DIESEL ENGINES AND SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION: WHAT IS DEF, HOW TO REFILL AND FAQs

We explain what emissions legislation means for our cars, our drivers and the environment.

WHAT IS DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF)?

DEF, also known as AdBlue®, AUS 32 and ARLA 32, is a non-toxic, colourless, odourless and non-flammable fluid. Stored in a dedicated tank in your car, DEF is injected into the exhaust system to clean exhaust gases. It breaks down nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions into harmless water vapour and nitrogen gas.

WHAT IS DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF)?

DEF, also known as AdBlue®, AUS 32 and ARLA 32, is a non-toxic, colourless, odourless and non-flammable fluid. Stored in a dedicated tank in your car, DEF is injected into the exhaust system to clean exhaust gases. It breaks down nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions into harmless water vapour and nitrogen gas.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY DEF LEVELS ARE LOW?

The message centre displays a series of messages when the DEF level becomes low.

1. The first message states that the DEF level is at a level where a top up is advised

2. The second message is accompanied by an AMBER warning icon and states to refill the DEF tank

3. The third message starts a countdown of the distance remaining until the DEF tank is empty, after which the vehicle will fail to start

4. The final message is accompanied by a RED warning icon and is displayed when the distance remaining is zero and states that no further restarts will be possible until DEF is added to the tank.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY DEF LEVELS ARE LOW?

The message centre displays a series of messages when the DEF level becomes low.

1. The first message states that the DEF level is at a level where a top up is advised

2. The second message is accompanied by an AMBER warning icon and states to refill the DEF tank

3. The third message starts a countdown of the distance remaining until the DEF tank is empty, after which the vehicle will fail to start

4. The final message is accompanied by a RED warning icon and is displayed when the distance remaining is zero and states that no further restarts will be possible until DEF is added to the tank.

NOTE: When the DEF level becomes low, a notification message displays in the message centre. Refill the DEF tank at the earliest opportunity. A Jaguar Retailer/Authorised Repairer can be contacted to arrange a full DEF refill. If required, DEF can be topped up using non-drip refill bottles available from a Jaguar Retailer/Authorised Repairer. An average consumption of DEF is 800km/1 litre. However, consumption can vary greatly depending on your driving style, the weather and the condition of the road.

MAINTAINING DEF

It’s important that your Jaguar’s supply of DEF is maintained, as EU legislation means that you cannot start the engine without it. Your car’s message centre will give you advance warning when your DEF level is low and will alert you in plenty of time to book a refill. Your local Jaguar Retailer/Authorised Repairer will also refill the tank as part of your scheduled maintenance. Please refer to your Owner's Handbook for more information.

MAINTAINING DEF

It’s important that your Jaguar’s supply of DEF is maintained, as EU legislation means that you cannot start the engine without it. Your car’s message centre will give you advance warning when your DEF level is low and will alert you in plenty of time to book a refill. Your local Jaguar Retailer/Authorised Repairer will also refill the tank as part of your scheduled maintenance. Please refer to your Owner's Handbook for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

How often should I refill DEF?

  •   

    The consumption of DEF can vary greatly. An average consumption rate can be 800 km / 1 Litre, but this consumption rate can be more than doubled, depending on the driving style, road and weather conditions.

How should I store DEF?

  •   

    Always store DEF in its original container, and please observe the manufacturer’s storage and handling recommendations shown on the bottle. DEF should never be stored in the vehicle.

What happens if I run out of DEF?

  •   

    Should you run out of DEF, your Jaguar will not re-start after you switch off the engine - this is a requirement of EU6 emissions legislation. The tank will need to be refilled with a minimum of 3.6 litres of DEF before the vehicle will start.

MAINTENANCE

How do I check my DEF level?

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    The distance until your next DEF refill can be viewed at any time in the message centre on the dashboard*.

    Follow these simple steps:
     

    1. Switch on the ignition, but do not start the engine

    (Check that a valid smart key is inside the vehicle and ensure that the brake pedal is not pressed. Hold down the engine START/STOP button until the instrument panel warning lamps illuminate)

     

    2. Press the OK button on the steering wheel control to access the Main Menu
    (On some models, repeatedly press the OK button until Driver Assistance is displayed)

     

    3. Using the down arrow button on the steering wheel control, scroll down and highlight Vehicle Info

     

    4. Press the OK button to confirm selection

     

    5. Scroll down to highlight Diesel Exhaust Fluid

    (On some models this is displayed as Next Service)

     

    6. Press the OK button to confirm selection. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid range is then displayed.

     

    * Not all vehicles are equipped to display the above information. Contact your Retailer/Authorised Repairer for clarification.

Can I refill the DEF tank myself?

  •   

    Yes, you can purchase 1.89 litre non-drip bottles of DEF from your local Jaguar Retailer/Authorised Repairer to refill the tank yourself. These bottles have been specifically designed for ease of use and to prevent any dripping. We do not recommend refilling the tank using any other type of container.

     

    Do not pour any other liquids into the DEF tank or DEF that does not meet the standard ISO22241-1 or DIN 70070 as this will compromise the correct operation of your vehicle.

     

    If you pour DEF into your fuel tank by mistake, DO NOT start the engine, and call your local Jaguar Retailer/Roadside Assistance immediately.

     

    Commercial vehicle DEF pumps at fuel stations must never be used because the flow rate is too high and this will damage the vehicle’s DEF tank.

     

    Refer to your Owner’s Handbook for instructions on how to refill your DEF tank

SAFETY

Is DEF hazardous?

  •   

    Although DEF is non-hazardous, should it come in to contact with any part of your body, or it is ingested by accident, please refer to the advice on the packaging and seek medical advice. If DEF comes into contact with your Jaguar’s paintwork, simply wipe it off, and rinse the area with soapy water. However, DEF can stain upholstery and clothing – if spilt, DEF should be removed immediately using cold water and a damp cloth.

WHAT IS SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION (SCR) TECHNOLOGY?

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology is fitted to all Jaguar diesel vehicles from 2016 Model Year. It enables Jaguar to meet local emissions legislation by reducing the levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emitted from the exhaust system by up to 90%. In addition to a new generation of catalytic converter, SCR Technology requires the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

 

WHAT IS SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION (SCR) TECHNOLOGY?

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology is fitted to all Jaguar diesel vehicles from 2016 Model Year. It enables Jaguar to meet local emissions legislation by reducing the levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emitted from the exhaust system by up to 90%. In addition to a new generation of catalytic converter, SCR Technology requires the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

 

CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?

For more information on DEF please contact your local Jaguar Retailer or refer to your Owner’s Handbook. AdBlue® is a registered trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA).