Ad Blue problem

[aljay11562]

Eng Start not possible in 385 mi..I have E220 Bluetec 2015

 

[ToeKnee]

Eng Start not possible in 385 mi..I have E220 Bluetec 2015

Thank you for telling us??

 

[kam09]

Eng Start not possible in 385 mi..I have E220 Bluetec 2015

Get it deleted quick!

 

[markjay]

Welcome.

I am assuming that you tried adding AdBlue, to ensure that the AdBlue tank isn't low or empty?

If so, then unfortunately this can be the start of a long and expensive saga. I suggest that you take the car to a reputable independent specialist who has experience MB Diesel cars, for proper diagnosis.

The most likely cause is a failed AdBlue level sensor. Sometime these can be cleaned either by using an anti-crystallising additive, or by physically cleaning the ultrasound sensor. If a new sensor is needed, then this usually means a new AdBlue tank because the sensor is not sold separately. But it could be another component in the AdBlue system that is at fault.

 

[markjay]

Get it deleted quick!

Further to the above post by kam09:

Some owners resorted to 'AdBlue Delete', which is essentially reprogramming the car to think that no AdBlue system is fitted, as a cheaper alternative to actually fixing the problem. This means that strictly speaking, the car becomes unroadworthy, although at current it is not on the MOT checklist and so most probably won't be picked up. That been said, even if you're happy with driving a car that isn't 'road legal', you should inform your insurer because this amounts to a modification - not sure how this will work.

In summary, the obvious difficulty is that you risk driving a car that is unroadworthy and potentially has an invalidated insurance policy - but then different people have different risk appetite...

 

[ChrisHGTV]

Further to the above post by kam09:

Some owners resorted to 'AdBlue Delete', which is essentially reprogramming the car to think that no AdBlue system is fitted, as a cheaper alternative to actually fixing the problem. This means that strictly speaking, the car becomes unroadworthy, although at current it is not on the MOT checklist and so most probably won't be picked up. That been said, even if you're happy with driving a car that isn't 'road legal', you should inform your insurer because this amounts to a modification - not sure who this will work.

In summary, the obvious difficulty is that you risk driving a car that is unroadworthy and potentially has an invalidated insurance policy - but then different people have different risk appetite...

With LV insurance you can just tick a box for engine modifications so you don’t have to specify what exactly. For my Alfa I declared all the modifications and it was still pretty cheap so worth investigating if you want to delete the AdBlue.

 

[keith of kent]

Thankfully my E350 has not had any problems, but does anyone know if Adblue quality varies between makes. I have only used Redex Adblue as it is a brand of longstanding. Whats this about an anti chrystalising additive?
Is this something I should be adding? If so under what brand name?

 

[Amg 007]

As above get it deleted.

 

[keith of kent]

AMg 007. If you were replying to my post why would I want to make my car illegal? I don't have any problems, just wanted to know about Adblue quality

 

[rf065]

AMg 007. If you were replying to my post why would I want to make my car illegal? I don't have any problems, just wanted to know about Adblue quality

He can see into the future, you will have to consider an Adblue delete in the future or fork out thousands on Adblue repairs.

 

[Petrol Pete]

A mate of mine runs a small fleet of vans with Adblue . He buys it 'fresh' and stores it in the dark in his garage at home and insists (much to their disgust) that his drivers pop round to his house when the van calls for Adblue.

He says in the days when he let his blokes buy the stuff off the forecourt and leave the container getting knocked around in the back of the van he had loads of AdBlue related problems.

None since he took control of getting 'fresh' stuff and keeping it in good condition.

Adblue is a thing to be avoided IMHO.

 

[markjay]

My sister hired a car in Italy. The EML was on, the car hire company told her to 'ignore it'. Soon after the car wouldn't start... roadside assistance filled the car up with AdBlue and they continue their journey, albeit with a 4 hours delay. We should be grateful to MB for giving drivers the 500 miles warning.....

 

[Tonygw]

Ad blue has an expiry date and has to be stored in very specific conditions. If not it will cause you problems.

It should not be stored in direct sunlight and should not be stored in temperatures exceeding 25C. Its all on the product label in small print.

If you see any crust or crystals around the lid of the ad blue bottle do not buy it or do not use it. You will have problems.

Buy the stuff fresh with at least 1 year on the expiry date and ensure it has been stored correctly. you wont have any issues then.

 

[ToeKnee]

Or buy a euro 6 diesel that doesn't use adblu!

 

[markjay]

Ad blue has an expiry date and has to be stored in very specific conditions. If not it will cause you problems.

It should not be stored in direct sunlight and should not be stored in temperatures exceeding 25C. Its all on the product label in small print.

If you see any crust or crystals around the lid of the ad blue bottle do not buy it or do not use it. You will have problems.

Buy the stuff fresh with at least 1 year on the expiry date and ensure it has been stored correctly. you wont have any issues then.

I think that part of the issue here is that you have to assume that the retailer (and, in fact, the entire distribution chain) adhered to this.

What happens on a hot summer day, like those we’ve had here during the summer, how do the warehouses and shops ensure that the temperature doesn't go above 25°C where the AdBlue is stored ? Indeed, what about the AdBlue in the car's tank? It could easily be one year old and exposed to high temperatures. The whole AdBlue concept is flawed, if you ask me.

 

[Tonygw]

Like most things, you have no guarantees. You just have to edge your bets.
Buy the best from the most reputable source and hope.

but yes its not a great solution.

 

[rf065]

I think that part of the issue here is that you have to assume that the retailer (and, in fact, the entire distribution chain) adhered to this.

What happens on a hot summer day, like those we’ve had here during the summer, how do the warehouses and shops ensure that the temperature doesn't go above 25°C where the AdBlue is stored ? Indeed, what about the AdBlue in the car's tank? It could easily be one year old and exposed to high temperatures. The whole AdBlue concept is flawed, if you ask me.

And it degrades with UV light, so instead of black plastic containers, it's in clear see through plastic and left outside on the garage forecourts in UV light. But who cares, it's the unlucky sod who buys it that will get the bill for all the repairs.

 

[cws196]

I think that part of the issue here is that you have to assume that the retailer (and, in fact, the entire distribution chain) adhered to this.

What happens on a hot summer day, like those we’ve had here during the summer, how do the warehouses and shops ensure that the temperature doesn't go above 25°C where the AdBlue is stored ? Indeed, what about the AdBlue in the car's tank? It could easily be one year old and exposed to high temperatures. The whole AdBlue concept is flawed, if you ask me.

On advice from an MB tech, I only ever refill with 10L i.e. half full - ensures no AdBlue is sat in the tank for an excessive period allowing more crystalisation and more fresh AdBlue is moving more regularly through the system. Other key advice was to remove the AdBlue injector nozzle twice a year to clear/remove crysalised AdBlue.

 

[W1ghty]

Thanks for all you replies on behalf of the op

 

[ToeKnee]

Thanks for all you replies on behalf of the op

He may come back and have a look at the replies.......