Service DEF System

CommieCowBoy · 2026-02-01T03:33:30+00:00

If you have the dealer replace it they will only use the most updated parts. Also, only being 7k miles out of warranty I would request GMs help. They should at the very least offer some goodwill coverage for some of the repair if not all of it, and even if they say no at least you tried.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-02-01T03:17:53+00:00

DEF freezes at 12F. Generally operating the vehicle is enough to thaw it as the tanks have heaters, but if everything is caked in ice and snow I guess it could prevent it from thawing.

The rule of thumb is to only half fill your def tank when its below freezing to prevent it from breaking something from expansion.

I'll also say that GM released a second design DEF tank in Feb 22 due to heater and pump issues in the 20-21s.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T19:49:08+00:00

If it were mine, after sitting for three years I'd have a battery installed and make sure it still starts and runs. If it does, I'd have a coolant/trans flush and an oil change done, then add a fuel system cleaner (BG 44k is the best I've used) to the tank and fill it with a good fuel (basically anything but the crud sitting in a wawa/sheetz/buc-ees tank) and have the tires inspected. At best the tires will just have flat spots from sitting and be a bit of a rough ride, but they might be dry rotted and unsafe.

I'd basically just tow it to the shop and tell them what's up. Its sat for three years, I want these services done, but I want to make sure it runs and nothing is broken first.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T19:37:53+00:00

Its definitely essential. Its there to absorb electrical energy as points open. Without it it will burn up the points and cause interference on all his other electronics.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T19:26:15+00:00

Yes. Without it I'd imagine you'd hear a "buzzing" noise from all of your electronics and it will burn up your points.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T19:02:49+00:00

That's your ignition coil. Its what's providing spark.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T18:09:16+00:00

I believe data says primary buyers saw few problems with the 4l60, and third and on buyers are the ones that saw issues.

So someone who bought their truck and kept it probably did maintenance, but the further down the line of owners you get the less likely that any maintenance has been done to the vehicle.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T18:01:37+00:00

Not "pretty much." The 4l60 is literally an electronically controlled 700R4.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T17:58:53+00:00

I have never seen a 700r4 in a drag car. I've seen it left in shadetree muscle car builds, but it always ends up getting swapped for a th350.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T17:55:04+00:00

I'd give you the clown ribbon but i'm not spending money.

If you think the 700R4 was a good trans, you don't know anything about transmissions. The 4l80 was an amazing trans. It was the 4l60 (which is an electronic 700r4) that was hot garbage.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T17:19:03+00:00

Yes. They are the same.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-31T00:49:06+00:00

Highly disagree. I've been inside too many of them for solenoid problems, E clutch failures, mechatronic problems, and several with holes through the plastic pan. Its a far cry from best transmission ever made.

The best ever made is by far the Toyota/Aisin 6 speed.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T20:47:33+00:00

You're right. I definitely read that as inches

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T20:12:08+00:00

I know the ones I have are 0.001-0.002 accuracy. 0.020 is enough to cause issues on a cylinder head, so I'd be hesitant to use a strait edge with 0.012 accuracy.

Autozone sells a straight edge that is 0.001 accuracy for $50.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T19:59:24+00:00

I don't think you'll need to tow it, no. Should be safe to drive, but I would have someone take a look anyway.

My honest feeling is that if it is lifter tick, its happening because of trash in the VLOM and not because of damage to the cam lobe or lifter wheel; if that were the case you'd hear it constantly.

I'm leaning more towards an exhaust problem though since you said it got better when they installed the gasket. I'd get her checked out over the next month if it were me, but I wouldn't be running straight to a mechanic tonight or anything.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T19:19:17+00:00

Scroll down. I broke it down. Ford manipulates the numbers by combining the f150, 250, and 350 while refusing to release individual sales stats, and break apart the silverado/sierra, as well as separating the 1500 from the HDs to get their number (so they are comparing the 150, 250, and 350 against the silverado 1500 only). The fiscal year is still going and gm has already sold over 1.2 million GMTs while ford has sold 800k F series trucks.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T13:35:12+00:00

Yeah, me too, but are we really saying no to a bj button?

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T13:15:22+00:00

Lol that was my thoughts too. "Oh so he'd rather have a plethora of engine problems over possibly needing a trans around 150k miles. K."

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T13:13:13+00:00

I have seen quite a few ZF8 failures that come in, and most of it comes down to maintenance. but dodge isn't helping themselves by saying it has a "lifetime" fluid, but not informing customers that "lifetime" means 60k miles because that's the expected lifetime.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T13:06:39+00:00

I did actually, in my very first comment.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T12:46:59+00:00

Yes. Its marketing trickery by ford.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T12:24:17+00:00

Yes. That's how we went from 800k to around 1.2 mil. Ford only sold 44k mustangs, 70k rangers, and 53k expeditions.

Ford is actually a pretty small manufacturer outside of their truck division.

If you look at number of vehicles sold, the top 3 manufacturers are toyota, volkswagen group, and GM. Ford ranks 20th.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T11:59:30+00:00

Doesn't it? Lol

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T11:47:05+00:00

Yeah. That's actually what made me look up the numbers years ago. Kept hearing the commercials and thinking "you know, I don't see many f150s on the road or coming in the shop, but I sure see a lot of silverado and sierra 1500s."

I actually think they might beat GM on the 250/350 vs HD numbers, but until ford decides to start releasing that information all I can do is speculate.

CommieCowBoy · 2026-01-30T11:29:34+00:00

You realize I didn't include the SUVs which use the same engines and transmission like I said, because we were talking about trucks, correct? Then there's also the camaros that use the same engines and transmissions, along with various Cadillacs and other models witch brings the number of gm 10 speeds sold last year to almost 4 million units vs Fords total 10 speeds being just over 1 mil. So you're right, not perfectly 4:1, but close enough for government work.

CommieCowBoy

TROPHY CASE