Code
P218F
Generic
P — Powertrain
Reductant No Flow Detected
Views:
UK: 14
EN: 70
RU: 37
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Empty or low reductant tank
- Failed reductant pump or pump motor
- Blocked or restricted dosing line, filter, or injector (crystals/contamination)
- Stuck or leaking dosing valve/injector
- Faulty reductant flow sensor or missing flow sensor signal
- Open/short or corroded wiring and connectors to pump, valve, or sensor
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated and related DTC present
- Reduced emission system performance; possible limp mode on some systems
- No audible pump operation when DEF system is commanded
- Visible crystallized urea around tank, lines, filter, or injector
- Exhaust system may show increased NOx or fail emissions tests
What to check
- Read freeze frame and live data with a capable scan tool; confirm P218F and any related codes
- Check reductant tank level and condition (contamination, crystals)
- Listen for pump operation when the system is commanded; check for pump noise
- Inspect wiring harnesses and connectors for damage, corrosion, or water intrusion
- Measure voltage and ground at pump connector with key ON and during command
- Check resistance and continuity of flow sensor and injector/valve circuits
Signal parameters
- Pump supply voltage: ~Battery voltage when commanded (nominal 12 V system)
- Pump current draw: varies by model (typically ~1–7 A when running) — abnormal low or zero indicates no pump operation
- Flow sensor output: pulse or frequency signal proportional to flow (may be counted as pulses/min or Hz)
- Injector/dosing valve command: duty cycle or on/off status from ECM
- Flow reading expected: small but measurable flow during dosing events (model-dependent)
- Line pressure: low-pressure system; some systems monitor pressure or injector back-pressure
Diagnostic algorithm
- Use a scan tool to confirm P218F and record freeze frame/live data while commanding a dosing event.
- Verify reductant tank level and inspect for contamination, crystallization, or foreign matter. Refill if low with correct fluid.
- Visually inspect the entire reductant system: tank, filter, lines, connectors, heaters, and dosing injector/outlet for damage or crystals.
- With ignition on, command the reductant pump on via scan tool and listen/feel for operation. Measure pump supply voltage and ground; compare to battery.
- Measure pump current during commanded operation. Zero or very low current suggests open circuit, bad pump, or relay/fuse issue.
- Check continuity and resistance of pump, flow sensor, and injector circuits. Repair any wiring faults or corroded connectors.
- Monitor flow sensor output during a commanded dose. No pulses or implausible values point to sensor or actual no-flow condition.
- If pump and wiring test good but no flow, inspect/remove dosing injector and filter for clogging; clean or replace as required.
- If components bench-test OK, check for air locks or trapped air in lines; follow manufacturer bleed procedure.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a confirmed drive/soak cycle or commanded dosing to verify flow and that P218F does not return.
- Safety note: DEF/urea crystallizes and can cause skin/eye irritation — wear gloves and eye protection; avoid contamination of fluid.
Likely causes
- Pump failure (electrical or mechanical)
- Blocked dosing injector or filter due to crystallized urea
- No power or poor connection to pump or flow sensor
- Faulty flow sensor or incorrect sensor readings
- Empty tank or air in the supply line
Fault status
Status
Reductant dosing expected but no flow detected during commanded operation; emission dosing system fault.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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