1. What is an adblue Emulator? An adblue emulator is an electronic device that disables the adblue system in vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. It tricks the vehicle’s ECU into thinking the adblue system is functioning normally, even if it’s completely disconnected, by simulating the signals from adblue sensors.
2. Is it legal to use an adblue emulator? No, using an adblue emulator is illegal in most countries in Europe, the UK, and North America, because it bypasses the emission control systems required to meet environmental regulations. However, there are many legal uses for adblue emulator such as in vehicles that are only used off road, in countries and regions where no Euro emissions laws apply or no adblue is available, etc..
3. How does an adblue emulator work? A Plug & Play adblue emulator plugs into the vehicle’s wiring or diagnostic port, hard wired emulator would need to be wired into vehicle’s wiring harness, this normally involves connecting 4-10 wires. Both adblue emulators work by intercepting and simulating the signals sent by the adblue system. It sends fake data to the ECU to indicate that the system is functioning properly, even if it’s been disabled or has run out of adblue fluid. There will be no adblue related error codes on dashboard and the vehicle will not enter limp mode due to adblue system malfunction.
4. Will using an adblue emulator affect my vehicle’s performance? No, a good quality adblue emulator will not affect the vehicle’s engine power or driving performance in any way.
5. Can an adblue emulator be easily removed? Yes, most adblue emulators can be easily removed, especially if they are plug & play devices. This will revert the vehicle to its original configuration. Any pre-existing adblue system issues will also return and will need to be addressed.
6. What happens if my adblue system fails without an emulator? If the adblue system fails, most modern vehicles will enter limp mode, restricting engine power to protect the emissions system. In some cases, the engine may not start until the adblue tank is refilled or the system is repaired. An emulator bypasses all these features.
7. Is there a risk of engine damage using an adblue emulator? No, an adblue emulator is designed to bypass only the SCR system and does not directly impact the engine. However, improper installation or use of low quality emulators could cause electrical faults, disrupt other vehicle systems, or trigger false warning signals.
8. Why would someone use an adblue emulator? Using an adblue emulator in trucks and heavy machinery offers several key benefits. It prevents downtime caused by adblue system failures, ensuring that the vehicle doesn’t enter limp mode or experience engine shutdowns. Operators can continue working without the hassle of refilling the adblue tank, which saves time, money and effort, particularly in remote or high demand environments. Additionally, the emulator reduces operational costs by eliminating the need to purchase adblue fluid and saving the cost associated with aadblue system maintenance and repairs.
Adblue emulator also ensures that vehicles operate at full power, avoiding the performance limitations imposed by adblue system malfunctions. It’s easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and provides consistent performance across various conditions. In harsh weather, such as extreme cold where adblue can freeze or in areas where adblue is hard to source, the emulator ensures uninterrupted operation, making it a practical choice for keeping trucks and heavy machinery running efficiently.
9. Does an adblue emulator save money? Yes, using an emulator will save costs related to adblue fluid refills, adblue system maintenance and repairs of a faulty adblue system. It will also increase vehicle reliability and minimise downtime.
10. Can I use adblue emulator on any vehicle? Adblue emulators are available for a wide range of heavy duty vehicles (trucks, buses, etc.) equipped with SCR systems. However, compatibility depends on the make and model of the vehicle and emissions standard. Most good quality adblue emulators would be developed for particular vehicle make and model or a range of models. There are some universal adblue emulator on the market, but in most cases these are of much poorer quality and do not offer the same functionality and brand and/or model specific adblue emulators. Please contact your supplier prior to making your purchase to confirm compatibility, this is very important.
11. What adblue emulator types are there? There aretwo main adblue emulator types: hard wired and plug & play. The primary difference between wired and plug & play adblue emulators lies in their installation process.
Wired adblue emulators will require manual wiring into the vehicle’s electrical harness. Depending on the make and model, the installation process can be complex and typically requires at least some technical expertise. It may involve disassembling parts of the vehicle to access the necessary connection points.
Plug & Play adblue emulator is designed for the easiest installation possible, without any complex wiring. It usually plugs directly into the diagnostic port (OBD) or a designated connector, making it a user friendly option. Installation is quick and straightforward, typically done in minutes without the need for tools or professional assistance.
12. Do adblue emulators actually work ? Yes, adblue emulators do work in the sense that they can effectively bypass the adblue system in trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. They simulate the signals that the adblue system would normally send to the vehicle’s ECU (Engine Control Unit), tricking the vehicle into thinking that the system is functioning properly, even when it is disabled or not functioning. While adblue emulators do perform their intended function, the quality and reliability of the emulator can vary. High quality emulators typically work well, but poor quality ones or incorrect installation may cause electrical issues, error messages, or other performance problems.
