How to Drain Poor Quality DEF Fluid???

[sierra2500HD]

I've been getting the "Exhaust Fluid Poor Quality" warning on the DIC so I brought my truck to the local GM service center this morning. They are telling me there is no way to drain the fluid from the DEF tank. They also tell me they can't get a tube down the fill hose to suck out the fluid since they think there's a check ball in the line somewhere.
Now they want to charge me $175 to remove the tank and drain it.
Seriously - no drain valve?

Thanks in advance.

[aturking]

I would remove it yourself and drain it, then take that check ball out if you can that way you can suck it out if you have too. Also of you want a drain valve on it, drill a hole and put one in. It's probably not too hard. I would check on warranty stuff first before I drilled it

[KensAuto]

I had a hard time draining mine when i did the delete.....with the tank out! I first tried sticking a screwdriver in the checkball but that nasty stuff was runnin down my arm, so i took the pump out and threw the tank in the driveway upside down

[LML2011]

Engineers, don’t you just love them!

[aturking]

Originally Posted by LML2011

Engineers, don’t you just love them!

indeed

[sierra2500HD]

This wasn't poor engineering. The lack of a drain on that tank was most likely a cost-savings decision. I was just cheaper to not put one on there.
Anyway, the dealer removed the fill tube at the top of the tank and drained it from there (after I told them I didn't think they needed to drop the tank).
I really needed a tire rotation so that plus the drain and refill with GM DEF came to $200. Yeah, it was a typical dealer rip-off but I didn't have time to fool around with the truck this week. I was also concerned that the truck would go into "limp mode" due to the DEF warning.
Lessons learned:
1. Don't use the Peak BlueDef DEF. The problem started a few weeks after
adding 1.5 gallons of that stuff. Maybe it's OK if fresh, but why risk it?
2. Don't top off the DEF tank - especially if you drive low miles AND live in
a hot climate. The stuff degrades pretty quickly.
3. Always post your questions about Duramax issues on this forum
BEFORE you take your vehicle in for service!

Thanks again.

[KensAuto]

curious how they syphined with that check ball in there....hmmm

[sierra2500HD]

Yeah, I'm not sure exactly what they did but I see fluid leaking now on the frame below where the DEF fill tube is. Maybe they didn't position or tighten the clamp that connects the fill tube to the tank.
After 3 hours of being held hostage in the "waiting room" you just wanna get the heck out of there and move on with your life. Guess I'll give it until tomorrow and see if it keeps leaking.

[PaulChristenson]

Originally Posted by sierra2500HD

This wasn't poor engineering. The lack of a drain on that tank was most likely a cost-savings decision. I was just cheaper to not put one on there.
Anyway, the dealer removed the fill tube at the top of the tank and drained it from there (after I told them I didn't think they needed to drop the tank).
I really needed a tire rotation so that plus the drain and refill with GM DEF came to $200. Yeah, it was a typical dealer rip-off but I didn't have time to fool around with the truck this week. I was also concerned that the truck would go into "limp mode" due to the DEF warning.
Lessons learned:
1. Don't use the Peak BlueDef DEF. The problem started a few weeks after
adding 1.5 gallons of that stuff. Maybe it's OK if fresh, but why risk it?
2. Don't top off the DEF tank - especially if you drive low miles AND live in
a hot climate. The stuff degrades pretty quickly.
3. Always post your questions about Duramax issues on this forum
BEFORE you take your vehicle in for service!

Thanks again.

They identified the DEF issue here (TheDieselPage.com - LML Duramax 6600 - Engine & Emissions Tech - February 2010 )..."DEF degrades over time at temperatures above 86 degrees F. Average shelf life should exceed one year, so only those trucks that do NOT consume a tank of DEF fluid over a twelve month period(6000 to 9000 miles) in a warm climate would need to be concerned"

[whtdmax06]

The dealer wanted to charge me 129$ just to evaluate the problem plus 175$ to clean the tank of the bad def. They called me and told me it was "all set". I got there and asked what was the level of urea in the def that they deemed to be "bad" as it needs a minimum of 32.5%. They had no answer so I asked for a sample and I would send it out to be tested before I pay. They didn't save any as they washed out the tank. I told them to find the real problem and get back to me. The "real problem" was a bad nox sensor. Free under warranty. Be careful what you get taken for at a dealership.