Your AdBlue heater in the tank went because the DEF level got too low in the tank even though it says 1500 miles remaining? isn't that like a fuel pump burning out because you let the fuel tank go below a 1/4 tank? - seems kind of crazy! Did you get a diagnosis as to why the heating element failed?

 

it's possible that the adblue level was below the heating element, if it's cold enough and the heating element comes on it could prematurely burn it out. The same way you shouldn't leave your stove on without something on the burner. Even so, I don't see why it would burn out, unless there was a fault in it not allowing it to turn off automatically.

 

80k miles with no issues is a very good tract record. Have them check the adblue pump pressure to see if it is within spec.

 

I get it. TRACT record, because it uses Urea Mine has had zero issues and am at 44k miles roughly.

 

Sorry for the lack of details and thank you for the fast reply's
I had the 1500 come on while driving to Austin on friday, i figured with my oil change scheduled tuesday it would be fine. Monday morning it was probably at the 600 range and it was about 10 degrees outside and that is when the engine light came on

 

Mine is back for that too but mine came on with the engine light status saying 700 miles by the time I got it to the dealer it was at 650.
They had just replaced Adblue parts.
Apparently there is a problem with a test that VW is making the dealers do and the VW rep agreed on. Will the replacement sensor just got delivered and is going in today.
Hopefully I'll get my Touareg back soon.

 

There's no way the heater is designed to fail if the AdBlue level is low, or even empty... If the heater failed, it's because it failed (and that is a cause for worry, because electric resistance heaters are generally extremely reliable.) Wondering if there is a control board that actually failed instead of the element itself?

RE: Removing the AdBlue altogether.... You would need to trick the level sensor into thinking the tank is full.. Would not using AdBlue cause catalytic convertor failure?? I don't know the answer. I know I could find a way to trick the sensor (enclose the sensor sending unit inside a small propylene bottle filled with AdBlue).

Are there AdBlue injectors that would know that no AdBlue is being used? Are there NOX sensors that would detect that NOX emissions are higher than they are supposed to be? All these things would have to be accounted for, depending on how sophisticated the sending unit and sensoring is.

 

Ask your dealer to fix it. VW fixed mine after the warranty. I think there should be a recall on these as VW have experienced quite a few problems in the cold weather climates.

 

Dealer says no warranty on it, that they had to do one a few weeks ago too and VW told them no on the warranty. it really is a shame as i really like this car.

 

Well if you really love the car and you racked up 80K without much trouble, then it's not too much to ask to have throw a few hundred in repair at this point. Fix it and drive it and keep loving it.

 

We don't have adblue in our tregs here so my thoughts are that you should be able to just take it out.

 

I plan to, my fear is from reading too many continuous stories about it happening again and again. you are right, this is a small price to pay and it is my 6th VW and my 3rd TDI and i have had nothing but positive experiences with all of them. i drive 40K a year so i will keep everyone posted on my experience of high miles on a 2012 and how things are holding up. thank you everyone for the tips.

 

Adblue failure

My 2011 TDI is in the shop as I write this. Mine never gave me any kind of caution about level low, I had only 4000 miles on a full tank, it just went to Add Adblue Engine will not restart, and it will not. Had it towed, just over 36,000 miles and under 3 years, they better cover something. I love this vehicle as well, it does it all. Tows my boat and when not towing gets 30MPG highway, what more can you ask for, ah reliability. Not sure what is out there that will replace it. :-x

 

I wonder if you call one of the VW dealers in the northern States to see what they have done. Just make certain it is in one of the cold climate areas.

 

One more reason for the extended warranty on these vehicles. Most pay for themselves and more over 10yrs. I'll bet there are more stories like this because of the extreme cold this winter.

 

Well, i just picked it up and my total on the fix was $595. My dealer took care of me and discounted the parts and labor for the job. They have seen several of them and had another one in the shop for the same thing. with 80K on my car i am out of warranty so i guess i can't complain. My dealer was fast to get the part and get it done and gave me a car to drive while it was being done, so that was nice of them too. I really just wish VW would step up and own this since this is their nicest car. Apex, i am curious of your outcome.

 

12TDI Humm your's is all done ? one day. Mine's been in a week today

They already replaced the parts last time. This time is was one of the sensors that needed to be ordered. I know it came in the other day because I talked to the service manager. They were suppose to do a few minor things (agreed on when I bought it). I hope they were done today and I get her back tomorrow. The 14 Passat loners are ok but I want my Touareg back.

 

I have to admit that my dealership is under new ownership and i know the parts guy from previous cars, these guys are doing a great job and trying hard to make custies happy. funny i had a 14 passat too, i think my mk4 golf drove better. BTW the new heaters come with a 12 month 12K waranty for what it is worth.

 

Mine is all on their dime. I just bought it with 58k miles no previous problems till I got it . I guess better now then later on - but it sucks .