Error: AdBlue (DEF). No engine start in 1000kms

[Johnte]

Hi all,

I'm getting the following error "Error: AdBlue (DEF). No engine start in 1000kms" in my Passat TDI.

I've added Penrite Adblue to the brim and left the car on for 30 secs prior as most sites have suggested.

However I still get the error. Does anyone know what might be the cause of it?

I've booked a diagnosis with my dealership but I've just realised my statutory warranty finished 3 weeks ago.

Hoping its something I can resolve myself.

Cheers

[Lucas_R]

The AdBlue nozzles are known to get crystallization form on the tip and then they cant spray. Also the liquid itself is known to crystallize inside the tank. Not sure if this is your issue but it might be.

Otherwise, if you are lucky the car will soon detect that you have filled up the AdBlue and reset the error message.

[Johnte]

Thanks Lucas.

I've called an independent VAG specialist and he is given me a run down on potential issues and worst case was the pump and tank needing to be replaced. Said it would be $3200.

Would you happen to know any websites to buy parts? I'm hoping that dealership can diagnosis the issue for me and provide me with all the parts required, I purchase the parts and have the specialist replace them and charge me just for labour.

$3200 is a lot of coin.

[Lucas_R]

Yes $3,200 is a lot of cash. For about $1-1.2k you could get the cars ECU remapped and have the troublesome Adblue removed form the cars brain. An added bonus of the remap is you will get some additional power and torque (about 20-30kw and 80-100nm torque).

As a very cost effective solution, this might be worth trying assuming your ECU is on the supported list: ADBLUE off file | Adblue Removal Tool | ADBLUE Delete

But if you want to simply replace the faulty parts, I have not seen any of the regular parts places (RunAutoParts, VAGParts, Sparesbox etc) selling any AdBlue items.....so you might be out of luck there - it may well have to be genuine VW parts only.

[Johnte]

Yes $3,200 is a lot of cash. For about $1-1.2k you could get the cars ECU remapped and have the troublesome Adblue removed form the cars brain. An added bonus of the remap is you will get some additional power and torque (about 20-30kw and 80-100nm torque).

As a very cost effective solution, this might be worth trying assuming your ECU is on the supported list: ADBLUE off file | Adblue Removal Tool | ADBLUE Delete

But if you want to simply replace the faulty parts, I have not seen any of the regular parts places (RunAutoParts, VAGParts, Sparesbox etc) selling any AdBlue items.....so you might be out of luck there - it may well have to be genuine VW parts only.

That sounds like a way more cost effective option. My VAG specialist mechanic is VW Village in Kensington Sydney.

Is this something that they would be able to do?

I'm really just after the most cost effective way to get my car running without any errors such as this which would cost the engine to stop in 1000km.

How do I try the adblue removal tool you linked me to? I'm willing to give it ago.

Cheers

[Lucas_R]

That sounds like a way more cost effective option. My VAG specialist mechanic is VW Village in Kensington Sydney.

Is this something that they would be able to do?

I'm really just after the most cost effective way to get my car running without any errors such as this which would cost the engine to stop in 1000km.

How do I try the adblue removal tool you linked me to? I'm willing to give it ago.

Cheers

Speak to VW Village about it - from memory they have a relationship with Revo for ECU tuning. Not all tuning companies will support disabling Adbude/EGR's etc so you may need to make some calls to find a reputable company who does support it. Im not sure what Revo will or wont do.

You could also try Zadtec in North Sydney. They are a dealer for a UK based company called Celtic Tuning and have a shop in Sydney (Artarmon). They do support removal of DPF and EGR's etc in their software so you could ask them about the AdBlue: +32% torque with Stage 1 ECU Remap on Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 139 KW (2015-now)

Zadtec: Zadtec Performance AUS - Home | Facebook

Im sure there are other options in Sydney also - you might just need to do a bit of Googling and make some calls.

As for that AdBlue removal tool - I have not used it personally, I simply found it while Googling AdBlue issues. I cant say if it will or wont work. I just thought that for a small price it might be worth a try?

[Titus_A]

The same thing happened to my Passat. Putting AdBlue in didn’t clear the message. It turned out to be a faulty sensor. My dealer hadn’t seen the issue before and kept the car for a few days to make sure they resolved the problem. I have an extended warranty on mine, so there was no cost to fix it.

[Johnte]

I had it diagnosis by the dealership and they said that they need to replace the adblue line as it is leaking and has crystallised.

$1500 to fix. my issue is that they then told me that may or may not rectify the issue as at the moment, they can't pressurise and test the other adblue parts until this is replaced. There is a potential that I may have to get the whole system replaced which I was quoted $3200 for parts plus labour.

Has anyone experience this issue.

It is a really odd one as sometimes I get the error message and as I drive it will disappear. Other times I can drive and the error message will remain on for ages before eventually disappearing as well.

[Lucas_R]

I would speak to a tuner as discussed above. Deleting the AdBlue function in the cars ECU will almost certainly cost less than your lowest quote, with the added benefit of some more power and torque with the stage 1 ECU tune.

These AdBlue systems are proving to be very unreliable and cost a small fortune to repair.

[Johnte]

Hi Lucas,

I intend on speaking to a tuner tomorrow.

I would of thought though that because the Adblue reducing agent line is leaking AdBlue that it would have to be replaced anyway?

Or is my understanding really off?

[Lucas_R]

Hi Lucas,

I intend on speaking to a tuner tomorrow.

I would of thought though that because the Adblue reducing agent line is leaking AdBlue that it would have to be replaced anyway?

Or is my understanding really off?

If you can find a tuner who can confidently tune the AdBlue functionality out of the ECU, then the Adblue system fitted to your car will effectively be redundant. So then you can either drain the AdBlue tank or let it leak until its empty.

And if you feel the need to replace the current leaking AdBlue line, I would look at fitting a better quality product that wont fail again in a few years time.

Anyway, have a chat to a few different tuning places in the Sydney area and see what they have to say. They might have some tricks or other methods to get around the issue based off experience they have had with other customers cars.