Ad-Blue - 650 mile countdown comes and then goes off

[roadtripper]

Interesting, I have not used VAG-DPF just check the suit levels on Carista. Is VAG_DPF a similar thing?

It's designed for continuous monitoring of the DPF state when you're driving and tries to surface all the counters. That's for Android there's a similar app for iOS DPF Monitor for VAG

Both just need an OBD dongle to work - the Carista one will be fine. You then need to do a bit of fiddling sometimes to set the correct engine family (or closest one) to get the best results as the various counters have changed over the years. In my case (DXAA) the time since last regen doesn't scale correctly but it's an easy divide by 10 in your head so no biggie.

If on Android try VAG-DPF lite first - it's the free version with limited data so you can check you are happy it can read things. The full version is a few quid but absolutely worth it.

 

[timthetinyhorse]

It's designed for continuous monitoring of the DPF state when you're driving and tries to surface all the counters. That's for Android there's a similar app for iOS DPF Monitor for VAG

Both just need an OBD dongle to work - the Carista one will be fine. You then need to do a bit of fiddling sometimes to set the correct engine family (or closest one) to get the best results as the various counters have changed over the years. In my case (DXAA) the time since last regen doesn't scale correctly but it's an easy divide by 10 in your head so no biggie.

If on Android try VAG-DPF lite first - it's the free version with limited data so you can check you are happy it can read things. The full version is a few quid but absolutely worth it.

Nice one, im IOs so will have a look, be good to see if this is related to DPF regen and temps!!

 

[Ayjay]

When the van was serviced back in July, I mentioned that I was getting false AdBlue alerts on the MFD telling me that I needed a refill when I knew that was wrong as the tank was near full - typically, it bleeped and gave a 650 mile warning but then corrected itself within 40Km. At the time I was told that it needed a software update to sort it out but they couldn't do it there and then so I booked this new appointment. In the meantime, I also had an amber check engine light appear and when I plugged Carista in, it came back two faults both of which they reckon would be sorted by the update:

​

P204F (Pending) - Reductant System Performance Bank 1​

P20EE (Pending) (Confirmed) - SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1​

Anyway, it's done now and I can only take their word that things are now back to normal. All I can say is that I did the 50 mile drive back home and nothing unexpected popped up on the display. The display was also telling me that I had 1400 miles left in the AdBlue tank (which I think was pretty accurate) and to put in a minimum 1.75 Gallons / 7.96 Litres to a maximum of 2.,50 / 11.37 Litres so I put in 10.23 Litres from a pump at Chieveley Services on the M4, started up and the MFD showed 6000 miles but we will see what happens next. As an aside, I paid £1.60 per Litre for the pumped AdBlue which was a lot cheaper than the £42 that they wanted for a 10 Litre container or even the £20 that my local garage charges. I know I could have got it for less but I would have to drive to get it and also couldn't be arsed to worry about maybe 6 or 7 quid.

 

[T6_FunBus]

I mapped mine out. No more add blue stress. Least the industry can do if they want consumers to maintain these systems is to make them fit for purpose so people don’t need to get stranded or pay £1000 each year to fix it…

Another pal of mine just sent me the 650 countdown timer last week - EVERY vehicle owner with adblue at some point in their ownership is going to get this problem. And it’s usually a minimum of £1000 part plus diagnostic plus labour every time (pump, injector, heater / replacement tank).

I’m all for the environment, but make a system that actually works…

Speaking to a guy who owns a local haulage company about it also a few weeks ago. He said he always has trucks off of the road due to add blue problems, and it costs his business an absolute fortune, I am sure he said one of the systems is over a 12k bill on a specific truck when it goes tits up. He hates them.

