting the truck) five times, clearing the code each time, allowed the truck to come out of limp mode and reset to 80km to limp

[@JS-zb1vv]

Mine did that and it was the pump !! 1600.00 for the part and the dealership wanted 3000,00 to fix in a month if they had time !!Def pumps are hard to find too !! Easy fix to replace the pump !! Dealer told me try and don’t let the def tank get below a quarter tank because it’s causing the pumps to fail !! I had 82k on my truck the emissions warranty is only 80k !! Can’t wait till 100k and get rid of this nonsense!!

[@AHandleOnThings]

JS, Yes sir! Especially with the scarcity of parts these days. It may come down to not being able to get the problem fixed at all! Stay safe brother! -Shane

[@diamondhead203]

@@AHandleOnThings delete once it gets to that point

[@Steadierpark]

I honestly don’t even want my warranty…the hassle and wait to get parts for using the damn machine I paid for is infuriating. And it’s all emissions! You would think the 68rfe would be the problem 😂 but that doesn’t even scare me compared to being stranded with my family in the middle of nowhere. Good advice…carry a freaking scan tool and a toolbox cause u never know.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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[@rimwrecka100590]

I am trying this trick. Currently in Salt Lake City, trying to get home to San Antonio. P2048 is saying that the code is permanent. (Using Innova 3040RS scanner tool) Resetting all the codes granted me 4095 miles until 5mph.

[@sawituptx]

My code reader won't clear permanent code p2048 reductant injector circuit low Bank 1 unit 1

[@rvdogfl]

Good to know during a hurricane evacuation if the DEF code comes up during a hurricane evacuation you are just screwed. Hope it does not happen to me but if it does I am going to try this. I don't think it is a question of if it will happen but when it will. LOL

[@AHandleOnThings]

RV, Personally I believe that the ability to "buy a little more time" is critical... As you so wisely pointed out... Your truck doesn't know that this silly little feature could potentially be life threatening. Stay safe brother. and thanks for the great comment! -Shane

[@andyphuong4826]

Wow, thank you so much, you're the life saver.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Andy, I cant tell you how much we LOVE hearing when folks get the help they need on this stuff! Stay safe my friend! -Shane

[@brianputman8257]

thank you ,for the info.

[@alanalzaidawi1271]

Does this work on 2016 Nissan Titan Xd diesel

[@WELDERUPGARAGE]

My 2015 ram 3500 6.7 has the P242F code that seems to be permanent. I have tried all my scanners and searched online but still can’t resolve the issue. I have replaced the cat and the dpf but still the code persists. What can I do?

[@emmieveeh6181]

This is great for future reference but what do we do on a 500 mile road trip when the message pops up 200+ miles from a dealer and we don’t have this device??? This is so dumb!

[@AHandleOnThings]

Find your nearest auto parts store, and sometimes even Walmart... The device is pretty widely available Good luck! -Shane

[@rochitalocoful]

I got it at Walmart. $30

[@richardcampfield4151]

Is that the only thing I need on a 2019 Dodge to clear codes

[@paulpearson6669]

J.k. thanks for the help, computers, sheesh.

[@AHandleOnThings]

:P

[@sonsofliberty3081]

Pull the injector from the def, soak it in hot water, dry it off, return the injector, amdbit will be fine. I think its 2 10mm holding it on. Passenger side, around the back door area.

[@signes001]

Can I get rid of def errors in GRANDCHEROKEE 2016 WK2 as well? I eagerly await your reply.

[@AHandleOnThings]

That I dont know, but I wouldnt be a bit surprised Let us know if you find out! -Shane

[@user-fl5dj2cb9r]

Did y’all disconnect your batteries before cycling the key or with everything fully connected??

[@AHandleOnThings]

Everything was still connected

[@tomharrison6573]

I had the dreaded p207f code while in the middle of nebraska towing a trailer. went to auto zone and scanned showed 207 code and reader said permanent code, unable to erase it. 85 mile till shutdown. Nearest dealer was 70 miles away and not open on weekend. Spent 2 nights in hotel waiting for Monday am to make it to dealer. So Monday am hit highway to goto dealer, guess what? code now gone after going 2 miles!!! Kept on driving another 1000 miles with no problem...2 nights in hotel for bogus code??? WHAT A P.O.S.- GOING BACK TO GAS FORD 7.3..

