APDTY 118826 is a brand-new Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) heater and reservoir tank assembly for 2011–2016 Ford F250, F350, and F450 Super Duty trucks with the 6.7L diesel. It replaces Ford numbers BC3Z-5J225-L and BC3Z-5J225-KA (BC3Z5J225KA, BC3Z5J225L).
Key Takeaways
- What it fixes: a failed DEF tank, heater, or sender — common causes of DEF-system warnings and reduced-power / limp-mode conditions on 6.7L Super Duty trucks.
- What it replaces: Ford BC3Z-5J225-L / BC3Z-5J225-KA.
- Fits: 2011–2016 Ford F250, F350, and F450 with the 6.7L diesel.
- Maintenance tip: for best results and longer life, keep the DEF tank at least 50% full.
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What does the DEF heater and reservoir tank do?
The DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank stores the urea-based fluid injected into the exhaust stream to reduce NOx emissions on modern diesel trucks. Because DEF freezes at relatively mild temperatures, the tank includes a built-in heater to keep the fluid usable in cold weather. If the heater, sender, or tank fails, the truck's emissions system can register a fault — which on many diesel trucks leads to reduced power or a limp-mode condition until the issue is corrected.
What are the symptoms of a failed DEF heater or tank?
A failing DEF heater/tank assembly may cause:
- DEF system warning messages on the dash
- Reduced engine power or a speed-limited "limp" condition
- DEF level readings that seem inaccurate
- Fluid leaks from the tank or connections
These symptoms can also come from other DEF system components (pump, injector, quality sensor) or wiring faults. Proper diagnosis with a scan tool capable of reading DEF-system codes is recommended before replacing the tank.
What vehicles does APDTY 118826 fit?
APDTY product data lists APDTY 118826 as compatible with 2011–2016 Ford F250, F350, and F450 Super Duty pickups with the 6.7L diesel. It replaces BC3Z-5J225-L and BC3Z-5J225-KA. If your original part number is BC3Z5J225K or BC3Z5J225M, see APDTY 015484 instead — verify your exact part number before ordering.
APDTY 118826 specifications at a glance
| Specification | APDTY 118826 |
|---|---|
| Part type | DEF heater & reservoir tank assembly |
| Common application | 2011–2016 Ford F250/F350/F450, 6.7L diesel |
| Replaces | BC3Z-5J225-L, BC3Z-5J225-KA, BC3Z5J225KA, BC3Z5J225L |
| Related APDTY part | APDTY 015484 (for BC3Z5J225K / BC3Z5J225M) |
| Maintenance note | Keep DEF tank at least 50% full for best results |
How is the DEF tank replaced?
This is a general overview only — DEF system service should follow factory procedures.
- Diagnose first with a scan tool to confirm the fault is in the tank, heater, or sender rather than elsewhere in the DEF system.
- Drain the DEF tank per the vehicle's service procedure before removal.
- Disconnect electrical and fluid connections from the old assembly.
- Remove the old tank and mounting hardware.
- Install APDTY 118826, reconnecting fluid lines and the electrical connector.
- Refill with DEF and clear codes, then verify the warning clears and power returns to normal.
Frequently asked questions
What does APDTY 118826 replace?
It replaces Ford DEF tank numbers BC3Z-5J225-L and BC3Z-5J225-KA on compatible 2011–2016 Super Duty trucks with the 6.7L diesel.
Will this fix my reduced-power warning?
It can, if the reduced-power condition is caused by a failed DEF heater, sender, or tank. The DEF system should be diagnosed first, since other components can cause similar symptoms.
What if my part number is different?
If your original part is stamped BC3Z5J225K or BC3Z5J225M, see APDTY 015484 instead.
Get your DEF system back in service
A failed DEF heater or tank can trigger warnings and reduced power on your 6.7L Super Duty. APDTY 118826 is a brand-new replacement assembly for Ford BC3Z-5J225-L / BC3Z-5J225-KA. Diagnose the DEF system and verify your part number before ordering.