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 Trevor,
      Thanks for getting in touch.
      It greatly depends on the mileage as well as the driving conditions.
      The adblue is held in a special tank with a capacity of about 22 litres, this provides a driving range of about 12,500 miles (20,000km), after which an alert is triggered warning you when the reserve remaining is enough for just 1,500 miles (2,400km).
      If the estimated mileage between two services is greater than 12,500 miles (20,000 km), we recommend that you go to an authorized Toyota Centre or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional to have the necessary top-up carried out.
      We hope this helps.
      Thanks.

      1. Hi Denis,
        Thanks for your comment.
        AdBlue is to be topped up on every service as part of the service.
        However, there is an additional cost depending on the amount of AdBlue put in.
        You will also have to top up between services as the full tank will not last between services.
        Thanks.

  1. Hello!!
    I have a Landcruiser Prado 2015 with New diesel 2.8l turbo engine. I am getting engine check and stability light with P208. Can’t find anything, what will be the cause?? ADBLUE can cause or it’s pump mil functionality?

    1. Hi Yusuf,

      Thanks for getting in touch. The DTC provided appears to be too short. However, the vehicle should still be within warranty if it is less than 5 years old, so we would advise for you to contact your local Toyota Centre for diagnosis and investigation.

      Thanks.

  2. Hi how to reset Toyota proace adblue warning light even after top up adblue fluids
    Where has software tools for scan special vehicles

    1. Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We would advise for you to contact the nearest Toyota in your region, as they will be able to assist you further.

      Thanks.

  3. hi everybody i have a question i just took hilux 2019 and in 7100 km i consumed 12 liters of adblue can you help me understand if it is normal or there is a problem, i checked if there are leaks but they are not seen

  4. Hi guys,
    A friend of me have hilux 2017 and the cost of Adblue is about 200 USD, a cost of about 350 lt of fuel. The cost is a bit expensive. Do you think the need for adblue can be disabled by computer in a country where the requirement is not an obligation. Regardless of the advantage.

    1. Hi Amanuel,

      Thanks for getting in touch with us. We would recommend contacting Toyota in your region for further help with this.

      Thanks.

      1. Hi Toyota. I have a Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD6 and I wanna know if it also requires AdBlue

      2. Hi Likhona,
        Thanks for getting in touch with us.
        We would recommend contacting the Toyota distributor in your region for further assistance with your query.
        Thanks.

  5. Hello, I have a 2020 Toyota Hilux with a 2.4L 2GD engine. I refilled a 10 Liter adblue fluid at around 6000km and now the warning light is on again. The car now is at around 9800KM and the message says 1050km remaining. I am assuming it has a very high consumption. I used Total AdBlue with “SCR Technology”, I don’t know what this means. Is the consumption right?

    1. Hi Sofonias D,
      Thanks for getting in touch.
      As we are Toyota UK, we can only advise on UK specification vehicles, so please contact Toyota in your region for further assistance.
      Thanks.

    1. Hi, thanks for your comment.

      Try looking just behind the passenger side door. You can also find the exact location details in the owner’s manual for your vehicle. Here is the link: http://fal.cn/337nJ.

      Thanks

  6. Hi we have a landcruiser in the Uk , filled the tank full of add blue and it is still showing 1050 miles remaining , if this is a add blue sensor fault will the engine still not start if it reads 0 miles

    1. Hi David,
      Thanks for your comment.
      We would always recommend getting your vehicle checked by your nearest Toyota Centre if you think there is an issue.
      Our technicians are best placed to diagnose any potential problems with your vehicle.
      They can be found here – https://fal.cn/3hdh6
      Thanks.

  7. Hello, I have a Toyota Land Cruiser 2.8L which is using 10L of AdBlue every 600 miles. What is going on please?

    1. Hi Adrian,
      Thanks for your comment.
      We would recommend taking your vehicle to your nearest Toyota Centre.
      They will be able to physically inspect your Land Cruiser and diagnose any potential faults.
      Thanks.

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