International DEF Sensor

Discussion in 'International Forum' started by Vincent5309, Jul 2, 2021.

  1. Vincent5309

    Vincent5309 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 2, 2021
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    Does anyone have any insight into the current DEF sensor shortage at Navistar?

    My 2019 International LT with Cummins X15 has been running great, but DEF sensor in tank (often called QLS sensor) failed and engine was derated to five miles per hour. The sensor sends tank level to computer. My faulty sensor said I had empty tank when, in fact, it was 3/4 full.

    The truck has been down two weeks. The part was ordered two weeks ago. Dealer says I'm on critical backorder, but no eta for when new sensor will arrive. Typically its a quick fix and under warranty, but no one has the part. Navistar has not helped in anyway, I can't get past the dealership and talk to anyone.

    I've heard there are many International products shut down for the same issue. The service shop I'm at has 15 trucks waiting for the same part. The dealership I bought my truck at said they had 55 trucks on critical backorder. The guy who runs the company I'm leased onto says he's got 25 down and they've been down for the last 6 weeks.

    When will they be available?
    Where are they made?
    Who makes them?
    What is the reason for the supply issues, besides pandemic?
    Why are so many failing?
    How do I get past the Navistar dealer firewall?
    Is there a way to bypass sensor?
    Anyone interested in a class action lawsuit?
     
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  3. QUALITYTRUCK

    QUALITYTRUCK Road Train Member

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    They are not lying. I have been changing QLS sensors on LT's for about 6-8 months straight. I have 7 sitting here waiting.
     
  4. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Yes, I have never ever seen a massive parts failure like this ever! We have about 10 trucks down waiting for QLS. It's to the point I can change them in my sleep, LOL.

    Ok, here's the scoop... They are experiencing premature failure due to stuck open heater control valves. The heater control valve is the coolant control valve that is used to allow hot engine coolant to circulate through the tank on very cold winter days to prevent DEF freeze ups. These valves will get stuck open and allow hot engine coolant to over heat the DEF tank and cook the QLS to the point of failure. They aren't designed to be in that environment. So once spring and early summer hit, along with higher temps, these sensors are dropping like flies. Currently, Navistar is back ordered over 4000 units. There are currently two different styles of heater control valves. The one with the square solenoid is the bad one. We are replacing all those with a newer Parker made valve with a round solenoid. If you are replacing a QLS, replace that old style heater control valve regardless.
     
  5. QUALITYTRUCK

    QUALITYTRUCK Road Train Member

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    Thanks for the explanation Heavy D. I have also been finding that coolant is leaking into the tank.
     
  6. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Yep, easy diag. DEF or derate codes, touch the coolant hose supply to the QLS. If it is hot, you know the valve is stuck open.
     
  7. ChuckMartel

    ChuckMartel Light Load Member

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    That last townhall they said they’re gonna start pumping out remans ASAP.
     
  8. Inderjit

    Inderjit Medium Load Member

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    A manager from a Navistar dealership told me in confidence that the coolant lines were reversed on the coolant control valves by mistake allowing coolant to circulate when the valve was closed. This caused a lot of DEF quality faults and DEF issues..
     
  9. Vincent5309

    Vincent5309 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 2, 2021
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    When was Navistar first aware of the issue? Why didn't they recall?
     
  10. Inderjit

    Inderjit Medium Load Member

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    About three years ago my fleet received a new 7000 series with a Maxfarce 9.
    After the third DEF sensor module failed in probably less than two months
    the dealer submitted a case file to engineering and engineering said to check
    the coolant flow through the DEF heating system. They swapped the coolant
    lines somewhere and the last module did not fail.
     
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