OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)

P218F Reductant No Flow Detected

The DEF dosing system commands flow but the pressure or flow sensor reports no actual delivery — typically a fully blocked dosing nozzle, a frozen line, or a dead pump.

Is it safe to drive with P218F?

The car may go into limp mode (reduced power). Get it diagnosed before a long trip.

Common causes

  • Most likelyDosing line or nozzle fully blocked
  • PossiblePump dead
  • Less likelyLine frozen at very low ambient temperature

Symptoms

  • Check engine light or NOx warning on
  • AdBlue/DEF level or quality warning
  • Possible no-start countdown after ignore period
  • Failed emissions inspection (NOx)

Repair at a glance

Difficulty
Hard
DIY friendly
Best left to a mechanic
Typical labour
1–5 h
Emissions test
Likely to fail
Parts involved
Reductant Metering Unit, Reductant Pump, Reductant Injection Valve

Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.