Some truckers may have thought about a DEF delete, a practice in which the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system is bypassed or removed entirely. It may appeal to truckers because of perceived improvements to performance, fuel economy, and to avoid the maintenance and costs associated with the maintenance of a DEF system. However, the truth is that doing a DEF delete is going to do more harm than good. Besides likely voiding any warranty you have on your vehicle, it’ll also become untouchable to diesel mechanics.
The expert mechanics at M&L Truck Service want to address all the reasons why we can’t work on your DEF-deleted truck — and why you should think twice about DEF deletion at all.
The Legal Considerations of Performing a DEF Delete
First and foremost, to DEF delete a vehicle is highly illegal. Tampering with emissions systems is a violation of federal law, and probably your local and state laws, too.
The EPA enacted regulations in 2010 to reduce emissions of heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The DEF system helps trucks meet these requirements and reduce the emissions released. Additionally, a DEF deleted truck may have issues passing state inspections and/or being re-sold.
Legal Penalties can be expensive
A DEF Delete Creates Safety Concerns
A truck with a properly functioning DEF system is generally considered safer than one without. This is because it can reduce engine damage and strain, preventing overheating, explosions, and other dangerous complications. The harmful exhaust gases a DEF deleted vehicle releases into the air also poses risks to human health and the environment.
Engine Performance May Suffer
The main reason truckers are even interested in a DEF delete is because of the belief that it will improve engine performance. While this may be true in some ways, since the truck will not go through the regeneration cycle to incinerate excess soot without a DEF system, it can also have the opposite effect.
The removal of the DEF may mask underlying issues with the engine that could lead to more significant problems. The soot produced by your engine may also block filters fairly quickly and even stop your engine.
You May Notice Fault Code Issues
A DEF delete will result in your vehicle producing an error code. This might cause issues with passing certain inspections, and it may even put your truck in “limp mode.“
A DEF Delete will Increase Pollution
Lastly, the main purpose of the DEF system is to reduce the amount of pollutants and emissions released into the air by heavy-duty diesel trucks. Those who choose to delete their DEF system are not only putting themselves at risk of fines and legal trouble, they’re also making the world dirtier and more hazardous for future generations. Trucking is a necessary industry, and most drivers understand the responsibility to reduce harm from diesel emissions whenever possible.
For all the reasons above, we are not able to service DEF deleted vehicles. Aside from exposing you to these risks, we’d also be exposing our business and livelihood to legal risks. We appreciate your understanding, and we’re here to answer any further questions you have about your DEF system.
Meet M&L General Manager, Julie M. Thomas
Julie McMahan Thomas is responsible for the oversight and continued growth of M&L. Her focus is on customer and employee relationships, quality service, and customer satisfaction.