AdBlue problem

[Manc Rick]

Hi guys,
I’ve seen the numerous faults with MB AdBlue systems and it looks like Mine is suffering now also.

Thursday or Friday (the coldest day round here) I got a warning “Check AdBlue - see owners manual” and an amber EML.

Checked AdBlue level and it was just under a third full. MB Warrington couldn’t be bothered typing it up when I had a major B service a few months ago, however it still should have been fine, as far as I know.

Scanned the car and got ‘no faults found’ so I put 5L of AB into the tank and cleared fault and the EML and message went out.

Next day, after driving 10 miles, I get the message “engine start not possible after 497 miles” with an EML amber light again.

Level showing 4,700 miles which is what I would expect.

Unsure whether filing to the brim will help? I assume the very cold weather has triggered this fault (maybe?) as I’ve never had any issues with the car prior to this and it runs beautifully still even now (although I’m avoiding using it now).

I’ve booked in at MB Tech in Warrington for them to have a quick look on Thursday but with it being Xmas, it’s not a good time.

Any nuggets of information gratefully received. Should I chance sticking another 5L in it?

Is it safe to drive while it says 497 miles until eng won’t start?

It’s it worth siphoning the tank and refilling?

I’m fully prepared to be landed with a big bill and will be complaining to MBUK that their system is not fit for purpose, on the basis of the hundreds of similar cases.

Thanks guys and Merry Christmas

 

[Botus]

good timing just missed the likely fix

Recall - software update performed, EML on when collected

I don't have the ad blue countdown, only thing I just got was a eml for nox sensor and I am on list for the recall so was wondering if the recalls sorted it

forums.mercedesclub.org.uk

 

[Manc Rick]

good timing just missed the likely fix

Recall - software update performed, EML on when collected

I don't have the ad blue countdown, only thing I just got was a eml for nox sensor and I am on list for the recall so was wondering if the recalls sorted it

forums.mercedesclub.org.uk

Thanks for the reply. I’m not with you, sorry. I had the dreaded Nox update on my previous 212 which caused the sensor to fail, but haven’t been due any updates on this one? (I checked with MB last service)

 

[Manc Rick]

Thanks for the reply. I’m not with you, sorry. I had the dreaded Nox update on my previous 212 which caused the sensor to fail, but haven’t been due any updates on this one? (I checked with MB last service)

Am I reading that thread right, in that there some kind of potion that may help? Apologies if I’m completely missing the point, it’s taking it’s toll all this mither.

 

[Mr Greedy]

I would imagine the 'potion' is some sort of buffer inhibited acid or alkalis that can further dissolve the ureic acid crystals that likely build up around the sensor (a bit like limescale shower shine spray potions). Dissolve the acid safely and problem goes away.

I would have through if this were the problem, a bit like descaling an espresso coffee machine etc, there would have been a procedure developed where the adblue system can be drained, then the tank topped up to the brim with a magic potion at a specified temperature, left for a specified period of time, drained (and repeated if necessary), and then refilled with adblue - problem solved.

As an ex-materials engineer with chemistry experience, this seems like a gap in the market I should look at targetting!

I'm not so keen on the idea of adding a magic potion to the adblue that lingers in there permanently. I intuitively feel a 'treat and remove' solution would be a better option (and cheaper than £2.5k for a new tank just because there is a crystal deposit build up on the sensor).

 

[Botus]

Am I reading that thread right, in that there some kind of potion that may help? Apologies if I’m completely missing the point, it’s taking it’s toll all this mither.

world's most ridiculous name for a bottle of gout cure to go in the AdBlue tank

Exhaust Crystal Preventer - Forté

Forte have a range of 26 products used in over 9000 garages across the UK.

www.forteuk.co.uk

Forté Exhaust Crystal Preventer has been specifically formulated to prevent blockages and damage to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and components caused by the formation of crystals.

The formation of crystals in the SCR system can occur in the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (AdBlue) tank, level sensor, fluid pump, AdBlue injector and exhaust system, including the mixer and the SCR catalyst.

Crystals form in the exhaust system when the exhaust gas temperatures are low, a result of driving styles and incomplete combustion.

Forté Exhaust Crystal Preventer dissolves crystals that have formed in the exhaust fluid tank, affecting the function of the level sensor and fluid pump.

Use Forté Exhaust Crystal Preventer on every service and when topping up the vehicles Diesel Exhaust Fluid (AdBlue) to prevent the build-up of crystals forming in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.

• Keeps the complete SCR system free from crystals
• Prevents crystals from forming on the following components and ensures they function correctly:
• Fluid Tank
• Level Sensor
• Fluid Pump
• AdBlue Injector
• Exhaust SCR Mixer
• SCR Catalyst
• NOx Trap

 

[ajlsl600]

Adblue again! I wud suck it out put new mixed with forte juice. Put back clear faults go for good run and hope u can clear it. I suspect temp has aggrivated an existing issue. And adblue inject partially or completely blocked. If no fix, n taking mb f, off policy I wuud delete adblue and or get shot of car. There seems no escape from makers incompetence on this. I sure in states there will be class action.
Avoid benz updates. Eml will be on 5 min later and benz know all about the issue. Some have had problem sorted by benz but to my knowlage there is NO fixed benz policy on the matter so its a lottery on a, not fit for purpose, design.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I suspect a lot of ADBLUE problems are due to the tank heater failing or partially failing, uric acid doesn’t need much persuasion to crystallise as I found out when I had an empty ADBLUE container stored in the garage. I assume the ‘potions’ keep the ADBLUE in liquid form.
Interesting read on the problem:

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/mercedes-r320-bluetec-adblue-tank-heater-replacement-fault-code-203d17.2065841/

 

[ajlsl600]

Good write up. Bits still plenty but better than the stealer I have bookmarked that will print to my repair file when I get back to UK.

 

[onefortheroad]

I would imagine the 'potion' is some sort of buffer inhibited acid or alkalis that can further dissolve the ureic acid crystals that likely build up around the sensor (a bit like limescale shower shine spray potions). Dissolve the acid safely and problem goes away.

I would have through if this were the problem, a bit like descaling an espresso coffee machine etc, there would have been a procedure developed where the adblue system can be drained, then the tank topped up to the brim with a magic potion at a specified temperature, left for a specified period of time, drained (and repeated if necessary), and then refilled with adblue - problem solved.

As an ex-materials engineer with chemistry experience, this seems like a gap in the market I should look at targetting!

I'm not so keen on the idea of adding a magic potion to the adblue that lingers in there permanently. I intuitively feel a 'treat and remove' solution would be a better option (and cheaper than £2.5k for a new tank just because there is a crystal deposit build up on the sensor).

Rule of thumb is apparently whatever is in the tank after 2 years is drained and fresh put in.

 

[Botus]

I suspect a lot of ADBLUE problems are due to the tank heater failing or partially failing,

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/mercedes-r320-bluetec-adblue-tank-heater-replacement-fault-code-203d17.2065841/

maybe the heater switches off if a computer in germany hasn't has a chat during a "service" for a while. And after a bit of a touch up from a benz dealer it brings back some memories

just imagine if an authority found this extra in software and said - that kind of grooming isn't allowed anymore

 

[Benz17]

Rule of thumb is apparently whatever is in the tank after 2 years is drained and fresh put in.

Do dealers do this, as far as I know they just top up.

 

[ajlsl600]

The ill founded assumption is that you use it enough that refills avoid the prob. Don't buy bulk bargain adblu. Buy from latest made batch u can and use it. At least in car it should be getting sturred up regularly

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

There is one thing for sure we have no idea what the dealers may put into the ADBLUE tank when they top-up at a service what I do know is that my son’s W213 is on circa 70k miles and hasn’t missed a beat and he keeps it on MB extended warranty

 

[ajlsl600]

Maybe he does decent daily mileage. Not something benz seem to tell prospective buyers.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Maybe he does decent daily mileage. Not something benz seem to tell prospective buyers.

Like most his mileage dropped off during 2020/21 lately he does a 3 day commute to the office of 70 miles round trip so yes the car does long runs but didn’t during long periods throughout the pandemic restrictions

 

[Manc Rick]

Ok so I haven’t been able to get hold of any of the anti crystallisation stuff yet (could only find it on eBay so I’ve ordered some).

The car is in with the specialist indie tomorrow so I’ll report back what they find.

Cheers

 

[Manc Rick]

Update:
Car been in and diagnostics carried out. It is the AdBlue pump that has failed at 39k miles! New one ordered and to be fitted in new year. £300 inc diagnostics of £90 and some other part for £42, plus fitting when the part arrives.

Been nervously expecting a £2.5k bill all week as that’s all that is mentioned on the various forums. Not always that expensive it seems.

They had another one in yesterday that needed a new AdBlue injector.

Thanks for help everybody and Merry Christmas.

 

[Blobcat]

Update:
Car been in and diagnostics carried out. It is the AdBlue pump that has failed at 39k miles! New one ordered and to be fitted in new year. £300 inc diagnostics of £90 and some other part for £42, plus fitting when the part arrives.

Been nervously expecting a £2.5k bill all week as that’s all that is mentioned on the various forums. Not always that expensive it seems.

They had another one in yesterday that needed a new AdBlue injector.

Thanks for help everybody and Merry Christmas.

The pump is integral to the tank which is why there's been big ££££ bills quoted on here - I'd want to see the parts they're replacing

 

[onefortheroad]

Ok so I haven’t been able to get hold of any of the anti crystallisation stuff yet (could only find it on eBay so I’ve ordered some).

The car is in with the specialist indie tomorrow so I’ll report back what they find.

Cheers

Mine arrived today , for £12 and it does some good it's a win win.