Adblue not resetting once filled

[Twojumpers]

Hi
I’ve got the problem of the AdBlue warning not going away once filled. I’ve left it a bit to see if it sorts itself out but it doesn’t seem to be going away and it’s down to 650 miles now. I didn’t over fill it and also added a bottle of Wynns.
My usual mechanic has said it’s either a trip to the VW main dealer £££! or get someone round to code it out, which I’m not so sure about.
Any advice is appreciated
It’s a 2016 T6 200hp Ocean and I’m in Brighton FWIW.
Thanks

 

[Perfectos]

Hi
I’ve got the problem of the AdBlue warning not going away once filled. I’ve left it a bit to see if it sorts itself out but it doesn’t seem to be going away and it’s down to 650 miles now. I didn’t over fill it and also added a bottle of Wynns.
My usual mechanic has said it’s either a trip to the VW main dealer £££! or get someone round to code it out, which I’m not so sure about.
Any advice is appreciated
It’s a 2016 T6 200hp Ocean and I’m in Brighton FWIW.
Thanks

I am reliably Informed VOSA are looking at introducing a check for Adblue during future MOT.
VOSA are acutely aware that many people are circumnavigating factory measure relating the Emissions control and it is becoming routine practice, with no consequences.

Code out / deleting the Add blue system could become the most costly In the long Run.
I.e.
It will be an initial cost to code it out,
then additional cost to code it back, (when / if the new Mot comes in )
then additional cost to replace the whole ad blue system.

Think carefully before committing to Deletion of Emission devices.

Edit: if you reach zero miles on the count down , it can be reset by most garages with a Code reader. So you get another 600 mile count down etc

It would appear there may be anecdotal evidence to suggest early T6 (2016- 2018) adblue systems fail around 60- 70k miles. This may or may not be by design!

Vw arbitrarily replace the whole tank, pump sensors (the whole system) but the components are available individually- currently looking into this and will report back.

Can you advise what mileage the van has done pls ?

 

[Perfectos]

Related threads

Engine Management Light then sudden drop in Adblue?

Adblue level reporting 2500 miles left. Engine management light comes on. Suddenly 650 miles of adblue left?! No performance issues. Restarted the van and light remains on but is back up to 2500. Any thoughts?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Ad Blue Warning Light - any ideas ???

Just started a big drive around Europe and topped up Ad Blue before leaving based on dash read out. I don’t think I did the reset on filling. Once I get to France I get an engine warning light that the adblue level sensor has a problem (I carry a code reader). It’s giving me 1700 miles of...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

AdBlue - Engine Shutdown - although full?

Had the Cali since late 2019, around March this year I filled up with Ad Blue with no issues. Range increased back up to, I forget but many 1000's. The Van has only done 7,000 miles. Last weekend I was in Cornwall and out of the blue (pun intended) a yellow spanner appears saying 650 miles...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Addblue

Just got the 600miles warning light. Have read here about not overfilling. Having looked at the manual it does not say the size of the tank. So what’s a safe amount to put in so it does not overfill, or is best to underfill and wait for the next time the sensor trips

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Recall 23Z7 - Safe to ignore?

Just got a letter from VW France telling me that the engine of my T6 150 needs to be reprogrammed for improved pollution reduction. They promise that this won't affect performance or fuel economy but that it may increase the Adblue consumption. My cynical interpretation is that it will increase...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

How to carry out an adaptation drive - force regen and reset or Add blue system without OBD reader: post #41 VW GURU

Ad Blue - topping up ...

I've managed to fill up from two garages that sell from pumps and 10l containers. HGV drivers that use the plastic containers tend to leave them lying around with the funnel unused. I picked one of these up so I could potentially store 10l using the now empty container. .me.

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Except

 

[Twojumpers]

I am reliably Informed VOSA are looking at introducing a check for Addblue during future MOT.
VOSA are acutely aware that many people are circumnavigating factory measure relating the Emissions control and it is becoming routine practice, with no consequences.

