Ford Transit Custom: AdBlue Reset Procedure

Mark R
Feb 12, 2021

Silver 2021 Ford Transit From Front-Driver Side

Whether you’re moving a lot of stuff or moving a group of people, it takes vehicles like the Ford Transit Custom to get the job done.

But anything can happen while you’re on the road, so it pays to know the various tips and tricks to get going again.

You’re probably wondering “what is the Ford Transit Custom AdBlue reset procedure?” 

Here’s the gist of it: Turn the ignition key to the “on” position and wait 30 seconds. Afterward, turn the key to “off” and wait a few seconds before starting the vehicle.   

Although the Ford Transit Custom isn’t sold in the U.S., the following AdBlue reset procedure also applies to diesel-equipped U.S. spec models. Read along as we go into detail about the Ford Transit Custom AdBlue reset procedure. You’ll also learn why many vehicles use similar systems on their diesel vehicles.

What’s the Deal with AdBlue?

With countries all over the world tightening up their emissions standards, the days of seeing diesel-powered trucks belching clouds of black smoke were pretty much numbered.

To get nitrogen oxide (NOx) and other emissions under control, today’s diesel-powered vehicles rely on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology.

Unlike traditional catalytic converters, SCR needs a little something extra for it to work. That’s where diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) comes into play. SCR systems inject this fluid, which is a mix of deionized water and urea, into the SCR catalyst to neutralize NOx emissions.

So, what is AdBlue? It’s simply a brand of DEF commonly used by Ford and Volkswagen AG.

Fortunately, you can use any brand of DEF as long as it meets the requirements for your Ford Transit Connect.

AdBlue Reset Procedure for the Ford Transit Custom

When the AdBlue warning light and message appear on your Ford Transit Custom’s dashboard, it’s usually time for a DEF refill. This isn’t something you’d want to ignore. Running your vehicle without DEF could reduce vehicle speeds or even disable your vehicle entirely.

In most cases, you won’t have to take any action yourself. Once you’ve refilled the DEF tank, the AdBlue warning light and message will go away on their own after driving the vehicle a few times.

Keeping the DEF tank topped up will ensure you won’t see any warnings. The Ford Transit’s DEF tank holds 21 liters or 5.5 gallons of DEF, which should last you up to 4,100 miles when towing and up to 10,500 miles under steady highway driving.

Here’s how to manually perform the AdBlue reset procedure on your Ford Transit Custom:

  • Turn the ignition key to “ON”
  • Wait at least 30 seconds
  • Turn the key back to “OFF”
  • Wait a few seconds before starting the vehicle

Keep in mind that an AdBlue warning message can also indicate a system malfunction. If you can’t clear the message using the above methods, have a certified service expert check the system as soon as possible.

Know Your Ride Inside and Out

The more you know about vehicles like the Ford Transit Custom, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter.

Check out our Vehicle History report and get the inside scoop before you buy. You’ll find owner reviews, recall information and much more.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Bill on March 6, 2024
Never Trust. Trust Ford.
I will never again buy a ford Transit after owning transits since 1987. The current Transit is a piece of Scrap . Looks like Ford Have got back to the "York Diesel Engine" Get them gullible Customers to buy theses vans and then fleece them for repairs. Do Not TRUST "Trust Ford" Totally incompetent service. They will no longer carry out Warranty Work. The Ad blue system on these vans is a gimmick. It is worse than the VW scam. Why are Trading Standards Not investigating this. You will be lucky to get 50,000 miles before major problems with the ad blue system on fords and they will not carry out any repairs to it under warranty.
accountCircle Robert Davies on January 6, 2023
Ford tourneo custom
2019 plate ford tourneo custom 98000miles .£25.000 bought 3mts ago .drove it 2 weeks turbo snaped .second turbo on this vehicle since new .back on the road 3 weeks now adblue warning light on again. Done dpf regeneration. £11.70 of adblue in tank to get it to max full so wasn't low light still on. ABSOLUTELY FED UP WITH FORD HAVENT HAD A FORD SINCE XR3I whe young will never buy ford again. I would advise to stay well clear. This vehicle is a taxi and talking to over drivers with ford's they have the same feelings.
accountCircle Paul on June 9, 2023
Ford transit custom turbo problems
I've had same problem,turbo went,I'm now up to £5000 in repairs,6 weeks of road,check your injectors,mine were gone,egr gone,everything fully blocked and needed cleaning,the worst vehicle I've ever had,paid £43,000 new,ford dealership were as much help as a poo in a swimming pool. Wasted 2 weeks of time and told me a new engine,it was all down to injectors and egr.
accountCircle Bob on February 24, 2023
Add blu is a scam
This van eats through add blue like crazy, all the garages have cottend on and are charging £40 for 10 liters, that will last 500 miles, my car is cheaper to run that distance on diesel The van itself is a heap of junk with more faults and problems than anything ive ever driven
accountCircle Jobs .Ford Transit Ad blue nightmare.Don’t wish anyone what Iam going through.van cost £30,000.can’t rely on ,can’t sell it because they arevery unpopular now. on August 11, 2023
Ad blue nightmare problems
Develops Adblue malfunction problems every 2000miles .Have to spend Over £1000each time to rectifythe problems. Please GOD help us .
accountCircle MD HATEM12 on March 15, 2024
My Account banned of locked
Please help me
accountCircle MD ABDUL MANNAN PRAMANIK on March 15, 2024
My Account banned of locked
Please help me
avatar Mark R
When it comes to cars, Mark’s been around the block in a wide variety of them, from vintage muscle cars to the latest sedans. In addition to writing about cars, he loves to sketch and photograph them as hobbies.
  • Articles
  • chevronRightAlternative
  • Ford Transit Custom: AdBlue Reset Procedure