P207F Diesel exhaust fluid quality or dosing performance is below what the computer expects

Reductant quality performance

P207F in short

P207F means the computer thinks the diesel exhaust fluid is of poor quality or is not working as expected. Wrong or contaminated fluid, a blocked filter or a dosing fault are typical. Check the fluid first. Left unfixed, the truck can enter a power derate and speed limit, so inspect it soon.

Diesel trucks with SCR inject a urea fluid (DEF) into the exhaust to cut nitrogen oxides. The computer checks how well it works. If the result is poorer than the dose should give, it stores P207F and may show an exhaust fluid quality message.

The cause is not always the fluid. FleetRabbit lists wrong fluid, a blocked DEF filter, a dosing valve fault and catalyst wear. Ford, Ram, Nissan and GM have bulletins that involve diesel contamination, regeneration, software updates or diagnostic steps.

Check the fluid concentration before replacing parts. A refractometer reading outside the normal range points to bad fluid; a normal reading points to the dosing hardware or software.

Most likely causes

  1. Wrong, diluted or contaminated DEF

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    FleetRabbit lists the wrong fluid in the tank as a cause and puts a concentration check first. Ford ASI 44125 covers diesel contamination of DEF on 2011-2014 Super Duty.
    What would change this
    Rises if a refractometer reads outside the normal urea range or the fluid smells or looks wrong. Falls if the concentration is normal.

  2. DEF filter, dosing valve or dosing quantity fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    FleetRabbit lists a blocked DEF filter, a faulty dosing valve and insufficient dosing quantity.
    What would change this
    Rises if the dosing quantity test fails or the filter or valve is blocked. Falls if dosing passes.

  3. Engine computer software that needs an update (some trucks)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ram 18-039-16 (2016 3500 and 4500) and Nissan NTB16-037 (2016 Titan XD) list P207F in computer reprogramming bulletins, and FleetRabbit says to check for a reflash. Coverage depends on VIN.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds your VIN covered and the software is not current. Falls if it already has the update.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  4. Regeneration not completing after long idle or low-speed driving (2012 Ford F-450 and F-550)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford TSB 13-5-20 covers P207F, with or without P204F, when the truck fails to complete regeneration after extended idling or low-speed driving.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Ford with a mostly idling duty cycle. Falls on other trucks.

  5. SCR catalyst degradation or excess hydrocarbon dosing

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    FleetRabbit lists catalyst degradation and excess hydrocarbon dosing, but only after the cheaper checks.
    What would change this
    Rises after the fluid, dosing and software checks pass. Falls if any of those finds a fault.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Take a sample of the DEF and check its concentration with a refractometer; it should read about 32.5% urea.

    Use cautionTool: refractometer

    Warning:DEF can irritate skin and eyes, and diesel in it can damage seals; have a shop handle a suspected contamination.

  2. Have the dosing quantity test run on a scan tool and inspect the DEF filter, lines and dosing valve for blockage or crystals.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with SCR tests

    Warning:The DEF system sits near hot exhaust parts and DEF can irritate skin; leave the dosing tests to a shop.

  3. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a software update or bulletin for P207F.

    Low risk

Symptoms

  • Check engine light or an exhaust fluid quality message on the dash
  • Power derate or speed limit after a period of warnings Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Make sure the DEF tank holds fresh, good-quality fluid from a sealed container and that it was not mixed with water or fuel.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open software update for P207F.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine control module (ECM / PCM):Check fluid quality, dosing and software before replacing any SCR part. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2011–2014 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletins ASI 44125 (DEF contaminated by diesel) and 15-0042 involve P207F on Super Duty diesels. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2011–2014 · F-450 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 13-5-20 covers the 2012 F-450 and F-550 failing to complete regeneration. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • ASI 44125Status unverified

    DEF contaminated by petroleum product; MIL with P20E8, P202D and/or P207F

    2011–2014f-250-super-duty, f-350-super-duty, f-450-super-duty, f-550-super-duty · issued · NHTSA 10053263

    Diesel contamination of DEF can swell and leak rubber seals and O-rings. The summary does not give the repair steps.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB 13-5-20Status unverified

    MIL and P207F with or without P204F, regeneration not completing

    2012f-450-super-duty, f-550-super-duty · issued · NHTSA 10053004

    After extended idling or low-speed driving the truck fails to complete regeneration. The summary does not give the repair steps.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 15-0042Status unverified

    6.7L trucks built before 10/11/2011: MIL with P207F, P20EE, P2200 and others

    2011–2012f-250-super-duty, f-350-super-duty, f-450-super-duty, f-550-super-duty · issued · NHTSA 10057858

    Information bulletin for 6.7L trucks built before 11 October 2011. The summary does not give the repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ram

  • 2016–2021 · 3500

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ram 18-039-16 (2016) lists P207F; 9004406 (2020-2021) says to contact FCA. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2016–2021 · 2500

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ram S1625000007 Rev A covers P207F on 2016-2020 trucks. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 18-039-16Status unverified

    6.7L diagnostic and system improvements

    20163500 · issued · NHTSA 10140171

    Reprograms the ECM/PCM; a technician may find P207F among the DTCs set.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • S1625000007 Rev AStatus unverified

    MIL on with P207F reductant quality performance

    2016–20202500, 3500 · issued · NHTSA 10220534

    The summary names only the MIL and the code.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 9004406Status unverified

    Diesel exhaust fluid tank, P207F on trucks built after 22 July 2021

    2020–20212500, 3500 · issued · NHTSA 10218447

    For a P207F concern on these trucks the summary says to contact FCA.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Nissan

  • 2016 · Titan

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB16-037 reprograms the computer on the 2016 Titan XD for P207F and related codes. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • NTB16-037Status unverified

    Titan XD MIL on with engine DTCs including P207F

    2016titan · issued · NHTSA 10075213

    Confirm the bulletin applies, then reprogram the engine computer.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2010–2015 · Express

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5007D covers an Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor message on LGH and LML diesel trucks. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5007DStatus unverified

    Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor message (LGH or LML diesel)

    2010–2015express, silverado-2500-hd · issued · NHTSA 10112163

    Follow the specific DTC diagnostic if one is set; if the message shows with no code, diagnose using the current Service Information.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P20EEDiesel NOx catalyst not removing enough NOx

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    Ford, Ram, GM and Volvo bulletins list P20EE and P207F together because both are SCR quality and efficiency faults.

All Diesel emissions and glow plugs codes

Sources and review

  1. P20EE, P207F and P20E8 SCR and DEF codes — FleetRabbit
  2. Ford ASI 44125: DEF contaminated by petroleum product, MIL with P20E8, P202D and/or P207F — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  3. Ram 18-039-16: 6.7L diagnostic and system improvements — FCA US / NHTSA ,
  4. Nissan NTB16-037: 2016 Titan XD MIL on with engine DTCs including P207F — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  5. Ford TSB 13-5-20: fails to complete regeneration, MIL and P207F with or without P204F — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  6. Ram 9004406: diesel exhaust fluid tank, P207F on 2020-2021 trucks built after 22 July 2021 — FCA US / NHTSA ,
  7. GM PIP5007D: Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor message on LGH/LML Duramax trucks — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. Ford 15-0042: 6.7L trucks built before 10/11/2011 may show a MIL with P207F, P20EE, P2200 and others — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  9. Ram S1625000007 Rev A: MIL on with P207F reductant quality performance — FCA US / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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