13. Can adblue delete be reversed ? Yes, removal of the adblue, either by using an adblue emulator or through remapping, can be reversed and vehicle can be returned to original/default state. If adblue was disconnected using adblue emulator, you would simply need to remove the emulator and return all wiring to original condition. If adblue was deleted by remapping/modifying the ECU file, to return it to original state you would need to modify the ECU file again restoring default adblue maps in it.
14. Can I drive if adblue tank is empty ? You should never allow your vehicle to run out of adblue. If you run out of adblue whilst driving, your vehicle will go into limp mode reducing the engine’s performance. Once you stop, you may not be able to start the engine again until your adblue tank is refilled.
15. How much does an AdBlue emulator cost ? The cost of an adblue emulator varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the quality and type of the emulator. For older EURO 4, EURO 5 vehicles you should expect to pay around £100 – £250 for a good quality emulator. Good quality adblue emulators for EURO 6 trucks are normally priced around £250 – £450. Adblue emulators for agricultural or construction machinery are normally in the price range from £800 to £2500.
On the other hand, the cheapest adblue emulators on the market are the produce of Chinese or Turkish manufacturers. You can pick up such emulators for 50-150 USD. Will they be any good or will they bring even more problems, that is another question..
16. Can adblue system failure or malfunction trigger limp mode ? Yes, problems with adblue system components are the main reason why limp mode is triggered. Any malfunction, no matter how minor, with adblue system, nox sensors or DPF, will automatically trigger limp mode.
17. Can I reset limp mode caused by adblue system malfunction or failure ? Yes, limp mode can be reset temporarily. The easiest way to reset limp mode is to do so using our Limp Mode Resetter, which will reset limp mode and return vehicle to full power within 60 seconds. You can view our full range of limp mode resetters here:
https://www.canemu.com/product-category/limp-mode-resetters/
Another way to reset limp mode is by using dealer level diagnostic tool. Most garages and mobile mechanics should be able to carry out limp mode reset procedure.
18. Is it legal to use an adblue emulator in the UK? No, using an AdBlue emulator in the UK is illegal. Adblue systems are required to meet the Euro 6 emissions standards, and bypassing these systems with an emulator violates environmental laws.
19. Will my lorry still use adblue after installing adblue emulator ? No, adblue fluid will not be used with emulator installed. When adblue emulator is installed your original adblue system will have to be disconnected. Depending on make and model of the vehicle, this is normally done by removing a fuse or fuses, disconnecting major components such as adblue ECU or pump, or by cutting appropriate wires supplying power to the adblue system. What this means is that your adblue system will be fully disconnected and no adblue fluid will be used.
20. What are the benefits of using an adblue emulator in trucks and other heavy machinery:
1. Avoid downtime due to adblue system failures. AdBlue systems can often malfunction, which may cause the vehicle to go into limp mode or prevent it from starting. An adblue emulator bypasses these issues, ensuring the truck or machinery can continue to operate without interruption, avoiding costly downtime and repair cost.
2. No need to refill adblue. With an adblue emulator installed, operators no longer need to regularly refill the adblue tank. This saves time and money, and eliminates the hassle of finding adblue, especially in remote locations where adblue might not be readily available.
3. Reduced operating costs. By using adblue emulator, operators can avoid the costs associated with purchasing adblue fluid. For fleets or heavy machinery that consume large quantities of adblue, the emulator can result in significant savings over time.
4. Prevents vehicle performance limitations. In many trucks, when the adblue system detects low levels of fluid or a malfunction, the vehicle may enter a reduced performance mode, also known as limp mode. Adblue emulator prevents this by allowing the vehicle to operate at full power regardless of the adblue system’s status, ensuring consistent performance.
5. Simple installation and maintenance. Most adblue emulators are relatively easy to install and do not require complex mechanical modifications, especially the plug & play type. Once installed, they do not require regular maintenance or attention, providing a convenient solution for bypassing the adblue system.
6. Compatibility with many vehicle types. Adblue emulators are available for a wide range of trucks, buses, and heavy machinery. This makes them a versatile solution for different types of vehicles, particularly in industries like construction, agriculture, and long-haul transportation.
7. Continued operation in harsh conditions. In extreme weather conditions or remote locations where adblue may freeze or become difficult to manage, adblue emulator ensures that trucks and machinery can continue operating without being affected by adblue system limitations.
8. Prevents limp mode or engine shutdowns. If the AdBlue tank is empty or the system malfunctions, many vehicles are programmed to shut down or enter limp mode. An emulator prevents this, allowing operators to keep the vehicle running smoothly without interruptions.
These are some benefits that highlight why some operators choose to use adblue emulators to ensure their trucks and heavy machinery can continue operating efficiently and without downtime.
To view our current range of adblue emulators, please visit our store via link below: