AdBlue

[Rogerlathbury]

Taken the plunge and purchased our first motorhome on a Fiat Ducato base. This vehicle uses AdBlue, however this is totally alien to me, the only bit I know is there is a separate tank and filler (to the diesel). How often do I need to add it, how much to add, is there an advanced warning that the tank is getting low, how long does it last etc etc. So pretty much actually, all answers would be much appreciated

 

[Sapper520]

I put 14 litres in, and still had problems.

Drip feed and don’t wait for warning lights is all I can advise. Our car gives a 1500 mile warning…….our Ducato van…….let’s say, the warning light comes too late!

 

[Mountain man]

Thanks for the info .3500 miles on my Fiat Ducato never had the light come yet so I will top up now before it does.
Thanks.

 

[Sapper520]

Now to put all our stuff back in the van and charge the water system up again. Thought it was going to be at the garage a while, so took all the food and other items out, and drained down the system.

But doing it with a smile rather than a groan.

Now where was it I was going to book……….

 

[GeeCee]

The first time we added AdBlue (5l) was when the warning light came on - from new with 2100 miles on the clock.
The second time - today - we thought best to top it up and it took 1/2 of a 20l container.

I hope that helps.

Do you know whaat the mileage was the 2nd time the light came on? It's just that I've been having problems with the light coming on. I topped it up the 1st time with 5l (probably done about 2500 miles at that point) and after about another 200 miles it came on again. This time I put 10l in. I've now done about 3700 miles and the light (and messages) are on again. The light has come on again, intermittently, but every time I've taken it into the Fiat dealer the light has not been on and they say they can't do anything unless a fault is present.

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[golly]

Our van is based on a Merc Sprinter, according to the manual, it uses between 3 and 6 litres per 600 miles depending on driving style . I can check level on the dash screen, capacity is 18 litres so when it gets to 3/4 full I stick 4 or 5 litres in.

 

[Tanya_and_Mick]

Do you know whaat the mileage was the 2nd time the light came on? It's just that I've been having problems with the light coming on. I topped it up the 1st time with 5l (probably done about 2500 miles at that point) and after about another 200 miles it came on again. This time I put 10l in. I've now done about 3700 miles and the light (and messages) are on again. The light has come on again, intermittently, but every time I've taken it into the Fiat dealer the light has not been on and they say they can't do anything unless a fault is present.

Sorry, I just top it up intermittently now, rather than wait for the light…

 

[Sapper520]

Don’t wait for the light.

Mine came on, I topped up as per instructions……..too late, engine wouldn’t start. RAC tried for two hours to fix, ended up on a flatbed to the dealers.

It’s not like my car that gives you 1500miles to work with.

 

[golly]

I have never used an Adblue forecourt pump I just fill from 5 lt containers. Do the pumps have smaller nozzles and do they cut out when full like the fuel pumps do.

 

[Lucky]

Adblue pumps at filling stations are much easier to use than disposable containers. Yes the nozzle is narrower and more importantly long and strong enough to open the internal flap inside the Ducato filler. And yes, they cut out when the tank is full, so no spillages.

Convenient, easy to use, cleaner, cheaper. What's not to like?

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[mike mcglynn]

When we picked up our new van we thought that the adblue tank would be filled ….wrong it had at most 5 litres in . I had to buy 10 litres to top up .

 

[Sapper520]

Adblue pumps at filling stations are much easier to use than disposable containers. Yes the nozzle is narrower and more importantly long and strong enough to open the internal flap inside the Ducato filler. And yes, they cut out when the tank is full, so no spillages.

Convenient, easy to use, cleaner, cheaper. What's not to like?

How do prices compare between pump and container?

 

[gus-lopez]

When we picked up our new van we thought that the adblue tank would be filled ….wrong it had at most 5 litres in . I had to buy 10 litres to top up .

As I said before ,they are like printers, just enough for a few sheets. They are't going to give you money are they?
You don't get a new car that doesn't need fuel within 500metres

 

[Lucky]

How do prices compare between pump and container?

I'm in France these days so don't have precise numbers for the UK but when I last looked the forecourt pump price was about half that for plastic bottles sold inside the filling stations. I might be wrong on the exact comparison but it's very significant.

The trouble can sometimes be finding the forecourt AB pumps. Often they are where the trucks refill.

 

[GeeCee]

We have a 2021 Fuat Ducato, adblue warning light at 2100 miles , as per video posted above, allegedly 380 miles left until amber warning goes red, then 100 miles left before danger of limp mode / non restart / garage reset possibly required

I hope that helps

Actually we did get mileage messages after our light came on with the first warning messages. We got the first one saying you have xxx miles before you need to refill your AdBlue (after restarting the engine several miles after the first message), then another later one (after an engune restart again) telling us we had yyy miles before the engine would cut out. We made it to a garage with about 20 miles to go.

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[Tanya_and_Mick]

Just topped the adblue up after 1000 miles (Fiat Ducato 160bhp 2.3) the 1000 miles was 80% (UK) motorways and 20% local A/B roads.

The Fiat has a 19liter adblue tank and the top up took c.2.5 litres.

So to the math:
Caveat we all drive different and differing roads to consider; plus, we are a GlobeCar 3.5t (vs. A class, etc other models)

So my guesstimate is that an adblue tank for us should do c.7.6k miles.

Fiat allegedly claim on yellow warning you get c.380 miles and you get c.100 miles on red warning light.

As previously mentioned by gus-lopez , from new it’s like buying a printer - your ink cartridges will print two pages then you need to buy more ink.

We have some local UK journeys this week (including the Norfolk Motorhome Show) prior to heading home to Spain (c.1450 miles) - I’ll do another adblue fill when I get home and see what the maths says.

I hope this is helpful to some.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Don’t wait for the light.

Mine came on, I topped up as per instructions……..too late, engine wouldn’t start. RAC tried for two hours to fix, ended up on a flatbed to the dealers.

It’s not like my car that gives you 1500miles to work with.

According to the Citroen Relay handbook, you also get 1500 miles from first indication, warnings get more urgent in three steps, then limp mode before not starting at all.

My first level alert has just come on, 14000 miles, be interesting how much AdBlue it takes.
Tank capacity is just under 20 litres according to the specs

 

[Coolcats]

Depends on the fuel/NOX use/production of the engine. Have bought a 2.3 160bhp fiat recently (didn't know about lockdown) did a bit of as best research and found on average AdBlue use is between 3 and 5% of diesel useage. So 100l of diesel V, roughly equates to 5L of AdBlue. BUT is very dependant on driving technique.

Perhaps those with more experience of these engines can advise based on experience.

My VW T6 the add blue lasts about 6000 miles the tank size is 13 litres so that’s about 430 miles per litre

 

[GeeCee]

Just topped the adblue up after 1000 miles (Fiat Ducato 160bhp 2.3) the 1000 miles was 80% (UK) motorways and 20% local A/B roads.

The Fiat has a 19liter adblue tank and the top up took c.2.5 litres.

So to the math:
Caveat we all drive different and differing roads to consider; plus, we are a GlobeCar 3.5t (vs. A class, etc other models)

So my guesstimate is that an adblue tank for us should do c.7.6k miles.

Fiat allegedly claim on yellow warning you get c.380 miles and you get c.100 miles on red warning light.

As previously mentioned by gus-lopez , from new it’s like buying a printer - your ink cartridges will print two pages then you need to buy more ink.

We have some local UK journeys this week (including the Norfolk Motorhome Show) prior to heading home to Spain (c.1450 miles) - I’ll do another adblue fill when I get home and see what the maths says.

I hope this is helpful to some.

Thanks for the update. Yes please do keep us informed. And enjoy the journey to Spain. Hoping to go ourselves end of August.

 

[Sapper520]

According to the Citroen Relay handbook, you also get 1500 miles from first indication, warnings get more urgent in three steps, then limp mode before not starting at all.

My first level alert has just come on, 14000 miles, be interesting how much AdBlue it takes.
Tank capacity is just under 20 litres according to the specs

We picked up the van in September last year, new. Ducato 2020 2.3L 140bhp.

Warning message came on, Adblue Low. Was about 50 to 70 miles from home. Added 10 litres once at home, went through the reset procedure……still Adblue Low. Took it for a short drive to see if that did anything, then had the warning about add 1.1 gallon of Adblue and switch off and it won’t restart.