Code out / deleting the Add blue system could become the most costly In the long Run.
I.e.
It will be an initial cost to code it out,
then additional cost to code it back, (when / if the new Mot comes in )
then additional cost yo replace the whole add blue system.

Think carefully before committing to Deletion of Emission devices.

Edit: if you reach zero miles on the count down , it can be reset by most garages with a Code reader. So you get another 600 mile count down etc

It would appear there may be anecdotal evidence to suggest early T6 (2016- 2018) add blue systems fail around 60- 70k miles. This may or may not be by design!

Vw arbitrarily replace the whole tank, pump sensors (the whole system) but the components are available individually- currently looking into this and will report back.

Can you advise what mileage the van has done pls ?

 

[Twojumpers]

It’s on 66k.

Do you know if it’s something an independent vw specialist can do?

 

[Perfectos]

Purely info - I do not know this company and I am not recommending them. There is some useful info in the guide , particularly fault codes etc

VW Transporter T6 AdBlue Fault: Warning Lights & Fix Guide

VW Transporter T6 AdBlue fault warning? Find out what causes it, common fault codes like P20EE and P207F, and how AdBlue Specialist fixes it at your location.

adbluespecialist.co.uk

 

[Perfectos]

It’s on 66k.

Do you know if it’s something an independent vw specialist can do?

Fault code?

 

[Twojumpers]

P218F00 Reductant No Flow Detected
And
P046C00 EGR Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance

 

[Perfectos]

P218F00 Reductant No Flow Detected
And
P046C00 EGR Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance

From a search

 

[Perfectos]

P046C – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance – TroubleCodes.net

P046C means exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance. What causes it, the symptoms, how much it costs to fix and whether it is safe...

www.troublecodes.net

 

[Perfectos]

Read the

It’s on 66k.

Do you know if it’s something an independent vw specialist can do?

i don't see why they wouldn't be able to resolve it, you have two issues that have codes, that's a good starting point to make contact with. .

 

[Parvus]

Hi,

I had this problem with AdBlue and other related faults with EGR/DPF at approx. 50k miles and 6yrs old - many new parts later! ..seems inevitable with a Euro 6 engine

For the AdBlue not registering, after a visit to two independants who checked injectors, scanned codes but could not determine the root cause. I took it to VW and ended up replacing the entire AdBlue tank and sensors, cost approx £1700 with a two year warranty.

If this is the likely outcome, worth getting quotes from independants to compare to VW.

Goodluck!

 

[Lost Boy]

From my VW Mastertech pal, the key is when filling leave the ignition on and it will register straight away, it gets confused when the sensor isn't active and then you fill. Has always worked for me.

 

[Twojumpers]

Thanks, I’ll make some calls

 

[Parvus]

From my VW Mastertech pal, the key is when filling leave the ignition on and it will register straight away, it gets confused when the sensor isn't active and then you fill. Has always worked for me.

Interesting tip and hopefully solves it for others.

For me, and maybe 'twojumpers' this cannot work because AdBlue system has already failed. The tank has been refilled but the sensor has not detected any fluid and is counting down from 650 miles requesting a top-up. I tried everything through forums and mechanics to reset the system but zero success. Once the 650 miles ran down the van enters limp mode. This happened twice in succession and had no option but to fix the problem. Some mentioned the AdBlue crystalising and damaging the sensors overtime (a crazy situation).

With my T7 (also a Euro 6 diesel engine) I'm now adding Wynn's anti-crystallisation with every AdBlue top-up in hope of preventing this with my new van... fingers crossed.

 

[Lost Boy]

Interesting tip and hopefully solves it for others.

For me, and maybe 'twojumpers' this cannot work because AdBlue system has already failed. The tank has been refilled but the sensor has not detected any fluid and is counting down from 650 miles requesting a top-up. I tried everything through forums and mechanics to reset the system but zero success. Once the 650 miles ran down the van enters limp mode. This happened twice in succession and had no option but to fix the problem. Some mentioned the AdBlue crystalising and damaging the sensors overtime (a crazy situation).

