The AdBlue indicator light usually shows that the engine exhaust fluid is low, which will prevent the engine from starting.
Diesel engines have generally been reserved for larger and heavier trucks and cars so far. However, due to the high efficiency of diesel, today they have become much more common on smaller cars.
{{{ad-code}}}
This high efficiency comes from the fact that, inherently, diesel has more potential energy stored inside than regular gasoline.
Along with the extra energy, diesel engines have a higher compression ratio, which allows them to extract more of the overall energy from the fuel than a normal gasoline engine.
However, this high efficiency comes at a price in the form of additional exhaust emissions.
To help the catalytic converter (catalyst) decompose harmful gases, diesel exhaust fluid, ie AdBlue, is slowly injected into the exhaust pipe and helps to transform the exhaust gases into pure nitrogen and water vapor.
{{{ad-code}}}
The fluid vaporizes and once in the catalytic converter, the nitrogen oxides will decompose into water and nitrogen, which are harmless.
One of the most common diesel exhaust systems used is AdBlue, which is found in American, European and Japanese cars.
What is the AdBlue on-board warning light?
{{{ad-code}}}
The AdBlue system has a pump that injects a small amount of diesel exhaust fluid depending on the operating conditions of the engine. A small tank with a liquid level sensor stores the liquid, so frequent refills are not required.
There are three lights on the dashboard that can be turned on to alert you to any problems with the AdBlue system. The first light is the low level warning lamp. You should start well before the tank is completely empty, so that you have enough time to fill it. This light is usually yellow and once you have filled the tank with more AdBlue exhaust, it should stop.
If you do not fill the tank, it will eventually turn red, which is not a restart warning.
When this light is red, you will not be able to restart the engine after stopping it. If this happens while driving, you will have to refill the ADBlue tank , otherwise you will not be able to start the engine again.
This is a feature designed to prevent drivers from traveling long distances without any exhaust fluid. Again, once you fill the tank it should turn off the light.
{{{ad-code}}}
Finally, if the computer detects system failures, the service engine indicator will light along with the liquid level warning.
This may indicate a problem with the delivery system or the liquid level sensor or may indicate that incorrect fluid is being used.
You will need a scan tool to read the error code and to understand what is happening. Do not ignore this light, as using the wrong type of liquid could permanently damage the system.
{{{ad-code}}}
Is it safe to drive with the Adblue warning light on?
As long as this light does not indicate a safety problem, ignoring the warning may prevent you from starting the engine.
When you notice the fluid drop warning, you will still have some time before refilling is absolutely necessary. Don’t forget this, otherwise you could run out of fluid and you could risk getting stuck.
{{{ad-code}}}
Photo source: mbdoctor.com, rovertune.co.uk, rivervaleserviceandmot.co.uk