Returned home, put in another 4 litres…..wouldn’t take anymore, tried the reset procedures again….nothing. RAC (tried for two hours) to dealer and they reset it somehow.

Carrying a 5 litre container and will top up every 1000 miles. Don’t want that nonsense again.

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[Langtoftlad]

We picked up the van in September last year, new. Ducato 2020 2.3L 140bhp.

Warning message came on, Adblue Low. Was about 50 to 70 miles from home. Added 10 litres once at home, went through the reset procedure……still Adblue Low. Took it for a short drive to see if that did anything, then had the warning about add 1.1 gallon of Adblue and switch off and it won’t restart.

Returned home, put in another 4 litres…..wouldn’t take anymore, tried the reset procedures again….nothing. RAC (tried for two hours) to dealer and they reset it somehow.

Carrying a 5 litre container and will top up every 1000 miles. Don’t want that nonsense again.

Had some initial problems... but wiring loom rerouted and sensor replaced under warranty.
Obviously the vehicle was supplied with very little AdBlue.
Since that issue was sorted, I've filled once at a draft pump.
Now, top up required.

 

[Drexl]

My Peugeot panel van conversion has the 2.2 140bhp engine.
Here's my adblue experience to date.
At 1029 miles I topped up to the brim adding 6.3 litres. Yesterday at 2052 miles topped up again adding 3.5 litres. Going forward I'm just going to top up every 1500 to 2000 miles or thereabouts.
I filled up the first time using a 10 litre adblue container with the supplied filler spout. It was rubbish as the spout end was not long enough to get past the spring flap in the inlet, also heavy to hold and it leaked slightly from the threaded join at the filler spout. So then used a hand priming pump - this type Link- the outlet pipe pushed open the spring flap OK but it took a while to fill as the hand pump is slow to pump 6+ litres.
Better way the second time was to repeatedly decant adblue into a 1 litre plastic bottle and use a "Laser 5927 funnel kit 165mm" from Amazon Link. The clear plastic tubing can be pushed into the filler past the spring flap making it easy for the adblue to flow into the tank. Then keep an eye in the inlet for when the tank brims. When tank is full, extract filler pipe, replace cap and wash down any spills.
In summary I would recommend the Laser funnel and decanting the adblue into a smaller bottle to top up the vehicle tank.
I've never seen the forecourt adblue dispensers described by others, however hopefully I shouldn't need to fill up when away on a trip.

 

[Ivory55]

My Peugeot panel van conversion has the 2.2 140bhp engine.
Here's my adblue experience to date.
At 1029 miles I topped up to the brim adding 6.3 litres. Yesterday at 2052 miles topped up again adding 3.5 litres. Going forward I'm just going to top up every 1500 to 2000 miles or thereabouts.
I filled up the first time using a 10 litre adblue container with the supplied filler spout. It was rubbish as the spout end was not long enough to get past the spring flap in the inlet, also heavy to hold and it leaked slightly from the threaded join at the filler spout. So then used a hand priming pump - this type Link- the outlet pipe pushed open the spring flap OK but it took a while to fill as the hand pump is slow to pump 6+ litres.
Better way the second time was to repeatedly decant adblue into a 1 litre plastic bottle and use a "Laser 5927 funnel kit 165mm" from Amazon Link. The clear plastic tubing can be pushed into the filler past the spring flap making it easy for the adblue to flow into the tank. Then keep an eye in the inlet for when the tank brims. When tank is full, extract filler pipe, replace cap and wash down any spills.
In summary I would recommend the Laser funnel and decanting the adblue into a smaller bottle to top up the vehicle tank.
I've never seen the forecourt adblue dispensers described by others, however hopefully I shouldn't need to fill up when away on a trip.

The ad blue pump is generally near the hgv diesel pump as they tend to use the most

 

[Drexl]

The ad blue pump is generally near the hgv diesel pump as they tend to use the most

That explains why I've never seen one!

