Is there a gauge, or dipstick, or anyway of telling just how full the Urea tank is?

yes when the DEF is low it will come up on your DIC. There is also like a "check engine light" or "high beam" light that comes on when it gets really low and goes into its limp mode

I know about the DIC warnings.
What I would like is a way to tell way before a warning pops up.

Someone here said that GM is putting 2.5 gallons in at the factory. If this is true then it won't last for an oil change. Also, if this is true, I would just dump another 2.5 gallons in and then be good until the oil change.

How would one fill it up full? Without over flowing and dealing with a mess?

good question! I bought 2.5 gallons of DEF today to top my truck off once it gets here. Maybe they gave us a 4 foot dipstick. ;)

Wonder if the dealer delivers it full of DEF?

The dealer I'm dealing said they would top it off the tank and I would make any dealer top it off. I pulled the cap off at the filler location and there is no dipstick. I wouldn't be surprised if that's not changed soon.

Since the urea tank is mounted on the frame, it would have to be a mighty long dipstick. Perfect would be a gauge that could track the level by a needle.

Since the urea tank is mounted on the frame, it would have to be a mighty long dipstick. Perfect would be a gauge that could track the level by a needle.

Speaking of being mounted on the frame, I looked at one today and that tank looks pretty vulnerable where it sits. I wonder if they'll offer a skidplate for it. It would suck to have it crack open then have to limp home.

good question! I bought 2.5 gallons of DEF today to top my truck off once it gets here. Maybe they gave us a 4 foot dipstick. ;)



where are you buying this stuff at?

A message will come on the DIC when there is less than 1000 miles of DEF left. That statement is based upon how much fuel you have been consuming. Five gallons of DEF may last an oil change if you are getting 18mpg and not towing. IF you are towing and getting 12 mpg, a full tank of DEF will go about 5000 to 6000 miles.

I have purchased the DEF at O'Reilly auto parts, Flying J, and at a GM dealer. By far the most expensive (but the best container) is the GM fluid.

No dipstick really needed, as you pour it in, you hear it hitting the tank, when that sound goes away, you know you are getting full. There is spill guard around the cap, if you over fill or miss the opening, it drains it out the bottom of the truck.

As far as the tank being low...the frame rail that it is mounted to is lower. To hurt the tank, you will already have bent the frame.

I bought my DEF at Flying J. O'Reilly's didn't have any on the shelf, so I waited until I needed some diesel and headed out to Flying J. The lady at the counter told me she uses it in her Excursion in the winter to keep the fuel from gelling. LOL! I tried explaining what it was, but she decided to ignore that and tell me the story again.

The sales manager at our dealership didn't even know about this stuff and I havn't seen it for sale anywhere.

The sales manager at our dealership didn't even know about this stuff and I havn't seen it for sale anywhere.

Go to the parts counter. They probably have it in stock. Every Chevy dealer will have to have easy access to it if they're topping off the DEF tanks prior to delivery! Worst case, I'm sure you can find it online. But, I'd personally try ordering through your local O'Reilly's. They'll be much better priced vs. your dealer.

First oil change and def topped off 2,000 miles and it took 2 gallons of def so looks like it would go 5k if not towing. I bought two extra gallons 4.95 each at the dealer since im heading out on a long trip towing the 5er.

I found it at advanced auto parts 7.99 for 2.5 gallon.

Well my dealer didn't top mine off. I have about 150 miles on the truck and I put 5 gallons in.

They didnt top mine either, it went of at 1200 miles, and said 297 miles left of DEF.

I am assuming that the reason I never saw the 1000 mile warning is because it didnt have a 1000 on the odometer yet?

Napa has it for $11.99/2.5 gallon

Also try looking at Truck supply shops. For tractor trailer type stuff. Kenworth, Pete, International and the like.

should be full as part of the pdi….

Moved to Maintenance & Fluids.

Quite worrying about the DEF and break that new rig in right......

How to break in a diesel engine:
http://www.thedieselstop.com/contents/getitems.php3?Breaking%20in%20a%20Diesel%20Engine


;)