P3835moderate severityPowertrain
DEF Tank Level Sensor Malfunction
on 2010 Audi A3 2.0L TDI I4 · FWD
What this code means
The DEF tank level sensor is reporting incorrect or no reading.
Symptoms
- DEF level gauge inaccurate
- False low DEF warning
- Cannot determine DEF level
- Potential unnecessary derate warning
- Service message for DEF
Common causes
- Level sensor float stuck
- Sensor wiring corrosion
- Crystallized DEF on sensor
- Tank sender unit failure
- Short circuit in sensor
Diagnostic steps
- Read DEF level PID and compare to actual
- Inspect DEF tank sender unit
- Check sensor wiring for corrosion
- Test sensor resistance range
- Add known quantity of DEF and check reading
Repair notes
Replace DEF tank level sender unit. Clean DEF tank if crystallization is present.
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