 

[SD j]

My Experience, ( 2.3 ltr 140 Fiat PVC)
Trip to french alps and back from Yorkshire.
Filled up before setting off , covered exactly 899 miles before warning light appeared , filled up with 8 litres in french services .
Similar on return, managed just 921 miles before orange light appeared again.
Seems thirsty for the stuff to me , certainly more so than the sales blurb would have you believe.
I also haven’t found a 10ltr can with a spout long enough to open the filler flap yet.
I’ve resorted to filling up in the petrol station at the pump .
It’s nasty stuff to be spilling

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[Ivory55]

My Experience, ( 2.3 ltr 140 Fiat PVC)
Trip to french alps and back from Yorkshire.
Filled up before setting off , covered exactly 899 miles before warning light appeared , filled up with 8 litres in french services .
Similar on return, managed just 921 miles before orange light appeared again.
Seems thirsty for the stuff to me , certainly more so than the sales blurb would have you believe.
I also haven’t found a 10ltr can with a spout long enough to open the filler flap yet.
I’ve resorted to filling up in the petrol station at the pump .
It’s nasty stuff to be spilling

Trucks use more if doing a lot of hills as opposed to running around Norfolk, so I guess it’s the same for you.

 

[GeeCee]

My Peugeot panel van conversion has the 2.2 140bhp engine.
Here's my adblue experience to date.
At 1029 miles I topped up to the brim adding 6.3 litres. Yesterday at 2052 miles topped up again adding 3.5 litres. Going forward I'm just going to top up every 1500 to 2000 miles or thereabouts.
I filled up the first time using a 10 litre adblue container with the supplied filler spout. It was rubbish as the spout end was not long enough to get past the spring flap in the inlet, also heavy to hold and it leaked slightly from the threaded join at the filler spout. So then used a hand priming pump - this type Link- the outlet pipe pushed open the spring flap OK but it took a while to fill as the hand pump is slow to pump 6+ litres.
Better way the second time was to repeatedly decant adblue into a 1 litre plastic bottle and use a "Laser 5927 funnel kit 165mm" from Amazon Link. The clear plastic tubing can be pushed into the filler past the spring flap making it easy for the adblue to flow into the tank. Then keep an eye in the inlet for when the tank brims. When tank is full, extract filler pipe, replace cap and wash down any spills.
In summary I would recommend the Laser funnel and decanting the adblue into a smaller bottle to top up the vehicle tank.
I've never seen the forecourt adblue dispensers described by others, however hopefully I shouldn't need to fill up when away on a trip.

Thanks for the infor Drexl. I know what you mean about the containers not opening the spring flap. I've had a few spillages when trying to fill mine. Like the idea of a funnel and smaller bottle though. I think I've got a funnel somewhere. According to your figures it needs 3.5 litres for roughly every 1000 miles. Good to know. Like you I will be topping up frequently from now on.

 

[GeeCee]

My Experience, ( 2.3 ltr 140 Fiat PVC)
Trip to french alps and back from Yorkshire.
Filled up before setting off , covered exactly 899 miles before warning light appeared , filled up with 8 litres in french services .
Similar on return, managed just 921 miles before orange light appeared again.
Seems thirsty for the stuff to me , certainly more so than the sales blurb would have you believe.
I also haven’t found a 10ltr can with a spout long enough to open the filler flap yet.
I’ve resorted to filling up in the petrol station at the pump .
It’s nasty stuff to be spilling

So true about the filler spout. Makes you wonder if they were designed for diesel cars, not mohos.

 

[Andy MacD]

Database of AdBlu pumps. Go to https://www.yara.co.uk. Primarily for commercials.

They also have a app, Air1 AdBlu, so you can use to locate pumps and then upload address to Maps.

 

[danielf]

FYI

I topped my new van up with adblue the day after purchase. Took about 11 litres.

Fiat Ducato 2021 140hp Automatic

The warning light to top up has come on at 2,350 miles.

I will top up today and see how much it takes …. I was expecting many more miles before topping up.

Daniel.

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[Sapper520]

FYI

I topped my new van up with adblue the day after purchase. Took about 11 litres.

Fiat Ducato 2021 140hp Automatic

The warning light to top up has come on at 2,350 miles.

I will top up today and see how much it takes …. I was expecting many more miles before topping up.

Daniel.

Don’t drive too far without topping up…..you don’t get much leeway.