Sprinter vans · Diesel Exhaust Fluid

How to add DEF

If the dashboard asks for DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), top it up under the hood, behind the blue DEF cap.

Never put DEF in the fuel tank

DEF goes only in the blue-capped fill under the hood. Pouring it into the diesel fuel tank will seriously damage the engine.

What you'll see

Dashboard DEF messages

Sprinters call DEF “AdBlue” on the dashboard. Any of these messages means it's time to add DEF. Exact wording can vary slightly by model year.

Refill AdBlue

See Operator's Manual

Refill AdBlue No start in 500 mi

2016 Sprinter

Refill AdBlue

See Owner's Manual

Refill AdBlue No start in 500 mi

2019 Sprinter

Refill AdBlue

See Owner's Manual

Refill AdBlue Engine start not possible

2025 Sprinter

“No start in … mi” is a countdown: add DEF before it reaches zero, or the van won't restart. If you see “Engine start not possible”, don't wait — add DEF and message us through Turo.

01 · Find the fill

Open the hood, find the blue cap

The DEF fill is on the left-hand side of the engine bay when facing the front of the van, near the bottom. Look for the blue cap marked “DEF” — outlined in red below.

Sprinter engine bay with the blue DEF fill cap outlined in red — Blue DEF cap — not the white coolant cap or the black oil cap.

02 · Add DEF

Unscrew the cap and pour

Twist off the blue cap, pour in the DEF slowly, then screw the cap back on tightly and close the hood. DEF is sold at most gas stations and auto parts stores.

Box of BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid — What DEF looks like in the store — a box labeled “Diesel Exhaust Fluid.”

Ask about DEF

Ask a question about adding DEF. Answers come from this page. If we're not sure, we'll point you to Turo.

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Questions? Message us through your trip in the Turo app.