Riding your Sprinter van in Norcross and the surrounding areas can be pleasurable until you notice the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) light or Check Engine Light turning on or flashing on the dashboard. Though it can feel confusing and a bit frustrating, at the end of the day, when the light doesn’t go away on its own, it may make you panic, too. Hey, stop worrying! In this blog, we are explaining what those lights actually mean and the common causes that trigger them, so that if you suddenly see any one of them on the dashboard, you can take the necessary steps without stressing much.
Understanding the Two Dashboard Warning Lights
Before we dive into causes, let’s clarify what each of those warning indicators usually means:
- Check Engine Light: This light glows or blinks on the dashboard when something isn’t working properly inside the engine management or emissions system of your van. It can be a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap or a failing sensor, or a more serious issue, such as an engine misfire.
- DEF Light: DEF represents Diesel Exhaust Fluid―so the dashboard light related to this is specifically meant for the emissions control system in the diesel vehicles. As this fluid is usually injected into the exhaust system to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, once the system itself detects a problem, the ECU triggers a warning light to alert you about the issue.
What Causes DEF and Check Engine Lights to Appear on Sprinter Van Dashboards Frequently?
Climate and Driving Patterns
You must be using your Sprinter van for local deliveries, for shuttle services, or for other commercial or personal works―and that means you are driving on the short city streets as well as on the long highways. That’s okay, but frequent short trips can be a red flag for your van’s diesel engine and emissions system. This is because you are preventing them from warming up fully and completing self-diagnostic cycles. And once the system doesn’t reach the appropriate temperature or operating range, there is a high chance that it might trigger error codes related to the DEF or overall emissions system, which in turn might turn on or flash the Check Engine Light or the DEF light on the dashboard.
Sensitivity of Modern Diesel Emissions System
Nowadays, the modern Sprinter van models use advanced emissions control technology, which means special sensors are equipped to monitor the vital operational parameters, such as:
- Temperature
- DEF quality
- NOx levels
- Particulate filters and many more
These sensors are so precisely designed that they are able to detect even small deviations like:
- A slightly low DEF level
- A sensor reading out of the expected range
- Variations in fuel quality
- Changing environmental conditions
No doubt this type of sensitivity is great for emissions and fuel efficiency, but sadly, this can also trigger the Check Engine or the DEF dashboard alerts more frequently, even when your van’s conditions aren’t that poor.
DEF System Complexity
The DEF system isn’t just a tank and a pump. It includes:
- A quality sensor that checks DEF purity
- A temperature sensor, such as the DEF, can freeze when the temperature drops
- A dosing control module
- Lines and injector nozzles
- A heater system
If any part of the above components of the DEF system isn’t working perfectly, the system will log a fault. Moreover, in a climate like Norcross’s, where temperatures often fluctuate, it’s not uncommon for DEF to freeze or for its heating system to work harder to prevent collapse. Over time, as minerals build up or the system encounters minor clogs, DEF flow can be affected, triggering the DEF warning light on the dashboard.
Road Conditions and Soot Accumulation
Diesel engines naturally produce soot, which usually gets trapped in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)―and when conditions are right, your van must run a regeneration cycle to clear that soot. This is how the mechanism works. However, if you don’t drive much on long, steady highways and mostly take short trips, soot may accumulate and stress the system without proper removal. And this, in turn, illuminates both Check Engine and emission system-related alerts.
Sprinter Gurus: The Best Auto Shop For Sprinter Van DEF and Check Engine Light Repairs
Though the DEF and check engine lights are important for your Sprinter van, they mustn’t ruin your day or your business. You should understand the causes and respond promptly by relying on our certified specialists at Sprinter Gurus in Norcross, GA, for maintenance and repair services. And this way, you can keep your Sprinter van running smoothly for years. Thus, if you are noticing these warning lights persistently, don’t wait! Contact us today and see the difference.