AdBlue problem

[MarkFL]

Adblue in my 2011 S350 (W221 50,000 miles), ran low a week ago with amber eml coming on too. Filled up with 20l and anti crystal additive; eml went off but returned after 100 miles approx with another low adblue warning and 494 miles range warning. Checked the level today with a wood rod and it remains full so I gave it a half-hearted stir and refitted filler cap; eml off again and no fault messages. I've connected a YOUCANIC diagnostic device and found a few points of interest:
1/ no stored codes
2/ pump test not possible with temp below 5C
3/ adblue heaters showing no faults
4/ 'maintenance' function has two steps; first 'refill adblue' then 'erase adaptation values after replacement of adblue'
I ran the 'erase' function and I'm hoping that's it.
There are three fill level sensors called 'EMPTY', 'RESERVE', and 'FULL' from which i would infer that only a complete refill will eliminate a reserve level warning. My sensors now have the status WET, WET, WET

I’m still getting Adblue check messages each time I drive 100+ miles but still no codes, and messages/eml seem to clear themselves between drives. Today I decided to clean the metering valve and boy did it need it! (See pics). I’ve run another ‘adaptation’ and a metering valve ‘teach-in’ but the active test of the metering valve always fails to run with a ‘temperature must be above 5C’ message even when it is a few degrees higher, so maybe there is a temperature sensor error. Who knows.............

 

[Slartibardfast1]

I’m still getting Adblue check messages each time I drive 100+ miles but still no codes, and messages/eml seem to clear themselves between drives. Today I decided to clean the metering valve and boy did it need it! (See pics). I’ve run another ‘adaptation’ and a metering valve ‘teach-in’ but the active test of the metering valve always fails to run with a ‘temperature must be above 5C’ message even when it is a few degrees higher, so maybe there is a temperature sensor error. Who knows.............

There is an additive for AdBlue called "Forte ADBLUE Crystal Preventer". There may be others. This should prevent the metering valve from getting clogged up. Not used it but heard about it.

 

[rf065]

There is an additive for AdBlue called "Forte ADBLUE Crystal Preventer". There may be others. This should prevent the metering valve from getting clogged up. Not used it but heard about it.

I don't think anyone can really say if these work or not, did not work for me anyway. If they were so good, why do the adblue manufacturers not add them when manufactured?

 

[MarkFL]

There is an additive for AdBlue called "Forte ADBLUE Crystal Preventer". There may be others. This should prevent the metering valve from getting clogged up. Not used it but heard about it.

Yes, I read about that and added some when I refilled the tank a few weeks ago. I did try some of the mixture on some crystals I found around the filler and it did seem to dissolve them faster than a reference sample of dionised water without the additive. Not conclusive but

 

[MarkFL]

I don't think anyone can really say if these work or not, did not work for me anyway. If they were so good, why do the adblue manufacturers not add them when manufactured?

That’s a good question. Apparently Total fuels do make Adblue called ‘Clearex’ with anti crystal additive but I couldn’t find any in UK. I used the ‘Forte’ bought online. Official stockists for Forte in UK all seem to be truck parts suppliers.

 

[onefortheroad]

I don't think anyone can really say if these work or not, did not work for me anyway. If they were so good, why do the adblue manufacturers not add them when manufactured?

It should be for what it now costs, like double the price.

 

[ajlsl600]

That’s a good question. Apparently Total fuels do make Adblue called ‘Clearex’ with anti crystal additive but I couldn’t find any in UK. I used the ‘Forte’ bought online. Official stockists for Forte in UK all seem to be truck parts suppliers.

It's avail in the EU. Haulers use it. I cud not get hold of any. I use the forte stuff. As to why its not already in adblu.. Guess!

 

[Benz17]

On the German Mercedes forum, and the American one, there is also a adblue threads but have not read any posts regarding crystal preventer.

I’m not saying it doesn’t work mind, it’s just an observation from those forums.

 

[Quintus]

Adblue - Independent Can't Deal

Just got the Adblue 'Check Manual engine won't start in 500 miles' message on my E220d W213, took the car to a local independent who did a diagnostic unfortunately they don't have the software to carryout the repair as Merc don't allow them to have it unlike the parts which they have to supply...

forums.mercedesclub.org.uk

 

[Woodleigh]

MB Warrington couldn’t be bothered typing it up when I had a major B service a few months ago,

Hi @Manc Rick I pretty sure you will find that topping up the AdBlue is not part of the A or B service, it’s the owners responsibility !

