Diesel Vehicles Information
What you need to know about diesel rental vehicles
Our diesel fuel vehicles comply with federal emmissions requirements, which means they are equipped with Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Diesel Particulate Filtration systems. If you have questions about your rental, contact your local branch.
Our fleet is equipped with a wide variety of vehicles that only operate with diesel fuel. This requires renters to pay attention to which fueling stations have diesel fuel pumps. Should you put any amount of gasoline (non-diesel) fuel in the tank, do not start the vehicle. Call your Enterprise Truck Rental branch immediately for instructions.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) lowers the harmful emission gases produced by diesel engines. Due to recent federal regulations, most newer model diesel trucks require DEF to function properly.
How do I know If My Vehicle Needs DEF?
DEF Levels should be checked before every trip. To view fluid levels, look at the dashboard gauge or exterior site tube on the DEF tank. If the warning light appears on the dash, then your vehicle is running low on DEF. The diesel exhaust fluid level must be kept above 1/4 tank. You can purchase DEF at the pump of some service stations and at truck stops, or in containers from auto part stores or dealerships.
Where Does It Go?
Look for the blue cap marked DEF. It is usually next to your fuel tank. DO NOT PUT DEF INTO YOUR DIESEL FUEL TANK, OR DIESEL FUEL INTO YOUR DEF SYSTEM. If you do mistakenly pour DEF into your diesel tank, do not start the vehicle. The tank will need to be emptied, and the system will need to be flushed. Contact your Enterprise Truck Rental branch for next steps.
AVOID DEF CONTAMINATION
- DEF is sensitive to chemical impurities. When DEF becomes contaminated, it can damage the catalytic system of your rental vehicle impacting the cost of your rental.
- DEF is highly sensitive to all traces of non-DEF contaminants
- Avoid DEF contamination by using DEF-specific funnels, pumps, containers and hoses
- Make sure DEF packaging is sealed prior to use
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a trap, or filter, that captures soot in the exhaust system of a diesel vehicle, keeping the pollutants from reaching the environment. The DPF system is designed to "clean" or regenerate itself by burning the soot via high exhaust temperature.
What Does It Mean When I See the DPF Warning Light on the Dashboard?
All modern diesel vehicles are equipped with a filtration system to trap soot inside the exhaust to help keep the air we breath clean. When the light on the dash is on, this means you will have to park the vehicle and push the DPF button on the dash to complete a manual regeneration process (Regen). The process cleans the soot restriction from the DPF and may take up to 20 minutes to complete. Avoid stepping on the brake pedal during DPF Regen. Doing so will end the process.
Each vehicle has detailed instructions located on the backside of the sun visor. Before conducting DPF regeneration, be sure that the DEF and fuel levels are above 1/4 tank. Use the dashboard gauge or exterior tank liquid level sight tube to evaluate the level of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
If the dash light for DPF has been one, at a certain level (approximately 70% soot loading), your vehicle will enter "limp mode" to prevent further damage. If the regen process is ignored, the engine will lose power and shut off. The vehicle will need to be towed to a dealership for costly, unwarrantable repairs.
Tips to Engage Automatic Regeneration
Periodically engage in highway driving of the vehicle (at least 40 mph for at least 10 minutes). Keep fuel and DEF levels above 1/4 of a tank.
IF THE WARNING LIGHT PERSISTS, CONTACT YOUR ENTERPRISE TRUCK BRANCH. DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE
Compare all the vehicle we offer to find the best option to fit your specific need with our Vehicle Comparison Guide.