[@AHandleOnThings]

DEF and the entire system surrounding it is a BS nonsense misery. I went back to big gas too. I hated to tho Merry Christmas! -Shane

[@jemhadar5029]

Will this clear the code and allow me to drive at highway speed so it will self regen? My filter is 100% from just driving around city

[@AHandleOnThings]

It will help you clear the code and drive at highway speed. yes. Whether the truck will regen is another question. Sometimes yes... sometimes no. Have a super evening -Shane

[@ftmt9568]

We all can thank the federal government for this .....

[@eduardmartin6207]

The code still in your dashboard

[@paulrae5613]

I had this message pop up several times with in my 2016 Ram Big Horn 2500HD and my speed was finally limited to 5 mph after a refuel. There is a way to do this without a reader that I found, the procedure is as follows: With truck shut off, turn on the right turn signal and hold it on. Then place your ignition in the accessory position, do not start the engine simply place ignition in the accessory position. On my dash, the dash lit up as normal, then it went blank, then it lit up again. This reset the computer (ECM) mandated speed limit and let me drive as I normally would. I was able to complete my trip home (roughly 400 miles) with no problems. The DEF message kept popping up and after the displayed mileage it warned me that after a refuel or a prolonged idle period the 5 mph speed limit would happen again, so I Luckily made it home without having to refuel or do a prolonged stop. Hope this helps someone, but make sure you get the issue that caused this in the first place fixed, because it may cause damage. It is a bad thing as far as I am concerned to do this but I guess it is mandated by federal law. Keep in mind that this will not reset or delete the message but it will get you driving as normal until you need to refuel again or go into a prolonged idle period (?long stop light?) again. In my case, I believe mine was caused by waiting for my wife to return from the restroom after the refuel.

[@AHandleOnThings]

PAul, FANTASTIC !! I will give this s try! Thanks for posting it! -Shane

[@ronleblanc4518]

Didn't work on my 2016 Laramie eco D

[@amorepreparedlife4557]

Cheaper than a tow truck!

[@AHandleOnThings]

It certainly is! AND it kept me from missing out on my fishing trip!

[@fabiskey4621]

Purchased Bosch, didn’t clear codes! Looking into cleaning filter

[@juanalvarado2969]

They have a def filter ?

[@garrieparsons2265]

so do you need to do anything else ?/// or just keep deleting code ? thanks

[@AHandleOnThings]

Garrie, You can just keep deleting the codes for all eternity I suppose... It would become a real pain in the backside pretty quick. This is really a video about how to keep your truck moving under its own power until you can get it in to a dealership for repairs. My dealership was SIX WEEKS away from being able to fix mine and I cant be without a truck for 6 weeks so... There are some other options you can chase such as deleting the DEF system... I cant do this because it would void the lifetime warranty. ( which doesn't cover the DEF system... surprise) If YOUR truck corrects itself and doesn't throw the code again for months and months like mine did MANY times after just deleting the code once or twice, then I tend to skip the dealership and drive the truck. But again, the choice is ultimately yours. Stay safe brother. -Shane

[@garrieparsons2265]

@@AHandleOnThings I’ve done more research and cleaning the spaying nozzle in your exhaust pipe sorts out this problem… thanks a bunch for your reply anyway

[@garrieparsons2265]

Other people loaded videos up of cleaning spray nozzle yourself, that sorts the issue out … thanks anyway 👋👍

[@jpkrause]

Not dealer level - sorry

[@AHandleOnThings]

Keep your walking shoes handy then. That works too. 👍 Thanks for commenting!

[@paulpearson6669]

Pretty sure your screwed bro.

[@AHandleOnThings]

LOL... That is very likely the truth! Thanks a bunch Paul!!