Fairbanks, AK to Panama City, FL on a DEF Simulator

[javamon]

Been back for a week now and got some time to sit down and share this DEF experience. Rig came thru the trip in good shape but I could not believe the dust from the ALCAN. It got everywhere! I've been cleaning for a week!

Heading north in June, I just filled-up in Great Falls, MT and when I started up I got a the yellow engine light and my DEF level indicator had one red bar. Knowing that my DEF level was at least 3/4 full I kept going and within 30 minutes the DEF level indicator returned to one green bar and then eventually to 4 green bars. I figured this was probably crystalizing built up on the level indicator mechanism in the tank. Concerned I had a crystalizing problem I religiously kept the DEF tank full while we were travelling thru Alaska. No further issues until approx. 3,000 miles later on my way from Palmer to Fairbanks.

In early August about 100 miles south of Fairbanks, it started again after a fill-up (no DEF). I got the normal yellow engine light, but this time the single red bar was flashing. I pulled over, shut-down, turned the ignition on and cleared the code with my SCAN Gauge and continued on. After about 5 minutes, the code would re-occur and I would repeat the process again. After three cycles of this I decided to pull over and install my simulator. I was really concerned that if it went into derate, I would not be able to clear it with the SCAN gauge. The simulator took all of 5 minutes to install and I continued on to Fairbanks and then to Panama City (4,861 miles) with no issues using the simulator.

Next week I plan to disconnect the simulator, start up and see what happens. This simulator obviously saved my butt and I'm hoping to convince anyone sitting on the fence to buy one. I'm sure the tow alone from where I was to Fairbanks would have been in the $1,000 range. I purchased mine from Jeff at "jeff_whitney@hotmail.com" in January of this year. He had it built and out the door the next day. Price included the Cummins adapter cable and FedEx (standard) shipping. It is high-quality built and comes in a very rugged case. And most importantly, it got me from Fairbanks to Panama City!!

[Jeepin Jason]

Originally Posted by javamon

Been back for a week now and got some time to sit down and share this DEF experience. Rig came thru the trip in good shape but I could not believe the dust from the ALCAN. It got everywhere! I've been cleaning for a week!

Heading north in June, I just filled-up in Great Falls, MT and when I started up I got a the yellow engine light and my DEF level indicator had one red bar. Knowing that my DEF level was at least 3/4 full I kept going and within 30 minutes the DEF level indicator returned to one green bar and then eventually to 4 green bars. I figured this was probably crystalizing built up on the level indicator mechanism in the tank. Concerned I had a crystalizing problem I religiously kept the DEF tank full while we were travelling thru Alaska. No further issues until approx. 3,000 miles later on my way from Palmer to Fairbanks.

In early August about 100 miles south of Fairbanks, it started again after a fill-up (no DEF). I got the normal yellow engine light, but this time the single red bar was flashing. I pulled over, shut-down, turned the ignition on and cleared the code with my SCAN Gauge and continued on. After about 5 minutes, the code would re-occur and I would repeat the process again. After three cycles of this I decided to pull over and install my simulator. I was really concerned that if it went into derate, I would not be able to clear it with the SCAN gauge. The simulator took all of 5 minutes to install and I continued on to Fairbanks and then to Panama City (4,861 miles) with no issues using the simulator.

Next week I plan to disconnect the simulator, start up and see what happens. This simulator obviously saved my butt and I'm hoping to convince anyone sitting on the fence to buy one. I'm sure the tow alone from where I was to Fairbanks would have been in the $1,000 range. I purchased mine from Jeff at "jeff_whitney@hotmail.com" in January of this year. He had it built and out the door the next day. Price included the Cummins adapter cable and FedEx (standard) shipping. It is high-quality built and comes in a very rugged case. And most importantly, it got me from Fairbanks to Panama City!!

Thanks for the information. These are getting harder to find, I reached out to him to see if he is still making them. I have a 2022 and have (knocking on wood right now as I type) not had a problem. However, after my last breakdown on the road resulted in waiting for 12 hours for a $3,500 tow bill, I want to have some kind of backup for the notorious DEF problems.

[Rustynuts]

The latest version of the def simulator is extremely simple to build. If you can solder half way decent, copy and paste a file on a computer, you can build one for about $30. The def simulator website gives you a complete shopping list and step by step instructions. It’s about a 10-15 minute build.

[EricM22]

I keep one in my spare parts box onboard for just this scenario. Super easy to build yourself, the instructions are very clear. Everyone should have one on hand, IMO.

[Jeepin Jason]

Originally Posted by Rustynuts

The latest version of the def simulator is extremely simple to build. If you can solder half way decent, copy and paste a file on a computer, you can build one for about $30. The def simulator website gives you a complete shopping list and step by step instructions. It’s about a 10-15 minute build.

Thanks Rusty, just running out of time for projects... Work has me traveling away from home every week now and most weekends. Fortunately, can take my wife with me but not the RV.

[RVermont]

That is one of the few DEF issues I have heard of on the m2 unit. I guess it might be time to invest in a unit and have it ready for the spring season. Thanks

[submariner]

I have a brand new one that I purchased from eBay last year as a backup after having major def problems,derated ect,.I no longer own the 2018/5 Seneca.Paid 150 for it.No longer available on ebay ,they say I bought an illegal device? Anyway its available for a fair price of $100

[Kevin Cooper]

Javamon. It is nice that you had a way to make it to your destination. Having said that, it is illegal to install a DSS on a vehicle or equipment that requires DEF and leave it on. The intent is for the reason you used it, to keep from being stuck! Best wishes.

[javamon]

Originally Posted by Kevin Cooper

Javamon. It is nice that you had a way to make it to your destination. Having said that, it is illegal to install a DSS on a vehicle or equipment that requires DEF and leave it on. The intent is for the reason you used it, to keep from being stuck! Best wishes.

Not sure what point you are trying to get across. What is a DSS?

[Kevin Cooper]

Deff Sensor System