 

[Ayjay]

@T6_FunBus. I will have to see what happens with this newly applied update and just hope that any new problems come up before the All In warranty expires! My daily drive is an Audi Q5 which actually had AdBlue deleted a couple of years ago mainly because it started to give alert messages and the root problem couldn't be dentified by Audi (or an independent) and it was starting to look like a potentially big bill so I had it done. The guy that did the delete told me that the firm next door to his unit had a fairly large fleet of VW Vans and that he had the job of deleting the AdBlue system as and when they developed issues (and that there had been quite a few!). I suspect my T6 will also get the snip if anything else comes up. As an aside, my Audi had had two MOTs since the job was done on it and passed both without issue.

 

[T6_FunBus]

Hopefully you get some more miles hastle free, I had software update and it resolved, then a while later the error again, it was the pump, pump replaced then a while later the injector, injector replaced then a while later another error, which eventually went away, but then another error which was the heater, to which the reply was a whole more tank and ancillaries, after already replacing a few grands worth of bits! It seemed there was no end to it, and unlike the crafter and sprinters where you can replace the heater, vw only sell you a whole new tank for the transporter!!!

I won’t touch any adblue equipped vehicle ever again. Come to think of it, with all of the emissions rubbish on them I probably won’t ever buy a diesel again!

I’m still running the DPF though as I don’t want to run a totally dirty van, but if an ethical thing there for me that it’s a step too far. DPF’s also actually seem to have a decent life, so when mine goes I will just get it removed refurbed and refitted.

 

[ShooglyStu]

I had this same 650 mile warning come on yesterday in the middle of a 150 mile journey. After 20-30 miles the warning went away and the MFD said I had 5000 miles remaining (I refilled the adblue 800 miles ago). Later on the 650 mile warning came back and has remained on. Today I checked for fault codes and there were six altho it looks like there are 3 duplicates. What to do? The jist of this thread seems to be ignore it, but I worry that it will come back and bite me

 

[ShooglyStu]

I had this same 650 mile warning come on yesterday in the middle of a 150 mile journey. After 20-30 miles the warning went away and the MFD said I had 5000 miles remaining (I refilled the adblue 800 miles ago). Later on the 650 mile warning came back and has remained on. Today I checked for fault codes and there were six altho it looks like there are 3 duplicates. What to do? The jist of this thread seems to be ignore it, but I worry that it will come back and bite me

View attachment 269915

View attachment 269916

View attachment 269917

Help! Has anyone got any advice on how to diagnose this further please please pretty please?

 

[Stay Frosty]

It happened to us on holiday in France last year and made me want to set fire to the camper and cut our losses.
The fact that only 8 days into the trip we had reversed everything and started returning to Cherbourg only for normal service to be returned after driving back 80 kms and 5,000 mile range again, if it hadn't have been for a duff cam position sensor suicide too we would probably have tried resuming the holiday.
Either way although scarred we're currently booking a rematch in June and going to leave a box of matches bouncing around on the dashboard as an inducement to not start playing up.

 

[Ayjay]

As I reported on here at the time, we had a similar experience to yours just after setting out on a month long road trip to Spain last year. I had filled the Adblue tank not long before departure and it had registered full range immediately but on two occasions we had the 650 mile warning flash up only for it to correct itself not many miles afterwards. Not long after we got home, the van went in for a service and I told them (VW Swindon) about it. When we picked up the van they advised that it needed a software update but that they had no time to do it during the service - that peed me off a bit as I then needed to rebook it and make another 100 mile round trip. I've had no issues since but I certainly won't be surprised if it happens again. I don't know whether other car makers have problematic Adblue systems but with my van, it's another one of those little things that add up to make me think maybe VWs just ain't what they're cracked up to be nowadays. As an aside, I also had Adblue issues with my now aging Audi Q5 after which I had the Adblue system coded out but at least the car had the good grace to wait 12 years before it happened. I suspect that's where I'll be going if Adblue plays up ion the van again after my my All In warranty runs out. I've posted on this issue a few times with the whole story (inc. fault code taken from Carista) - search 'AdBlue' in my posts.

 

[CAB]

Help! Has anyone got any advice on how to diagnose this further please please pretty please?

I have only had one, it was freezing cold and the van had only just been started.

