If you’ve never driven a diesel vehicle produced after 2016, then you may not have heard of AdBlue and its use in vehicles. It is also sometimes referred to as diesel exhaust fluid. It plays a very important role in reducing diesel vehicle emissions from diesel engines.
If you’re thinking of buying or leasing a Ford Transit Custom vehicle, then you may be wondering if you need to use AdBlue with your vehicle and what other factors you need to consider.
In this article, we’re going to look at what AdBlue is, what it is used for and whether your Ford Transit custom needs it.
What Is AdBlue?
AdBlue is made up of a few different ingredients, including deionised water and urea. As the name suggests, it is easily identifiable by its bright blue colour. In an effort to reduce the harmful emissions produced by diesel engines, vehicles manufactured after 2016 must comply with Euro 6 standards regarding emissions. By using AdBlue, the emissions from diesel engines are reduced to lower levels.
How Does It Work?
The AdBlue system in your vehicle ensures that AdBlue is injected into the exhaust system of your vehicle. The resulting chemical reaction serves to neutralise a large percentage of the nitrogen-oxide emissions from the engine.
Where Can You Buy AdBlue?
You can buy AdBlue at most garages or car supply shops such as Halfords. Some petrol stations also have specialist pumps for AdBlue so you can put it directly into your Ford Transit from there. These are more common in motorway service stations or those on busy HGV routes but are likely to become more common over time.
As with anything you put into your vehicle’s engine or fuel tank, you should take care to ensure that it is of good quality, or you could damage your vehicle. If you’re buying AdBlue, then check on the packaging for the relevant ISO number. This could be one of the following:
- ISO 22241
- ISO 22241 - 1
- ISO 22241 - 2
- ISO 22241 - 3
Always ensure that the AdBlue you’re using is of the correct standard. Fixing the issues it causes and having the tank drained can be a very expensive experience and keep your vehicle off the road.
How Do I Know When To Top-Up AdBlue?
Ford custom AdBlue levels are monitored by the vehicle's systems and there will be an alert on the dashboard. How often you need to top up your Ford custom AdBlue depends on a number of factors, such as how many miles you’re driving and the size of the AdBlue tank on your particular vehicle. Ford states that a full tank of AdBlue should last between 2300 and 6835 miles depending on the model you’re driving.
Ford Transits and Transit Customs both have a 21-litre capacity tank.
When having your vehicle services, it is usual for the garage to top up your Ford custom AdBlue at the same time, as they would with engine oil and coolant.
Can You Top It Up Yourself?
Topping up your AdBlue levels is relatively easy. Ford Transit Custom AdBlue tanks are easily accessible and are found just under the fuel cap. They have a blue cap, so you won’t confuse the two. The AdBlue tank can be filled up via a specialist pump at a petrol station, or directly from a bottle via a funnel or hose.
Do I Have To use AdBlue In My Ford Transit Custom?
Using AdBlue is important to keep your Ford Transit custom running efficiently. Don’t be tempted to skip using it to save money, or because you don’t think it makes a difference. Newer models of vehicles will begin to experience performance issues associated with attempting to reduce emissions in other ways. This could mean that your driving speed may be reduced or you’re unable to use the air con or entertainment system.
There are some models of Ford Custom Transit that require AdBlue to continue running. If you run out of AdBlue, then once you’ve stopped the engine, it will not start up again until you have topped up.
It’s better for your vehicle and the environment if you keep your AdBlue levels topped up.
Ford Transit Custom AdBlue Problems
As a vehicle, Ford Custom Transits are some of the most reliable in the world. Occasionally though, they do encounter issues with the AdBlue system. If you find that you are having to top up your AdBlue levels often, but aren’t doing that many miles, then you should have it checked.
Also, if you run out of AdBlue and are unable to start your vehicle, the sensors which monitor the AdBlue levels may not reset when you’ve refilled the tank, leaving it unable to start. This is a problem that is easily fixed by rebooting the system. You should always consult an experienced mechanic who has experience with this type of vehicle and issue.
Does my Ford Transit Custom need AdBlue?
We’ve already looked at what AdBlue is and why it’s important. But you might be wondering if your Ford Custom Transit uses AdBlue. There are a few different ways to tell.
Manufacturing Date
Ford Custom Transit’s sold in the UK after September 2016 complies with the Euro 6 standards on emissions. If your vehicle was registered after this date, then it will need AdBlue.
Owners Manual
If you’re not sure of the manufacturing or registration date of your Ford, then check the owner's manual for further information. It will tell you if it requires AdBlue, where the tank is located and the capacity of the tank.
Check For An AdBlue Tank
AdBlue has its own tank within the vehicle. If you have a Ford Custom Transit, the cap for the AdBlue tank can be found just under the main fuel cap.
Now you know about the AdBlue system and how works within your Ford Custom Transit. It’s an essential part of reducing driving emissions and keeping your vehicle performing at optimal levels for the long term.
Ford Transit Custom 2016 to Present