 

[onefortheroad]

Hi @Manc Rick I pretty sure you will find that topping up the AdBlue is not part of the A or B service, it’s the owners responsibility !

It is , but you have to ask , probably charge extra as well . Tight bar stewards .

 

[s5tuart]

It is , but you have to ask , probably charge extra as well . Tight bar stewards .

They wanted £40 to top up mine on the Shooting Brake. I did it myself and added a bottle of the Forte potion.

 

[Timeandleisure]

They are topping upto 10L on A or B service on mine as part of the service. Although they did completely refill it on the B as we are monitoring usage… seems to be an inconsistent approach but I was under the impression that they do ass some… and so far haven’t been disappointed.

 

[ajlsl600]

Adblue leclerc auto normandy 10 quid 4 10 lt.

 

[rf065]

Hi @Manc Rick I pretty sure you will find that topping up the AdBlue is not part of the A or B service, it’s the owners responsibility !

According to Mercedes, the adblue should be sucked out at every B service, and the customer should pay for the refill.

 

[Manc Rick]

According to Mercedes, the adblue should be sucked out at every B service, and the customer should pay for the refill.

This is what I have heard also. Thankfully, I keep an eye on things like this, but many motorists just take the car in for an annual service and assume that all that is required is being carried out. A lot of people wouldn’t think to ‘ask’ for AdBlue to be extracted and refilled.

Same with brake fluid I suspect. You have to ask. You certainly do with Toyota, as my parents’ car has been serviced by the dealer annually since the car was new. It is now 10 years old and has never had a brake fluid change. Toyota’s response “it’s an additional service item that has to be specifically requested”.

 

[onefortheroad]

This is what I have heard also. Thankfully, I keep an eye on things like this, but many motorists just take the car in for an annual service and assume that all that is required is being carried out. A lot of people wouldn’t think to ‘ask’ for AdBlue to be extracted and refilled.

Same with brake fluid I suspect. You have to ask. You certainly do with Toyota, as my parents’ car has been serviced by the dealer annually since the car was new. It is now 10 years old and has never had a brake fluid change. Toyota’s response “it’s an additional service item that has to be specifically requested”.

Not with brake fluid at mb. It's part of b service . Every 2 years .

 

[EmilysDad]

This is what I have heard also. Thankfully, I keep an eye on things like this, but many motorists just take the car in for an annual service and assume that all that is required is being carried out. A lot of people wouldn’t think to ‘ask’ for AdBlue to be extracted and refilled.

Same with brake fluid I suspect. You have to ask. You certainly do with Toyota, as my parents’ car has been serviced by the dealer annually since the car was new. It is now 10 years old and has never had a brake fluid change. Toyota’s response “it’s an additional service item that has to be specifically requested”.

When I asked Citroën about this when EmilysMum's car went there for a service they said they just test the fluid in the reservoir for water

 

[MarkFL]

I’m still getting Adblue check messages each time I drive 100+ miles but still no codes, and messages/eml seem to clear themselves between drives. Today I decided to clean the metering valve and boy did it need it! (See pics). I’ve run another ‘adaptation’ and a metering valve ‘teach-in’ but the active test of the metering valve always fails to run with a ‘temperature must be above 5C’ message even when it is a few degrees higher, so maybe there is a temperature sensor error. Who knows.............

Finally seem to have resolved my Adblue check message issues. Mercedes tech post on FB suggested replacing metering valve internals and after 300+ miles with no issues I'd say my problem is fixed

 

[ajlsl600]

Finally seem to have resolved my Adblue check message issues. Mercedes tech post on FB suggested replacing metering valve internals and after 300+ miles with no issues I'd say my problem is fixed
View attachment 83524

I have saved this if I thought 50 quid wud fix mine I would try it. When I can get another car lift. Was it full of cystalised crxp? Anyway well done bud plse advise again if still good at plus 5k miles mine ran fine for 4.5 k miles and whole system was changed less than 5 yr ago. If a bi annual clean of component keeps it reliable and is practical to do I will seriously consider reinstating my own.