Q: How do you start car after running out of exhaust fluid?

asked by on December 13, 2016

Received 200 mile warning for exhaust fluid. Drove to 0 miles now car won't start. Have topped off both exhaust fluid tanks. Car still won't start. Are there codes that need to be cleared so car will start? What else can I do to start the car so I don't have to take to dealership?

My car has 141000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Service Battery/cables $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. There is a sensor in the diesel exhaust fluid tank that measures how much fluid is in there. This is why the dash can tell you how much fluid is remaining in the tank. The engine will not start up until there is at least 30% of the tank is filled up. The exhaust fluid is to help reduce emissions in the catalytic converter on your vehicle. If there is no exhaust fluid in the catalytic converter, then the O2 sensors will register a higher soot content and shut down the starting circuit. Since you have topped of the tanks and the vehicle still will not start up, then you will need to remove the battery cables from the battery and leave them off for 13 minutes and then put the cables back on. This will clear the computer to analyze the exhaust system for 2 hours. If you need further assistance with your diesel engine not starting after running out of exhaust fluid, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Paint in a really bad state, can it be fixed?
The reason paint on new cars chips more easily today than it did in the past is because the paint is more environmentally friendly. Traditionally, the majority of car paints were lead-based, but today paints are water-based, which increases the...
Performance chip messed up my car
Since I don't know what kind of chip you have or the specifics of how it was installed, I'm not sure how much advice I can provide. But first, I would start by double checking that everything is exactly how...
Car hesitating on acceleration.
Thanks for writing in about your Mazda 6. You need to make sure that the mass airflow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) is not getting contaminated by an oil type air filter. If it is, replace the air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) with clean paper...
Weak startup when the engine is warmed up - 2000 Toyota MR2
Hey there. Heat causes electrical resistance to increase. Given the age of the vehicle, your ignition system might be "struggling." You should thoroughly evaluate the ignition system. If that checks out, check the fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) output and condition of...
My heat and AC do not work - 2003 Volkswagen Beetle
It sounds like the blend door may be stuck. The blend door is usually controlled by a cable or an actuator. If the switch itself seems to be hard to turn, it is likely cable driven and experiencing a restriction....
When stopped at a light rpm will dip from 600 to 500 can then move back up
Although the idle speed can be adjusted, the idle speed of the engine is optimized by the manufacturer for maximum performance and economy of operation. In practice, therefore, there is no value in making any adjustment. Low and/or unstable idle...
Multiple cylinder misfire
Engine misfires can be caused by many different problems, but there are a few suspects that occur more than others. Generally, misfires are caused by either a spark or fuel issue or in cases, a combination of both. Spark related...
Car feels like it is in neutral
This is often a sign of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer activates a...
Engine revs up but will not accelerate when 4wd is engaged, drives fine when not engaged.
According to the 2006 Cherokee Owner's Manual (https://cdn.dealereprocess.net/cdn/servicemanuals/jeep/2006-grandcherokee.pdf) there were at least two different versions of 4WD installed as a factory option in this model and that is important in terms of the possible causes. Of course, be sure that...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 BMW X3
If If you like high-end SUVs, the 2012 BMW X3 is definitely worth taking a look at. It’s a great mixture of luxury, utility and convenience. Key Features The Servotronic power steering on this SUV is excellent for giving you...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid
The The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid is Mercedes' first hybrid SUV. It can perform light off-roading tasks while still being able to tow a good amount of weight. It has excellent fuel economy and drives just like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class...
How to Start a Car in Cold Weather
Battery, oil, and fuel problems can make a car difficult to start in cold weather. Find out how to prevent starting issues related to weather.