With my T7 (also a Euro 6 diesel engine) I'm now adding Wynn's anti-crystallisation with every AdBlue top-up in hope of preventing this with my new van... fingers crossed.

Yes, I put the Wynnes in also. Can I ask how many miles you do roughly in a year?

 

[Baldrick]

Van Tech in Uckfield are well regarded and fairly local VW accredited specialists.
They may be worth a discussion.
Hope you get a positive outcome.

 

[Parvus]

Yes, I put the Wynnes in also. Can I ask how many miles you do roughly in a year?

Interesting you added the Wynn's solution and the system still failed. Is this a new thing or something recently started?

I'm probably 10k miles a year now. Initially my T6 was only a weekend adventure van so 5k per year. I've switched things up now and use my T7 as a daily and camper which is brilliant with all the tech and comfort. Allows for some extra fun in different weekend cars.

 

[Lost Boy]

No, system hasn't failed for me, always fill with ignition on and with a bottle of Wynnes. No issues ever.

 

[Cutdweller]

I’ve a Kombi 150 that had adblue issues earlier this year. Luckily under warranty, it turned out to be the NOX sensor. Cost around £1800 but took a few weeks for them to actually find the fault as vw wanted a software update going 1st then the vehicle running. Tbh I think this was a cheap fix for vw had it worked, it didn’t

 

[Black Forest]

Based on this thread I have just bought 2litres of Wynns... 20cc to 10litres of Adblu so it will last a fair old while! My van does sit for a time between runs.

Curiously it says "Do not add directly to the vehicle tank" on the label. Must be premix only but I'm not sure why...

 

[vmaxkiddy]

Based on this thread I have just bought 2litres of Wynns... 20cc to 10litres of Adblu so it will last a fair old while! My van does sit for a time between runs.

Curiously it says "Do not add directly to the vehicle tank" on the label. Must be premix only but I'm not sure why...

Possibly because you know the exact quantity of Adblue in a new container whereas the quantity in the vehicle tank would just be a guesstimate.

 

[Brian’s Dad]

No, system hasn't failed for me, always fill with ignition on and with a bottle of Wynnes. No issues ever.

How much did you add on refill? I had an issue once when I tried to refill with a small bottle, it didn’t register. So I had to by another small one to cautiously top it up.

 

[Julian 'Gringo' G]

Is it worth you buying an OBD11 and clearing the faults? They are a real handy thing to have anyway for the odd time a VW electrics have a wobble

 

[Texwade]

I am reliably Informed VOSA are looking at introducing a check for Adblue during future MOT.
VOSA are acutely aware that many people are circumnavigating factory measure relating the Emissions control and it is becoming routine practice, with no consequences.

Code out / deleting the Add blue system could become the most costly In the long Run.
I.e.
It will be an initial cost to code it out,
then additional cost to code it back, (when / if the new Mot comes in )
then additional cost to replace the whole ad blue system.

Think carefully before committing to Deletion of Emission devices.

Edit: if you reach zero miles on the count down , it can be reset by most garages with a Code reader. So you get another 600 mile count down etc

It would appear there may be anecdotal evidence to suggest early T6 (2016- 2018) adblue systems fail around 60- 70k miles. This may or may not be by design!

Vw arbitrarily replace the whole tank, pump sensors (the whole system) but the components are available individually- currently looking into this and will report back.

Can you advise what mileage the van has done pls ?

Sadly I was in the same boat this Summer on a trip to Europe. In the end I had to get the tank replaced.

As it was touch and go whether I had range to get home left it in Germany and flew back for a week and a half (luckily I was due back in Germany a week later anyway and the garage was owned by a friend so got it done more quickly than a main dealer here).

My T6 Ocean was low mileage and it sits about a bit … I’m if the Adblue is allowed to be at a “low” level for a long time the bigger air gap allows crystallisation - so from now on I’m not leaving so long to fill up and will add Wynns regularly. I’ll also try and find a Adblue pump as I’m told the Adblue in there is fresher.

I’d love to hear of any fixes avoiding a full tank replacement as even with a “friendly” repair it wasn’t cheap.