Two years ago, so hopefully just weather related?

 

[n10n]

made me want to set fire to the camper and cut our losses

Spare the camperfire for the occasion when you need to go bigger than campfire in the next pitch

 

[Adscan]

Thank you very much for the comprehensive package.

The engine software is up-to-date thus "false alarms" shouldn't be an issue.

Welcome to VAG-Flashinfo!

VAG Flashfiles Informations - Version check of VAG ECUs - Update check for Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen

vag-flashinfo.de

Yes, but the soot level only indicates that DPF regeneration finished quite recently. If you would check 100 miles later you would see much higher level.



Well, because of the spanner I was expecting to see a related fault - usually "33262 - Reductant System Performance Bank 1 - P204F 00 [100] - Malfunction" - or even something more illuminating, e.g. indication of AdBlue low pressure, etc.
However, as the fault obviously isn't active anymore also the fault code is just a historic one. Possibly the Carista just doesn't do the historic ones - or have you cleared the faults after the spanner was shown and gone?

---

@Keith 81 with exactly the same engine&software had similar issue with AdBlue countdown but I can't seem to find if the issue was eventually resolved.

More Adblue woes

Had a few issues with adblue on my 2016 102 t6 had it in the garage and all was ok now got and error adblue (Def) on the dash I've scanned it with vcds no error codes related to adblue although have an egr sensor implausible signal fault . It has happened before then cleared itself some the...

www.t6forum.com

Adblue /software version

Evening all still having issues with my t6 had egr replaced yesterday still have the adblue error with MFD countdown would anybody know what the most up to date software is for my vehicle mine is ver 6163 I think

www.t6forum.com

anyone know what the fault code P204F means?

 

[PlanB]

I came across this thread on a general Google search on Monday, and thought I'd tell my tale.

Go back 12 months and I'm bound for the Highlands in a recently serviced T6 with 3000 mile Ad Blue range.
So regimented about adding 10 litres at 1500 miles was I that I'd got a can in the back should I hit the 1500 mark.
240 miles into the journey (most on cruise) it pings up near Gretna.
I call VW Assist who tell me it wont start once it counts down to zero, and suggested I meet up with an Assist guy in Glasgow at 8am the following morning.
I found a midge infested spot in a Forestry car park on the Moffat to Selkirk road, and set my alarm for the 65 mile trip the following morning.
By the time I got there I'm down to 500 range and the bloke couldn't clear it, so with it being 320m back home it was game over.
I booked my van in at my main dealer for there earliest appointment which was 10 days away.
Driving back I thought "why rush" as I wouldn't be able to use it much when I got home, so thought I'd spend a night in the Borders.
So I got off at the same junction, and bought a coffee from the petrol station.
Jumped back in, turned the key and it had cleared.
Turned around and headed back up for the second time (180 miles) in a morning.

Fast forward to last Monday and I'm heading north again with ferries and activities booked and paid for.
Same T6 fully serviced in Feb with a 5000 mile Ad Blue range.
As I pass Gretna, I tap the steering wheel and have a little chuckle to myself ....... 10 miles later PING!!!!
In total disbelief I carry on refusing to accept this could happen again, and scrolled the display to make it go away, but that cheeky little orange spanner just kept popping up.
I stopped at the Hamilton services, called VW Assist (All in Warranty) to be told they no longer attend unless you have broken down. No pointing out that I would be on the western isles when I broke down could deviate this child from the script she was reading from.
I made another call and was advised to get an OBD code reader which I did, but said "No Codes".
Driving past a proper garage in Glasgow (Springhill MOT Centre) I pulled in and they couldn't have been more helpful. Guy plugged in his big device, but said it was showing no codes too.
So I decided to make my first night destination in the Trossachs, and caned it up the M8 in fourth in an act of desperation.
Next day I did manage to force a full regen which sadly did no good. So with ferry missed I resigned myself to the fact I'd got about 150 miles left before I needed to head home.
So made the best of a few days, and visited a few places I'd blatted past countless times before.
Big mention for the Falkirk Wheel which I thought was fantastic, and allow overnight stays for £18.

Anyhow, this morning I had to head back as I knew I'd get home with less than 50m and needed to get it sorted.
Drove the 250 odd miles without cruise control, got off the motorway and it still hadn't jumped to 50, but knew it soon would. Drove about 5 miles and looked again ......... Cleared with 4500 range!

So I'm back home 4 days early, had a stressful week and it's just like it was all a bad dream!
But no, I just checked my banking and those boats and trips really were paid for, and it really did happen.

Sorry it's a bit long, but please see my frustration in the disruption to the only 2 holidays I have had in 24 and 25.
I have zero faith in my T6 making it there on a third attempt, so we all know what will be taking place soon.

Just a warning that if you go away long distance in your T6 or 6.1 you are on your own until it won't restart.
And bear in mind that Assist couldn't reset it last time, and it was showing no codes to clear this time.

 

[Stay Frosty]

I came across this thread on a general Google search on Monday, and thought I'd tell my tale.

Go back 12 months and I'm bound for the Highlands in a recently serviced T6 with 3000 mile Ad Blue range.
So regimented about adding 10 litres at 1500 miles was I that I'd got a can in the back should I hit the 1500 mark.
240 miles into the journey (most on cruise) it pings up near Gretna.
I call VW Assist who tell me it wont start once it counts down to zero, and suggested I meet up with an Assist guy in Glasgow at 8am the following morning.
I found a midge infested spot in a Forestry car park on the Moffat to Selkirk road, and set my alarm for the 65 mile trip the following morning.
By the time I got there I'm down to 500 range and the bloke couldn't clear it, so with it being 320m back home it was game over.
I booked my van in at my main dealer for there earliest appointment which was 10 days away.
Driving back I thought "why rush" as I wouldn't be able to use it much when I got home, so thought I'd spend a night in the Borders.
So I got off at the same junction, and bought a coffee from the petrol station.
Jumped back in, turned the key and it had cleared.
Turned around and headed back up for the second time (180 miles) in a morning.

Fast forward to last Monday and I'm heading north again with ferries and activities booked and paid for.
Same T6 fully serviced in Feb with a 5000 mile Ad Blue range.
As I pass Gretna, I tap the steering wheel and have a little chuckle to myself ....... 10 miles later PING!!!!
In total disbelief I carry on refusing to accept this could happen again, and scrolled the display to make it go away, but that cheeky little orange spanner just kept popping up.
I stopped at the Hamilton services, called VW Assist (All in Warranty) to be told they no longer attend unless you have broken down. No pointing out that I would be on the western isles when I broke down could deviate this child from the script she was reading from.
I made another call and was advised to get an OBD code reader which I did, but said "No Codes".
Driving past a proper garage in Glasgow (Springhill MOT Centre) I pulled in and they couldn't have been more helpful. Guy plugged in his big device, but said it was showing no codes too.
So I decided to make my first night destination in the Trossachs, and caned it up the M8 in fourth in an act of desperation.
Next day I did manage to force a full regen which sadly did no good. So with ferry missed I resigned myself to the fact I'd got about 150 miles left before I needed to head home.
So made the best of a few days, and visited a few places I'd blatted past countless times before.
Big mention for the Falkirk Wheel which I thought was fantastic, and allow overnight stays for £18.

Anyhow, this morning I had to head back as I knew I'd get home with less than 50m and needed to get it sorted.
Drove the 250 odd miles without cruise control, got off the motorway and it still hadn't jumped to 50, but knew it soon would. Drove about 5 miles and looked again ......... Cleared with 4500 range!

So I'm back home 4 days early, had a stressful week and it's just like it was all a bad dream!
But no, I just checked my banking and those boats and trips really were paid for, and it really did happen.

Sorry it's a bit long, but please see my frustration in the disruption to the only 2 holidays I have had in 24 and 25.
I have zero faith in my T6 making it there on a third attempt, so we all know what will be taking place soon.

Just a warning that if you go away long distance in your T6 or 6.1 you are on your own until it won't restart.
And bear in mind that Assist couldn't reset it last time, and it was showing no codes to clear this time.

I feel your pain and as I alluded in my post earlier on this page there'll be a box of matches bouncing around on the dashboard ready to set fire to our camper if it pulls this same stunt again on this year's French trip rematch.

 

[PlanB]

I feel your pain and as I alluded in my post earlier on this page there'll be a box of matches bouncing around on the dashboard ready to set fire to our camper if it pulls this same stunt again on this year's French trip rematch.

Yeah, your post stood out when I was reading through on my phone the other night.
The anticipation, planning and expense all wiped out with the "ping" of a perfectly running vehicle.

Hope all works out this year!

 

[PlanB]

It may be of interest to know that the van won't simply stop at zero miles, but simply won't re-start.
As I recall, when VW Assist attended my pre planned broken down T6, he told me he would put me some range on to get to the van centre. When he switched the ignition on it had gone back to 25 miles to go.
I was told to drive it in alone as he had another call to make.
When I reached the main dealer I was told I had driven in under my own steam alone and the van was rejected.
VW assist said it was now between me and the main dealer, so no rental van from them.
Luckily I had taken a photo of the now red can & spanner with 0 miles below it, which gave me some purchase.

Moral of the story is make sure Assist accompany you to the dealer or they will wash their hands of it.

 

[Ayjay]

When I checked the Adblue reading last week it told me that we had 5500 miles to go before refill - I know that's about right as it was only topped up 400 miles or so ago. Anyhow, on our way down to Devon this morning, the dreaded 650 miles warning popped up and 20 miles later it dropped to 600. What pees me off is that VW did a software update on the van last October which they said would sort the problem - sort it, my 4rse. We are planning on hitting the road down to Northern Spain and Portugal next month so I've now got to go through all the nause of booking it in again (assuming they can even give me a slot!) and make the 100 mile round trip to get it looked at when I haven't even got confidence that they can sort it out anyway. I'll have to keep an eye on it this week as we're due to go back home on Friday or Saturday and will start worrying every time we drive the thing. Assuming we do get back home without mishap, I might decide to make a call and get a VW Assist van out to me and see if he makes sense of out. Fecking VWs.

 

[PlanB]

When I checked the Adblue reading last week it told me that we had 5500 miles to go before refill - I know that's about right as it was only topped up 400 miles or so ago. Anyhow, on our way down to Devon this morning, the dreaded 650 miles warning popped up and 20 miles later it dropped to 600. What pees me off is that VW did a software update on the van last October which they said would sort the problem - sort it, my 4rse. We are planning on hitting the road down to Northern Spain and Portugal next month so I've now got to go through all the nause of booking it in again (assuming they can even give me a slot!) and make the 100 mile round trip to get it looked at when I haven't even got confidence that they can sort it out anyway. I'll have to keep an eye on it this week as we're due to go back home on Friday or Saturday and will start worrying every time we drive the thing. Assuming we do get back home without mishap, I might decide to make a call and get a VW Assist van out to me and see if he makes sense of out. Fekking VWs.

As I said in my earlier post, I called them last week and they now wont come 'till you have broken down.

Run it down as quick as you can, pull up on your own drive with 0 range and put the kettle on.
After the cuppa check 25 miles hasn't magically appeared on Ad Blue range.
If it has (like mine) run it around until it shows zero, then call Assist.
If they can't clear it, make them put 25 miles on, and make sure they assist you in to the dealers - This is important!

 

[Ayjay]

@PlanB. Part of me is hoping that as happened when we were in France last year, it will correct itself at some point and go back up to T least 4000. That said my warranty runs out in a couple of months (can’t remember when exactly) so I will need together it sorted before it ends - doesn’t bode well for holidays though. I also fell like I’m beginning to feel a touch of Adblue system delete coming on.