How to Reset AdBlue Warning in Your Vehicle? Simple Steps

AdBlue is an additive used in diesel vehicles to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions into the atmosphere. The prevalent use of this in diesel vehicles today stemmed from the compliance of automakers to the Euro 6 regulations in an effort to mitigate the air pollutants commonly produced by cars.

While this piece of technology is certainly useful in maintaining the quality of air around us, there are also some problems associated with it. Normally, this is indicated by an AdBlue warning message on the dashboard. So, in this article, we will show you how to go over this issue in several ways.

How AdBlue Works

AdBlue works by breaking down NOx pollutant gases into nitrogen and water vapor, preventing them from seriously harming the environment. With that, the product has become an important tool in reducing air pollution coming from automobiles and protecting our planet's health.

Using AdBlue has many benefits for a vehicle. These include:

1. Lower Emissions

By using AdBlue, the amount of harmful NOx in the atmosphere can be drastically reduced. This helps to improve air quality and make for a healthier environment for everyone around us.

2. Fuel Efficiency

There are no official data from AdBlue that pertains to the effects of its product on fuel consumption. In theory, however, fewer emissions require less fuel to power the engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and overall cost savings.

3. Reduced Maintenance

AdBlue helps reduce the wear and tear of a vehicle's engine, meaning fewer maintenance costs over time. This can also increase the lifespan of the vehicle itself.

4. Improved Performance

Utilizing AdBlue contributes to the smoother operation of a vehicle. It offers better acceleration and improved power delivery.

5. Eco-Friendly

Using AdBlue is much more eco-friendly compared to other diesel exhaust fluid additives on the market, as it is non-toxic and biodegradable.

AdBlue has proven itself to be an effective way to reduce air pollution and improve fuel efficiency for diesel engines. It's easy to use, safe for the environment, and can potentially help reduce overall maintenance costs. With AdBlue, you can be sure that your vehicle is running at its best and you can help protect the world we live in while getting the best performance out of your ride.

What Can Happen if the AdBlue Warning is Left Active

When the AdBlue warning light is activated in a vehicle, this indicates that there is an issue with the urea additive injection system. This is because the AdBlue fluid helps reduce harmful emissions from diesel vehicles, and if it is not functioning properly, then the vehicle will emit more pollutants than allowed by environmental regulations.

Therefore, it is important to address this warning light as soon as possible in order to prevent any further damage to both the environment and the vehicle itself. When this warning appears, the engine may have difficulty starting up or produce less power while driving, which can affect fuel efficiency and performance.

In addition, some models of vehicles may also experience reduced acceleration due to a lack of AdBlue fluid which could increase braking distance and reduce overall safety.

This warning should not be ignored or neglected as the consequences can be severe and cause further damage to the vehicle. Without proper maintenance, the issue can worsen over time, leading to more expensive repairs.

As such, if this warning light does appear then it is important to contact a certified mechanic in order to diagnose and rectify the problem as soon as possible. This will ensure that both emissions are kept within legal limits and that the vehicle remains reliable and performs optimally.

Resetting the AdBlue Warning

There are some things that can cause the AdBlue warning to activate in your vehicle. Among the most common reasons for the alert are insufficient AdBlue content in the tank, a fault in the AdBlue system, and ECU glitches.

If you're positive that none of these is the case for the light, and it's only likely that the system of your auto is acting up, here are ways to reset the AdBlue warning:

1. Using the Ignition Switch

One quick way to resolve this issue is by turning on your ignition switch until all the lights in your vehicle's instrument cluster are lit. Don't go all the way of starting your engine though. Just leave it that way for 30 seconds without doing anything else in your vehicle.

After that time lapses, turn off the ignition and start your engine normally. If the warning persists, try driving your car for a few miles. In more ways than one, this should take care of minor electrical glitches in its system.

2. Battery Reset

This is considered to be a very primitive system of resetting faults in a vehicle because the ECU can now store fault codes in it. However, there are still claims that this works in some instances, so it's still worth a try if the first method shown here fails.

To do this, simply turn off your engine. Then, disconnect the negative battery cable and positive battery cable, respectively. Keep it in that condition for at least 15 minutes but not over 30 minutes.

When the time expires, reconnect both cables starting with the positive and then the negative. Restart your vehicle and let it idle for at least 15 minutes to monitor if the problem happens again.

3. Via Scan Tool

You should have a compatible OBDII scanner with you for this purpose. Once you do, start by turning off your engine, and locate the OBDII port near the lower-left side of the steering wheel column.

Different brands and models of scan tools come with different interfaces, so the procedure to reset fault codes in your vehicle using this device may slightly vary from one product to another.

The good news is that most of the new models produced nowadays are equipped with a user-friendly interface that makes them easy to operate. Likewise, they are usually packaged with manuals containing ways how to operate them. Video tutorials online are also available as extra references for users.

Just follow the procedures recommended by the manufacturer of your scan tool with respect to this purpose to successfully reset the AdBlue warning in your auto.

When the Reset Attempt Fails...

Do note that the procedures discussed in the previous section will only work if the cause of the AdBlue warning is none other than a minor glitch in the system of your vehicle. Therefore, they will certainly not work when there is an inherent issue with the other parts of your car.

If the AdBlue warning persists after repeated reset attempts, then it's time for you to consider the most common factors causing the alert, and these include the following:

1. Insufficient AdBlue Content

Topping up AdBlue in a diesel vehicle is relatively easy and straightforward. Before topping up, you should check the manufacturer's instructions on how to do it safely and correctly. Generally speaking, here are the steps that you need to follow:

• Park your vehicle on level ground with the engine switched off.
• Find the AdBlue tank, which is usually located near the fuel filler cap, and unscrew its cap.
• Attach a genuine AdBlue filling nozzle, making sure it is securely locked in place before starting to fill it up.
• Once filled, replace the cap of the AdBlue tank and check for any leaks or spills around the area.
• Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes, then check that the AdBlue warning light has been reset on the dashboard.

2. AdBlue System Fault

If a system reset and/or topping up fails to remove the AdBlue warning in your vehicle, then, you may be looking at a problem within its system. Issues in the AdBlue system can be typically traced back to sensor, wiring, or AdBlue injector problems.

In such cases, it is recommended that you take your vehicle to a certified mechanic so they can inspect and diagnose the issue properly. If necessary, they will be able to replace any faulty components in order to get your AdBlue system up and running again.

3. ECU Needs Resetting

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the main component of your vehicle's engine system. It acts as a sort of "brain", controlling and monitoring the various components within the system. If an issue arises with the ECU, it can cause issues such as an AdBlue warning to appear on your dashboard.

If you suspect that the ECU needs to be reset, it is advisable that you take your vehicle to a certified mechanic who will have the necessary tools and knowledge to perform this procedure correctly.

Conclusion

Remember that AdBlue warnings can occur due to a variety of reasons, so it is important that you take the necessary steps in order to diagnose and rectify any underlying issues with your vehicle.

If all else fails, it is highly recommended that you seek professional assistance from a certified mechanic. They will be able to diagnose and troubleshoot any underlying issues with your car, ensuring that you can drive safely and without disruptions.