AdBlue: What is it and why do we use it?

We have implemented a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, which requires AdBlue, in all 2016 Toyota Hilux and Proace models, as well as 2016 Toyota Land Cruisers powered by the new 2.8-litre diesel engine.

Toyota Land Cruiser

An SCR system works by injecting AdBlue into the exhaust gas to generate ammonia, which reacts with the NOx on the SCR catalyst to generate nitrogen and water. Use of Toyota’s compact, high-dispersion urea SCR system eliminates up to 99 per cent of NOx emissions, one of the main causes of air pollution. This helps vehicles conform to the latest Euro 6 emissions regulations.

Read more: Toyota turbodiesel engines engineered cleaner and more efficient

AdBlue is the commercial name of a diesel emissions additive fluid consumed in the process of driving. Due to the SCR system, the AdBlue tank may sometimes need to be topped up between services.

After a full refill, a car can be driven for approximately 9,000 miles before the supply of AdBlue runs out. However, this is dependent on driving conditions and style.

Hilux at CVS 02

When AdBlue level is low

Always pay proper attention to the warning system if you are notified of low AdBlue levels. If your vehicle needs additional AdBlue, your instrument panel will begin warning you with sound and detailed instructions when 1,500 miles, 500 miles, and limited miles remain.

Here’s how the warning system works:

  • Low level warning at 1,500 miles
  • Second low level warning at 500 miles – the warning buzzer will sound and, if the displayed driving distance is exceeded, the engine cannot be restarted
  • Third low level warning when tank is empty – the warning buzzer will sound. If the engine is stopped, it cannot be restarted

Toyota Proace

AdBlue refilling guidelines

AdBlue is highly corrosive and should be handled with extreme caution. If accidentally spilled, it will cause damage to anything it touches. We recommend having your tank refilled at an authorised Toyota dealer.

If you need to refill the AdBlue tank yourself, in case of emergency, instructions are available in your owners’ manual. The tank is normally hidden within the body structure and the filler outlet is located within easy access – often in the engine bay or within the vehicle’s offside B-pillar, accessible when the driver’s door is open.

Although it is required much less frequently, having your AdBlue tank refilled is as necessary as refuelling your car. Your engine will not start without it. AdBlue solution is available for purchase from a variety of sources, including your local Toyota dealer, and some fuel stations may even have AdBlue dispensing points.

The price for an AdBlue refill bottle is £14.50* (including VAT), excluding any dealer labour cost. You can find your local Toyota dealer here.

* Correct as of January 2016

53 comments

  1. Hi i have a brand new toyota hilux invincible x
    A few reviwers have said refill adblue every 9000miles
    But in manual book it say 8000kilometers (4970.97miles)
    so which one should it be

  2. hi
    I’ve done a short trip to Kaukas and back. I use 24lt of ADBLU for 7500 km. the car is a Land Cruiser 2.8 year 2022……..it seems a lot… Is it a normal consumption???

    1. Hello.

      We’d recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre for technical advice.

      Thank you.

  3. I bought a new Landcruiser in July 2023 , done 4200 miles in it and adblu lights showing saying fill up in 500 miles . How much should I fill up ?

  4. We have Toyota Fortuner (2021 model) and currently AdBlue is full in tank. But despite that adblu lights showing AdBlue level Low No start in 8 KM Fill up AdBlue See Owner’s Manual. What is the reasons? Is there is any solutions? Please intimate. Thanks

    1. Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.

      We can only advise on the UK market, please get in touch with Toyota in your area directly.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      1. Hi I have a 2023 Hilux 2.8 auto which was showing on my digital display that adblue tank was half full having completed 4458miles. I have refilled my Adblue tank until full but the digital gauge is still showing half full. Is there a way to get the digital display to register the refill? Post refil I have left the car for 30minutes, turned on ignition and left for 1 minute and then started the car, driven for 5 miles to warm up enginge but the adblue tank is still only showing half full? Does this correct itself after several miles driving, is there a sequence to reset the digital tank display or is it a main dealer task? Many thanks

      2. Hi there, thanks for your comment.

        There is no process required for resetting the AdBlue gauge. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre just to double check this, hopefully all will be ok but in the rare occasion that there is a fault we wouldn’t want you running out of AdBlue for obvious reasons. Is the warning light on still at all? There may be a fault stored in the system that needs clearing perhaps.

        Your local technicians will be able to take a closer look!

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